Editorial Views
Take concerns of int'l human rights organisations seriously on human rights protection
Since the mass uprising, we have been witnessing alarming incidents of human rights violations in Bangladesh. Alongside abductions and killings, indiscriminate arrests of Awami League leaders and activists are taking place. Even without specific allegations, many have been detained merely for being supporters of the Awami League. People are being harassed by being labelled as Awami League members. Although the party itself has not been banned, all its activities have been prohibited. Expressing concern over these issues and urging for immediate steps to prevent further human rights violations within the short time left before the election, six international human rights organisations have written to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Take swift action against the extortionists
We have previously heard of various forms of extortion in the transport sector, but we have never heard such a strange thing before—that extortionists call from abroad, give information about where a family member is, and threaten to harm them in order to collect money from car dealers. Many of these criminals are calling from outside the country to demand extortion money. From Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Singapore, they are threatening car dealers. So far, six businessmen have filed general diaries with Vatara Police Station in the capital regarding these incidents. Most of those targeted have showrooms on Progoti Sarani, Baridhara and surrounding areas in the capital.
Save children from the silent epidemic
Winter is knocking at the door. Along with the northern wind comes dreadful news. Air pollution is increasing in Bangladesh, and as a result, children are suffering the most. According to media reports, children wards in various hospitals in Dhaka are already full of patients. Experts warn that if the level of air pollution rises further this season, it may turn into a severe health crisis.
Teachers’ allowances should be increased in line with market conditions
After eight days of continuous protest over three demands, including an increase in house rent allowance, the government has agreed to raise the house rent for MPO-listed teachers and staff of private educational institutions by only 5 per cent, with a minimum increase of Tk 2,000. However, rejecting this proposal, the teachers on hunger strike have announced a fast unto death. According to the Ministry of Education, this 5 per cent rise in house rent allowance and the addition of a minimum Tk 2,000 per month will increase most teachers’ and employees’ housing allowances by more than 12 per cent. This information was given in an explanation posted on the official Facebook page of the Ministry on Sunday. Currently, teachers receive Tk 1,000 as house rent allowance.
How much longer will government oil be stolen
Oil theft from government supplies in Bangladesh is a well-known fact. Despite such incidents occurring year after year, the government shows little concern. Oil thefts are uncovered regularly, and investigation committees are often formed, yet the theft never stops. Once, oil was stolen from depots and tankers; now, it is even being stolen from ships.
Urgent investigation, preventive measures needed to address repeated fire incidents
A wave of fire incidents in different parts of the country in recent days has caused widespread public alarm. It began last Tuesday (14 October) with a devastating fire at a chemical warehouse in Mirpur’s Rupnagar Shialbari area of the capital, killing 16 people. Then on Thursday (17 October), fires broke out at the warehouses of Adams Caps & Textile Ltd and Jihong Medical Company in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ). It took 17 hours to bring those fires under control. The very next incident occurred on Saturday (18 October) around 2:30pm, when a fire erupted at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. It took six hours to extinguish that blaze, and flight operations at the country’s main airport were temporarily suspended.
Clear doubts surrounding July Charter
At yesterday’s signing ceremony of the July National Charter, leaders from 25 of the 52 parties registered with the Election Commission took part.
Who is responsible, who will be held accountable
Yesterday, Thursday (16 October), the results of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations were published simultaneously across all education boards. This year, 508,701 students have failed in the HSC and equivalent exams — 41.17 per cent of the total examinees. According to media reports, the nationwide average pass rate for the 2025 HSC and equivalent exams stands at 58.83 per cent, which is 18.95 per cent lower than last year. The pass rate in the Madrasa Education Board is 75.61 per cent, and in the Technical Education Board, it is 62.57 per cent. This year’s HSC results mark the worst performance in the past 20 years.
How long will these tragic deaths in fires continue?
In Bangladesh, people being burned to death in warehouses or factories has become a routine matter. The loss of hundreds of lives no longer leaves any mark on our minds! After people die in fires, when the government or political parties announce some compensation, we go to sleep in peace, thinking that something has been done. But almost every government has shown consistent negligence in finding a permanent solution to prevent such deaths. Last Tuesday, a fire at a garment factory in Mirpur, Dhaka, reportedly killed 16 people so far. The death toll is feared to rise further. Many are still missing, and the condition of several injured victims remains critical.
Find ways to end spousal violence against women
Violence by husbands against their wives in Bangladesh is nothing new; it has existed in varying degrees since ancient times. In recent years, however, it has increased manifold. A recent survey has found that three out of every four married women are subjected to violence by their husbands. In other words, 76 per cent of women in the country have faced violence at least once in their lives. This violence includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, as well as controlling behaviour, according to a joint survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).