A new online platform, Jonogon, has been launched in Bangladesh to allow citizens to submit petitions and receive formal responses from relevant authorities.
The platform aims to provide a structured process where individuals can raise issues and gather public support. Once a petition garners enough votes, a legal team will formalise the request and submit it to the relevant governmental or institutional authorities.
According to social media posts by the founders, Jonogon aims to ensure that every petition, whether accepted or rejected, will receive a response that outlines the reasons behind the decision. The initiative aims to increase transparency and ensure accountability in addressing public concerns.
From October 1, the use of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags will be prohibited in all superstores across the country, Environment Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Syeda Rizwana Hasan said yesterday.
Superstores will be required to offer jute and cloth bags for purchase as alternatives, with young people and students being encouraged to participate in this initiative.
The announcement was made on Monday during a stakeholder meeting at the ministry conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where a detailed action plan was developed to enforce the ban on polythene bags.
In recent weeks, unrest has severely impacted the readymade garments (RMG) factories on the outskirts of Dhaka. This unrest has caused significant damage to the industry, with multiple factors contributing to the economic losses.
One of the primary issues identified is the lack of security for both workers and the establishments themselves.
When contacted by The Shuttle Times correspondent, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam pointed out that insufficient action had been taken against those believed to be instigating the unrest.
He noted that the joint operations by the army and police had failed to restore confidence among factory owners due to the lack of decisive measures.
Intelligence reports suggest that many of the attacks were perpetrated by outsiders. BGMEA Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury stated that law enforcement lacks the capacity to alleviate the unrest effectively.
He also criticized the interim government for its inability to manage the situation, attributing the failure to the instability of the newly formed government.
The deep depression over Northwest Bay and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal moved slightly North-Northwesterwards and crossed the Odisha coast near Puri at 12 noon on Monday.
It now lies over Odisha and adjoining areas, said a special bulletin of the Met office.
It is likely to move in a Northwesterly direction and weaken gradually by giving precipitation.
Under its influence a steep pressure gradient persists over North Bay. Gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Coxs Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no three.