PM
PM congratulates Argentine president on winning World Cup
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday congratulated Argentine President Alberto Ángel Fernández on their victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
"On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and my own behalf, I have immense pleasure in conveying our heartfelt felicitations and warmest congratulations to you and the friendly people of the Argentine Republic on the spectacular victory of the Argentine football team in the FIFA World Cup 2022," she said in a letter to the Argentine President.
She also stated that the affection and love for football, particularly the Argentine football team, profoundly connects people of the two countries.
"The people of Bangladesh have demonstrated their admiration and love through the spontaneous celebration of winning the World Cup Football Championship of your national football team."
Read more: “Hearts of the people of Bangladesh and Argentina are dearly united by football”
Sheikh Hasina said that the unprecedented love and affection between the peoples of two football loving nations have paved the way for solid bilateral relations.
She expressed hope to further consolidate the relations by opening Missions in each other's capitals in the coming days.
Read more: Vamos Argentina, says Professor Yunus congratulating Messi's team on World Cup win
Thwart conspiracies to sustain national dev: PM asks the nation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the nation to tear the web of local and international conspiracies to continue the progress of Bangladesh further.
“On this Victory Day, being energized by the spirit of the Liberation War, let’s take a vow collectively that we will take the development journey of Bangladesh forward by breaking the web of all conspiracies,” she said.
The premier made the call in an address to the nation through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 7:30 pm on the eve of the Victory Day.
The V-Day, marking the victory in Bangladesh's nine-month War of Liberation against Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, will be celebrated on Friday.
She also called on the nation to fulfill the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by establishing a happy, prosperous non-communal Bangladesh.
Hasina said when the country is moving forward overcoming various adversities, a quarter that is against independence and development is trying to create anarchy. “See their past history. A part of them not only opposed the independence of Bangladesh, they killed people, being collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces. After independence, Bangabandhu banned their politics and brought war criminals to justice,” she said.
Read more: We uphold human rights in Bangladesh: PM Hasina
But BNP founder Ziaur Rahman rehabilitated them (anti-liberation elements) in politics after seizing the power illegally following the assassination of the Father of the Nation with his family on 15th August 1975. “Being rehabilitated, they again started the politics of killing and terrorism,” she added.
Pointing at BNP, the PM said another group born and bred from the cantonment in the pocket of a general and there are only blood stains on the hands of this party. Its founder Ziaur Rahman was directly involved in the assassination plot of the Father of the Nation.
Hasina warned that the descendants of the vultures of 1971 and the hyenas of 1975 are still active in this country.
“They hurt the country with teeth and claws whenever they get a chance,” she said, adding that they can’t accept that the common people remain in a good condition and the local and foreign conspirators become active.
“But, the people of Bangladesh have identified them. They (the people) can no longer be misled by conspiracies,” said the PM.
Had BNP-Jamaat been in power, such development won’t be possible:
Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League, said the anti-liberation forces were in power for 29 years after 1975 and they plundered the resources of the country.
She said the democratic trend has been continuing from 2009 to 2022 and the voting rights of people remain ensured. That is why today Bangladesh has got the status of a developing country.
“Had BNP-Jamaat alliance been in power (2009-2022), Bangladesh would never have made such progress. Could not be a developing country. Now, it is up to you, the people of the country, to choose what you want - a continuation of a dignified life or a life with the hardships to be inflicted by the mischief of BNP-Jamaat alliance?” she said.
The premier said the BNP top leader is convicted in orphanage money embezzlement case and another top leader is a fugitive and convicted in money laundering, 10-truck arms smuggling and the August 21 grenade attack cases. “Why would the general people go to vote for them?” she said.
“Losing faith in the people of the country, BNP-Jamaat has now hired some mercenaries to malign the country to foreigners. They are using smuggled money and defaming the country,” she said.
Focusing on the misrules of the BNP-Jamaat regime and the 2013-15 arson violence unleashed by them, Hasina said the people of Bangladesh rejected them in the 2008 election and the people did not vote for the BNP-Jamaat alliance in 2014 and 2018 elections as well. “Being rejected by the people, they are now engaged in conspiracies to come to power through an undemocratic way,” she said.
Read more: PM thanks JaPa for playing positive role in parliamentary democracy
Prices of daily essentials become normal:
Describing the government of Bangladesh Awami League as a people's government, Hasina said her government’s main aim is to work for the welfare of people and they never want people to suffer.
Due to economic reasons, the prices of daily necessities have increased. Now it largely started becoming normal. Inflation is also declining. “I want to assure you that we will adjust the price as soon as that of any commodity- including fuel-- drops in the world market,” she said.
She said the import-dependent countries fell in troubles with the rise of transport cost and the prices of commodities in the international markets, induced by the Ukraine-Russia war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions.
“Considering the interests of the common people, we are collecting and supplying the products we need – no matter wherever these are available in the world and whatever prices are,” she said.
The PM stressed the need for boosting agricultural production and renewed her call not to leave a single inch of arable land uncultivated in order to fight the ongoing crisis.
Citing that it is normal that a crisis may come, she said, “Do not be afraid of the crisis. With the help of people, we have successfully tackled the coronavirus pandemic. We will also deal with the current global recession, Inshallah. I want your cooperation for this.”
Reserve is sufficient for five-month import
Talking about the reserves of foreign currencies, the PM said now the country has a sufficient reserve of foreign currencies to meet the five-month import expenditures.
“Many people are making various fabricated comments about our foreign exchange reserves. It is enough if there is a reserve to cover only three-month import expenditure. But now we’ve a reserve that is sufficient to meet five-month import expenditure,” she said.
She also explained the reasons as to why the reserve has declined from US$ 48 billion after the Covid-19 period.
Don’t pay heed to rumours over bank money:
Sheikh Hasina said panic is being created by spreading rumours that there is no money in the banks.
“Don't pay heed to rumours unnecessarily. There is no shortage of money in banks. Don't invite your own danger by keeping your hard earned money at home. Everything of us --investment, remittance inflow and import-export situation-- remains normal,” she said.
Highlighting her government’s successes, Hasina said, “The country has reached a new height of socio-economic development in our last 14 years. Bangladesh has now graduated to the list of developing countries. The country now is self-sufficient in production of food grains.”
She said the poverty rate declined from 40 percent to 20 percent, and the per capita income increased from US$ 543 to US$ 2,824 and the literacy rate from 45 percent to 75 percent.
She said the government has recruited some 22,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses and other health workers since 2009.
The PM also focused on the development of other sectors including energy and connectivity, infrastructure, social safety net particularly food programmes for poor people, and agriculture.
On the occasion of Great Victory Day 2022, the prime minister extended her sincere greetings to all the citizens of Bangladesh living at home and abroad.
Bangladesh role model for development under PM Hasina's leadership: China
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said Bangladesh has become a role model for development studies across the globe under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an "extraordinary" female figure.
"As a gesture of cordial friendship, several megastructures built by China are named after Bangabandhu and Bangamata. Wherever I go, local people give me a thumbs-up for the Chinese contribution to Bangladesh's modernisation," he said.
Ambassador Jiming, who left Dhaka on Monday, in a farewell message said, "More than three years on, now I am filled with satisfaction by what my embassy and I have achieved with the assistance and support of all colleagues and friends."
He said their joint fight against the pandemic leaves the deepest impression as it touches the softest part of his heart.
Ambassador Jiming said both China and Bangladesh are fervent believers in development. "So, economic cooperation has become a major propeller of bilateral relations."
As of now, the stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to Bangladesh amounts to $2.93 billion, which has grown by nearly 40 percent over the past three years, he said.
Read more: Kishore Mahbubani in Dhaka: Geopolitical terrain gets trickier amid US-China contest
The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram is being built with sound progress, he added.
The envoy said Bangladesh is also at a crucial point in realising its dream of "Sonar Bangla."
"Though not easy, Team Bangladesh is taking the lead in the match. I feel so lucky to have witnessed this whole process as a top fan seated in the front row," he added.
"The final whistle has not yet been blown. Let's keep playing, cheer for each other, and win the game together."
Read more: China to work with IORA for global development: Envoy
PM hands over Begum Rokeya Padak to 5 women
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday handed over the Begum Rokeya Padak 2022 to five women for their outstanding contributions towards society, women's education and women empowerment.
Sheikh Hasina distributed the Padak at a programme in the city's Osmani Memorial Auditorium, marking the 142nd birth and 90th death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain.
The women and children affairs ministry arranged the event to celebrate Begum Rokeya Day 2022 and distribute Begum Rokeya Padak 2022.
Read more: Arun Kumar, Anwara Syed, Md Eunus win Geetanjali Sammanana Padak
Rahima Khatun from Faridpur received the award this year for her contribution to women's education, Professor Kamrun Nahar Begum (Advocate) from Chattogram for her contribution to the establishment of women's rights, Farida Yasmin from Khulna for her special contribution to women's socio-economic development, Dr Afroza Parveen from Narail for her contribution to the enlightenment of women through literature and culture, and Nasima Begum from Jhenaidah for her contribution to rural development.
Dr Afroza, on behalf of the recipients, shared her feelings on this occasion.
Each of the recipients received a gold medal, a cheque for Tk4 lakh, and a certificate of appreciation.
Read more: 5 personalities receive Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira chaired the event, while Women and Children Secretary Md Hasanuzzaman Kallol delivered the welcome speech.
Don’t allow arsonists, anti-liberation forces to assume power: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the people not to allow the arson terrorists and anti-liberation forces to return to power.
"The arson terrorists should not be allowed to come in power in the country anymore. The anti-liberation elements should not be allowed to come to office," she said.
The PM was addressing a joint meeting of Awami League and its associate bodies at the AL central office in the city's Bangabandhu Avenue through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Read more: 50 sued over torching, vandalizing vehicles in Ctg
Hasina, also the AL president, asked her party leaders to remain alert in every area so that they (BNP-Jamaat) cannot torture anyone.
Bitterly criticising BNP, she said that it does not suit BNP to talk about democracy as Ziaur Rahman had given curfew-democracy while Khaleda Zia gave a system of corruption in the country.
"We should not forget that Khaleda Zia has two virtues (skills) -- corruption and killing people," said Hasina.
Read more: Police kept the bombs in BNP office: Fakhrul
She said her government has transformed the country into a digital Bangladesh, but they (BNP-Jamaat) are carrying out propaganda against the government using the digital platforms.
Hasina said they would execute the sentences of convicted Tarique Rahman, bringing him back from the United Kingdom.
The PM asked her party men to remain alert so that the BNp and Jamaat cannot harm even a single person. The hand with which they come to set vehicles on fire will have to be burnt with the same fire, she said, adding that it is not the time to get tortured anymore.
Noting that AL men were tortured for 21 years from 1975 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2008,
She said that the hand with which they come to hit will have to be broken.
“The hand with which they come to set people on fire will have to be brunt with the same fire. It will have to make them feel about the pain of burn injuries,” she said.
She directed the AL men to depict the pictures of how the BNP-Jamaat had tortured the people.
PM opens 29 development projects, lays foundation stones of 4 others
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday inaugurated 29 development projects and laid the foundation stones of four others in Cox’s Bazar.
The total cost of the 29 projects which were inaugurated is about Tk 1392.37 crore.
Read: PM to open 28 development schemes in Cox’s Bazar
The development schemes opened by the Prime Minister include Bakkhali river flood control, drainage, irrigation and dredging project (1st Phase), dam reconstruction and protection work in the sea dike section at Shah Porirdwip, rehabilitation project of damaged polders in Cox's Bazar district, upgradation of link road-Laboni intersection road to a four-lane, improvement of Ramu-Fatekharkul-Maricha National Highway, and reconstruction and widening of Shah Porirdwip section from Hariyakhali.
Other development projects include 399-metre long MP & Ambassador Osman Sarwar Alam Chowdhury Bridge over Bankkhali River on Ramu Kalghar Bazar-Rajarkul UP road, six union land office buildings in the district and four upazila parishad complex buildings.
Read: Cox’s Bazar gears up for PM Hasina’s first public rally in five years
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of four development projects worth Tk 571.49 crore that include the construction of Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (2nd Phase), 153.25-metre jetty at Dhurung Ghat and 153.25-metre jetty at Akbar Boli Ghat on Dhurung GC Mirakhali Road under Kutubdia Upazila, jetty at Maheshkhali Gorakghata Ghat under Maheshkhali Upazila and rehabilitation Project of Polders along Naf River in Ukhia and Teknaf Upazilas to improve Bangladesh-Myanmar border security.
PM Sheikh Hasina declared as ‘Global Ambassador for Diabetes’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named as the "Global Ambassador for Diabetes" by the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) at the opening ceremony of the World Diabetes Congress 2022 held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Portugal Tarik Ahsan on behalf of the Prime Minster, received the certificate of the honorary title for ‘Global Ambassador for Diabetes’ from IDF president-elect Prof. Akhtar Hussain at the opening function on December 05, said a press release of PM’s press wing on Tuesday.
The ceremony was attended by IDF outgoing President Prof Andrew Boulton, other office bearers of IDF and participant doctors, health professionals and medical personnel.
The honorary title of Global Ambassador for Diabetes was conferred as recognition of her contribution to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.
The Prime Minister will act as the Global Ambassador for Diabetes to represent the voice of people living with diabetes worldwide for two years.
In his speech on the occasion, Ambassador Tarik said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a champion of people-centric development. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has become a role model for developing countries by achieving impressive socio-economic development through human development of the population, particularly in the areas of health, education and women empowerment, he said.
As an important element of human development, the health sector always received special attention from Hasina, he said.
Read more: PM hands over 1st UNESCO-Bangabandhu prize to MoTIV of Uganda
Hasina had earlier received various international awards and recognitions, including MDG Award, South-South Award, Vaccine Hero Award for her prudent leadership and glorious contribution to reach healthcare services to people's doorsteps.
In a video message played at the event, the PM thanked the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for the honour and regretted not being able to be present at the event in person.
She said in Bangladesh, more than 8.5 million people, including children live with diabetes and related co-morbidities, while the number is around 422 million worldwide.
Emphasizing the importance of changing dietary habits and raising public awareness, she said Bangladesh is giving due importance to diabetes prevention and control through community awareness and implementation of the pro-people health policy. Bangladesh offers free treatment to diabetes patients in public sector hospitals and started offering insulin for free as well, she added.
Read more: Hasina receives SDGs Progress Award
“On behalf of all diabetes patients and caregivers, I call upon the world leaders to bring an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. We must stop the international arms race and use the much-needed resources for our peoples’ health and education,” the PM said advocating for world peace in her video message.
PM's Dec 7 rally expected to be Cox's Bazar's 'biggest ever'
Awami League leaders and activists are eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's first public rally in Cox's Bazar in nearly six years, scheduled to be held on Wednesday (Dec 7).
Cox's Bazar is all set to welcome the AL chief amid festivity, expecting it as the biggest public rally ever.
The PMwill deliver her speech at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar on Dec 7 organised by District Awami League.
Awami League leaders said this at a press conference organised at the Stadium ground on Monday (December 5) afternoon.
Read more: PM inaugurates, lays foundation stones of 35 projects in Chattogram
Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, presidium member of Awami League, was the chief guest at the press conference organized on the arrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Cox's Bazar and the overall preparation of the district Awami League public meeting.
During her day-long visit, the premier will attend an international naval exercise on Inani Beach of Cox's Bazar's Ukhia.
The government has taken massive development schemes for Cox's Bazar which are now under implementation.
During her visit, PM Hasina will also inaugurate 28 development projects and lay the foundation stones of four others.
More projects may be added to the list of inaugurations and foundation stones, District Commissioner Md. Mamunur Rashid said.
Colourful arches and gates have been constructed on various roads of the town with the posters and banners of the Prime Minister.
Billboards, banners, balloons, festoons and posters welcoming the Prime Minister and the party chief have been hung in the city.
Read more: PM Hasina reaches CTG’s Polo Ground to address enormous rally
Don’t trust people who mislead, spread rumours: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said a vested quarter continues misleading people by spreading various rumours, but there is nothing for the people to be misguided.
“Today some words are being propagated in many ways and it will continue for many days. Many people can be misled. I would like to say there is nothing to be misguided,” she said.
The premier was addressing the graduation ceremony of National Defence Course-2022 and Armed Forces War Course-2022 at Sheikh Hasina Complex of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Mirpur Cantonment.
Hasina said it is unfortunate for Bangladesh that when the country advances to economic progress amid a peaceful environment, all people don’t like it.
Talking about the world economic crisis induced by the war and economic sanctions, she said her government has still been able to keep Bangladesh stable.
“A quarter continues misleading the people through saying many things and injecting fear among the people,” she said.
Read: No problem with movement, but don’t go for violence: PM Hasina warns BNP
The PM said her government has been able to raise the reserve of foreign currencies to $ 48 billion during the Covid-19 period from only $ 5 billion in 2009. Then the money from the reserve was spent to procure Covid-19 vaccines and testing kits, food and others, she added.
She said her government’s goal is always to develop Bangladesh socio-economically. “We’ll continue to make socio-economic development of Bangladesh keeping its people free from terrorism, militancy, terrorism, drug and corruption. We don’t want war with anyone,” she added.
Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman framed a foreign policy where he said friendship with all, malice towards none.
“We’ve friendly relations with every country. We’re marching forward. Because, we don’t want war, rather we want peace. We witnessed the consequences of the war. If there is any problem, we solve it through negotiation,” she continued.
In this context, she mentioned solutions to maritime disputes with neighbours in a peaceful way and implementation of land boundary agreement through discussions.
Read: ‘Why did Bangladesh not see development in 29 years?’ – PM Hasina asks
The PM stressed the need for attaining economic independence. “Unless we can attain economic self-reliance, we won’t be able to uphold our independence and its spirit. So, we’ve been working to accomplish the goal," she said.
She said today Bangladesh has got the status of a developing country thanks to the continuation of an uninterrupted democratic trend and her government’s special attention paid to socio-economic development.
She put emphasis on upholding the recognition of a developing nation.
The PM said the Armed Forces stand always beside the people in any disaster and trouble. They earned public trust and confidence inside the country. The armed forces and police are getting acclamation from the United Nations for playing their roles efficiently in the peacekeeping missions in foreign lands, she added.
The PM extended her sincere thanks to the armed forces for upholding the image of the country.
She also congratulated the fresh NDC and AFWC graduates on their successful completion of their respective courses.
Later, the prime minister attended the 19th joint governing body meeting of National Defence College (NDC) and Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) as the president of the joint governing body of both institutions there.
‘Pakistanis started killing intellectuals from Dec 10, 1971; now BNP wants to occupy Dhaka on Dec 10’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said BNP does not want an election, rather it wants someone to take over after ousting the government — who would finally put the party in power.
“They don’t want elections. They rather want something to come to power, ousting the government, which would install them in office — bringing them with ‘nagardola’ or ‘palki’. That is their expectation,” she said.
The premier was addressing a huge public rally, arranged by Chattogram City Unit of Awami League at the Polo Ground in the port city.
Sheikh Hasina, in her speech delivered from a 160ft boat-shaped stage, said BNP has two skills: vote-rigging and killing people. “They know if election is held, people would not vote for killers,” she said.
Read more: PM inaugurates, lays foundation stones of 35 projects in Chattogram
“They (BNP) don’t care about the people. If Awami League comes to power, we work for the people,” she added.
Referring to the arson attacks unleashed in 2013-2015 by BNP, the PM said one day Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman will have to answer to the people as to why they burnt and killed so many. “People will take account of it one day,” she said.
‘December 10 a favourite date for BNP’
Sheikh Hasina, also AL president, criticised BNP for choosing December 10 as the date for their final divisional rally.