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PM inaugurates 26 dev projects worth Tk 1,333 cr in Rajshahi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated 26 development projects in Rajshahi, worth around Tk 1,333 crore.
Of the 26, seven projects are for Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC).
The PM also laid foundation stones of six other development projects with an estimated cost of Tk 376.28 crore.
The prime minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones of the projects joining a mammoth public rally organised by Rajshahi city and district units of Awami League at the historic Madrasa Maidan.
Foundation stones were laid for Tk 24 crore Information Complex, Tk 8.35 crore Regional PSC Office Building, Tk 62 crore Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam Girls High School, Tk 53 crore Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Boys High School, Tk 162 crore BKSP Regional Training Centre, and Tk 66 crore Rajshahi WASA Building.
The implemented projects include a 58ft mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, built by Rajshahi City Corporation at the city’s C&B Crossing, at a cost of around Tk 5.03 crore.
Also read: PM set to address Rajshahi rally, huge turnout at venue
The city corporation has also implemented other projects including Sheikh Russel Shishu Park, Flyover on Mohanpur Railway Crossing, four-lane road and road divider with a separate lane for slow moving vehicles from Vadra Rail Crossing to Nawdapara bus terminal, four-lane road and road divider including a separate lane for slow-moving vehicles from Bilsimla railway crossing to City Haat and road widening, development from Kalpana Cinema Hall to Talaimary crossing and road carpeting, drain and footpath construction from Rentur Kharir Arat to Dhalur Mor via Hi-tech Park and road construction from the court to Shahartali Club.
Aimed at ushering in a new horizon in recreation, particularly for children, the Sheikh Russel Shishu Park on 2.14 acre in Chhotobangram area with an estimated cost of Tk 4.43 crore is nearing completion.
The Roads and Highway Department has constructed a highway from Puthia to Bagmara at a cost of Tk 116.83 crore.
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank has implemented upward extension work from the sixth floor to tenth floor of its head office at a cost of Tk 10.21 crore.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police as built its headquarters at a cost of Tk 20.08 crore.
Rajshahi National Heart Foundation Hospital has been established in Laxmipur area at a cost of Tk 14.46 crore.
A Technical Training Centre has been built at Mohanpur Upazila at a cost of Tk 22.18 crore.
Rajshahi Shishu Hospital has also been established at a cost of around Tk 22.90 crore.
Rajshahi Medical College has constructed its administrative building at costs of around Tk 15 crore.
A multi-storey Social Service Complex has been built in Rajshahi involving around Tk 12.78 crore.
A two-storey female hostel has been constructed on a six-storey foundation at Rajshahi Government Women's College for Tk 5.58 crore.
A five-storey academic building of Technical School and College has been built at Charghat costing around Tk 17.20 crore.
A multipurpose building has been constructed at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital at a cost of around Tk 8.96 crore. The Civil Surgeon’s Office has also been established at a cost of Tk 4.27 crore.
Bangladesh Water Development Board has been implementing two projects to protect the left banks from erosion of the Padma river in Charghat and Bagha upazilas involving around Tk 694.34 crore.
The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has been constructing two roads under its Rural Connectivity Improvement Project involving around Tk 43.96 crore.
A multipurpose auditorium has been constructed at Rajshahi PTI at a cost of Tk 8.92 crore.
The Upazila Muktijoddha Complex Building has been built in Rajshahi city at a cost of Tk 2.81 crore.
PM set to address Rajshahi rally, huge turnout at venue
Leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies have gathered at Rajshahi’s Madrasa Ground, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to address a public rally there.
Leaders and activists of Awami League have started to gather at the rally venue (Haji Muhammad Muhsin Government High School ground) since this morning and the ground was packed to the brim around 11 am.
The rally began at 11:50 am through recitation from the Holy Quran.
AL leaders and activists were seen joining the venue in separate processions and shouting different slogans.
Law enforcement agencies have undertaken several tiers of security measurers centering the rally.
PM Hasina started the Rajshahi tour by attending a parade of the Probationer Assistant Superintendents of Police (38th BCS Police Cadre) at Sarda Police Training Academy in the morning.
She also handed over awards to five assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) for their outstanding performance – achieving excellence in different fields in the one-year ASP Probationer training course.
Also read: PM to unveil 25 dev projects in Rajshahi on Sunday
The PM is scheduled to inaugurate 25 projects, involving Tk 1,317 crore. She will also lay foundation stones of six new development projects in Rajshahi city and district – to be constructed at a cost of Tk 376 crore – including the new Tathya Bhaban Complex.
Take service to people’s doorsteps, earn their confidence: PM to police
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked members of Bangladesh Police to take services to people’s doorsteps.
“The police services will have to reach the doorsteps of the masses, prioritizing the concept of ‘citizen services’ for modern times, so that police can earn public confidence,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing the parade of the 38th BCS Police Batch at Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi’s Sardah.
She said that police need to win public trust as cooperation from the people is essential when law enforcers go to tackle any disaster, or contain terrorism and for other work.
Sheikh Hasina asked the police to ensure that the people feel safe when seeking help during any danger. “Keeping that in mind, police should gain the confidence of the people with professionalism and sympathy,” she added.
Also read: PM to unveil 25 dev projects in Rajshahi on Sunday
The prime minister said that Bangladesh has graduated into a developing country and they would further turn it into a developed and prosperous country.
“We will develop this country further, upholding the spirit of the Liberation War, taking the benefits of independence to the doorsteps of people,” she said.
“You should perform your responsibilities accordingly. None would be able to drag Bangladesh back,” the PM added.
Noting that Bangladesh police have shown competency in containing drugs trade, corruption, cybercrimes and other organised crimes, the PM asked the young officers to work accordingly in order to take Bangladesh forward.
She extended her sincere thanks to the police for risking their lives to protect people and property from such violence and criminal activities.
“Bangladesh police have been playing a very commendable role in containing such bomb attacks, terrorism, militancy, and drugs trade with professionalism and competence,” she said.
The PM handed over awards to five assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) for their outstanding performance – achieving excellence in different fields in the one-year ASP Probationer training course.
Shakibul Alam Bhuiyan received the award of ‘Best Probationer’ while Jahangir Kabir got the award of ‘Best Academic Performer’. Russel Rana obtained the award of ‘Best shooter," Sajjadur Rahman won the award of the ‘Best Horsemanship’ and Shuvra Deb received the award of ‘Best In-Field Performer’ from the prime minister.
Earlier, Sheikh Hasina reviewed the parade, and received salute of the march-past of a smartly turned out contingents of the police from the saluting dais.
On her arrival at the police academy, the PM was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of Public Security Division Aminul Islam Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and Principal (Additional IG) of Bangladesh Police Academy Abu Hasan Muhammad Tarique.
PM postpones Scouts event for Bishwa Ijtema
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her pre-scheduled programme of Bangladesh Scouts, slated for Saturday in Gazipur, to allow smooth movement of devotees in Bishwa Ijtema.
“The Prime Minister’s pre-scheduled programme of Bangladesh Scouts in Gazipur has been postponed to ensure smooth movement of devotees in Bishwa Ijtema,” said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher.
The premier was scheduled to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific and 11th National Scout Jamboree on Saturday at the National Scout Training Centre, Mouchak, Gazipur.
But the second phase of Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest Muslim congregations of the world, began on early Friday on the bank of the Turag River in Tongi, on the outskirts of the capital.
Also read: 2nd phase Biswa Ijtema begins Friday
This phase of the 56th edition of Bishwa Ijtema will continue till Sunday.
The first phase of the Ijtema took place at the same venue on January 13-15 last.
Work collectively for a fair economic order: PM at Voice of South Summit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the world leaders to work collectively for a just and fair economic order as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict with sanctions and counter-sanctions have created havoc throughout the world.
“Taking current global economy into account, it is high time to work collectively for a just and fair economic order,” she said, addressing the inaugural leaders’ session of the ‘Voice of Global South Summit-2023’ through a virtual platform.
India is hosting the two-day virtual summit under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” by bringing together the countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.
Some 120 countries have been invited to participate in this virtual Summit. The outcomes of the two-day event will be channeled into the Indian’s G20 presidency.
Hasina said Bangladesh, a country of global South, welcomes India's vision as the President of G20 to ensure inclusive development under the theme, "One Earth, One Family, One Future".
“Let us work together to have a better future and a better world,” she said.
The Bangladesh PM said the recent Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia- Ukraine conflict with sanctions and counter-sanctions have created havoc world over.
“Global recession, crises of food, fuel and fertilizers have added to the rising impacts of climate change making peoples' life unbearable,” she said, adding that bold, concrete and concerted actions are required at the global level to face these challenges.
Hasina also highlighted before the G20 platform six important points for sustained economic growth and development of the Global South.
“First, global peace and stability must be maintained for the greater benefit of humanity. Second, need a new paradigm that will address inequality in a holistic manner in parallel with SDGs, Third, special financing needs of the most vulnerable countries, including LDCs, climate vulnerable countries, etc. must be met during their transition,” she said.
Also read: Govt committed to expanding techno-based police services: PM
Raising the 4th point, she asked to bridge the 'Digital Divides' to ensure equal opportunities for all, including women. “Take advantage of the 4th Industrial Revolution by investing in young population for which financing and technology transfer support is vital,” she added.
In the 5th point, PM Hasina said all human beings should have equal rights to lead decent life. “The global community must not forget ensuring return of the unfortunate Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals to Myanmar,” she said.
In her final point, she asked to strengthen South-South and Triangular cooperation to ensure global human development. “Here, support from partners, international financial institutions, private sectors, think-tanks, and other stakeholders are crucial,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina warmly congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government on assumption of G20 Presidency. “I deeply appreciate his strong commitment to make the G20 Platform more meaningful by consultative engagement on inclusive development,” she said.
She thanked the Indian government for inviting Bangladesh as a guest country to this important summit.
Focusing on the recent development of Bangladesh, the PM said the country has achieved rapid economic growth ensuring social justice for all. Bangladesh is acknowledged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
“We’ve reduced the poverty rate from 41.5pc to 20pc in the last 14 years. Our per capita has tripled in just a decade. Bangladesh has fulfilled all criterions for graduating from the LDC category to a developing country,” she said.
The PM said the IMF's latest report reveals Bangladesh as the 35th largest economy of the world in terms of nominal GDP.
She said Bangladesh is ranked as world's 5th best COVID resilient country, and South Asia's best performer.
Hasina said the country aspires to build 'Smart Bangladesh" with improved physical infrastructures as the foundation of a strong economy. “Our aspiration is to transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based country by 2041 and to build a prosperous and climate-resilient delta by 2100,” she added.
The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries --Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States-- and the European Union.
Also read: Pay production cost to get smooth supply of gas, electricity: PM Hasina tells industries
Far-right and far-left side with BNP to unseat govt: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday warned that all the extreme rightist and leftist groups are joining forces with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to try to oust her Awami League government, which has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the country and its people.
“Now they (BNP) are saying they will forge movement from 11 (January)…they got their as their companions the extreme leftists and rightists. All extremists are gathering in one place to topple us from power,” she said.
The premier was addressing a discussion marking the historic Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu organised by the Awami League at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC). Hasina, also the AL president, presided over the event.
On this day in 1972, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to the newly liberated Bangladesh via London and New Delhi after spending nine and a half months in a Pakistani jail.
Hasina said that her government is so strong that it won’t be easy at all for BNP and its extremist allies to oust it from power.
“Let me tell you one thing. The AL works for the people and their welfare. Don’t think it will fall down if one shakes it. Things are not that much easy,” she said.
On the other hand, she said, her party does know very well how to oust illegal power grabbers and voter riggers. “And we had proved that repeatedly.”
She said that taking advantages of digital transformation of the country BNP has hired people who are spreading slander against Awami League on the social media and trying to confuse the people.
“They spread panic over the December 10 (rally of BNP) beating drums and trumpets, but it finally went to Golapbag,” she said ridiculing the opposition party.
PM Hasina recalled that Khaleda Zia was compelled to cancel two elections - February 15, 1996 and January 6, 2006 - that took place under her government.
“People deposed them as they rigged people’s votes. They were ousted and rejected repeatedly by the people. How would they practice democracy? They and their party do not have any democracy in them,” she said.
Also read: Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu: PM pays tribute at Dhanmondi-32
She claimed that Awami League practices democracy within the party and also in the country.
“Transparent ballot boxes, voters’ lists with photos, ID cards and EVMs all have been introduced by us so that people could cast their votes freely,” she said.
Coming to power with people’s verdict, Hasina said, her party engaged all their strength for the development and welfare of the people.
“Advancement of AL will be continued. Inshallah, we will build Golden Bangladesh and Smart Bangladesh. This is our pledge to our Father (of the Nation),“ she said.
She also mentioned that supreme sacrifice of the Father of the Nation and millions of martyrs must not go in vain.
“It will not go in vain. People of Bangladesh will move across the world with their heads ever high,” she said.
The prime minister said that her party has developed the country following ideals and principles of Bangabandhu.
The government is advancing the country according to the AL election pledge and Bangladesh has already got the status of a developing country, she said.
Coming down heavily on Zia, Ershad and Khaleda governments, Hasina said that they had failed to develop the country.
Also read: Proposal was made to demolish Kamalapur Station for metro rail landing, and I opposed: PM
Elaborating the changed scenario of the country in the last 14 years, she said that the present generations cannot even imagine the condition of Bangladesh before 2009.
She said that those who were born 20 years ago and did not see 1975 and those who have no idea about the 1971 do not know how was Bangladesh during that time.
Saying that anti-liberation forces and the ghosts of 1971 had been in the state power for a long time, Hasina regretted that one of the killers of Bangabandhu became the army chief and the president of the country.
Not only that, the governments after the 1975 carnage distorted the history of country’s emergence, she said accusing them of narrating false history among the new generations.
Even, the freedom fighters could not tell about their identities, she regretted.
The PM said that after returning to power after 21 years, Awami League began working for the welfare of the country and its people.
Later, the Awami League government developed Bangladesh as a digital country and ensured basic rights of the people including their foods, cloths, housing and treatment, she added.
Hasina also elaborated lifelong struggles and sacrifices of the Father of the Nation for establishing an independent Bangladesh and bringing smile on faces of the people.
She said that the independence of the country was completed after the homecoming of the undisputed leader of the Nation Bangabandhu on January 10.
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader gave the welcome address at the programme where AL central committee members Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat, Advocate Tarana Halim, former Jahangirnagar Vice-Chancellor Farzana Islam, eminent actor Ramendu Majumder, Dhaka South unit AL Abu Ahammad Mannafi and Dhaka north unit AL general secretary SM Mannan Kochi also spoke.
AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap conducted the discussion.
Doing whatever is needed to ease pains despite war, pandemic: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said the Awami League government will lend all sorts of cooperation to lessen the sufferings of the people due to the economic recession emerging from the coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war.
“The Awami League government will do whatever is needed to ease the pain of the common people,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this while giving her introductory speech at the first joint meeting of the newly elected Awami League National Committee, Central Working Committee and Advisory Council.
She presided over the meeting that took place at the Tungipara Awami League office in Gopalganj district, the birthplace of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina said that the Awami League government, the party, its leaders and activists are always beside the distressed people.
Read: Stay alert against anarchy ahead of next election: PM Hasina to the Nation
“Our aim is to ensure a better life for the people of this country, and we will work tirelessly to materialise that aim,” she said.
She also said that Awami League and its leaders and activists are pledge-bound for that.
The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh is advancing towards socioeconomic development and changes are taking place in the socioeconomic status of the people of Bangladesh.
“We have been able to ensure food for people up to the grassroots level. We are providing homes for the homeless and landless people. No one will be homeless, landless and addressless in the land of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said.
She said that due to the coronavirus and the Ukraine-Russia war the whole world plunged into an economic recession.
“But by the grace of Almighty we have been able to continue the wheels of the economy till now in the country,” she said.
She briefly described various development activities of the government for overall advancement of the country as well as ensuring social safety net programmes.
Read: PM visits places reminiscent of Bangamata Fazilatunnesa in Khulna
The Prime Minister said that due to the war the government has to buy various items like edible oil, fuel, sugar, lentils, wheat and corn at higher prices to provide those to the poor, lower income people at fair prices.
She also mentioned that the government is providing various essential food items totally free to the people across the country.
“We are spending a huge amount of money in this regard just to lessen the burden of the common people whatever the price of those items in the world market,” she said.
She again urged all to utilise their arable lands to produce something no matter whatever the quantity is.
“Many countries are suffering from food crisis, many countries want to procure food items from us, we can also provide the food if we can utilise our lands properly,” she said.In this connection she said that the Awami League government will lend all kinds of support to produce foods in the country.
The prime minister visited Puber Beel under Patgati Union in the morning to witness how vegetables and other crops are being cultivated on floating beds where she once again asked the countrymen to cultivate all the fallow lands.
Hasina was elected President of Bangladesh Awami League for the 10th consecutive term, while Obaidul Qader was re-elected as general secretary for the third time in the 22nd National Council held on December 24 in Dhaka.
2022: A year of setting set of milestones for Bangladesh, says Joy
2022 was a year of setting a set of milestones for the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ICT Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy said Saturday while wishing everyone a happy new year.
In a video, posted on his verified Facebook page, Joy also placed a resolve to make "2023 full of new accomplishments under the leadership" of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The video incorporated a list of the biggest achievements of Bangladesh, including the Padma Bridge, metro rail service, and new power plants. Also, it showed the inauguration of 100 bridges recently and roads stretching over 2000km opened to traffic.
Amid global headwinds throughout 2022, Bangladesh saw some of its "remarkable" infrastructure undertaking becoming operational.
Read more: Joy greets new era of Metrorail
Students to get free textbooks despite austerity measures amid global crisis: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said although the government has imposed some austerity measures to save public money amid global crisis due to Coronavirus and Ukraine-Russia War, but it did not compromise on printing free textbooks books for children.
“…we did not forget children’s issues, we did not compromise on printing their textbooks, yes, we are trying to save money from other sectors (imposing austerity measures), but we’ve given special attention to printing their (children) books (textbooks),” she said.
The Prime Minister came up with the remarks while formally inaugurating the free textbooks distribution programme at her office for 2023.
She said due to the Coronavirus and Ukraine- Russia war prices of everything have gone up that forced the government to take some austerity measures in public expenditure, but it did not impose austerity in printing textbooks for children and distributing those on the first day of the new year.
She mentioned that the government has defied all obstacles including coronavirus, Ukraine-Russia war and price hike in all commodities.
Sheikh Hasina said that to make ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041 the children will be provided with all facilities as they are the driving force in attaining the goal.
“We will grow our children in such a way so that they could cope in the coming days which will be technology driven and make them prepared to become skilled manpower for the upcoming fourth Industrial Revolution,” she said.
She urged all to give special attention to flourish the hidden talents of children through nourishing their curiosities.
“Keeping our eyes towards that we have to build them as worthy citizens of the country for Smart Bangladesh by 2041,” she said.
The Prime Minister said that prime aim of the government is to create technically and technologically skilled manpower through providing proper education.
“Our full population will be technologically smart, they will not lag behind,” she said.
She said if the children of the country can be built up with sincerity then there will be no force in the world that can stop the development and advancement of the country.
The Prime Minister said that from the time of Coronavirus outbreak till now, children are studying at homes as the government has taken initiative “my school is in my house” through television.“Academic programmes have been conducted across Bangladesh through Sangsad TV. These have been run through BTV too. I think Sangsad TV can always be used by the Ministry of Education,” she said.
She also revealed that the government has a plan to launch a separate terrestrial TV channel for education.
Also Read: PM opens distribution of free textbooks
Sheikh Hasina said those who came to power after 1975 did not take any measures to free the people of this country from illiteracy.
In 1996, Awami League formed government and framed the education commission again, she said.She added that they started implementing a project to increase the literacy rate and learning for aged people was also incorporated in it.
She said education is the biggest tool to keep people free from poverty. “So, we took new steps to educate the entire nation and we constituted a new Education Commission.”But, the Awami League government could not implement its 5 years tenure ended before implementation, she added.
After BNP-Jamaat came to power in 2001, she said, they pushed the country back into darkness and this is the reality.
“In the 2008 election, people voted for boat, we formed the government again. Since then we have again set target how we will free the people of this country from illiteracy and since 2010 we have started distributing free textbooks,” she added.
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md. Zakir Hossen and Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury also spoke at the programme.
PM opens distribution of free textbooks
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (December 31, 2022) inaugurated the distribution of free textbooks among students of pre-primary, primary and secondary levels for the academic year 2023.
The Prime Minister opened the textbooks distribution programme at a ceremony at her office through handing over books to students of primary and secondary levels this morning.
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Jakir Hossain, Deputy Minister for Primary and Mass Education Barrister Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel were present.
Also read: PM opens distribution of free textbooks among students
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education will celebrate “National Textbook Festival” across the country tomorrow (January 01, 2023).
The Ministries have taken necessary steps to distribute nearly 33.91 crore new textbooks among 4.09 crore students this year.
The Awami League government has so far distributed over 434.45 free textbooks among students up to secondary levels across the country since 2010.
Read More: Students of four classes to receive new curriculum books on trial basis: Dipu Moni