PM
Myanmar says overwhelming support for AL reflects people’s trust in PM Hasina, her leadership
Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Myanmar has said the overwhelming support for the Awami League clearly reflects the trust reposed by the people of Bangladesh in PM Hasina and the strong approval of her leadership over the past decade.
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“I look forward to continue working closely with you and the Government of Bangladesh to further strengthen the existing friendly ties and deepen bilateral cooperation for the mutual interests and advancement of livelihoods of our two peoples in the coming years,” said Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
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On behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and on his own behalf, the Myanmar Senior General extended warmest congratulations to PM Hasina on the sweeping victory of the Awami League in the recent general election.
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In his message to PM Hasina, he also wished for her well-being, personal happiness as well as for all success in her future endeavours.
Bangladesh's election has been most free and fair held after 1975: PM Hasina
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Sunday's parliamentary election will be written in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh.
"A free, fair, neutral and participatory election was held with spontaneous participation of the people," she said.
Hasina made the remarks when the Awami League leaders and activists gathered at her official residence Ganabhaban to greet her on the party's landslide victory on January 7 12th parliamentary election.
The victory has paved the way for her to become the prime minister for the fourth consecutive term and overall fifth term in office.
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Hasina thanked the Election Commission for holding a wonderful election with support from law enforcement forces, the armed forces and other people involved in it.
She mentioned that BNP cannot survive in Bangladesh as they follow the advice of their foreign masters.
"BNP was out to foil the national election. They have some masters. They don't know the people of Bangladesh. It will not be possible to survive in Bangladesh by following the advice of these masters," she said.
In this connection she said that Awami League has no foreign masters as the people are their strength.
She mentioned that BNP-Jamaat clique hatched many conspiracies to foil the election.
She said this election has been the most free, fair and disciplined, participatory and competitive of all the polls held after the 1975.
"We have proved that the election can be held in a free and fair manner under the Awami League government," she said.
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The prime minister asked the party leaders and workers to work in unison forgetting everything for the welfare of the people of the country and its people.
The AL President said many of the party nominated candidate have been defeated by independent candidates despite they were confident of their win.
She said that conspiracies are being hatched to cash in on the conflicts among the party men.
"So, work shoulder to shoulder for the welfare of the country and its people forgetting everything by obeying the people's mandate," she said.
Hasina said that the non-participation of some political parties in the election doesn't matter as the participation of the masses matters.
"If the people don't want the Awami League in power, we will show that by their mandate," she said.
In this connection, she recalled that the mass people had overthrown BNP government within one and a half months as they assumed power through rigging in February 15, 1996 election.
"The people of Bangladesh never accept any injustice," she said.
Younger daughter of the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and sister of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Rehana presented a flower bouquet to her elder sister.
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General Secretary of the AL Obaidul Quader also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the central executive body of the AL led by its general secretary greeted prime minister and the party president Sheikh Hasina with a flower bouquet.
Cast votes on January 7 to foil BNP-Jamaat arsonists: PM Hasina at Kalabagan rally
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged the people to give a befitting reply to arson violence, BNP and Jamaat by casting their votes in the January-7 general election.
“Don’t only cast your vote, but also protect your vote. Give a befitting reply to arson violence, militant and terrorist BNP and Jamaat,” she said.
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The AL chief said this while addressing an election rally, arranged jointly by AL Dhaka City South and North units at Kalabagan Krirachakro Field in the city’s Dhanmondi area.
She asked the people of Bangladesh to stay vigilant always against arsonists BNP and Jamaat as they want to destroy the country.
“BNP and Jamaat want to snatch your votes in the upcoming election by resorting to arson violence,” she said.
The PM urged the voters to go to polling stations and cast their votes in the morning on January 7 so that none can snatch away their voting rights and election.
Alleging that BNP is habituated to rig votes, she said the party is now boycotting the election as it can’t steal votes.
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“They don’t want to run in the election, rather want to spoil election…..But they don’t have so much courage to stop the election. They won’t be able to do so,” she went on.
She referred to the BNP’s poor performance in the 2008 election, Hasina said many people had earlier thought that BNP is a very strong party and would secure more seats or equal to Awami League’s in that election.
"But in reality, the people rejected them for their looting, militancy, terrorism and rise of Bangla Bhai and corruption,” she said.
The AL president said BNP boycotted the 2014 election and did poorly in the 2018 election due to its nomination business.
“We heard he (Tarique) makes money by playing casino that means gambling,” she said, alleging that he uses the money to create anarchy and arson violence again in Bangladesh.
PM Hasina to address election rally in Faridpur Tuesday
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will address an election rally in Faridpur town on Tuesday.
Local administration has taken all necessary preparations as the AL chief is scheduled to address the rally on Government Rajendra College premises in Faridpur district town at 3 pm.
A temporary podium was made at the east side of the Government Rajendra College field.
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A festive mood has been prevailing among the leaders and activists of Awami League ahead of the party chief’s visit, said Shah Md Ishtiaque Arif, general secretary of Faridpur district unit AL.
Security has been beefed up in the town centering the rally.
Separate sitting arrangements were made for male and female supporters while a cleanness drive was conducted in the district town, said the AL leader.
Besides, roadside trees and the rally venue have been painted.
There will be a gathering of around one lakh people, Ishtiaque hopes.
President of district unit AL and also boat candidate for Faridpur-3 constituency Shamim Haque will preside over the rally.
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The AL-backed candidate from three other constituencies in Faridpur will also be present there.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Faridpur on March 29, 2017 and addressed a public rally at the same venue.
Make January election festive, competitive: PM Hasina at campaign rallies
Bangladesh Awami League (AL) Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked her party members to work for turning the upcoming general election festive and competitive in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Since various types of local and international conspiracies against the election are there this time, it should be held amid a peaceful environment,” she said.
The AL president, who is also the prime ministrr, was addressing election rallies in six districts –Sherpur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Chandpur, Narsingdi and Bandarban—through a virtual platform from AL Tejgaon Office here in the capital.
She repeated her designation of opposition BNP as a terrorist party and Jamaat as a party of war criminals.
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BNP and Jamaat are both boycotting the January 7 vote for fear of rigging.
The PM said she doest not believe that the election won’t be a participatory one without the participation of BNP and Jamaat.
“The election will be participatory, if the people and voters come out and participate in the polls,” said Hasina.
She said the terrorist party, BNP, doesn’t believe in election and the party can’t do anything to ensure the welfare of the country. “They (BNP) can give nothing other than killing people and corruption,” she went on.
The AL chief said this time the election was opened (particularly for its rival candidates) so that candidates of boat symbols and other symbols can run in the polls.
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“Here I would like to request you to maintain a peaceful environment and seek votes for respective symbols equally. The people will vote for the candidate of their choice,” she said.
Citing that AL declared its Election Manifesto 2024 on Wednesday last, she asked her party members to read the manifesto and seek the votes for the ‘boat’ symbol, raising the targets set in the manifesto before the people.
She said many plots are on regarding this election. The work of BNP is only to set offices on fire and foil the election.
The PM said Bangladesh has witnessed a massive development since an elected, democratic government has been in power consecutively since 2009 to 2023. But the previous government couldn’t take the country even a single step forward, rather they took the country backward.
“Today we’ll have to continue the progress Bangladesh has achieved. If only the Awami League comes to power, it can uphold this pace of progress,” she said.
PM Hasina sought votes for the “boat,” AL’s electoral symbol.
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“If AL stays in power, the emancipation of all the people of this country including the poor would come and this country would be developed and prosperous,” she said.
The AL president asked her party members to go for a door-to-door campaign to seek their votes for the ‘boat’ symbol so that they can give her party scope again to serve them.
The rallies were held simultaneously in Sherpur Shahid Daroga Ali Pauro Park, Jamalpur Zila School Field, Kishoreganj Old Stadium, Narsingdi Club Field, Bandarban Rajar Matt and Chandpur Hasan Ali Govt Primary School Field.
The AL president introduced her party’s candidates, who are running in the election from the six districts, with the people and sought votes for them.
CRI’s ‘Let’s Talk with PM: Some of nation’s brightest young minds raise issues that impact them the most
Her struggles, her achievements, and her steadfast commitment to the country are truly a source of inspiration that motivate to be brave and break barriers, said some of the brightest young minds of the country who attended the latest edition of the interactive dialogue “Let’s Talk” that featured Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina taking questions from them.
She appeared as approachable and affectionate as a family member; deeply moved by this face to face session with the PM, they said, excited at the opportunity to ask her questions covering practically all spheres of national interest that impact the young.
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Center for Research and Information (CRI), a prominent nonprofit research organization, orchestrated the 52nd episode of its “Let’s Talk” series yesterday, bringing in a diverse assembly of over 300 young individuals from rural and urban backgrounds. This vibrant group included super achievers, transgender icons, sports stars, and international award winners.
14 leaders from 9 parties meet PM Sheikh Hasina to discuss polls
A delegation of top 14 leaders of nine political parties met Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Thursday evening.
At this time, the leaders discussed the various issues of the national elections with the premier.
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They thanked Sheikh Hasina for the various steps taken to conduct a free, fair and acceptable election.
The leaders also praised the comprehensive development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter.
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Later, the delegation presented a calligraphy to Sheikh Hasina.
The political parties are:- Bangladesh Islamic Front, Bangladesh Khilafat Movement, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Muslim League, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Bangladesh Supreme Party, Bangladesh Islami Oikya Jote, Ashekane Auliya Oikya Parishad and Jamiate Ulamae Islam Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal should promote mutual tourism: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday underlined cooperation among Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives to promote tourism for mutual benefits.
"Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives can promote cooperation on tourism for mutual benefits," she told outgoing Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiruzimath Sameer during a farewell call on her.
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PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim Briefed reporters after the call on at the PM's official residence, Ganabhaban.
"Discussion was held on flourishing tourism among the three countries," he said.
The prime minister also conveyed her regards to the newly elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
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The envoy said Bangladesh has huge potential in tourism particularly in Cox's Bazar, the home to the world's longest sandy sea beach.
The PM said many Bangladeshi workers have been working in the Maldives.
"They are contributing to the economies of both the countries" she said.
The envoy thanked the PM for her government's all-out support to her during her tenure.
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"The Maldives and Bangladesh relations have reached a new height during her tenure," she said.
Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were also present.
Unite as one world to demand the end of carnage against Palestinians: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said It is time for all to unite as one world and demand the end of the conflict going on in Palestine.
“Here, I express my profound concern at the tragic, inhuman existence of the hapless Palestinians in the face of merciless carnage. It is time for all of us to unite as one world and demand the end of the conflict,” she said.
The prime minister made the call while addressing the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit 2023, which is hosted by India in virtual platform, from her official residence Ganabhaban.
She said that theme of the summit, “Together for Everyone’s Growth with Everyone’s Trust” is most timely as it flags the pressing issue world faces today, namely, "trust deficit.”
“It is the trust deficit among nations and lack of respect for international law that have led to the ongoing war in Europe and the carnage in Palestine,” she said.
Hasina mentioned that these conflicts call for an urgent need to create genuine trust and mutual respect among the warring nations and involved international actors.
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“Our world is plagued with unbearable poverty, undesirable inequality, intolerable terrorism, and the catastrophic threat of climate change,” she said.
In addition, she said, there have now appeared sanctions and counter sanctions, with new challenges and increasing hardship for the people of the Global South.
“In this critical time, the world must unite as one and strengthen ‘Everyone’s Trust’ to achieve ‘Everyone’s Growth’,” she said.
The PM opined that the Global South is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping our future although it is often vulnerable to various socio-economic challenges.
“These need to be addressed by allowing more space and voice for the Global South to enable the creation of a more equitable and peaceful world based on Everyone’s Trust,” she added.
She expressed Bangladesh’s commitment in this regard.
She mentioned that Bangladesh stands ready to share with the Global South its experiences on achieving food security, free housing, community healthcare, women’s empowerment, and climate adaptation.
She made some recommendations for the betterment of Global South and the world.
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These are-
First: As keen advocate of promoting peace, she believes it is vital to uphold global peace and stability for the overall well-being of humanity.
“The Global South must maintain a united front against unilateral sanctions and counter-sanctions.”
Second: Women, as half of the global population, are crucial for the creation of inclusive and vibrant societies.
“As the longest-serving female leader, I know for sure that empowering women is a strategic necessity for a brighter and more equitable future.”
Third: All efforts are vital to limiting the global temperature to 1.5° Celsius.
“Increased financing and the transfer of relevant technologies for climate adaptation to the Global South are imperative.”
Fourth, The Global South as major manpower-exporting countries, should streamline migration in the development process to offer a better life to all and to contribute to economic growth in both host and home countries.
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Fifth, LDCs are facing various economic challenges resulting from COVID-19 and conflicts in parts of the world.
“I urge here the continuation of duty, quota-free access, and other facilities for a good period for graduating LDCs and after their graduation.”
Finally, she stressed the importance of South-South and Triangular Cooperation for the promotion of global human development.
“I also urge development partners, international financial institutions, and stakeholders to generously support the Global South for a better future.”
India is hosting the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on Friday in a virtual format, in what will be the second time since January this year.
The Inaugural Leaders’ Session was chaired by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The theme of the Inaugural Leaders’ Session is “Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust” and that of the Concluding Leaders’ Session is “Global South: Together for One Future”.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs the 2nd summit would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s Presidency.
The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. Further, the summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated towards our common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative and progressive world order, it said.
According to MEA, the 2nd summit will be structured into 10 sessions. In addition, there will be eight Ministerial Sessions, with the following themes: Foreign Ministers’ Session on “India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future”, Education Ministers’ Session on “Making Human Resources Future Ready”, Finance Ministers’ Session on “Financing People-Centric Development”, Environment Ministers’ Session on “Sustainable Solutions for Climate Resilience and Climate Finance”.
It will also include Foreign Ministers’ Session on “Global South and One Development”, Energy Ministers’ Session on “Affordable & Inclusive Energy Transition for Sustainable Development”, Health Ministers’ Session on “Solutions from the Global South for One Health” and Commerce / Trade Ministers’ Session on “Global South & Resilient Supply Chains”.
The eight ministerial sessions will include two Foreign Ministers’ Sessions; one Ministerial session each of Education, Finance, Environment, Energy, Health & Commerce Ministers and a Concluding Leaders’ Session in the evening.
The theme for the first Voice of Global South Summit was “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” and had a total of 10 sessions.
Produce leprosy drugs locally: PM Hasina to pharmaceutical companies
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the local pharmaceutical companies to start manufacturing drugs for leprosy patients.
“I would like to request them (our pharmaceutical companies) to produce drugs for leprosy patients so that we can provide them medicines at low or free of cost,” she said.
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The premier was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd National Leprosy Conference 2023 at Hotel InterContinental in the city.
She said the local pharmaceutical companies export drugs to the whole world. “We produce very high standard drugs,” she said.
The prime minister called upon all to stand by the leprosy patients, shunning the old misconception and superstition that they can’t be touched.
“We’ll have to shun the old beliefs and superstitions,” she added.
She said her government has built digital Bangladesh and now has taken steps to build a smart Bangladesh. “How will we be smart, cherishing such superstitions in the Smart Bangladesh?” she wondered.
She said leprosy patients used to be deprived and alienated from society and the family due to a British period law, the Lepers Act 1898, which her government has annulled.
The premier asked all to stand by the leprosy patients, boost their morale, show sympathy and ensure proper care of them.
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Citing that Bangladesh achieved the WHO goal in leprosy elimination in 1998, she said the leprosy patients are availing free services and medicines from the upazila hospitals.
She said the government has taken steps to strengthen its leprosy programme so that the system for detection of new patients and leprosy preventive measures get expanded.
The prime minister put emphasis on prevention of leprosy. “The prevention we need most. We should give special attention to its causes and prevention,” she said.
She asked the experts to carry out medical research in a larger way in a bid to find out the causes and details about diseases particularly the climate-related diseases.
“We need much more research on medical science. If we do it, we’ll get a good knowledge of our climate related diseases and will be able to take proper treatment measures and develop medicines in this regard,” she said.
In the function, the prime minister unveiled the National Strategic Guideline for Leprosy 2023-2030.
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Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque presided over the event, while WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Chairman of the Nippon Foundation in Japan Yohei Sasakawa spoke as the guest of honour.
Secretary of Health Services Division Md Jahangir Alam delivered the welcome speech.
The first version of the national leprosy conference was held in 2019.