The investigation committee, formed by the government, has said that the devastating fire at the Bangladesh Secretariat on December 25 was caused by an electrical loose connection, ruling out any evidence of sabotage.
The preliminary report was disclosed during a press briefing on Tuesday evening at the State Guest House Jamuna.
The fire engulfed four floors of Building No 7, housing offices of five ministries. It began just before 2:00 am and took the Fire Service six hours to bring under control, with total extinguishment requiring nearly 10 hours.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani said the committee found no indication of individual involvement in the fire, and attributed the incident to faulty electrical wiring, mentioning the absence of any foul play.
The daily closing period for CNG refueling stations has been reduced by two hours from the first day of the New Year 2025.
According to a press release of the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Minerals Corporation, Petrobangla, the CNG (compressed natural gas) refueling stations closing hours have been set for 3 hours from 6 pm to 9 pm everyday instead of 5 hours—from 6 pm to 9 pm—during the peak hours of power generation.
“This decision will be effective from January 1 (Wednesday), said Petrobangla.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday affirmed the Election Commission commitment to ensuring a truly credible 13th parliamentary election, marking a departure from the practices of previous commissions.
“We are determined to prove through our actions that we are not like the previous two or three election commissions. Our goal is to present the nation with a truly credible election,” the CEC said.
He made the remarks during a views-exchange meeting with election officials at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, discussing voter list updates and preparation for the next national election.
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has announced a relaxation in the foreign exchange release limit for those requiring medical treatment abroad due to injuries they suffered during the July uprising.
The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of the central bank issued a circular in this regard on Tuesday.
In the circular, the central bank states, “The limit of $10,000 or equivalent shall stand relaxed on account of treatment abroad for persons injured in the Students-People uprising - July 2024 Revolution.”
In this context, ADs (Authorised Dealers) may release foreign exchange based on estimation.