prime minister
PM mourns Joynal Hazari’s death
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed deep sorrow at the death of Bangladesh Awami League’s advisory council member and valiant freedom fighter Joynal Hazari.
In a condolence message, she prayed for salvation of the departed souls of the former AL Feni district unit’s general secretary and ex-member of parliament.
The Prime Minister expressed profound sympathy to bereaved family members.
Joynal Hazari, 76, died at a city hospital on Monday afternoon.
He breathed his last at around 5:20pm at Labaid Specialised Hospital admitted on December 15 with lung infections, cardiac and kidney problems.
PM mourns Mushtari Shafi’s death
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed deep shock at the death of Begum Mushtari Shafi, a member of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. In a condolence message, she recalled the role of Mushtari Shafi, a valiant freedom fighter, in progressive cultural and citizen movements with gratitude.
READ: Writer, freedom fighter Begum Mushtari Shafi dies
She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy for her bereaved family members. Begum Mushtari Shafi, a noted writer and Shaheed Jaya (wife of a martyr), breathed her last at 4pm at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka.
PM to pay official visit to Maldives Dec 22-23
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay a two-day official visit to the Maldives, the largest labour market for Bangladesh in South Asia, on December 22-23 to take the relations between the two countries to newer heights.
The Prime Minister will fly to Male on a special flight on December 22 and be received at the airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel.
On Thursday (Dec 23) morning, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will formally welcome the Prime Minister and then she will be given Guard of Honour.
After receiving the guard of honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the Presidential Palace. The President of the Maldives will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister at the venue.
After the meeting, the two countries are likely to sign four bilateral documents -- agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, MoU on cooperation in the area of youth and sports development, MoU on recruitment of qualified health professionals and MoU in the areas of healthcare and medical sciences between Bangladesh and Maldives (renewal).
Read: Hasina for strengthening connectivity with Maldives
At the request of the Maldivian Defence Ministry, 13 military vehicles, provided by the Bangladesh Army, will be handed over to the Maldivian Defence Ministry as a token of friendship.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen briefed the media at Foreign Service Academy on the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to the Maldives.
Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam were, among others, present.
‘Had a very successful visit to France’, Hasina tells envoy
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said she was happy with the discussions and outcomes of her recent visit to France, and hoped that it will sustain the momentum in the coming years. Sheikh Hasina said this when outgoing French Ambassador Jean-Marin Schuh met her at her official residence Ganobhaban. PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
READ: Bangladesh India’s development partner, Kovind tells Hasina
She also thanked the French President for inviting her to visit Paris in November last and lauded the Ambassador for his productive tenure in Bangladesh and the dynamic role he played in taking forward Bangladesh-France relations. Hasina said Bangladesh has historical bondage with France because the French people supported Bangladesh during its Liberation War and recalled with gratitude the support of the French government and its people during the Liberation War in 1971. Turning to the current situation, the Prime Minister said all the countries have suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We’ve got a huge population…we’ve carried forward our economic activities [at this, too],” she said. The Prime Minister greeted the outgoing Ambassador on his appointment as France’s special envoy to Afghanistan. Jean-Marin Schuh thanked the Prime Minister for the cooperation he received from the government during his tenure and said Bangladesh’s growth rate last year was very impressive during the pandemic. He said France will take over the EU presidency in February next and it will host a conference comprising Indo-Pacific countries during the same month. They will invite Bangladesh to the conference as well, he said.
READ: Soldiers ready to build prosperous Bangladesh: Hasina
Schuh sought cooperation from the Bangladesh government in expanding the Alliance Francis in Chattaogram. Talking about the pandemic, he said Bangladesh will get 1.2 million Covid-19 vaccine through Covax from France within this week. He said French Economic and political relations with Bangladesh is enhancing and mentioned that the joint communique which was issued during the Prime Minister’s visit to France covered many aspects of the French-Bangladesh relations. Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus was present at the meeting.
Follow the chain of command, PM tells BGB personnel
Stressing the importance of following the chain of command, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel to perform their responsibilities with patriotism, honesty and discipline.
“I expect you to discharge your respective responsibilities with patriotism, honesty and discipline,” she said.
The Prime Minister was addressing the celebration of BGB Day-2021 at its headquarters here as the chief guest, joining it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
READ: PM witnesses enthralling cultural show on V-Day and Mujib Borsha celebrations
Hasina asked the BGB personnel to always keep in mind that discipline and chain of command is the most important for a disciplined force.
“Never break the chain of command, or else it’ll harm you. Uphold the chain of command,” the PM said.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan handed over the BGB Medal, President Border Guard Service Medal and BGB Medal- Service to eight members of BGB for their courageous and brilliant contribution in different activities of the force.
The Prime Minister hoped that BGB will move towards its desired goal as a modern border guard force as expected by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“I expect that BGB will continue its progress as ‘vigilant sentinels of the border’ as a symbol of confidence of the people of Bangladesh,” she said.
Hasina said Bangladesh is now a role model for socio-economic development in the world. “We’ve made a revolution in the fields of electricity, communications, IT and agriculture. We’ve become a developing country from an LDC,” she said.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is implementing “Delta Plan 2100”, she said her government is committed to building a hunger-poverty-free, developed and prosperous “Sonar Bangla” for the next generation as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu.
The PM said BGB’s one of the responsibilities is to assist the administration in maintaining the domestic law and order alongside performing their duties on the border.
She said BGB’s role in parliamentary elections, city corporation polls, and other local body elections, maintaining the law and order during different emerging situations and in nation-building works have been appreciated by all.
Recalling the contributions of the BGB (erstwhile EPR) to the Liberation War, Hasina said the Father of the Nation declared the independence of Bangladesh soon after Pakistani occupation forces unleashed genocide on March 25, 1971.
Subedar Major Shawkat Ali and three other members of erstwhile EPR had spread the message (the Declaration of the Independence) to the police stations and thanas throughout the country, she said, adding that the EPR major and member had earlier been waiting with wireless sets for the message as per the directive of the Father of the Nation.
She said then the message was sent from the police stations to the leaders of Sangram Parishads formed earlier across the country as per directive of Bangabandhu. Thus the message reached the grassroots throughout the country, she said.
“So, this force (EPR) had a special role in the Freedom Struggle, the Liberation War and the Declaration of Independence, which we always remember,” said the Prime Minister.
Some 12,000 ERP members participated in the Liberation War and 817 members received martyrdom. EPR’s member Birshrestha Shaheed Lance Nayek Noor Mohammad Sheikh and Birshrestha Shaheed Lance Nayek Munshi Abdur Rouf are the symbol of pride, she said.
Among other EPR members, eight members were adorned with the gallantry awards “Bir Uttam,” while 32 with ‘’Bir Bikram” and 77 members with “Bir Pratik” for the outstanding contribution in the Liberation War, she mentioned.
The Prime Minister said they have adopted “Border Guard Bangladesh Vision 2041” to transform this force into a modern one, saying that plans have already been taken to increase its members to 92,000 by 2041.
READ: PM greets FFs, sends them gifts on Victory Day
She said BGB has been transformed into a “three-dimensional forces” through the introduction of an air wing with the induction of two modern Mi-171E helicopters following the expansion of its activities more than ever before. “The BGB is now capable of carrying out its duties on water, land and air,” said Hasina.
She said her government ensured women’s participation in the BGB and 818 female soldiers were recruited in the force since 2015.
Hasina said work is underway to create 242 new BOPs and relocate 126 BOPs near the border. Despite various limitations, the success of BGB in protecting the border and preventing smuggling and the trafficking of women and children is commendable. In the last one year, the BGB seized drugs worth Tk 850 crore and smuggled goods worth Tk 600 crore, she said.
She said they have constructed 113 infrastructures, including new quarters for new members, bungalows, soldier’s barracks, modern BoPs, office buildings, water reservoirs and water treatment plants.
At the function, the government virtually opened the newly constructed ‘Simanto Sammillon Kendra’ (Border Conference Centre) at its Headquarters.
A smarty turned out contingent of BGB gave the salute to the Prime Minister throughout a spectacular parade.
PM greets FFs, sends them gifts on Victory Day
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday greeted all freedom fighters (FFs) of the country on the occasion of the 51st Victory Day.
Like the previous years, the PM sent flowers, fruits and sweetmeats to the FFs at the Muktijuddha Complex at College Gate here as a mark of her good wishes for them.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, her Assistant Private Secretary-2 Gazi Hafizur Rahman Liku handed over the gift items to the FFs and their family members at 12:30pm. Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher was present at the ceremony.
The freedom fighters thanked and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for remembering them on every national day and festival like the Independence Day, the Victory Day, Eid and Pahela Baishakh.
They also wished Sheikh Hasina good health and long life, said sources at the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.
The nation celebrated the 51st Victory Day as Bangladesh was liberated on December 16, 1971 at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of 200,000 women in a blood-stained nine-month war.
Bangladesh getting ready to tap 4IR opportunities: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said the government is preparing the country for tapping the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) to accelerate its economic growth towards the desired level.
“We’re formulating an innovative education ecosystem (IEE) by increasing the budget for research and innovation. We’re framing the National Blended Learning Policy-2021. Through this policy, we’ll be able to introduce an education system bridging the technological gap,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said this while delivering her speech at the closing ceremony of a two-day international conference on the 4th Industrial Revolution-2021 held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
She joined the programme, which was organised on the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of independence, virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Hasina said the use of technologies is increasing day by day along with invention of new ones. “Bangladesh has to move on keeping the pace of that.”
Read: Long-term policy sought for 4IR, technological shift
She said Bangladesh needs industrialisation while its economy is an agro-based one. “But we need industrialisation, we need agriculture and industries both, we’re taking various steps keeping that in our mind.”
Given the perspective of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, three issues are gaining importance -- development of the industry through innovation of sophisticated technology, creating skilled workforce, and protecting the environment, the PM said.
“Industrialisation aims to improve the lifestyle of people, create a market for new products, and accelerate the pace of the economy through employment,” she said.
Forbes features Hasina at 43 on its most powerful women list
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been ranked 43rd on Forbes' list of the most powerful women in the world.
MacKenzie Scott, Kamala Harris and Christine Lagarde have been ranked first, second and third respectively.
Queen Elizabeth II is ranked 70 in the list.
The American business magazine says Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh, is currently serving her fourth term.
READ: Bangladeshis dominate Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2021 list
She won the fourth term, which is also her third consecutive term, after her party, Bangladesh Awami League, won 288 of the 300 parliamentary seats.
“During what she believes will be her final term, Hasina plans to focus on issues such as food security and access to education and healthcare,” the magazine adds.
It also mentions that an ongoing struggle for Hasina has been establishing a firm democracy in Bangladesh.
READ: PM Hasina in Forbes’ list of most powerful women
Every year, this business magazine releases a list of 100 powerful women of the world. This year, the 18th annual list of power women included 40 CEOs, the most since 2015, who, according to the magazine, "oversee a record $3.3 trillion in revenue." The list also included 19 world leaders, an immunologist.
PM asked junior minister Murad to resign by Tuesday: Obaidul Quader
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked State Minister for Information Murad Hassan to resign from the cabinet by Tuesday for his recent derogatory remarks on social media, said Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.
The minister said this at his residence on Monday night while replying to questions from reporters.
“I had talks with the Prime Minister in this regard in the evening, and the message has been passed to the state minister around 8pm,” said Obaidul Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary.
READ: BNP wants to know govt's stance over Murad’s comment
During an interview on social media recently, the junior minister made derogatory comments on BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman.
BNP on Monday demanded State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hassan apologise publicly and withdraw his “politically motivated, racial and derogatory” remarks against women and the Zia family.
READ: BNP seeks junior minister Murad’s resignation, his apology
Peace Conference testimony of Bangladesh's commitment to global security: FM
Hosting the World Peace Conference here is the testimony of Bangladesh's "unflinching commitment" to the promotion of global peace, security, and development, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
"The country, under the pragmatic statesmanship of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will continue to remain on the side of any initiative to promote peace as a fundamental premise for our pursuit of sustainable development," he said.
Dr Momen reiterated that Bangladesh continues to be inspired by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who firmly believed in democratic rights, people's welfare and social justice as the cornerstone for building a peaceful world.
He made the remarks welcoming the participants of the World Peace Conference at a dinner that he hosted at a city hotel on Friday.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were, among others, present.
On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Patron of the World Peace Conference and on his personal behalf, Dr Momen welcomed the participants in this historic city.
Read: Bangladesh’s World Peace Conference: Ban Ki-moon, Gordon Brown among global figures
The Foreign Minister paid deepest respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose unprecedented charismatic leadership and long struggle helped achieve long-cherished independence.
"Our enduring commitment to global peace has been best exemplified through the ‘People’s Empowerment and Development,’ a peace-centric model that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed to the UN in 2011, leading to its adoption by a consensus by the comity of nations," Dr Momen said.
He said peace is more than a suspension of war and peace covers everything that contributes to lowering international tensions: cooperation that eases competition for scarce resources, institutions that channel power rivalries and allow better management of global public goods, regulation that responds to new abuses power or inequalities born of globalization, bridges between generations as well as equality between women and men for peaceful societies.
"Peace can only be sustainable through appropriate and effective global governance to respond to global challenges," Dr Momen said.
He said the Prime Minister’s remarkable efforts to establish a culture of peace not only in her own country or in the region, but in the world, made her one of the Champions of Peace of the present days.
Her commitment towards fulfilment of the dream of Bangabandhu to make Bangladesh a Sonar Bangla- the Golden Bengal, has resulted into current day’s Bangladesh – a prosperous and peaceful country, said the Foreign Minister.
Read: World Peace Conference: Dhaka to adopt ‘Peace Declaration’
President Abdul Hamid will inaugurate the "World Peace Conference-2021" on Saturday that will bring together global thinkers, political personalities and peace promoters.
The conference will look back on Bangabandhu’s vision and political struggle for peace.
Hasina will attend the closing ceremony of the two-day conference on Sunday as the chief guest. Both the President and the Prime Minister will join the event virtually.
The conference, to be held in a hybrid format through both physical and virtual participation, will also shed light on the legacy being carried forward by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her “untiring quest” of building a peaceful, just, rights-based, inclusive and prosperous nation.
“Bangladesh will get a special document through adoption of – “Dhaka Peace Declaration” – which will work as a reference for Bangladesh’s all peace and security-related global initiatives to be taken in the future,” said the Foreign Minister.