Politics
After Kalmaegi’s Deadly Trail, Philippines Faces Another Typhoon -“Fung-Wong” Approaches
After Typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 204 people dead in the Philippines, another powerful storm — Typhoon Fung-Wong — is heading toward the country. On Saturday (8 November), the Philippine weather bureau warned of “life-threatening winds and destructive gales.”
Locally known as Uwan, the typhoon is moving toward the country’s eastern coast and could intensify into a super typhoon, the bureau said. It is expected to make landfall on Sunday night.
The massive storm spans nearly 1,500 kilometers and is already bringing heavy rain and strong winds to parts of eastern Philippines. Current wind speeds are around 170 km/h, which could strengthen to 185 km/h as it nears land.
Authorities have warned that the storm could affect almost the entire country. Forecasts indicate up to 200mm of rainfall in Bicol and parts of Samar, and 100–200mm in northern and central Luzon — raising the threat of flash floods and landslides.
Residents in low-lying and coastal areas have been urged to move to higher ground and all marine activities have been suspended. Several local governments have canceled classes for Monday, while Philippine Airlines has suspended some domestic flights.
Earlier this week, Typhoon Kalmaegi ravaged the Philippines and Vietnam, destroying homes and uprooting trees. In total, 204 people were killed in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, while nearly 500,000 people remain without electricity.
Scientists warn that as global temperatures rise, storms like Kalmaegi and Fung-Wong are likely to become more intense and frequent across the Pacific typhoon belt.
Politics
National Revolution and Solidarity Day: Nationwide celebrations and public holiday observed
Why it matters: Today, 7 November, is ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. On this day in 1975, the historic revolution by soldiers and the public consolidated the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, which is being observed today with due solemnity.
The big picture: A public holiday has been declared in all government and private institutions across the country to mark the day. According to government directives, the national flag is to be hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private institutions, as well as at all Bangladesh missions abroad.
Between the lines: The revolution by soldiers and the public on 7 November thwarted the political instability and power vacuum that had gripped the country from 3 to 6 November 1975. This revolution is considered a turning point in the history of Bangladesh, as it led to the release of martyred President Ziaur Rahman from captivity and his subsequent assumption of national leadership.
What’s next: A colorful procession will be brought out today from in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the rally, which will conclude at Manik Mia Avenue. Additionally, discussion meetings, photo exhibitions, and special prayers have been organized across the country.
The bottom line: To mark the day, authorities have announced toll-free travel on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM today. Furthermore, all children’s parks in the country have been opened for children free of charge for the entire day, and high-quality meals will be served in hospitals and orphanages.
Politics
National Revolution and Solidarity Day: Prime Minister pays tribute at Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s graves
Why it matters: The tribute paid by the country’s top political leadership on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day is being viewed as a reflection of the continuity of the BNP’s political agenda and the party’s internal solidarity.
On the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman laid wreaths and paid tribute at the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in the capital on Saturday morning.
The big picture: After paying tribute, the Prime Minister stood in silence for a while and participated in Fatiha and a special munajat along with central party leaders. Prayers were offered for the salvation of the souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
Between the lines: Present with the Prime Minister during the event were top-tier party leaders, including BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Minister of Finance and Planning Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Minister of Liberation War Affairs Ahmed Azam Khan, and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni.
What’s next: To mark the day, the BNP will bring out a colorful procession from in front of the party’s central office in Naya Paltan at 3:00 PM today. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will participate in the procession on foot, which has generated significant enthusiasm among the party activists.
Procession route: Starting from Naya Paltan, the procession will pass through Kakrail, Hotel InterContinental intersection, Banglamotor, and Farmgate, ending at Manik Mia Avenue. Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP and its affiliated organizations have made extensive preparations to make this program a success.
The bottom line: Through the tribute to Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia and the massive procession, the BNP is utilizing today as a major opportunity to demonstrate its political strength and organizational unity.
Politics
Jatiya Nagorik Party holds inauguration and political showdown in Lohagara
Why it matters: This inauguration ceremony and rally of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) in Lohagara, Chattogram, sends a clear message regarding the party’s increased organizational activities in local politics.
The big picture: On Friday afternoon, a colorful rally was brought out from Bottoli Motor Station in Lohagara, which traversed various roads before concluding at Mashabi Restaurant. The inauguration of the newly formed convenor committee was completed in the presence of top upazila and district-level leaders.
Between the lines: Participants in the rally chanted various slogans against the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, indicating that the NCP has entered the field with a clear opposition stance in the current political context. Party leaders expressed their commitment to building a discrimination-free and democratic Bangladesh, emphasizing the strengthening of the organization at the grassroots level.
What’s next: Lohagara Upazila NCP Convenor Mostak Ahmad Sabuj stated that their goal is now to rapidly expand the organization’s activities to the union and ward levels. By fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to the newly formed committee, they aim to further consolidate their position in people-oriented politics.
The bottom line: Chief Guest Lion A M Munna Chowdhury and Key Speaker Jobairul Alam Manik, along with other top party leaders, called upon activists to work with honesty and dedication. This political program in Lohagara is essentially a strategic move to establish the NCP as an alternative political force that embodies the aspirations of the new generation.
The main focus of the speakers was to be vocal against corruption and irregularities and to work towards establishing the rights of common people. Conducted by the organization’s Member Secretary D M Maruf Hasan Rizvi, the event was also attended by representatives of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Juba Shakti, reflecting the combined strength of the party’s various affiliated organizations. It remains to be seen how much influence the activities of this new committee will have on Lohagara’s politics in the coming days.
-
Crime and Justice9 hours agoTeenager killed after losing control of motorcycle and hitting palm tree in Kushtia’s Daulatpur
-
Crime and Justice9 hours agoBangladeshi national injured and detained by BSF in Chuadanga border shooting
-
Politics1 hour agoJatiya Nagorik Party holds inauguration and political showdown in Lohagara
-
Politics40 minutes agoNational Revolution and Solidarity Day: Prime Minister pays tribute at Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s graves
-
Politics39 minutes agoNational Revolution and Solidarity Day: Nationwide celebrations and public holiday observed
