The Dhaka University authorities on Saturday imposed restrictions on vehicle entry and movement on the campus and introduced a mandatory sticker system for motorcycles, citing security concerns amid the ‘prevailing situation’.

In two separate urgent notices issued by the Office of the Proctor, the university said the entry and movement of vehicles would be controlled, with exemptions for vehicles belonging to teachers, students, officers and employees of the university.

Vehicles bearing university stickers, ambulances, those carrying doctors and patients, journalists' vehicles, ride-sharing vehicles, food and online shopping delivery vehicles, and other government vehicles will be allowed to enter the campus.

The notices also said that the university authorities could search any person or vehicle for security reasons.

In the second notice, the proctor's office announced that it would issue security stickers for motorcycles.

Residential and non-residential students, teachers, officers and employees using motorcycles have been asked to apply to the proctor, with recommendations from their respective office heads, by November 19.

Applicants must submit documents proving motorcycle ownership, a university identity card, a photocopy of their driving licence and a passport-size colour photograph.

From November 20, motorcycles without stickers issued by the proctor's office will not be allowed to enter or move around the campus, the notice said.

Speaking to New Age, DU proctor Israfil Ratan said the measures has been taken as a preventive step after assessing students' psychological state amid recent provocative incidents and rumours.

‘We have taken the measures to control any motorcycle or vehicle, or anyone suspicious, so that no panic spreads among students,’ he said.

Asked how long the restrictions would remain in force, he said they would continue until security was ensured.

‘It will remain until further order. If we feel it needs to continue, it will continue,’ he said.

He added that the restrictions could be relaxed if the situation returned to normal and students no longer felt they were necessary. 

The proctor said the authorities had faced difficulties tracking motorcycles entering and leaving the campus at different times. 

‘A motorcycle of one of our students was stolen from the campus just yesterday. Such incidents are making us anxious,’ he said.

 Israfil said the university was installing AI-powered cameras across the campus to strengthen security. 

‘If possible, we will complete it by December and be much more secure. Then the administration may think it is good to be flexible, if it is good for students and the university environment, and we will withdraw this,’ he said.

Vice-President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman on Saturday stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, scientific research and stronger partnerships among the government, research institutions, universities and pharmaceutical industries to build a healthier Bangladesh.

"Preventive measures for certain illnesses have not been encouraged due to years of neglect in the health sector," she said. 

Dr Zubaida said this while addressing a programme at a city hotel in Gulshan here this morning, marking the 12th anniversary of the institute for developing Science and Health initiatives (ideSHi), a Dhaka based non-profit biomedical research and diagnostic organization.

She said millions of women in over 90,000 villages across Bangladesh are suffering from illnesses that could be prevented through appropriate healthcare measures.

Referring to the government's initiative to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, 80 percent of whom are women, Dr Zubaida said they would play an important role in taking preventive healthcare messages to communities across the country.

Noting that the present government's vision of building a healthier Bangladesh incorporated preventive measures, she said research, testing and public trust are essential to disseminating knowledge about disease prevention from door to door.

In this regard, Dr Zubaida appreciated ideSHi's efforts over the past 12 years to reach scientific knowledge and healthcare initiatives at closer to the people.

"Hard work is needed by all to build a healthier Bangladesh for our huge population," she said, congratulating ideSHi founder and lead Dr Firdausi Qadri and the institute's scientists and staff for their dedication and contributions.

Stating that the present government is trying to encourage young people across the country to engage in science, innovation and technology, Dr Zubaida said, "We need more scientists and hope that by studying, solving, and preventing our own problems, we can proudly shine in the world with significant development in our health sector".

But it will definitely take patient support, honest partnership, and meticulous work by government, research universities, and pharmaceutical industries, she added. 

The young scientists may be disheartened due to the slow progress of their work, Dr Zubaida said, adding, but they should be proud that their works are helping so many people lead a healthy life.

She wished ideSHi every success in the coming years in advancing science and technology in Bangladesh and helping to bring smiles and happiness to the distressed humanity even in the remotest villages of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health Affairs Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder spoke at the event as the special guest while Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Director General Professor Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas spoke as the guest of honour.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ziauddin Hyder said the present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, envisioned a healthcare system that prevents diseases, detects illnesses before they become life-threatening and ensures quality treatment for every citizen.

"Our government sees five areas as particularly important," he said. 

The areas included strengthening research for disease prevention and health security, making primary healthcare the foundation of the health system, promoting pharmaceutical innovation, biotechnology and locally developed diagnostics, advancing digital health and artificial intelligence, and developing a sustainable ecosystem for health research and development.

At the event, founder and lead of the ideSHi Dr Firdausi Qadri presented a paper titled 'Challenges and Realities of Scientific Research Organization: Perspective ideSHi'.

ideSHi Chairman Ashfaq Qadri delivered the welcome address while its COO Dr Md Rofiqur Rahman presented an audio visual documentary on the journey of the ideSHi.

The event was featured with five panel discussions on 'Thalassemia Screening, 'Women's Health', 'Way Forward for Biologicals in Bangladesh', 'Infectious Disease' and 'Use of Vaccines to benefit Public Health'.

Specialist physicians and public health experts on the relevant fields took part in the discussions.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said there is no legal scope for condoning delay in filing an appeal in the crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, as the special law governing the trial does not provide any such provision.
 
"They (Awami League government) themselves enacted that law. We also have a constitution. In 1973, her (Sheikh Hasina's) father (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) introduced a constitutional amendment. Article 47(3) of the constitution states that no person accused or convicted of crimes against humanity can claim fundamental rights. This provision was introduced by them," he said while replying to a question on the scope of filing an appeal by the ousted prime minister.
 
The law minister also said the Bangladesh government had taken all possible legal steps to bring back Sheikh Hasina from India, adding that the next course of action rested with the Indian government.
 
He made the remarks after attending the annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Registration Service Association (BRSA) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre this morning.
 
Presided over by BRSA Secretary General Michael Mohiuddin Abdullah, the function was addressed by Inspector General of the Directorate of Registration, Shamima Afroz, and was attended by Law and Justice Division Secretary Liaquet Ali Molla, Additional Secretaries SM Arshadul Alam and Md Khadem Ul Kayes, among others.
 
"The Registration Directorate is the second-largest revenue-earning sector in Bangladesh. I believe there will be no limitations on my part in taking whatever measures are necessary to improve the sector. However, you have a negative public image. It is your responsibility to take all necessary steps to overcome this perception," the law minister said at the function.
 
He said the government wanted the public to have confidence in sub-registrars and ensure an end to public harassment, adding, "But if I receive complaints of harassment, I will not hesitate to take a zero-tolerance stance, because your department's reputation is also linked to my own."
     
Referring to the recent government initiative to introduce a lottery system for the transfer of sub-registrars to curb corruption, the law minister said the process could be gradually expanded to help restore public confidence in the department.