PM
Bangladesh will one day play in World Cup football: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the young players of the country to concentrate on their sports sincerely so that in the near future Bangladesh can clinch the football World Cup.
“I hope that gradually our players will play in the World Cup, for that you have to prepare yourselves. You will be our golden boys. We will clinch the World Cup,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing the prize giving ceremony of the grand finals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman National Gold Cup Football Tournament Boys U-17 and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib National Gold Cup Football Tournament Girls' U-17 at Bangladesh Army Stadium.
She said that through sports body and mind remain fit and concentration does not get diverted.
“The more you practice sports the more you will attain excellence. So I will tell you to play with utmost sincerity,” she said.
Read more: PM Hasina buys Dhaka's first metro rail ticket to become its first passenger
Briefly describing various development activities for upgrading sports of the country, she said that works to set up mini stadium in every upazila have been launched to ensure sports facilities in every area across the country.
She also said that the government has taken steps to flourish the domestic sports of the country.
She mentioned that some 56 stadiums so far have been constructed at district level.
She said the government has plan to establish swimming pool, shooting range, sports complex and indoor stadium in every district.
Read more: Won't allow anyone to play with fate of people: PM
“We will establish BKSP in all eight divisions for ensuring better sportspersons in the country,” she said.
She said that ‘Sports for all’ is the aim of the government. “Taking that aim in our consideration we are working tirelessly.”
The PM said that some 110,552 players have joined in the tournament and this is huge.
“Talented 40 boys and 40 girls from this tournament will get three months intensive training in the BKSP. Besides, we are taking steps to provide better training through sending players to abroad.”
State Minister of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel and Secretary of the Ministry of Youth & Sports Mesbah Uddin also spoke at the programme.
The prime minister also enjoyed the final match of the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib National Gold Cup Football Tournament Girls' U-17 between Rangpur Division and Khulna Division.
Sylhet Division became champions in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman National Gold Cup Football Tournament Boys U-17 while Barishal Division runners-up.
Rangpur Division clinched the title of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib National Gold Cup Football Tournament Girls' U-17 while Khulna Division was the runners-up.
Hasina distributed prizes and medals among the champions and the runners-up teams as well as the best performers and the highest scorers in the two tournaments after the grand finals.
Besides, she conferred medals to the best goalkeepers of the tournaments and the best players of the grand finals.
Metro rail is pride of Bangladesh: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said through metro rail the Awami League government added another feather of pride to the crown of Bangladesh’s people.
“We have added another feather of pride to the crown of Bangladesh’s people today. Another feather added to the crown of the development of Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister said this at a programme marking the inauguration of the country’s first metro rail at Uttara sector-15 playground.
She thanked the people of the country for giving the AL government the opportunity to serve them and the country,
“Through casting votes in favour of boat you have given chance to Awami League to serve you. For that I am expressing my gratitude to all people and voters,” she said.
She mentioned that with the inauguration of metro rail technologically Bangladesh people touched four milestones.
Firstly, metro rail itself is a milestone, secondly the country enters into the era of electric train.
“Thirdly, metro rail will be operated remotely using digital system. As a result this will be used to implement our pledge to establish the smart Bangladesh, and that means it added a new dimension,” she said.
Fourthly, she said, Bangladesh enters into the era of speedy train.
“The highest speed of this metro rail will be 110 kilometres per hour,” she added.
Hasina said that in the election pledge AL declared to take various kinds of steps to make Dhaka city free from traffic congestion.
“We have taken six metro rail lines which will be implemented by 2030. I think that after implementing all these metro rails skill and eligibility of the people of Bangladesh will be increased along their scopes for employment apart of contributing to the GDP.”
She said that metro rail is environment friendly and it will not cause any harm to the environment.
Read: PM opens country’s first ever metro rail service
Pointing to increasing number of traffic congestion in the country, the PM said that the purchasing capacity of the people is increased, economical capability of the people has increased.
“The number of personal vehicle using people has increased excessively. Because the economical capability of the people has increased,” she said.
The premier said that the metro rail would help reduce the city's traffic jam significantly.
She mentioned that special measures have been taken for the differently abled people including the persons with physical disabilities so they can easily travel by the metro rail.
She also said that a separate compartment has been introduced for the women.
Hasina said the freedom fighters can travel by the metro rail free of cost.
She said that the government has taken measures to develop efficient work force to operate the metro rail shunning the dependency on foreigners.
“Employment for around 12000 engineers would be made in the metro rail project,” she said.
PM seeks cooperation from Turkey in defence sector
Government-sponsored 100 economic zones in Bangladesh are attracting more Turkish investment to come with their new investments, said outgoing Turkish ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan on Tuesday.
He came up with the remark while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the morning on Tuesday.
PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the meeting.
He said that the Turkish Ambassador mentioned that already two companies of his country invested $850 million this year in the economic zones.
“The unprecedented infrastructural development of Bangladesh, especially the establishment of 100 economic zones, is attracting Turkish investors in Bangladesh,” the envoy was quoted as saying by Nazrul.
The Prime Minister requested the outgoing ambassador to encourage more Turkish investment in Bangladesh to further cement the excellent bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
“We have historical and cultural ties,” she said.
She also said that both countries could establish cooperation in the defence sector apart from economic and social cooperation.
She emphasises on holding the Joint Economic Commission meeting in Bangladesh to hold dialogue about the enhancement of business and trade between the two countries.
The last Commission meeting was held in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2019.
The Turkish envoy mentioned that his country is interested to cooperate in the defence sector.
The Prime Minister requested Turkey to put pressure on Myanmar for taking back Rohingya as more than 1 million Rohingya have become a serious burden for Bangladesh.
In reply, the ambassador assured the PM of his country’s continuous support.
Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting.
Hasina said Bangladesh wants more Turkish cooperation including in investment and business areas to face the challenges ahead as the country is in the process of graduating from the LDC status in 2026.
The envoy sought a suitable place in Bangladesh for establishing a super specialised hospital.
In response, the Prime Minister said it could be in Purbachal or somewhere near the Padma Bridge to ensure improved health care services for the people of the country’s southern region.
The Turkish Ambassador highly praised the idea of the Prime Minister on establishing a Smart Bangladesh.
He said that Turkey will extend its cooperation in this regard, and the idea will also be subscribed in Turkey.
He further said that there are more areas like tourism and education where cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkey could be further expanded.
Turan hoped that Hasina will form the government again after being re-elected in the next general election.
Won't allow anyone to play with fate of people: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said her government would not allow anyone to play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of the country anymore.
“It is our only goal so that none can play ducks and drakes with the fortune of the people of this country,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, was addressing a meeting of her party’s presidium committee at her official residence Ganobhaban in the city.
She said the people of Bangladesh once had to suffer a lot. “But they won’t need to suffer any in future. My only goal is to ensure a decent, improved and prosperous life for them. We want to do this,” she said.
Talking about the AL’s new committee formed through its recent national council, she said the members of the committee will be elected against the vacant posts as per the party’s charter.
Describing Awami League as a strong organisation, the AL chief said her government has successfully tackled any disaster and troubles including terrorism, militancy, pandemic and other problems as there is a strong organisation, it’s every leader and activist is active and stands beside the people.
She asked her party men to keep in mind that this organisation, Awami League, is a great strength for them.
“If the party remains strong as well as the public trust and confidence can be gained, it isn't a very tough job to govern the country and make the development of the country,” she said.
The PM said the people were exploited and tortured as well as deprived of knowing the true history of the Liberation War and the country including the historic 7th March speech during the period of 1975-1996.
She said the people had been able to know true history only when AL came in power. The people were kept in the dark regarding invaluable assets like historic 7th March speech, she added.
“It is the Awami League that showed (the nation) the way of light. Today's development, whatever the country achieved, came through with the hands of Awami League during the periods of 1996-2001 and 2009-2022,” she said.
The premier said her government has ensured five basic rights of the people, which are stated in the constitution.
She said her government made a massive infrastructural development in the last 14 years, including construction of Padma Bridge, implementation of metro-rail project and Karnaphuli tunnel. Besides, Bangladesh could attain food autarky, saw massive development in education and health sectors in the time, she added.
Read more: Anti-liberation forces and killers of Bangabandhu are always trying to make Bangladesh a ‘failed state’: PM to AL activists
Noting that once Bangladesh was neglected in the international arena, Sheikh Hasina said now Bangladesh gets dignity everywhere in the world as the Awami League government did a massive development spree for the country.
“We’ve done huge works for the development of the country after forming the government. Whatever we work, we do in very planned ways,” she said.
Read more: Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia turned Bangladesh into a ‘nation of beggars’: PM
Hasina’s courage, sincerity, strong willingness helped implement metro rail: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has credited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s courage, sincerity and strong willingness for achieving a number of milestones, including the metro rail project.
“It will be a historic moment for us. It’s a matter of pride and joy for us. It has been possible for our leader Sheikh Hasina’s courage, strong willingness and sincerity,” he told the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the much-awaited first-ever elevated metro rail on December 28 for commercial operation.
Initially, some 10-set trains with six coaches will run from Uttara to Agargaon.
Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail launch: From ticketing to seating – things to know
“I tell you. There had been various kinds of conspiracies (to halt the implementation of mega projects – the Padma Bridge and metro rail),” Momen said.
He thanked Japan saying: “The country helped Bangladesh despite all the conspiracies and they (Japanese people) were sincere in their work. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic they kept working.”
Momen said the government remains grateful to Japan for their uninterrupted support despite the Holey Artisan attack that left over 20 people, including Japanese citizens, dead.
“We have created another history – the tunnel beneath the River Karnaphuli. “These (the Padma Bridge, tunnel, and metro rail) are the milestones of Bangladesh,” Momen said.
Read more: PM to open 1st phase of metro rail on December 28: Quader
Appreciating Hasina’s leadership and stability in the country, the foreign minister said if someone really wants to do something, they will find a way to do it, even if there are things that make it hard to do. “Good leadership and a stable government bring benefits.”
Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia turned Bangladesh into a ‘nation of beggars’: PM
Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia turned Bangladesh into a “nation of beggars” after 1975, PM Sheikh Hasina said today.
Sheikh Hasina said this during her closing remarks while exchanging greetings with party leaders and activists at Ganabhaban after she was reelected AL President for the 10th consecutive term.
When AL came to power, Bangladesh was free of “monga” (famine-like situation), she said. “Today we have achieved self-sufficiency in food production.”
Sheikh Hasina said Awami League is an organization formed by the hands of the Father of the Nation and the party was born through movements for establishing rights of the people. AL must continue that tradition, she told party leaders and activists.
Read more: Anti-liberation forces and killers of Bangabandhu are always trying to make Bangladesh a ‘failed state’: PM to AL activists
The AL chief asked her party's affluent members to come forward in helping the dedicated but insolvent workers in their respective areas.
She said there are many insolvent activists in AL who are dedicated to politics, even if it means selling off their ancestral land, but never desired anything.
Sheikh Hasina said many, including Ayub Khan, Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia, wanted to destroy AL but could not as the party has so many dedicated activists.
Talking about the global economic downturn, she said her government is trying its best to continue keeping the economy vibrant and is exercising austerity in undertaking and implementing development projects.
"We're putting importance on the projects which are very essential. And we are completing the implementation of the projects quickly which would ensure benefits for the people," she said.
Read more: Accepted leadership of the party considering the volatile global economy: PM Hasina
The premier said now her government's goal is to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country — turning it into 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041.
She said every community up to the grassroots level of the country would turn into a smart community by using digital devices and online platforms.
"Everyone will be adept at using computers and technology," said the PM, adding that smart and digital devices will be used in every sector including economic activities, healthcare services, education and agriculture.
AL leaders, activists must remain united to resist conspiracies: PM at party’s nat’l council
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked party leaders and activists to remain united in order to resist conspiracies and advance the country towards prosperity.
“There will be blows and conspiracies, but AL leaders and activists will remain united and move forward facing adversity,” she said.
The ruling party chief was delivering her inaugural speech at the 22nd national council of the country's oldest political party — aiming to elect new leadership.
Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the council by hoisting the national flag at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan.
The theme of this year's council is “Development journey under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina with the determination to build a developed, prosperous, and smart Bangladesh of Bangabandhu’s dream”.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated that Bangladesh will never move back.
“InshAllah we will materialize the dreams of the Father of the Nation,” she said.
She said that the economy is heading in the right direction.
“Only AL can advance a country and develop it,” she added.
Also read: Stop provoking war: PM makes call to world leaders from AL’s nat’l council
Stop provoking war: PM makes call to world leaders from AL’s nat’l council
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today made a call to world leaders not to provoke Ukraine-Russia war and end it immediately.
“I will urge the world leaders, stop the Ukraine-Russia war, stop provoking them. We want peace,” she said.
The ruling party chief was delivering her inaugural speech at the 22nd national council of the country’s oldest political party, aiming to elect new leadership.
The theme of this year's council is “Development journey under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina with the determination to build a developed, prosperous, and smart Bangladesh of Bangabandhu’s dream”.
Read: All religious faiths in Bangladesh enjoy their rights equally: PM
Sheikh Hasina said that all countries are independent and all have the right to act independently.
Saying that Bangladesh does not want war, she added that the country also does not want sanctions.
“We do not want war, we do not want sanctions… war causes suffering for humanity,” she added.
In this regard she recalled the experience during the Liberation War in 1971.
“We know the adversity of war, we experienced that in 1971,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that women are affected the most during wars and children are also negatively impacted.
“Their (women and children) human rights are violated, children are suffering from the cold winter… We do not want war,” she said.
Read: Make sure people don’t suffer amid global crisis: PM Hasina urges local representatives
The PM said that Bangladesh was just coming out from the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This war is just demolishing all our advancements,” she said.
PM castigates section of intellectuals
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has come down heavily on a section of the country’s intellectuals, saying elections bring out their conspiratorial side.
"Whenever election comes, their conspiracies increase," the PM said.
The premier said this while giving her introductory speech at Thursday’s Awami League Central Working Committee meeting, held at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She said that the country’s development under her government will be seen by visionaries, while those who are blind will not see anything.
"We have some intellectuals who are intellectually handicapped - I am saying that the intellectuals are disabled because they don't see any development and always think about how to remove Awami League from power," she said.
She questioned why the intellectuals are busy with plotting against AL, before answering herself:
"The only reason is that when there is an unusual situation or martial law, these people get some attention," she said, before branding them ‘worthless’ when democratic government prevails.
That, she said, is why the said individuals feel ‘very disappointed’ when the country is governed democratically.
She advised such intellectuals to open their eyes and suggest ways to do better work to the government, and expend their knowledge and learning for the welfare of the country as a whole.
The prime minister struck a confident note, saying Awami League will retain power at the next general election with the trust and confidence of the people.
She mentioned that Awami League always does politics for the welfare of the people, and gains power by winning their hearts.
Bangabandhu’s daughter said her party never wants any undemocratic force to come to power in the country and hinder its democracy.
She questioned how BNP that got only 30 seats in the 2008 general elections, dreams of gaining power again with the people's vote.
"BNP is not doing anything better for the country through which it can return to power again," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said since its inception, the BNP had played ducks and drakes with the people's voting rights.
In this regard, she held up the party’s founder Ziaur Rahman's ‘farcical’ yes/no vote (referendum) and parliamentary election to cling to power, which she said he grabbed ‘illegally after violating the country's constitution’.
Referring to the 15 February 1996 election, the PM said Khaleda Zia also held a farcical election in which no political parties took part.
She mentioned that the people did not accept Khaleda Zia for rigging elections, and they compelled her to step down in just six weeks.
Pointing out killing, disappearance and arson terrorism, Sheikh Hasina said Zia had ‘introduced’ killings and disappearances in the country, while Khaleda Zia is the ‘pioneer of arson terrorism’.
Recalling the sufferers of such acts, Hasina questioned how any humane person in good conscience could support the perpetrators.
The PM in her speech also elaborated on success stories and achievements of her government, and said the country witnesses the desired level of development under AL only.
Read more: Bangladesh must not return to lawlessness again: PM Hasina
All religious faiths in Bangladesh enjoy their rights equally: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the government has been working for the welfare of the people of all religious faiths living in the country.
“We’ve been establishing Bangladesh as a non-communal country. Here all people have equal rights,” she said.
The Prime Minister was exchanging Xmas greetings with the leaders of Christian community, joining a function virtually in Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council in the city’s Farmgate area from her office.
She greeted all the people of the Christian community of the country on the occasion of the Christmas to be celebrated on Sunday.
Read: Make sure people don’t suffer amid global crisis: PM Hasina urges local representatives
Hasina said Bangladesh is not a country of the people from a single religious faith rather it is a land of the people of all religions. “We work for the wellbeing of all religious faiths,” she said.
She said her government has always stood by all the people during any problem. “We believe that we’ve to work for all people in the country,” she said.
In this context, she mentioned the measures taken by the Awami League government for the welfare of the transgender community and other disadvantaged communities.
“We’ve secured their (Hijra people) rights in the Constitution,” she said, adding that the Islam as a religion has also ensured the rights of transgender people.
She said the transgender people are being recognised as ‘third gender’ in each case such as jobs, in all forms or identity cards. “We’ve given their recognition,” she added.
The PM said if she sees any particular community are lagging behind, she would bring them forward and would ensure education, jobs, livelihood and other facilities for them. “This is our Bangladesh of non-communal spirit. We want to build it,” she said.
Read: 100 highways opened today are gifts for the nation in month of victory: PM
Referring to the mosque-based education, she said the Awami League government has arranged the same education based on Hindu temples, churches and other places of worship.
“I want all of you to live in this country with your own rights… Bangabandhu had made this country independent, and all people would enjoy its benefits,” said the PM.