News Watch (25-01-2018)

Presidential poll schedule today
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Khan Mohammad Nurul Huda Wednesday said the presidential election schedule will be announced Thursday (today). He disclosed this to newsmen while emerging from a meeting with Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at the latter's JS Secretariat office. "The election of the President will be held any day from February 18 to 20," said the CEC. He said the number of voters for the President election is 350, but two seats are vacant following the recent death of two lawmakers. — BSS

JS passes ship recycling bill
A bill titled 'Bangladesh Ship Recycling Bill 2018' was passed by parliament Wednesday with a provision of tougher punishment for violations of the law, and aiming to give a further boost to the country's potential ship-recycling industry. Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu moved the Bill and it was passed by voice vote. In the Bill it is stated that a zone will be established in Chittagong for the ship-recycling industry. The law makes it mandatory to issue life insurance for each and every worker and employee by the owners. — UNB