Sheikh Hasina
Ashrayan-2: About 33, 000 homeless families get homes as PM's Eid gift
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday provided homes to 32,904 homeless and landless families across the country under the third phase of the Ashrayan-2 Project as her Eid gift.
She inaugurated the distribution of semi-pucca abodes, joining a virtual function from her official residence Ganobhaban in the morning.
The prime minister exchanged views with beneficiaries from the four cluster housing sites at Nagarkanda Upazila in Faridpur, Barguna Sadar Upazila, Sirajganj Sadar Upazila and Anwara Upazila in Chattogram through a videoconference.
Also read: Ashrayan-2: 32,904 families to get homes ahead of Eid
The distribution of the houses along with land came as part of the government’s initiative to provide houses to all landless and homeless families on the occasion of “Mujib Year” as the prime minister promised that no one will remain without a home in the country.
Each unit has two rooms, a kitchen, a toilet and a veranda costing Tk 259,500 without tax and VAT. The amount is Tk 330,000 with tax and VAT.
Alongside the houses, the ownership documents of a two decimal land were given to each family.
Earlier, the government had given 63,999 houses on January 23, 2021 in the first phase, while 53,330 houses on June 20, 2021 in the second phase under the Ashrayan-2, a project of the Prime Minister’s Office, during the Mujib Year.
In the third phase, approval was given to build 65,674 houses, but 32,904 houses were handed over on Tuesday.
Also read: PM’s Ashrayan Project: Homeless Hanufa, thousands more to get own homes on Tuesday
The number of specially designed houses for the island areas is 1,242. Portable houses are given to homeless families staying in Char lands so that they can move their houses during soil erosion.
Some 5512 acres of Khas lands recovered from the illegal occupation across the country to construct the houses under the Ashrayan-2 project.
Besides, the government procured 168.32 acres of land for the Ashrayan project till now which cost Tk 115.33 crore.
The Ashrayan Project also rehabilitated 507,244 landless and homeless families from 1997 to December 2022.
PMO Senior Secretary Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the house distribution function.
Working on strengthening democratic environment: PM tells Norwegian Minister
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said her government has been working on strengthening democratic environment in the country.
She said this when visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt paid a courtesy call on her at Ganobhaban.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
Hasina said Bangladesh remains committed to building a peaceful, just and inclusive society.
Also read: Bangladesh wants to procure LNG from Qatar for a longer period: PM
“The government has been working on strengthening democratic environment and institutions in the country. The Election Commission which conducts the polls is a totally independent institution,” the PM was quoted as saying.
She said Bangladesh’s democracy suffered when the military rulers captured power. “They (the military rulers) ascended to power using guns and then descended on politics by forming political parties,” she was quoted.
At the outset of the meeting, they exchanged greetings marking the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Norwegian minister commended Bangladesh for sheltering 1.1 million Rohingya refugees. “We know it is an economic pressure on Bangladesh,” she said.
Anniken Huitfeldt said the cooperation between the two countries will be deepened further.
Also read: Denmark to boost cooperation with Bangladesh in technology & energy: Danish team tells PM
Recalling the Norwegian support to Bangladesh since the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said Norway came forward to support the post-independence nation-building works undertaken by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“Norway remained our close and valued development, trade and investment partner since then,” she said.
PMO Senior Secretary Md Tofazzal Hossain Miah and Norwegian ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen were present.
PM opens Mujib Corner at SSF headquarters
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday called for spreading the country’s history among the new generation to inspire them to take the country ahead with the spirit of patriotism.
She made the call while inaugurating Mujib Corner at the Special Security Force (SSF) headquarters in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Hasina said many of the new generation don’t still know the true history of the independence movement as anti-liberation forces tried to erase it for 21 years since Bangabandhu’s assassination on August 15, 1975.
Also read: Govt working to restore Liberation War spirit: Hasina
“But, truth can’t be erased and today it has been proved again. . . That day is back again,” she said.
She said Bangladesh has become a developing country due to long-term efforts of the government.
Also read: PM unveils postage stamp on Independence Day
The PM said that a lot of historical information has been highlighted in this corner (Mujib Corner) and therefore, those who will come to discharge their duties will be motivated by patriotism.
Prime Minister’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Affairs Adviser Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, SSF Director General Major General Md Majibur Rahman, among others, was present.
Depict people's sacrifices in films, Hasina urges the industry
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday urged the film industry to focus more on the country's independence war and sacrifice of the masses besides providing entertainment.
“Besides giving entertainment, films can reform the society, educate the people, imbibe them with patriotism and advance the country towards prosperity,” she said.
She was speaking at a function to distribute the National Film Awards 2020 to the winners in 27 categories.
Read: PM gives away National Film Awards to 32 winners
The programme was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), while the PM joined it through video link from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Hasina said that films mirror life and they can also reform the society.
“Films can contribute hugely toward social reform, teach philosophy and history," she said.
She mentioned that films can spread the facts among the mass people about the real history of the country's independence.
She said people can learn about many unknown national events through films.
She also mentioned that cinemas have power to help remove irregularities and indiscipline from the society. “And I believe that.”
She also mentioned that films can be a poweful medium to spread the sense of responsibility and accountability towards the country and its people.
The PM said that she plans to equip the film industry of the country with modern technologies.
“For that we need to transform the cinema halls at the upazila level into cineplexes” she said.
She said that the government has created a Tk 1000-crore fund for this purpose.
She also put emphasis on transforming the analog system of old cinemas into digital one for the new generation.
The Prime Minister elaborated various steps of her government for the development of the film industry and welfare of the artistes and film makers.
FBCCI hails Hasina for lighting up Bangladesh
FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her achievement of 100 per cent electrification of the country.Hasina officially declared the country fully covered by electricity on Monday, while inaugurating the country’s biggest 1320 MW thermal power plant with Ultra Super Critical technology at Patuakhali’s Payra.In a congratulatory message, the president of Bangladesh Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries said that the PM has fulfilled the promise of reaching electricity to every house during ‘Mujib Borsha’ and the golden jubilee of independence of Bangladesh.
Also read: Stay united to take Bangladesh forward: PM urges after dedicating Payra plant as her Ramadan, Eid giftJashim said that economic activities in the remote areas are developing as a result of electrification.He said that local employment has been created through new business ventures resulting in a development in education, health, agriculture and industry.
Also read: PM opens Payra power plant, declares full electricity coverage of Bangladesh
Hasina lauds Bangladesh on its haseen win
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday congratulated the Bangladeshi cricket team for the historic win against South Africa.
The Tigers secured a 38-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
This was also the touring side’s maiden win away from home against South Africa in any format of the game.
Also read: Team Tigers beat SA to create history
Greek PM phones Hasina, praises her leadership for impressive development
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday appreciated Sheikh Hasina for her leadership in the impressive socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
He communicated his appreciation during a 10-minute phone call conversation with the Bangladesh Prime Minister at 3:30pm.
Read:Not chanting 'Joy Bangla' means undermining independence : PM
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a phone call from the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today and exchanged greetings on the 50 years of bilateral relations,” said a press release of PMO Press Wing here.
The Prime Minister of Greece congratulated Sheikh Hasina on the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Bangladesh PM also congratulated her Greek counterpart on the bicentennial of the Hellenic Republic observed last year.
“Prime Minister Mitsotakis appreciated the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s leadership in the impressive socio-economic development of the country,” said the release.
During the conversation, the two leaders observed that the relations between Bangladesh and Greece were based on a set of common values that they shared in the national and international contexts.
The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the role played by the Bangladesh expatriate workers in Greece to the economies and societies of both countries.
Read:PM vows to build a beautiful future for children
They expressed satisfaction at the MoU on Migration and Mobility that was signed between the two sides in February 2022.
The two leaders emphasised the importance of regular cultural exchanges and other people-to-people contacts.
Prime Minister Hasina thanked ‘Team Europe’ for donating vaccines to Bangladesh.
The two leaders exchanged views on enhancing trade cooperation. They also agreed to support each other’s candidatures in the UN and other international organisations.
The Greek Prime Minister invited Sheikh Hasina to visit Athens at a mutually convenient time.
Prime Minister Hasina also invited her Greek counterpart to visit Bangladesh soon.
PM vows to build a beautiful future for children
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that her government has long-term plans to make the future beautiful for the children.
“We want to build a beautiful future for the children. I’ve also formulated long-term plans for this,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a programme titled ‘Tungipara: Hridoye Pitribhumi’at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara in Gopalganj marking the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day-2022.
In collaboration with the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, the National Implementation Committee for Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birth Centenary Celebration, arranged the programme, featuring discussion and cultural soiree.
Also read: Birth Anniversary: President, PM pay homage to Bangabandhu
Hasina said Bangladesh today attained the status of a developing country. “We’ll definitely make Bangladesh the developed and prosperous Sonar Bangla. It’s our commitment,” she said.
In this context, she mentioned her government’s vision 2041 and Delta Plan-2100. “I’ve prepared a plan over how this Bangladesh would develop till 2100,” she added.
Covid fallouts, Russia-Ukraine war behind price hike: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday blamed the Covid-19 fallouts and Russia-Ukraine war behind the soaring prices.
“The prices of essentials have marked a rise not only in Bangladesh but also elsewhere in the world due to the Covid-induced recession in the global economy. That’s why the prices have increased in every country of the world,” she said.
Hasina said this while addressing a discussion marking the Historic March 7 Speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971.
Awami League organised the discussion at its central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue. Sheikh Hasina joined the programme virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Besides, Hasina said, an unwarranted situation erupted when Russia attacked Ukraine. “The negative impact of that incident has struck the world and we’re also suffering from that.”
The Prime Minister said maybe the prices of some items are going up at the domestic market due to the impacts of the price hike on the international market.
“Naturally, the prices go up at the domestic market when that goes up on the world market as its impact falls everywhere,” she said.
Also read: New generations can’t be kept in darkness about true history of Bangladesh, asserts PM
Besides, she said, there are some people who always try to make money taking advantage of such a situation. “They want to make quick bucks through hoarding of goods.”
Hasina said the government has made arrangements for monitoring the market.
She urged all to utilise every inch of land for farming to avoid any kind of food scarcity in the country.
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader delivered the welcome speech at the programme.
AL Presidium members Matia Chowdhury, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Shajahan Khan, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, AL joint general secretary Dr Hassan Mahmud, AL organising SM Kamal Hossain, AL Secretary of Labor and Manpower Habibur Rahman Siraj, Dhaka South AL general secretary Humayun Kabir and Dhaka North AL general secretary SM Mannan Kochi also spoke on the occasion.
The Prime Minister said the aim of the government is to ensure all the basic needs of people. “And we're doing that successfully."She said the Awami League government has been able to bring a fundamental change in society in just 13 years. “We've been able to develop the living standard of the people of this country."Referring to BNP’s move to observe another programme instead of observing Historic March 7 speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, also the AL chief, said there is no need to pay attention who actually observe the historic day or not.
Also read: PM releases postage stamp marking historic March 7“We've to consider that they're the vested quarter who never wanted the Independence of this country and are among the group who killed the Father of the nation, staged the August 24 grenade attack, burnt people alive,” she said, adding that people do not expect anything from them.She said that the leaders of BNP are convicted for corruption; they are fugitives and they have nothing to do except destroying the future of people.Hasina said taking advantage of Digital Bangladesh, the BNP fugitive leaders are engaged to destroy the achievements of the country from abroad.Briefly describing the various achievements of the government in the last 13 years, the Prime Minister said the aim of the government is to materialise the dream of the Father of the Nation.“We're doing whatever is needed to develop Bangladesh, we've to fulfil the dream of the Father of the Nation,” she said.Hasina said the historic March 7 speech still encourages all as each of its lines are meaningful; and it inspires people to move forward.“We've to march forward following the historic speech not just observing the Day,” she added.
Mujib Graphic Novel: Daughters edit father’s tale
The team that put together the Mujib Graphic Novel had two editors who constantly chipped in with suggestions-- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.
They were cheered up when they found Hasina's edit notes on the draft of the Graphic Novel that was to bring to life Bangabandhu's amazing life story as a comic.
Mujib Graphic Novel is the first of its kind in the country to present the life story of a political legend in the form of comics.
Based on the unfinished memoirs of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the graphic novel, a CRI publication, narrates the story of an ordinary village boy with an extraordinary dream that made him the founding father of a nation.
On one of the pages where a man and a dog were fighting for a piece of bread during the historic 1943-famine, Hasina recommended portraying the man, weak and hungry, as sitting instead of standing, said a media release.
On another page featuring Mujib and his father becoming too serious about a football match, she suggested sketching hair on the head of the latter.
“Correct my grandfather’s picture. He was not bald and his head was full of hair till the end of his life,” wrote the Prime Minister.
Dubbing young Mujib’s famine-time service to humanity as an example for students, she instructed the team to mention that some food was donated by saving on hostel meals.
In another part, there was a text saying that Mujib took a tonga (horse-cart) on his journey from a hotel to Taj Mahal. Hasina corrected the text, realizing that such a long distance cannot be covered by a horse-cart.
Reflecting on the contribution of Hasina and Rehana, Bangabandhu’s grandson and CRI trustee Radwan Mujib said, “We're lucky that my mother and my aunt (Prime Minister) backed the project from the very beginning. Without them, we couldn’t get this done. I used to give the script and cartoonists’ draft to my mother and aunt. You know how busy my aunt (PM Hasina) is. I used to keep the documents on her table so that she could check those after getting back from the office.
"To my surprise, I found, after an hour or two, her observations were written there. Sometimes my team was astonished as they inquired if it was written by Prime Minister herself.”