Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh, Bhutan sign three new MoUs
Bangladesh and Bhutan on Monday (March 25, 2024) signed three new memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The MoUs are: Establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Setting up a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, and technical cooperation on consumer rights.
Another MoU on cultural exchange was renewed.
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Health Minister Smanta Lal Sen, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Director General (Additional Secretary) A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed signed the MoUs from Bangladesh side.
Bhutanese Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmk and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Choden signed the MoUs on behalf of their country.
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the MoU signing agreement held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Besides, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual medical seats for Bhutanese students from 22 to 30 while the foreign service academy of Bangladesh offered two seats for the Bhutanese foreign service officers every year for capacity building. Bangladesh will also extend necessary assistance in setting up a Diplomatic Training Institute in Bhutan.
Apart from this, Bangladesh offered special training to Bhutanese officials in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) annually for three years.
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As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, Bangladesh handed over computers and laptops for the capacity building and skills development of the government officials of Bhutan.
Earlier, on his arrival, the Bhutanese King was received by the Prime Minister at her office.
The Bhutanese King held a delegation-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to the MoU signing ceremony.
They will also had a one-to-one meeting.
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‘None can truly comprehend the depth of sorrow that comes with losing loved ones, as I do’: PM at BGB HQ
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) during their annual day parade on Monday (March 04, 2024), emphasizing the paramount importance of adhering to the chain of command for maintaining discipline within the ranks.
“Keep in mind that the chain of command is the most important driving power for a disciplined force. Never break the discipline; continue following the chain of command,” Sheikh Hasina urged the BGB members.
The premier was addressing the parade of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2024 at its headquarters in Dhaka.
The Prime Minister reflected on her government’s initiatives to bolster the BGB, citing the enactment of the Border Guard Bangladesh Act 2010 as a pivotal step towards enhancing the force's capabilities. “Now BGB has been built as an efficient, strong, modern three-dimensional force,” she said, adding that BGB is now capable of performing its duty on land, water, and air.
She said the Awami League government adopted the ‘Border Guard Bangladesh Vision-2041’ in a bid to develop the BGB as a world-class border guard force.
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“We want Border Guard Bangladesh to be developed as a world-class border force, and march forward as border sentinels, becoming a symbol of trust for the people of Bangladesh,” she said adding that BGB will also be a smart force in Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
The prime minister appreciated the role of protecting the country’s borders and combating different border crimes, and standing beside the people during any crisis in the country.
“Alongside protecting the border, the BGB resisted different border crimes including smuggling, drug and women, children trafficking in a responsible manner,” she said.
Apart from playing the role as sentinels on the border, the BGB stands beside the people during any problem like arson violence in the country and always plays a role in protecting the lives and property, and thus they gained the trust and confidence of the nation, she said.
Recalling the 2009 BDR mutiny, Prime Minister Hasina shared her deep emotional connection to the tragedy, in which 74 individuals, including 57 distinguished officers, were tragically killed. The events unfolded on February 25 and 26, 2009, marking one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history.
PM said that she feels a profound sorrow, remembering the lives lost during the mutiny. She offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and extended her heartfelt condolences to their families. “No one can truly comprehend the depth of sorrow that comes with losing loved ones, as I do,” Hasina stated, emphasising her personal empathy for the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister reassured that those responsible for the mutiny have been held accountable, expressing her hope that such a tragedy will never be repeated.
Turning to the advancements made under her leadership, the PM outlined significant steps taken to modernise the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), noting the recruitment of 35,517 soldiers over the past 15 years. A notable milestone in inclusivity, her government initiated the integration of women into the force, with 936 female soldiers joining since 2015.
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In response to emerging threats, her administration has implemented the ‘Smart Digital Surveillance and Tactical Border Response System’ across vulnerable sections of the border, enhancing surveillance capabilities and bolstering defences against trans-border terrorism.
Further emphasizing her commitment to border security and regional development, Hasina highlighted the construction of 1,036 km of border roads. This infrastructure project aims not only to secure the hilly border areas but also to improve the socio-economic conditions of remote communities.
The prime minister inspected a spectacular parade arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground in Pilkhana, riding on an open decorated vehicle, and then received salute of the march-past.
She handed over the BGB Medal, President BGB Medal, BGB Medal-Service and President BGB Medal-Service to 72 selected BGB personnel in recognition of their heroic and outstanding contribution to different activities of the force.
The PM unveiled a sculpture of Bangabandhu titled “Prerona” at the BGB headquarters.
Earlier, on her arrival, Sheikh Hasina was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqu.
Read more: BGB thwarts gold smuggling attempt, arrests woman with 11 bars in Chuadanga
PM says no to large Iftar party at govt level
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed not to organise large Iftar parties at the government-level during the upcoming Ramadan.
She gave the instruction while chairing the Cabinet meeting at her office in the city.
“There is an instruction from the Prime Minister and that is, no big iftar party can be arranged officially during the month of Ramadan,” said Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain.
Read more: Govt sets Ramadan office timing from 9 am to 3:30 pm
Replying to a question, he said the arrangement of large iftar parties at private level was also discouraged. “It has been said that if someone really wants, then the person should distribute foods among the poor people by purchasing the food with the money,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
The holy month of Ramadan is scheduled to start from March 12 depending on sighting of the moon.
Read more: Ramadan prices of commodities will remain at tolerable level: PM Hasina tells Parliament
PM Hasina writes back to Biden
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has written back to US President Joe Biden.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud handed over a copy of the letter to Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC), Eileen Laubacher on Sunday.
It is a response to the letter sent by the US President to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.
Bangladesh Ambassador to USA, Muhammad Imran, will hand over the original copy of the letter to White House.
The Foreign Minister has said that they want a new chapter of relations with Bangladesh.
“We want to begin a new chapter of relations with them,” he said, adding that the nations will benefit through strengthening the relations.
Eileen Laubacher led an inter-agency US delegation during her meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Read: PM's daughter Putul thanks Joe Biden for 'warm hospitality'
The USAID’s Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer, the US Department of States Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter, and CDA of the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave were present at the meeting.
Besides, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Muhammad Imran and Director General of Foreign Ministry’s North America Wing Khandker Masudul Alam and other officials from the ministry were present.
The discussions centred around exploring new avenues to deepening the existing relationship. Economic cooperation, trade and investment, Rohingya humanitarian response, climate change, and energy were in focus during the meeting.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s steadfast position in favour of peace and against any form of war.
He asked for US to use its leverage to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Read: PM Hasina greets new US President Joe Biden
Hasan also hoped for the Russia-Ukraine war to end.
The extradition of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed killer Rashed Chowdhury from the US was also discussed.
He also asked for the withdrawal of the US sanction on RAB.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to work together to achieve Bangladesh’s economic goals. He also expressed willingness to partnering with Bangladesh on the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As the two countries embark on the next chapter of the US-Bangladesh partnership, Biden said he wants to convey the sincere desire of his administration to continue their work together on regional and global security, economic development, climate change and energy, global health, humanitarian support, especially for Rohingya refugees, and more.
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“We have a long and successful history of working together to solve problems, and our strong people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship,” the US President wrote to PM Sheikh Hasina.
European Commission President pledges enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh under PM Hasina’s new term
Congratulating Sheikh Hasina on her recent re-appointment as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she looks forward to continue working with PM Hasina towards further strengthening the relations between the European Union and Bangladesh in the coming years.
“The European Union is committed to cooperating with Bangladesh on sustainable development, climate change, migration, and other issues of shared interest,” said the head of the European Commission in a letter to PM Hasina.
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The European Commission President said she had the pleasure of meeting PM Hasina in Brussels in 2023 on the occasion of the Global Gateway Forum.
“This also marked the formal launch of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which aims to broaden and modernize the framework for our partnership,” she mentioned.
“Within the framework of our long-term partnership with Bangladesh, the European Union will continue to work with Bangladesh to uphold and advance the shared priorities of democracy, human rights and the rule of law that underpin our relations,” said the European Commission President, wishing PM Hasina every success.
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Outcomes of Hasina-Scholz bilateral talks on sidelines of MSC 2024
Germany and Bangladesh have agreed it is best to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the attack on Gaza.
The consensus came when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2024 on Saturday (February 17, 2024).
"A detailed discussion was held between the Bangladesh Prime Minister and the German Chancellor about ending wars, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and attack on Gaza," Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said, while briefing media regarding the outcome of the meeting between the two leaders.
The meeting between the two leaders was held at Hotel Bayerischer Hof, the conference venue, here, this afternoon.
Both the leaders, Bangladesh Premier and the Chancellor of Germany, agreed that none will be benefited through war.
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Quoting the German Chancellor, Dr Hasan Mahmud said, "The only process of establishing peace is to stop war."
The prime minister called upon the German Chancellor to make investment in various sectors of Bangladesh including the IT sector as Germany is advanced in high technology industries.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is establishing 100 economic zones across the country, Sheikh Hasina said,"Germany can invest in Bangladesh."
The Prime Minister invited the German Chancellor to visit Bangladesh and he accepted the invitation.
Sheikh Hasina recalled the contribution of Germany in rebuilding independent Bangladesh after the Liberation War.
The two leaders also discussed exporting more Bangladeshi products to Germany as it is the highest exporting country from Bangladesh to the EU.
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They also talked about sending skilled Bangladeshi manpower to Germany as the country is welcoming skilled labour from around the globe.
During the bilateral meeting held after a long time in a very warm environment, Olaf Scholz again congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Bangladesh prime minister for the fifth term and fourth in a row.
Earlier in the morning, Germany Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development called on the Bangladesh PM at the Conference venue here.
During the meeting, she offered Germany a dedicated place for investment in economic zones being set up across the country. Senior Secretary of Foreign Affairs Masud Bin Momen and Ambassador to Germany Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, were present, among others.
Sheikh Hasina arrived in Germany to attend three-day MSC 2024 on February 15 evening.
Read more: PM Hasina meets German Chancellor in Munich, discusses bilateral issues
PM Hasina off to Germany to attend Munich Security Conference
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left here for Germany on Thursday (February 15, 2024) morning on a three-day official visit to attend the Munich Security Conference.
This is her first official tour abroad since being re-elected as the prime minister for the fourth consecutive term in last month's parliamentary polls.
The Munich Security Conference is considered the world's leading forum for debating security issues.
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A flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11 am carrying the prime minister and her entourage members.
During her stay in Munich from February 16-18, Sheikh Hasina will also hold meetings with German chancellor, Ukraine's president, prime ministers of Denmark and the Netherlands on the sidelines of the security conference.
Indian external affairs minister will also call on the Bangladesh prime minister.
Read more: Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC
Want BNP to straighten up after election: Foreign Minister
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has said BNP needs to straighten up now that the election is over.
"After the election, the BNP's posture crumbled. We want them to overcome their disappointment and stand straight," he said.
The minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after unveiling the covers of journalist and researcher Mizanur Rahman's 'Badaljata Bangladesh' and poet Rebecca Shilpi's fourth poetry book 'Bimurto' on the Suhrawardy Udyan premises of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela on Tuesday.
Publisher of the two books Shafique Rahman, Chairman of Nongor Prokashoni, President of River Safety Organization Nongor Sumon Shams, former Vice-President of Bangladesh Chhatra League HM Mehedi Hasan and other guests were present on the occasion.
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"We hope that BNP will engage in distributing leaflets and follow democratic procedures to overcome their disappointment. They will not succeed in manipulating public opinion with petrol bombs,” said the minister.
Before the book unveiling, Dr. Hasan remarked, "The Ekushey Boi Mela has become a festival of life, transforming into a meeting place for Bengalis. Young and old, children and adolescents, youth, adults, and the elderly all come to the fair to take a breath, turn the pages of books, and buy books. Our goal is to build a humane, socially responsible state, and we must work united towards that goal."
Describing the transformation of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Foreign Minister mentioned the significant differences between Bangladesh 15 years ago and today.
He also emphasized that there would be many differences in Bangladesh in the next 10 years. “From the Padma Bridge to the air conditioned metro rail, development through the riverine country and the tunnel under the river, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's Daughter, we have progressed relentlessly at an unstoppable pace.”
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Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) put emphasis on the rural development along with building infrastructure.
“I think besides the infrastructural development we also need the overall development of the rural areas,” she told the ECNEC meeting at NEC conference room in Agargaon.
She asked authorities concerned to quickly finish the development projects which are being delayed due to allocation of small funds.
“I will ask the cabinet secretary to convey this to all secretaries in different ministries so such projects are completed quickly,” she said.
Read: Ecnec nods 44 projects worth Tk 39,094 crore
She said with the finishing these projects it would be easy for the government to take up new development programmes.
She also said that deadline of some development projects have been increased, but hose also have to be completed very soon.
“Because, if that remains unfinished costs of the projects will increase unnecessarily and it also kills time. Make sure that this is done,” she said.
Hasina said that for the socioeconomic development of the country the government must take development projects.
In this regard, she asked all to remain cautious while taking any kind of development projects so that the government could attain its goal.
Read: Ecnec approves 19 projects to cost Tk 18,067 crore
She mentioned that due to global condition the countryis having some pressure on economy. Otherwise the country was moving fast towards prosperity.
“The growth was increasing, development was expediting, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the whole world came to a standstill, and when the whole world started to move from that situation, it was hit by the Ukraine-Russia war followed by sanctions, counter-sanctions,” she said.
She also mentioned that the world is bracing for another phase of instability after Israeli troops launched heinous attacks on the innocent people in Palestine.
“As a result, the cost and time of transportation has increased manifold," she said.
She said that due to these external factors the pressure is on in Bangladesh.
Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres
The prime minister said she has requested all to utilise every inch of arable land of the country for production of food grains.
“And it has given us better results,” she said.
Publish list of loan defaulters who laundered money abroad in JS: AK Azad
Independent MP AK Azad on Monday (February 12, 2024) demanded a list of those who have laundered money abroad taking loans from banks be placed in Parliament.
Azad, who was elected MP for the first time, came up with the demand while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech.
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is totally against corruption and Awami League's manifesto also cited that.
“First of all, good governance will have to be established in the banking sector,” Azad said.
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Welcoming Bangladesh Bank's roadmap for reforming the banking sector, Azad, also President of Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), said the amount of defaulted loans in Bangladesh is around Tk 1,45,633 crore.
“But in reality, the amount is much more. But through write off, the amount of debt is shown less. Those who have taken loans and invested in factories and failed to repay, may be exempted subject to investigation,” he said.
He demanded to bring to justice those who did not invest loan money in any business, and instead laundered the money.
“They made home at Begum Para, and second homes. Their list should be published in the parliament,” he demanded.
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He also commented that Bangabandhu's dream will not be realised unless they are brought under the law.
The independent MP said that those who looted banks are responsible for the rise in commodity prices and inflation.
Azad said that he wants to be accountable to the countrymen and voters through this parliament.
Azad also said he wants to make the parliament effective and lively through constructive criticism of the government.
He expected cooperation of the Speaker in this regard.
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