PM
PM’s France visit to elevate Dhaka-Paris ties: FM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay a visit to Paris, France from November 9 to 13 which Dhaka says will be a very “extensive and engaging” one and take the relations between the two countries to a newer height.
She will have bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Jean Castex separately during the visit.
“Both the French President and the Prime Minister invited our Prime Minister to visit France,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
Also read: Doraiswami lauds Hasina’s leadership in realizing Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said the Prime Minister’s engagement in Paris will be very extensive and she will be given guard of honour in three places.
Remain ever ready to make any sacrifice: Hasina to Army personnel
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked the members of the Bangladesh Army to remain always ready to make the highest sacrifice to protect the interests of the nation.
“I believe the Bangladesh Army will remain ever ready for the highest sacrifice in any national need alongside protecting the country’s sovereignty,” she said.
The Prime Minister was addressing a function of the Bangladesh Army virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
The function was arranged to give the national standard (national flag) to 10 units and hand over the new flag to Mujib Regiment and Rowshan Ara Regiment of the Bangladesh Army at the Artillery Centre and School at Halishahar Cantonment in Chattogram.
Hasina said the Bangladesh Army has been playing a significant role in building the nation with their works in facing natural and manmade disasters as well as socio-economic and infrastructural development alongside protecting the country’s sovereignty.
She mentioned their important role in the development of the country’s communication system and facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hasina said the members of Bangladesh Army brought honour and dignity for Bangladesh by demonstrating their outstanding dedication, dutifulness and professionalism in the establishment of global peace and different foreign missions, which undoubtedly have brightened the image of the country in the world arena.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed handed over the national standards to the respective commanders of 4, 12 and 20 field regiments artillery, 5 Air Defence Artillery, Riverine Engineering Battalion, 1 and 2 Signal Battalions, Army Aviation group and NCO Academy as well as reintroduced the flag to the commanders of the Mujib Regiment and Rowshan Ara Regiment Artillery.
READ: Identify new market trends to diversify export: Hasina
The Prime Minister said the human and compassionate approach of the Army members while discharging their duty everywhere, including in foreign countries, impress the common people,’ she said.
Talking about her government’s activities for the modernization of the Armed Forces, she said, “Our armed forces have been strengthened and achieved enough progress in the last 13 years.”
The forces have particularly been making a special contribution towards curbing militancy and terrorism, the Prime Minister said.
She said her government that was formed in 1996 established the National Defence College and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to make the army a time-befitting force and improve its training quality.
Coming to power in 2009, her government formulated the Forces Goal-2030 and the Defence Policy 2018 in line with the Defence Policy 1974 framed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she mentioned.
The Prime Minister congratulated the members of the units which were conferred upon the national flag and asked them to uphold the dignity of the flag.
READ: South Asian nations should work together: Hasina
She said Bangladesh is marching forward defying hundreds of adversities as her government’s goal is to build a hunger- and poverty-free developed and prosperous Bangladesh as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.
“Bangladesh will continue to march forward with the spirit of the great Liberation War. We’ll move ahead keeping our heads high on the world stage,” she added.
At the event, the Prime Minister virtually witnessed a smartly turned-out parade of the members of the units.
No religious excesses, says PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked all to refrain from doing religious excesses as the government wants to ensure peaceful coexistence of people from all religions.
“Bangladesh is a country of secular spirit; the people of all religions will perform their religious rituals freely as our Constitution has given that directive,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing a discussion on the birth anniversary of Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking Sheikh Russell Day 2021.
Awami League organised the programme at its Bangabandhu Avenue central office. The Prime Minister joined it from her official residence Ganobhaban.
The Prime Minister, who chaired the programme, said Islam also advises peaceful performing of the religious rituals of all religions. “Our Prophet (PBUH) advised not to do excesses with religion. We want no one to do excesses with religion,” she said.
Also read: PM orders stern action against those involved in communal attacks
Hasina said the aim of the government is to ensure the coexistence of people from all religions in a peaceful environment.
Hasina said Bangladesh is a small country in terms of its geographical size, but it is a big one if the size of its population is considered. “I want all to have a prosperous and beautiful life and enjoy their basic rights.”
Talking about the ill fate of Sheikh Russell who was assassinated with other family members of the Father of the Nation on August 15, 1975, she said no other child of the country should embrace that fate anymore. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing that cruelty till today,” she said.
She mentioned the arson terrorism of BNP under the leadership of then opposition leader Khaleda Zia. “We saw people getting killed in arson attacks, and children burnt alive.”
Also read: Rangpur: 1 arrested in Joypurhat under DSA, 42 for arson
When Khaleda Zia was the opposition leader, running buses were set afire when a father saw his son was burning alive. “That time of cruel incident happened in the country ….that was the most unfortunate for Bangladesh,” she said.
Hasina vowed to ensure a better life for all children of the country. “Not a single child will roam in the street, everyone will get shelter, every child will have the opportunity to flourish his or her talent, knowledge and creativity so that the children can take Bangladesh forward,” she said.
Recalling the bloodshed of the past, she said not these types of bloodshed will ever happen in the country.
“Russell is no more, but thousands of children of the country are there, we want to ensure a better life for them so that they could grow as the worthy citizens of the country imbued with patriotism. We want to do that,” she said in her emotion-choked voice.
AL general secretary and highways and bridges minister Obaidul Quader, AL presidium members Matia Chowdhury, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman; AL joint secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, AL central working committee member Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, AL relief secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, AL office secretary barrister Biplob Barua, AL women affairs secretary Meher Afroz Chumki, Dhaka South AL president Abu Ahmed Mannafi and Dhaka North AL general secretary SA Mannan Kochi also spoke at the programme.
Also read: Prime suspect of Cumilla incident identified: Home Minister
Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled the cover of a book titled “Education Philosophy of Bangabandhu” published by the AL Education Sub-committee.
Hasina came down heavily on the critics talking about human rights and said, they do not utter any word about the August 15 killing and the killing of children and women in BNP’s arson terrorism.
The Prime Minister said Ziaur Rahman along with Khandoker Mushtaq was involved in the August-15 killing and that is why the Khaleda Government rewarded the killers of Bangabandhu by giving them government jobs and promotions.
Pointing out some verses from a poem of Poet Sukanta, the Prime Minister vowed to develop Bangladesh as a beautiful and livable country for the next generation.
Sheikh Russel Day: PM releases postage stamp
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and an opening day cover released by Bangladesh Post Office, marking the Sheikh Russel Day 2021.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also used a special chancellor.
Minister for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Mustafa Jabbar and Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present.
Hasina calls for hunting down culprits of Cumilla incident
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said those who are behind the Cumilla incident will be hunted down to give them proper punishment to stop the recurrence of such communal acts.
“A thorough investigation is on. We’re getting huge information. We’ll definitely trace those who carry out such incidents and we’ll do so…this is the age of technology,” she said, mentioning Wednesday’s Cumilla incident.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while exchanging greetings with Hindu devotees at the Dhakeshwari National Temple virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Sheikh Hasina said proper action will surely be taken against the culprits, no matter what religion they belong to.
“They must be found out. We did so in the past and will do it in the future, too. They must face the due punishment. We want such punishment so that none dare to do so (engage in communal incident) in future,” she said.
President of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad Milon Kanti Datta and Principal of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka Swami Purnatmananda Maharaj spoke at the function chaired by President of Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee Shailendra Nath Majumder.
General Secretary of the parishad Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee conducted it, while general secretary of the committee Advocate Kishore Ranjan Mandal delivered the welcome speech.
Mentioning that religions are of individuals but festivals for all, the Prime Minister said some evil cliques are there who sometimes want to destroy the spirit of people by carrying out some unwanted incidents, and this is very unfortunate, she added.
Also read: Cumilla incident: DIG says offenders to be hunted down
“There’re some people of evil-intellect who want to destroy a thing when it goes well. When Bangladesh is moving fast on its development journey, they want to disrupt this journey and also create a problem inside the country,” she said.
“It (communal incident) is the act of those who can’t win the public trust and confidence and who have no politics and no ideology. This one kind of their weakness,” she said, urging all to be alert over such incidents.
“We’re definitely taking proper action in this regard,” she said.
EC to be constituted through search committee: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the new election commission will be constituted through a search committee to be formed by the President.
“The President will form a search committee and the election commission will be constituted through this search committee,” she said, replying to a question at a press conference at her official residence Ganobhaban.
The present election commission will complete its five-year tenure in February 2022 and the next commission will arrange the 12th parliamentary election to be held at the end of 2023.
The press conference was arranged to inform the media about the outcomes of her recent visit to the United States for joining the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
BNP and election
Sheikh Hasina said BNP wants to make the next general election controversial knowing that there is no chance for them to win it.
“They know they don’t have any possibility of winning the election. So, their effort is to make it controversial, create confusion among people and harm people by any means,” she said, responding to another question.
The Prime Minister questioned the leadership of BNP saying that one (Khaleda) is convicted for misappropriating the fund of orphans and another (Tarique) is a fugitive convicted for various misdeeds, including the August-21 grenade attack and 10-truck arm-haul cases.
“They know they won’t win. How will a party win? Where is its leadership? One is a convicted for misappropriating the fund of orphans and another is a fugitive as he’s convicted for the August-21 grenade attack and 10-truck arm-haul cases. They are still there in the (party) leadership. If this is the case, under which consideration people would vote for them,” she questioned.
Sheikh Hasina said even these two top leaders will not be able to take part in the election! “They have no belief that they can win the polls.”
Referring to the 2014 general election, she said BNP had made frantic efforts to make it questionable and committed many misdeeds, including arson attacks, to thwart the polls. “Since the election was held (successfully) and then there was stability, it (govt) has made it possible to ensure development of what you’re witnessing today,” she said.
Hasina said BNP had no complaint over the 2008 general election and questioned why they could not win the polls.
The Prime Minister made a pointed reference to some incidents of tortures carried out by BNP men after the 2001 national election.
Also read: Cabinet approves draft Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Mentioning the development activities carried out by her government, Hasina questioned who and why would vote for BNP.
Pointing at the journalists, she said, “Ask who would vote for them. I asked all journalists first to question their conscience: who, why and with what hope will vote for BNP and others.”
Biman aircraft
The Prime Minister said she had been to the USA to attend the 76th session of the UNGA by an aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines so that Biman gets the money at this tough time caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘It’ll, in fact, strengthen the government’s effort to resume Biman’s flight operation on Dhaka-New York route. I went to the USA by the latest and advanced aircraft, ‘Dreamliner’, of Biman.”
She said her government collected a good number of the latest aircraft for Biman, but many of those remain idle as many routes were suspended due to the Covid pandemic. Besides, it has to count maintenance costs even when they remain idle.
“So, when we decide we’ll go, what is the use of paying money to other airlines,” she said.
Hasina went on saying, “Besides, the aircraft would land in JFK (John F Kennedy Airport, New York), which is also a matter of joy for us. An effort from us is also on (to resume the flight operation on Dhaka-New York Route).”
She said Biman earlier had a landing slot there in the JFK which was closed for corruption and various misdeeds during the BNP regime. “When we procured new aircraft, we made an effort to keep the (landing) slot.”
The government has enacted some new laws in line with international ones in this regard. “Besides, our negotiations are on to resume its operation on the Dhaka-New York route.”
Referring to the new Dreamliner aircraft, the PM said this aircraft can reach New York directly from Dhaka within 14 hours as its operation capacity is some 17 hours.
Ecommerce fraud
In reply to another question over frauds by some e-commerce organizations including Evaly and E-orange, she said the government continues to do what’s necessary on its part.
Hasina said investigation continues to find out where they took or deposited the money, and when the investigation will be completed, the government will return it to the people. “Those who swindle people for making money taking advantage of their tough time must be punished.”
She also said the journalists also had the responsibility to find out the fraud companies when things started unfolding. “If you do so, then people will be alert.”
Also read: NDB membership to open new avenue of foreign financing: PM
Asked if many Bangladeshi convicted hatching conspiracies, staying in London, Hasina said the homes of many convicted and the children of war crimes convicted are there in England and other countries.
She criticized the attack on British MP Tulip Siddiq saying that she is not only granddaughter of Bangabandhu but also a British MP. “It’s the responsibility of the British government to oversee such matters.”
Rohingya and “business”
The Prime Minister said keeping Rohingya in Bangladesh has apparently become a business for some organisations.
“I’m very sorry to say it seems that keeping refugees has become a business to some organizations. If they (Rohingya) are not here, they (NGO officials) will lose jobs,” she said.
If refugees stay here, some people will be benefited, she said, adding that they don’t have much concentration on their repatriation. “Some (organizations) are sincere and we get good response from them. There’re others who just hear it (about Rohingyas). The problem is here,” Hasina added.
Mentioning that a new generation of displaced Myanmar nationals is also there, she said it seems Rohingyas have no interest (to return to their motherland).
The PM questioned international organisations as to why they are not mounting pressure and do not act for their repatriation as Rohingyas are damaging the environment of the host country.
She voiced concern that Rohingyas are indulging in various misdeeds, including terror acts, women and children trafficking and drug peddling.
Some journalists attended the press conference at Ganobhaban while others were connected from the Prime Minister’s Office through a virtual platform.
PM returns from UNGA trip
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home on Friday night from her journey to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA.
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:13pm, said PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
On Thursday afternoon (local time), she left Washington for home wrapping up her two-week official foreign tour. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Rabab Fatima saw her off at Dulles International Airport there.
On her way to Dhaka, the aircraft reached Helsinki, the Finish capital at 9:00am (local time) and then departed the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for Dhaka after a two-hour stopover there.
Read: PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
On September 17, the Prime Minister left Dhaka to attend the 76th UNGA in New York. She reached New York on September 19 after a two-day stopover in Finland.
During her stay in New York from September 19 to 24, Sheikh Hasina addressed the UNGA general debate (September 24), attended high-level events and bilateral talks with heads of governments, states and organisations.
She also planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at the UN gardens dedicating these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.
Later, the Prime Minister went to Washington DC on September 25.
During her stay in Washington, Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed ‘Bangladesh House’ and planted a fringe tree on its premises.
Hasina leaves Washington for home
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Washington for home on Friday night wrapping up her two-week official tour to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying Sheikh Hasina and her entourage took off Dulles International Airport, Washington for Dhaka at 05:28pm (Washington time), PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB.
He said that Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Permanent Representative to the UN Rabab Fatima saw the PM off at the airport.
Also read: PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister will reach Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on Friday morning (local time) and then the flight will depart the airport for Dhaka after a two-hour stopover there.
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:15 pm on Friday (local time).
On September 17, the Prime Minister left Dhaka to attend the 76th UNGA. She reached New York on September 19 after a two-day stopover in Finland.
During her stay in New York from September 19 to 24, Sheikh Hasina addressed the UNGA general debate (September 24), attended high-level events and bilateral talks with heads of governments, states and organisations.
Also read: 'Thank You, PM', says Bangladesh
She also planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at the UN gardens dedicating these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.
Later, the Prime Minister went to Washington DC on September 25.
During her stay in Washington, Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed ‘Bangladesh House’ and planted a fringe tree on its premise.
PM to return home from USA Friday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return home on Friday night wrapping up her two-week official tour to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
She is scheduled to leave Washington DC Thursday afternoon (local time) by a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline for Helsinki, the Finish capital, PM’s Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas told UNB.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Rabab Fatima will see off her at the airport in Washington.
The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister will reach Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on Friday morning (local time) and then the flight will depart the airport for Dhaka after a two-hour stopover there.
Read: Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:15 pm on Friday.
On September 17, the Prime Minister left Dhaka to attend the 76th UNGA. She reached New York on September 19 after a two-day stopover in Finland.
During her stay in New York from September 19 to 24, Sheikh Hasina addressed the UNGA general debate (September 24), attended high-level events and bilateral talks with heads of governments, states and organisations.
She also planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at the UN gardens dedicating these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.
Read: PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
Later, the Prime Minister went to Washington DC on September 25.
During her stay in Washington, Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed ‘Bangladesh House’ and planted a fringe tree on its premise.
PM shocked at Mymensingh AL leader Abdul Halim’s death
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Mymensingh’s Gafargaon pourashava unit Awami League president Abdul Halim Manik.
She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Abdul Halim Manik breathed his last this afternoon at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. He was 74.
READ: PM shocked at principal Abdur Rashid’s death
He left behind two sons, one daughter and a host of relatives and well-wishers.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Abdul Halim Manik.
READ: PM shocked at death of Minister Nuruzzaman’s mother