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Work at the secretariat, the hub of the administration, has slowed down as bureaucrats are unable to take decisions, fearing consequences if there is a change of guard. Files which could be cleared at deputy or joint secretary levels are being forwarded to secretaries due to lack of confidence among the junior officers

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the ruling Awami League leaders should now think of protecting themselves from public wrath as all cabinet ministers resigned on Monday. “As you (ministers) have submitted your resignation letters to the PM, now think about how you will escape the public wrath,” he said while talking to

Law minister Shafique Ahmed and Bar Council vice-president Khandkar Mahbub Hossain differed in their opinions about how and when the resignations of ministers would become effective. Khandkar Mahbub Hossain told The Independent that the Constitution makes it clear that the post of a minister becomes vacant after he/she submits

Stray incidents of violence marked the second day of the nationwide 84-hour hartal, enforced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 18-party alliance, on Monday. As many as 30 vehicles were vandalised and more than 50 people were injured while police detained more than 50 hartal supporters, mainly Jamaat-Shibir activists, from different parts in

It contradicts constitutional provision: ACC chief  The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has expressed its frustration over the passage of an amended law saying that the act has contradicted the constitution and further weakened the anti-graft body in dealing with corruption independently. “Taking government approval before submitting charge sheet against government officials contradicts the Article

The calculations of Sagar, a 20-year old goldsmith, proved wrong that it would be better to return home early to avoid possible violence during the hartal hours. On Sunday night, following his instincts, he left his shop at Shankharibazaar at 9 PM, an hour before his normal schedule, and set out for home at

Jatiya Party (JP-Manju) chairman Anwar Hossain Manju said on Monday that there was no alternative to holding election for continuation of the democratic and constitutional process. “Holding a general election is a must for transferring power peacefully and for continuation of the constitutional process,” Manju told reporters after

The capital once again is getting ready to bathe in the radiance of brilliant minds who will gather on Bangla Academy premises from around the world on the occasion of Hay Festival Dhaka 2013. This is the third time the three-day literary festival is kicking off in the capital from November 14. World class thinkers and writers, ... Read more

At least 50 people, including 10 policemen, were injured as readymade garments (RMG) workers staged demonstrations and clashed with the police in Jamgarah, Zirabo, Ghosbagh Narasinghapur, Nishchintapur, Pukurpar, Jamgarah and Shimultala areas of Ashulia on Monday. The workers were demanding that the new minimum

India on Monday assured Bangladesh of its intention to introduce a bill in coming session of parliament in December to ratify the Land Boundary Agreement. This was conveyed by External Affairs minister Salman Khurshid to his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni with whom he had a bilateral meeting on

Hasina takes one for Rangpur-6 constituency The ruling Awami League (AL) on Monday continued distribution of nomination forms for the second day to aspirants seeking AL tickets for the10th parliamentary polls scheduled to be held in January. On Monday, the day began with the collection of nomination form for Rangpur-6 constituency by AL Treasurer HN ... Read more

A fire broke out at the Taj Casilna building in the capital’s Gulshan area on Monday night. The five-storey building houses offices of Qatar Airways, Bangkok Airways and some other corporate offices. Seven units of the fire service were trying to put out the flames till 12:00am and the situation was almost under control, said fire ... Read more

Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, chief of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), on Monday urged top leaders of both ruling party and opposition BNP to reach a consensus on polls-time government structure to resolve the ongoing political impasse. He also called upon political parties to refrain from activities, subversive to

India has voiced its support for holding free and fair elections, laying emphasis on dialogue and peaceful means to resolve the differences between the parties about the system of governance during the interim period. “It is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future. India supports holding of free and fair elections in ... Read more

Experts say as AL starts distribution of nomination forms With the ruling party heading towards holding the next general election even without the main opposition BNP, experts and civil society leaders feel that such a move would escalate the ongoing political violence, endangering the lives and property of the common people. Vehemently opposing the plan ... Read more

7 burnt in petrol bomb blasts, 4 held with 150 crude bombs in capital At least one person was killed and over 100 others injured in stray violence during the first day of the nationwide 84-hour hartal, enforced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 18-party alliance, on Sunday. As many as 50 vehicles were also ... Read more

The parliament on Sunday passed the Anti-Corruption Commission (amendment) Bill (2013) making a provision that prior permission of the government will be needed to file corruption cases against civil servants, including judges and magistrates, leaving the anti-graft watchdog further powerless. The much talked-about bill, twice rejected earlier, was passed through voice votes in

The death toll from a super typhoon that decimated entire towns in the Philippines could soar well over 10,000, authorities warned Sunday, making it the country’s worst recorded natural disaster. The horrifying estimates came as rescue workers appeared overwhelmed in their efforts to help countless survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which sent tsunami-like waves and

Accusing BNP-Jamaat and Hefajat of making ill attempts to protect the war criminals through their destructive activities like burning people to death, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the peace and welfare of people are more important to her than the premiership. “Believe me, when I see people being burned to death in such ... Read more

Bangladeshi golfer Siddikur Rahman avoided last-minute jitters to seal just his second Asian Tour win when he clinched the Indian Open on Sunday at the Delhi Golf Club. Siddik shot a three-over-par 75 in the final round to see off the challenges from the Indian duo, Anirban Lahiri and SSP Chowrasia, who both finished a ... Read more