United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday stressed the need for greater awareness among farmers and other stakeholders to curb the excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture. “Excessive and unnecessary use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is causing long-term and severe damage to soil health, the environment and public health,” he said when a delegation from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. He urged agricultural universities and relevant institutions to work in a coordinated manner to raise farmers’ awareness about the harmful effects of excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. During the meeting, President Fakhrul stressed the effective field-level application of research-based technologies, safe food production and environment-friendly agricultural practices to build a sustainable and modern agricultural system. He also called for closer coordination among agricultural education, research and extension activities. The delegation, led by Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abdul Latif, briefed the President on the overall activities of the university. Secretaries to the President’s Office were present at the meeting.            

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the democratic environment has returned to Bangladesh after years of struggle and sacrifice, and protecting democracy and giving it an institutional shape is now the biggest responsibility of all. He said both ruling and opposition parties have a responsibility to sustain the democratic system and make Parliament effective. The President made the remarks while addressing a civic reception hosted by Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) in his honour in the afternoon. His wife Rahat Ara Begum was also present. “We have achieved democracy. Protecting democracy is now our biggest task and responsibility,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul said Parliament must be made effective and political differences should be resolved through dialogue. He said people had made immense sacrifices for democracy in the past and the opportunity created through those sacrifices must not be wasted. “Now our biggest challenge is to rebuild the country, strengthen democracy and build a healthy, beautiful and liveable Bangladesh for future generations,” the President said. He called on people, irrespective of political affiliation, to work together in the national interest and make the most of the opportunity that has emerged after years of struggle. Recalling his long-standing ties with Sylhet, Mirza Fakhrul said the region is one of his favourite places and that he visits whenever he gets the opportunity. He expressed gratitude to the people of Sylhet for their warm hospitality. The President highlighted Sylhet’s rich history, culture and heritage, saying many eminent personalities who have contributed to different fields of the country were born in the region. He said Sylhet has made significant contributions to literature, music, culture, the War of Liberation and political movements. “The region’s distinct identity has also been enriched by the cultures of ethnic communities, tea estates and its large expatriate population.” Referring to Sylhet’s tourism potential, Mirza Fakhrul said its hills, rivers, waterfalls, tea estates, forests and haors make it one of Bangladesh’s major tourist destinations. Greater development of the tourism sector is possible if these resources are utilised through proper planning, he said. Calling on Bangladeshi expatriates to invest in the country, the President said the Sylhet diaspora makes an important contribution not only to the regional economy but also to Bangladesh’s overall economy. He said their investments should be integrated with tourism, agriculture, agro-processing, tea, fisheries, gas, information technology and small entrepreneurship. Mirza Fakhrul also highlighted the potential for fish farming centred on Sylhet’s haors and water bodies and said there are opportunities to develop new industries by utilising the region’s natural resources. He called for increased government, private-sector and expatriate investment in these areas. On overseas employment, the President said the minister responsible for expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment is already working with different countries to expand labour markets. “Initiatives have also been taken to reopen some markets that had been closed,” he said, expressing hope that the sector will advance further. Regarding Sylhet’s development, he said ministers, lawmakers and local representatives from the region are working on its problems and prospects, while efforts are underway to advance several major development projects. Praising Bangladesh’s communal harmony, Mirza Fakhrul said people of different faiths and communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, have long lived together in the country. Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Labour and Employment, and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, Whip GK Gouse and Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey spoke as special guests at the reception, with SCC Administrator Abdul Quiyum Choudhury in the chair.    

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called upon Bangladeshi businesspeople living abroad to invest in the country and bring in foreign investment. He made the call when a delegation of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United Kingdom paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. Prominent UK-based Bangladeshi businessman Kamal Uddin led the delegation. They congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam on his election as president. The president recalled the significant contributions made by expatriate Bangladeshis including those living in the UK, through their money, labour and intellect to the movement for establishing justice, opposing fascism and restoring democracy in the country. “The country and its people will always remember the contributions and role of expatriates,” he said. During the meeting, the delegation sought the president’s cooperation in increasing various business and civic facilities including addressing harassment at airports and ensuring their right to vote. In response, the president said the government has already started working to address harassment at airports and expand voting opportunities and other civic facilities for expatriates. He said a ‘Probashi Card’ has been introduced to ensure comprehensive services and facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis. The president urged expatriates to become more actively involved in investment, employment generation, education, healthcare, technology, skills development and social welfare activities in the country. He particularly urged them to take advantage of the investment opportunities that have emerged in Bangladesh. Responding to the president’s call, the delegation expressed interest in investing in the country. The president also said, “You are representing Bangladesh in different countries around the world. You should project the country’s positive image abroad.” Noting that expatriates’ remittances are one of the main driving forces of the country’s economy, the president expressed his gratitude to them. President’s Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called upon police officials to discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and professionalism to maintain law and order and curb crimes in the country. The President made the call when Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President’s press secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the President said police must be extremely tough in suppressing criminals while ensuring fair and humane treatment of law-abiding citizens. He instructed police personnel to take immediate and appropriate measures to establish the rule of law. The President also directed the police chief to take effective measures to combat the spread of disinformation, misinformation, rumours, cybercrime, mugging, extortion and drugs, as well as to ensure the safety and security of women and children. He stressed the importance of keeping people regularly informed and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns on these issues. Noting that the current government is working to uphold people's fundamental and democratic rights, the President directed police member to continue taking effective measures to prevent extrajudicial killings, harassment of citizens and filing of false cases. During the meeting, the IGP briefed the President on various measures taken to strengthen the morale of the police force and to modernise and digitalise the force. He sought the President's overall cooperation in discharging the responsibilities of the police. The President assured him of his full cooperation. President's Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present during the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said there is scope to make the Bangladesh-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade more balanced and mutually beneficial, taking into account the economic realities and interests of both countries. The President said the agreement marked an important step towards expanding trade relations between the two countries. He came up with the remarks when US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the President recalled the past US investment and cooperation in the development of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, including support for the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. He urged the US to further increase investment and cooperation in the country’s agriculture sector. The President also highlighted the investment and significant role of US-based Chevron in Bangladesh’s energy sector and called for increased US investment in the country’s energy sector. He said Bangladesh has significant potential in various sectors, including information technology, infrastructure, healthcare and high-tech industries. The President also emphasised the importance of technology and skills transfer. He urged the United States to review and simplify the existing ‘visa bond’ system for Bangladeshi businesspeople and genuine tourists travelling to the US. He sought continued US support for ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. The US ambassador assured the President of continued cooperation and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN countries in this regard. During the meeting, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam on assuming the office of President and conveyed his best wishes to him. Thanking the ambassador, the President said the US is one of Bangladesh’s important development and trade partners. He said the existing trade relations between the two countries have been playing an important role in Bangladesh’s economic development. Bangladesh believes in maintaining friendly relations with all countries and expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the President said. He said Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to the principles of independence, sovereignty, national interest, mutual respect and equality in international relations. The President expressed hope that bilateral relations with the US would be further expanded in the days ahead through mutual respect and protection of shared interests. The US ambassador reaffirmed his country’s interest in further deepening and broadening its relations with Bangladesh. The President’s secretaries and senior government officials were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Wednesday as the Bhutanese monarch made a stopover in Dhaka while travelling from Singapore to Bhutan. The special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King landed in Dhaka in the early hours and stayed at the airport for around an hour. During his stay, President Mirza Fakhrul held a courtesy meeting with the King at the VVIP Lounge. The two exchanged views in a cordial atmosphere on various issues of mutual interest. The President invited the Bhutanese King and members of the royal family to make a state visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. In response, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck invited the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan at their convenience. The Bhutanese King congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and extended his best wishes to him on assuming office as President. The President conveyed warm greetings from the people and government of Bangladesh to the King and members of the Bhutanese royal family. The Bhutanese monarch, in turn, extended his best wishes to the people and government of Bangladesh. During the meeting, President Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh and Bhutan share deep and historic ties. “Bhutan has always held a special place in our hearts, as it was the first country in the world to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971,” he said. The President also recalled with deep respect the special affection and goodwill shown towards Bangladesh by the father of the present Bhutanese King, late King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Highlighting the shared aspirations of Bangladesh and Bhutan for development and prosperity, the Bhutanese King stressed the need to further expand bilateral cooperation in various areas, including education, trade and investment. King Jigme Khesar also briefed the President on his visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City project and sought Bangladesh’s participation and cooperation in the initiative. The President expressed keen interest in the project and appreciated the initiative. He said Bangladesh was ready to work closely with Bhutan to advance transformative initiatives in the region aimed at promoting mutual wellbeing, prosperity and sustainable development. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present during the courtesy meeting. The special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30am.  

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday stressed the need to expand and make more effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and village court systems to help reduce the growing backlog of cases. He made the remarks when Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the Chief Justice congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as the President. He briefed the President on various activities of the Supreme Court, court proceedings and the challenges facing the judiciary. President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam provided UNB with the details of the meeting. The Chief Justice highlighted various problems facing the judiciary, including a growing backlog of cases, shortage of skilled manpower and infrastructural constraints, and sought the President’s cooperation in addressing them. He said more cases are being filed every day than the number being disposed of, making it increasingly difficult to reduce the backlog. Mirza Fakhrul assured the Chief Justice of taking necessary steps to address the existing problems in the judiciary. The President’s Secretary, Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. The newly elected president arrived at the memorial at 10am and laid a floral wreath at the altar in honour of the martyrs. He then stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of respect. During the ceremony, a smartly turned-out contingent of the three armed forces presented a state salute, while a bugle played the Last Post.

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will be sworn in as the 23rd President of Bangladesh this evening. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 7:30pm. Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal will administer the oath of the office of the President, according to Bangabhaban. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, cabinet members, and hundreds of distinguished guests are expected to attend the event. BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul was elected the President defeating his lone rival Col (retd) Oli Ahmad, the candidate of the 11-party opposition alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in the presidential election held on Thursday. Out of all 343 valid votes, Mirza Fakhrul secured 255, while Oli Ahmad got 88. Among the 349 voters, six lawmakers did not vote in the presidential election. The six voters who did not turn up include BNP lawmakers Mirza Abbas, Mostafa Kamal Pasha and Dr Muhammad Osman Farruk, independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana and Jamaat lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam. The Election Commission (EC) later issued a gazette notification declaring Mirza Fakhrul elected as the President of Bangladesh.

BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has unofficially been elected as the 23rd President of Bangladesh. Mirza Fakhrul defeated his lone rival Col (retd) Oli Ahmad, the contender from the 11-party opposition alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, by a huge margin in the presidential election held in the session chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday. He obtained 255 votes, while Oli Ahmad polled 88. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, also Returning Officer of the election, announced the polls results after the balloting ended at 5:00pm. “Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has secured 255 votes. I declare that, having received the highest number of votes, he has been duly elected President,” Nasir Uddin announced. The Election Commission (EC) later issued a gazette notification declaring Mirza Fakhrul Islam as the President of Bangladesh. Out of all 343 valid votes, Mirza Fakhrul secured 255, while Oli Ahmad got 88, he said. Among the 349 voters, six lawmakers did not vote in the presidential election. The six voters who did not turn up are BNP lawmakers Mirza Abbas, Mostafa Kamal Pasha and Dr Muhammad Osman Farruk, independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana, Jamaat lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam and Islami Andolan Bangladesh lawmaker Md Oli Ullah. Soon after the announcement of the results, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated Mirza Fakhrul with a red rose. Immediately after the declaration, he rose from his seat, shook hands with the newly elected President and presented him with the red rose. Lawmakers across the Parliament Chamber congratulated Fakhrul by thumping their desks. The newly elected President then raised his hand and greeted the lawmakers, who continued applauding him by thumping their desks. Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher and other opposition lawmakers then came towards the treasury bench. Fakhrul left his seat and first embraced Shafiqur Rahman after opposition MPs came towards the treasury bench. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman then came forward from his seat and embraced Fakhrul. Tarique and Shafiqur Rahman also embraced each other. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties subsequently exchanged greetings with the newly elected President. The atmosphere in the Parliament Chamber turned celebratory following the announcement of the results. Fakhrul later shook hands with CEC Nasir Uddin, who conducted the presidential election, and greeted other election officials. The Election Commission will now publish the election results in an official gazette by today. On the other hand, Bangabhaban is making preparations to arrange the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected President on Friday evening. Earlier, voting was held from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, with Members of Parliament (MPs) casting their votes through an open ballot to elect the country’s 23rd President. At the beginning of the balloting, acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal cast their votes at 2:10pm, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Mirza Fakhrul cast theirs at 2:11pm. Just before the balloting, CEC Nasir Uddin announced the names of the two candidates and explained the voting procedure for MPs. Since the Chattogram-4 parliamentary seat remains vacant, the number of voters was 349. The voters include 247 BNP lawmakers, 77 Jamaat MPs, eight NCP lawmakers, eight independent MPs, three Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolon, Khilafat Majlis, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. BJP, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Ganosamhati Andolon are allies of the ruling BNP. The ruling camp has 250 lawmakers. On the other hand, Jamaat, NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party are components of the 11-party opposition alliance. The opposition camp has 90 lawmakers in Parliament. The last contested presidential election was held on October 8, 1991, when BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated Awami League candidate Badrul Haider Chowdhury to become the country’s 11th President.  Abdur Rahman Biswas secured 172 votes, while Badrul Haider Chowdhury received 92. Since then, no voting was required in the successive presidential elections as a single candidate was elected uncontested in each election. On July 24 last, Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad took charge as the acting President. According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, an election to fill the vacant office of the President must be held within 90 days of the post becoming vacant due to resignation.