State mourning is being observed across the country today for the death of the Adviser to the Ministry of Land, Civil Aviation and Tourism of the interim government, AF Hasan Arif.

His burial will be done at the Mirpur Intellectuals' Graveyard at 10 am on Monday (December 23), a notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said.

On the occasion of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions and educational institutions of the country, as well as in all government and private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers will be held in all mosques of the country on this day, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul. Special prayers will be organized in other religious institutions for the peace of his soul.

It is to be noted that Adviser AF Hasan Arif died of a heart attack on December 20 while undergoing treatment at LabAid Hospital in the capital.

Three people were killed when a motorcycle lost control and collided with an electric pole on the side of the road in the Palpara area of Cumilla Sadar Upazila.

The accident occurred on Sunday (December 22) night in the Palpara area of Cumilla-Mirpur road.

The deceased are Ahad Hossain, son of Kausar Khalil of Araiora area of Sadar Upazila, Minhajul, son of late Monir Hossain of Bhubanghar area, and Mohammad Emon, son of Zakir Hossain of Shikarpur area of Burichang Upazila.

Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station OC Md. Mohinul Islam said that it is initially believed that three people lost their lives when the speeding motorcycle lost control and collided with an electric pole on the side of the road. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to the family.

Papon, uncle of the deceased Ahad, said that Ahad and Emon were going to take videographer Minhaj home from his uncle's wedding ceremony in the Madhyampara area of Araiora. They met with an accident on their way and died on the spot.

A massive fire broke out at an oil depot in Taherpur Bazar of Bagmara Upazila of Rajshahi, ravaging eight shops. About 400 barrels of oil from the oil shop were burnt to ashes.

The fire started on Sunday (December 22) evening after an explosion in an oil truck. Four units of the fire service were able to bring the fire under control around 7:30 pm after an hour and a half of effort. However, the extent of the damage could not be immediately assessed.

Locals said that oil was being poured into barrels from a Padma Oil tanker truck at the shop of a businessman named Alif in Taherpur Bazar. At that time, the truck suddenly caught fire. An explosion occurred within moments and the fire spread to the surrounding shops. In addition to the oil depot, a food hotel, grocery store and a workshop were burnt down.

Md. Ibrahim, in-charge of the Bagmara Fire Station of the Fire Service and Civil Defense said that after receiving the information, four units from Bagmara and Durgapur fire stations reached the spot and started working to extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control after about an hour and a half of effort. However, before that, the tanker truck was destroyed and about 400 barrels of oil from the oil shop were burnt to ashes.

The fire service official believes that the accident occurred due to a cigarette fire while pouring oil from the tanker truck into the barrels. The shops affected by the fire include a food hotel, grocery store and workshop. The extent of the damage could not be determined immediately. However, the concerned said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.

Dhaka: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahinul Alam has asked for time from the protesting students to talk to the ministry and realize their demands in accordance with the official procedure.

He made these remarks while talking to those who were blocking the road at Shahbagh intersection in the capital at around 4:20 pm on Sunday (December 22).

Dr. Mohammad Shahinul Alam. said, "We got some space because you were in the field. I also agree that your patience has broken. All the protest demands of our doctors had to be rescued with great difficulty. Students played the highest role in the anti-Ershad movement. You also played a role in the movement of ‘24. Therefore, we agree that this movement should not fail. Doctors have protested on the streets and at the same time provided treatment. That means doctors are capable of achieving their rights, are capable of protesting and are also capable of alleviating public suffering. At the same time, when people suffer, doctors realize it first. There is no country in the world where residents are given a meager allowance which is less than the salary of many officers' drivers. In our country, teachers under private MPOs are also given an allowance.

Addressing the protesting students, he said, "We are telling you, we are on your behalf. As the vice chancellor of this university, I will go to the ministry again right now to speak on your behalf. We hope that your demands will be met. You give us some time. Be patient. You went to the ministry; we will go again on your behalf. This demand will be met in writing. You give us some time. Give us some time for what is officially prosecuted. We are hopeful that this demand of yours will be met."