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Hira Talukder

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Law, commission on enforced disappearances finalised with UN support
Law, commission on enforced disappearances finalised with UN support
Report

Law, commission on enforced disappearances finalised with UN support

Enforced disappearances remain one of the most serious human rights violations in Bangladesh. Victims and their families endure unimaginable suffering, and over the past few decades, a culture of enforced disappearance has instilled deep fear among the public. In response, the current interim government is set to enact a law specifically addressing enforced disappearances, under which a dedicated commission will also be formed. The draft of the law has already been prepared by the Ministry of Law, and with assistance from the United Nations, both the law and the commission are expected to be in place by July.

Deadly 'PFAS' becomes a new pollution threat
'PFAS'
Environment and Climate

Deadly 'PFAS' becomes a new pollution threat

A new deadly form of pollution has emerged in the country named ‘PFAS’. This dangerous pollution is created by compounds formed from fluorine and carbon emitted by various factories. Several surveys have reported that PFAS has spread alarmingly in areas like Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi. Gradually, it may spread to even wider areas. Researchers warn that if this deadly pollution is not stopped quickly, people will face serious health risks including cancer, skin diseases, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and thyroid problems.

Monitoring committees for subordinate courts finalized, operations begin in July
Monitoring committees for subordinate courts finalized, operations begin in July
Report

Monitoring committees for subordinate courts finalized, operations begin in July

The formation of the "Monitoring Committee for Subordinate Courts" has been finalized to oversee the functioning of all trial courts across the eight divisions of the country. Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has approved the structure of these committees, which have been constituted under The Supreme Court of Bangladesh (High Court Division Rules), 1973. According to sources, these committees are set to begin operations from July 1.

First monsoon in 25 years arrives early due to La Niña
First monsoon in 25 years arrives early due to La Niña
Report

First monsoon in 25 years arrives early due to La Niña

In the Bengali calendar, the months of Asharh and Shraban mark the monsoon season. This season begins with the entry of the southwest monsoon winds into Bangladesh. However, due to the active presence of La Niña, the southwest monsoon is set to arrive earlier than usual this year. By the first week of June, the monsoon is expected to spread across the country—a phenomenon that hasn’t occurred in the past 25 years. The last instance of early monsoon in Bangladesh was in the year 2000.

Final decision to withdraw 14,000 politically motivated cases
Final decision to withdraw 14,000 politically motivated cases
Report

Final decision to withdraw 14,000 politically motivated cases

Nearly 14,000 politically motivated cases filed during the tenure of the previous government across 64 districts, including Dhaka Metropolitan area, are being withdrawn. The current interim government has completed the process of withdrawing these cases, which were lodged between January 29, 2009, and August 5, 2024. No cases filed after August 5 are included in this list.

Judicial helpline service to launch in 64 districts
Judicial helpline service to launch in 64 districts
Report

Judicial helpline service to launch in 64 districts

A new initiative titled “Judicial Helpline Service” is set to be launched across all 64 districts and eight metropolitan sessions courts in Bangladesh. The Supreme Court has finalized a draft to introduce this service with the aim of eliminating obstacles and irregularities in accessing judicial services in courts and tribunals. Through this service, citizens seeking justice will be able to instantly lodge complaints or seek assistance. The helpline is expected to be operational in district and metropolitan sessions courts by the end of June, and gradually extended to other tribunals and special courts.

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