President
7 newly appointed foreign envoys present credentials to Bangladesh president
Newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners of seven countries to Bangladesh presented their credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.
The new non-resident envoys are- High Commissioner of Botswana Gilbert Shimane Magole, Ambassador of Cambodia Koy Kuong, Ambassador of the Czech Republic Dr. Eliska Zigova, High Commissioner of Gambia Mustapha Jawara, Ambassador of Hungary Istvan Szabo, High Commissioner of Jamaica Jason K. Hall and Peggy Frantzen, ambassador of Luxembourg.
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President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed the reporter after the meeting.
The president said Bangladesh attaches importance to developing bilateral ties with all countries of the world.
Mentioning that massive development has been achieved in various sectors in the last one and a half decades, he said the current trade and investment situation of Bangladesh is very promising.
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The president hoped that the new ambassadors would work with Bangladesh to explore the development potentials of their respective countries and increase mutual cooperation, including trade and investment.
During the meeting, the envoys sought the President's full cooperation in fulfilling their assignments.
The envoys also expressed their determination to work for enhancing the relations of their respective countries with Bangladesh.
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Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and secretaries concerned to the president were present on the occasion.
Earlier, on their arrival at Bangabhaban, in the morning, they were accorded a 'guard of honour' by a horse-mounted team of the Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR).
Engage influential personalities, opinion leaders to uphold human rights: President
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday asked the national human rights commission to incorporate the influential personalities and opinion leaders in the process of establishing human rights.
This effort of incorporating the influential personalities and opinion leaders like Imam, religious leaders, teachers and leeaders of different professionals will increase the human rights situation in Bangladesh in the large scale, he said.
The president made the statement while delivering his speech at the programme of observing the International Human Rights Day at the Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.
President Shahabuddin calls for vigilant anti-corruption efforts to foster development
The programme hosted by National Human Rights Commission( NHRC) was held with the theme of 'freedom, equity and justice for all'.
Pointing out that the scope of work of NHRC is wide across the country, the President said that since its inception, the commission has been making efforts to preserve, develop and ensure human rights. One of the main steps in creating and establishing a human rights culture is to create awareness about human rights issues.
"Increase in human rights awareness will pave the way for victims of human rights violations to seek redress," he said.
He also directed the commission to elevate the people's involvement in all activities of mutual dialogue, meetings, seminars, workshops, education and promotion of co-operation in the protection of human rights.
In order to develop the human rights culture in Bangladesh, he said the commission should take necessary initiatives to increase research and publication, increase round-the-clock monitoring of human rights violations, create awareness on human rights issues and conduct advocacy activities.
Envoys of Pakistan, Egypt, Vatican city and Sri Lanka present credentials to President Shahabuddin
Urging to ensure the presence of the National Human Rights Commission wherever human rights violations occur in the country, the president said the commission should stand by the oppressed and continue all efforts to punish the oppressors and become a symbol of trust and confidence to the exploited and oppressed.
The president specifically requested the international community to ensure a permanent solution to all kinds of conflicts and stand by the persecuted and oppressed people, noting that all problems can be solved through dialogue, not war.
"But sadly, it is true that the prevailing global human rights situation would distress any sane person. Thousands of people are dying every day in various ways, including wars, ethnic and sectarian riots, epidemics and natural disasters, thousands are being killed in Gaza, millions of peoples’ human rights are being violated,” he said.
Criticising the silence of the world in this issue, he said many powerful countries are playing the role of silent spectators. Many countries and organisations are indulging in double standards in the name of human rights, he said.
President seeks more Dutch investment in Bangladesh
Pointing out that the issue of human rights should be considered universal and equal for all and no discrimination or partiality should be done, the president said, "I hope that wherever human rights are violated in the world, all countries, human rights organisations and human rights activists will raise their voices in protest regardless of party, religion and caste." .
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haque and full-time member of National Human Rights Commission Salim Reza spoke in the programme while secretary of Law and Justice Department Golam Sarwar and Secretary of Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department Mr. Md. Moinul Kabir were also present.
Chairman of the NHRC Kamal Uddin Ahmed presided over the programme.
Democracy and development go together: President tells DSCSC graduation ceremony
President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged government employees to provide all-out efforts in implementing programs undertaken by the government for the welfare of the people.
"You will discharge your duties abiding by rules, regulation and constitution of the country as all of you are public servants," he said.
He said this while attending the graduation ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff Course (DSCSC).
A total of 257 officers including 49 from 24 countries graduated through this ceremony.
President Parade (Winter)-2023 held at BAF Academy
"Always remember that democracy and development go together, " the president said.
The president said that the government of Bangladesh has been committed to strengthening our Armed Forces. After independence, the Father of the Nation prioritized establishing a strong military and formulated the defense policy in 1974, he said.
In conjunction with this, the government developed the “Forces Goal-2030’ to develop, expand, and modernize the Armed Forces. The proper function of the government overnment is to make it easy for the people to do good, and difficult for them to do evil, he said.
Saying that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a dream to improve the quality of life of the people, the president said all-out measures were taken by Bangabandhu to materialize those dreams.
President Shahabuddin calls for upholding human rights, rule of law
"Within three and a half years of independence, all the indicators of economy and development process were moving positively under the dynamic leadership of Bangabandhu," he also said.
Mentioning the basis of stability as rule of law, assurance of personal freedom and respect for democratic rights, values and institutions, he said economic prosperity without freedom and freedom without economic prosperity cannot improve the quality of life.
"In the absence of rule of law, society cannot ensure return for sacrifices of individuals in terms of savings, perseverance, creativity and entrepreneurship," he added.
“The challenges of the 21st century are dynamic and multifaceted, ranging from conventional threats to non-traditional forms. I am confident that the rigorous training you have undergone here has equipped you with the skills and knowledge necessary to negotiate these complex challenges,” he said.
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Calling DSCSC as a miniature of the global community, medium of bringing together military leaders from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, he said the bonds forged here would foster goodwill.
Commandant of Defence Services Command and Staff College, Major General Faizur Rahman, delivered the welcome speech.
CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule
The Chief Election Commission of Bangladesh will meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin on November 5 regarding the announcement of the election schedule, according to Bangabhaban.
The Election Commission (EC) sought a meeting with the president to discuss the 12th national parliament election yesterday.
The commission led by Kazi Habibul Awal wanted to hold this meeting between November 1 and 5.
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The Election Commission said it will hold a meeting after the meeting with the president. The schedule of the 12th national election may be finalized at that meeting. Returning officers may be appointed then.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will then announce the schedule of the general election through an address to the nation on Bangladesh Television.
A meeting with the president before announcing the schedule for national election is a long-time practice.
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Indian President wishes her Bangladesh counterpart Md Shahabuddin's good health, uplifted spirits
President of India Droupadi Murmu has prayed for her Bangladesh counterpart Mohammed Shahabuddin's continued good health and uplifted spirits in the days to come.
“I have been informed about your recent medical surgery, and I am pleased to know that you are recovering well post surgery," said the Indian President in a message on October 20.
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On behalf of the government and the people of India, she extended her good wishes to the Bangladesh President.
"Wishing you the best of health and great success in your future endeavors," said the Indian President.
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President Shahabuddin, now undergoing treatment at the National University Hospital in Singapore, was shifted to the cabin from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after a surgery.
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President Shahabuddin seeks Vietnamese investments in Bangladesh
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday urged Vietnamese companies to invest in Bangladesh, particularly in the special economic zone.
The president made this call when the visiting President of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue called on him at Bangabhaban.
Welcoming the president of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Shahabuddin said that there is a very good relationship between Bangladesh and Vietnam, President's press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Referring to the visit of the President of Vietnam to Bangladesh and the visit of the Prime Minister and President of Bangladesh to Vietnam, he said that through this the relationship between the two countries has been strengthened.
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The president also urged Vietnam to import world-class products including medicines, ready-made garments, leather and leather goods, ceramics from Bangladesh to increase bilateral trade.
Alongside, he sought Vietnam's support and cooperation for Bangladesh as a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN.
President Shahabuddin hoped that Vietnam will play a major role in the dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland Myanmar.
President Shahabuddin calls for early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar
During the meeting, Vuong Dinh said that his country is deeply interested in increasing trade and investment relations with Bangladesh.
Appreciating the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, he said that his country will cooperate in the implementation of the government's goal to make Bangladesh a developed and smart Bangladesh by 2041.
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President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Secretary ( attached) Md. Wahidul Islam Khan and the visiting entourage members of the President of the National Assembly of Vietnam were also present.
18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta: President calls upon int’l community to urgently find durable solution to Rohingya crisis
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday called upon the international community to urgently find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis to commence safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation as shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk.
"It is the collective responsibility of the international community to find a durable solution to this crisis in its place of origin in Myanmar. Further delay to commence safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation and shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk," he said.
The president said this at the inauguration ceremony of 18th East Asia Summit at Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capital.
IORA Secretary General pays courtesy call on President Shahabuddin in Jakarta
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sheltered 1.2 million forcibly displaced people from Myanmar on humanitarian ground. Even in the 7th year of the crisis, there is no solution in sight whereas Bangladesh is pushed to the limits.
The president said Bangladesh wishes to enhance its relations with ASEAN and institutionalize it by becoming ASEAN's Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
"There are many sectors including trade, investment, trans-national security issues, climate change where ASEAN and Bangladesh can cooperate. If we get ASEAN's Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, there would be mutual benefits in many areas through increased economic cooperation, access to regional markets, strengthened regional integration, exchange of knowledge and best practices, enhanced regional security cooperation; and cultural and people-to-people exchanges," he added.
President Shahabuddin joins ASEAN summit opening ceremony in Jakarta
President Shahabuddin said this status would open up ample opportunities for both sides and promote Bangladesh's relations with ASEAN.
Saying that the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has evolved into an important regional forum on shared values and mutual cooperation, he said it has provided a platform for cooperation in six priority areas and two cross-cutting issues with possibilities for even more.
"The region — linked by commerce for centuries — is still at the center of global trade and investment flows. IORA can reap benefits from most of the emerging connectivity options and ASEAN is on top of this list," he added.
President Shahabuddin in Indonesia to attend ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit
He said he is elated to see the institutionalization of co-operation between ASEAN and IORA and warmly welcomed the newly signed Mol between them.
"I believe it will be an important mechanism to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation," he also said.
He mentioned that Bangladesh has made significant contributions in preparing the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific during its Chairship.
He also believed that IORA's engagement in the Indo-Pacific region would ensure a fair, equitable and sustainable trade and investment environment that would enhance economic growth and cooperation while building resilient regional and global value chains.
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a regional forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian and Oceanian regions, based on the ASEAN Plus Six mechanism. Membership expanded to 18 countries including Russia and the United States at the Sixth EAS in 2011. The first summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 14 December 2005.
Outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner calls on President
Outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh on Sunday paid a farewell call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.
President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
During the meeting, outgoing High Commissioner Imran Ahmed Siddiqui handed over a greeting letter from the President of Pakistan to President Shahabuddin.
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He expressed his gratitude to the President for providing all-out cooperation in fulfilling his tenure in Bangladesh.
The President thanked the outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan for his completing his assignments successfully in Bangladesh.
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President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam and Secretary (attachment) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were present.
Chief Justice calls on President Shahabuddin at Bangabahaban
Bangladesh’s relation with Saudi Arabia is very good: President Shahabuddin
Saudi Arabian Ambassador in Dhaka Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan on Sunday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.
President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters after the meeting.
The president described Bangladesh's relationship with Saudi Arabia is very good and important.
Shahabuddin thanked the Saudi government for facilitating the hajj process for Bangladeshis and launching e-visa.
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Noting that Saudi Arabia is the biggest destination for the export of Bangladesh's manpower, President Shahabuddin said Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia are playing an important role in the economic development of both countries.
The president put emphasis on increasing mutual communication and visit-exchange both at public and private levels to enhance trade investment between the two countries.
The Saudi ambassador said Saudi investments in different sectors, including electricity and energy, are also increasing gradually along with strengthening relations with Bangladesh.
After Kuwait, Bangladesh is the second country, where mobile Umrah Visa has been implemented, he added.
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The envoy also said many big companies in Saudi Arabia are showing interest in investing in Bangladesh.
President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, President's Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam were also present during the meeting.
President unveils plaque of Square Lifescience Limited
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday unveiled the plaque of "Square Lifescience Limited" at BSIC Industrial Area in Pabna.
On the second day of the president’s four-day visit to Pabna, he visited Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSIC) in the morning.
When the president reached there, he was welcomed by chairman of the Square Group Samuel S. Chowdhury. Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals Limited Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Square Toiletries Limited and Square Food and Beverage Limited and valiant freedom fighter Anjan Chowdhury were also present.
Later, the president visited the production area of Square Lifesciences Limited.