Sheikh Hasina
PM’s 6 advisors get portfolios
The Cabinet Division on Sunday announced the portfolios of six advisors appointed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Dhaka calls for solidarity, unity, strong South-South cooperation to achieve sustainable development
Dr Mashiur Rahman will act as economic affairs advisor while Dr Towfique-e-Elahi Chowdhury will deal with power, energy and mineral resources, Dr Gawhar Rizvi international affairs, Salman F Rahman private industry and investment, Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury education and cultural affairs and Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique security affairs, according to the Cabinet Division.
Belarus PM congratulates Hasina
Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her reelection of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
"On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Belarus and on my own behalf, I sincerely congratulate You a confident victory in the general parliamentary elections and re-election to the post of Prime Minister of Bangladesh," he said in a letter written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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Golovchenko said "This undoubtedly confirms the high trust of the Bangladeshi people, Your authority and the correctness of the strategy for the socio-economic development of the country."
He said it is pleasant to note that the dialogue between our friendly States is carried out on the basis of mutual respect, trust and the interest of the parties in further successful strengthening of cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian fields.
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The Belarus PM said he is convinced that the supply of Belarusian passenger and road construction machinery, electric vehicles and tractors, as well as continuation cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, education, science and technology will contribute for building fruitful bilateral ties to increase the well-being of citizens of both countries.
"I take this opportunity to renew invitation to You to visit Belarus at a convenient time," he added.
UN Secretary General lauds Sheikh Hasina's leadership
"Please accept, Your Excellency, wishes for good health, happiness and success in your responsible position, as well as the assurance of my highest consideration," Golovchenko ended.
Peace and prosperity in the country prevail as Bangabandhu's daughter is there: Arafat
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prof Mohammad A Arafat, the new face in Sheikh Hasina's Fifth Cabinet, on Monday said the country is getting to enjoy peace and prosperity thanks to Bangabandhu's daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, being in charge of running the affairs of state.
The minister said this while addressing a reception accorded to him at Kalachandpur Government High School and College ground, part of his constituency of Dhaka-17 on Monday evening.
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"We see images of unrest and wars in different parts of the world on television and read on the news pages. There has been peace in our country for the last 15 years; the country is moving forward; it has been possible due to the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu,” Arafat stated.
At the same time, Arafat said, "We have to remain alert about those who hurl petrol bombs on people and vehicles and even burn people to death by torching trains to destroy the peace of the people.”
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"People were not scared by the fear shown by the terrorists; they went to vote in the winter morning," he said, adding, "We have surveyed that 24 to 25 percent of voters in any constituency do not live in the area." That is, if you count the remaining 75 percent, the vote was much higher than the average of 42 percent across the country.”
Arafat thanked the people of his constituency and sought their blessings for performing their duties smoothly.
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Presided over by Dhaka City North Jubo League Acting President Md Zakir Hossain Babul, the function was addressed, among others, by lawmaker Wakil Uddin of Dhaka-11 constituency.
Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win
Bangladesh’s friends and partners from across the world keep congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory as she is set to form her new cabinet on Thursday with a likely mix of new and old faces.
They vowed to work together with the government and people of Bangladesh to strengthen their ties with the country.
Even though the United States concluded that Sunday’s election was not “free or fair” it voiced commitment to work with Bangladesh.
"Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," said US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller a day after the voting.
The European Union (EU) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
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"The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," said High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles in a statement on behalf of the EU.
It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU.
The United Kingdom encouraged all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. "We will continue to support this process.”
The UK, however, said the January 7 election did not provide the “fullest options” to the Bangladeshis.
The Australian government has urged the Bangladesh government to "prioritise" the strengthening of its democratic institutions, which "underpin" the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the promotion of development.
"As a close partner, Australia remains committed to working with Bangladesh to achieve our shared vision for an open, stable, prosperous and inclusive region," said the Australian government in a statement on Bangladesh elections.
Earlier, India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Muslim world and other South Asian countries congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda extended a cordial invitation to Hasina to pay a visit to Nepal at a convenient time.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC also congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
"My congratulations to you- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on your electoral victory," she said.
The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to partner with Bangladesh to achieve national priorities and looks forward to working with the PM for the people of Bangladesh and all members of the Commonwealth Family, she said.
Canada, however, expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh.
“Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government in a statement on January 9.
Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation
On the other hand, Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
“We look forward to further deepening the ties between Canada and Bangladesh and will continue working with you and your government to that end,” a message to PM Hasina reads.
Chair of Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Brad Redekopp, MP; Vice Chair Salma Ataullahjan; Kevin Waugh, MP; Larry Brock, MP; and Ken Hardie, MP jointly sent the congratulatory message.
Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, said he is confident that under her leadership, Bangladesh will be able to fully realize its economic potential and become a developed country by 2041.
“The bold reforms taken forward under your leadership have helped raise Bangladesh’s economic and social standing,” Schwab said in a message to PM Hasina.
“The World Economic Forum looks forward to working closely with you and your government to support in achieving its full growth potential,” he said.
Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Director General Binayak Sen has said the United States is undeniably a strong influencer of development dynamics but it needs to rethink its role.
He said the US needs to fund for new economic projects, duty free access, new FDI opportunities, and stopping global conflicts.
In a separate message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said almost everyone agrees that the parliament lacks strong opposition. “AL needs to find a way out.”
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The country’s challenges are huge, which need to be settled through open and sharp debates, the economist said. “I propose that Article 70 of the constitution be abrogated to allow dissents and differences,” he mentioned.
By now, the government has said, Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments is ensured without any undemocratic arrangement.
"Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a briefing note shared with the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, MoFA conveyed to the diplomats.
In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision ultra vires and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy as a fundamental principle of our State Policy.
The 12th Parliamentary elections of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters, MoFA said.
The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said.
“We look forward to seeing better partnership, better cooperation and better accommodation. This is essential to us,” said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
He said Bangladesh has made many achievements due to cooperation and collaboration.
Sheikh Hasina re-elected Awami League Parliamentary Party leader for 4th time in a row
Sheikh Hasina was on Wednesday elected the leader of the Awami League Parliamentary Party (ALPP) for the fourth time in a row.
The election means she will be the prime minister for the fourth consecutive time after she led her Awami League party to an absolute victory in the January 7 parliamentary polls.
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The newly elected lawmakers of the Awami League, under the leadership of party president Hasina, held a meeting at the Jatiya Sangshad and unanimously elected her as the leader of the ALPP on Wednesday soon after the oath-taking ceremony.
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader proposed the name of Hasina as the leader of the House which was seconded by Chief Whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton, sources at the meeting said.
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Besides, Awami League Presidium Member Matia Chowdhury was re-elected the deputy leader of the ALPP while Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was chosen as the Speaker of the Parliament again.
The meeting also decided to nominate Shamsul Haque Tuku as deputy speaker of the parliament again.
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Meanwhile, Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton will retain the post of the chief whip of 12th Parliament, the meeting decided.
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.
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates PM Hasina on election victory
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.
World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland
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.
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates PM Hasina on election victory
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland
“As members of the Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, we would like to congratulate you for winning your fifth term as Prime Minister,” a message to PM Hasina reads.
“We look forward to further deepening the ties between Canada and Bangladesh and will continue working with you and your government to that end,” the message further reads.
Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
“We wish you all the best as you form your new government and continue guiding your country forward,” it says.
Chair of Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Brad Redekopp, MP; Vice Chair Salma Ataullahjan; Kevin Waugh, MP; Larry Brock, MP; and Ken Hardie, MP jointly sent the congratulatory message.
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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.
Hasina wins Gopalganj-3
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been elected unofficially in Gopalganj-3 constituency in the 12th general election.
She bagged the seat achieving 2,49,965 votes in her constituency while her nearest rival M Nizam Uddin Lascar from Bangladesh Supreme Party secured 469 votes, said Returning officer of the district Kazi Mahbubul Alam.
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The polling that began at 8:00 am concluded at 4pm without any break amid tight security in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies. The counting of votes started immediately after the end of voting.
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Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cast her vote at Dhaka City College in the capital this morning.
Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam on Sunday said 27.15 % votes were cast till 3 pm on Sunday.
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Barishal cheers PM Hasina as she arrives to address campaign rally
The southern riverine district of Barishal has been in a festive mood marking the visit of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her first to the area in five years.
Hasina, the president of ruling Awami League, is visting Barishal as part of her campaign tour ahead of January 7 general election.
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Thousands of AL leaders, including party's candidates and actvists, shouted slogans in favour of its election symbol, boat, as the party chief arrived here in the morning.
Hasina will address an election rally at the historic Bangabandhu Udyan in the divisional headquarters.
Decorated with banners, posters and flags the city welcomed the PM.