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. If ‘one party’ joins election, may consider pushing back polls: EC Anisur 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. JP remains unified under GM Quader, will contest all 300 seats: Chunnu 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. BNP, Jamaat, like-minded parties threaten to resist ‘lopsided polls’

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. Germany, France, Denmark, Netherlands, UK, Canada file joint declaration of intervention in case against Myanmar at International Court of Justice 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. Scotland wants to hire construction workers from Bangladesh: Scottish delegation tells PM 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. Russian House in Dhaka hosts Geographical Dictation 2023 "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.

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. Make high-quality movies using modern technology: PM Hasina urges film industry “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. Govt extends total cooperation for a free and fair national election: PMO  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. PM Hasina declares 11 more districts having no one without land and home 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.

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. Read: PM mourns death of Patuakhali-1 MP Md Shahjahan Mia 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. Read: PM leaves for Belgium Tuesday on a significant EU visit 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. Read: Make a mini Switzerland in Bangladesh, PM Hasina urges Swiss investors  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.

Major points of Cox’s Bazar town and two sides of the roads are now adorned with banners, festoons, and billboards to welcome Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who will address a public rally in the coastal town on Saturday . Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, will inaugurate 15 projects and lay the foundation stones of four other projects. She will address a rally at 2:30 pm in Moheshkhali’s Matarbari. On Saturday morning, the premier will inaugurate the iconic oyster-shaped railway station in the Hajipara area of Jhelongja Union. Our main goal is to hold fair and neutral vote: PM Hasina According to the notification of the Deputy Commissioner, on this day, the prime minister will inaugurate 15 projects including railways and lay the foundation stones of 4 projects worth about Tk 88,000 crore. Of these 15 projects, nine are major projects and 6 are small. The projects to be inaugurated include railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar, Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project, Matarbari Deep Sea Port Channel, Bridge over Bakkhali River, Connecting Kutubdia Island to National Grid through Submarine Cable, Ukhiya Waste to Power Generation Project, Technical Training Center in Ramu Upazila, expansion and development work of Chakaria Bir Mukti Joddha Shaheed Abdul Hamid Municipal Bus Terminal, Kutubdia Thanda Chowkidar Para RCC Girder Bridge, Gorakghata-Shaplapur Janatabazar Road in Maheshkhali, land filling of Water Development Board under Airport Development Project, Dam Construction Project, Eidgaon Jahanara Girls High School, Moheshkhali Yunuskhali High School, Ukhiya Ratna and Morichya Palong High School academic buildings. PM Hasina returns home from Saudi Arabia On the other hand, the projects to be laid foundation stones are-- 1st Terminal of Matarbari Deep Sea Port Channel, Teknaf Multipurpose Disaster Resilient Shelter cum Isolation Centre, RCC Girder Bridge Construction on Nanda Khali Road in Ramu, and Building Construction Project under Cub Scouting Expansion Scheme in District Primary Schools. Stringent measures have been taken by law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security. Cox’s Bazar District Awami League has taken all preparations to make this event successful. PM Hasina to leave Saudi Arabia for home tonight Mujibur Rahman, general secretary of District Awami League, said that several lakh people will gather in this public meeting. Adequate security measures have been taken by the concerned including the police administration. Meanwhile, on the occasion of the prime minister's arrival on Saturday, the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Cox's Bazar Md Shaheen Imran banned carrying and displaying all types of legal weapons in Cox's Bazar. He said that this measure has been taken to control law and order in the district and to ensure security during the PM's visit.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said holding a free, fair and neutral election is the main goal of her government. “Election is coming and this is the democratic and constitutional right of the people. Protecting this right and holding a free, fair and neutral election is the goal of the government,” she said. The prime minister said this while delivering her introductory speech at the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting at her official residence Ganabhaban here. Hasan Mahmud likens BNP to IS, Taliban She said that the democratic rights of the people so far have got is the outcome of Awami League’s movement and struggle. “The free, fair and neutral election is the contribution of Awami League,” she said. Hasina, also the ruling Awami League chief, said that her party believes in the democratic and constitutional rights of the people. ‘Nothing to do with politics’: Law Minister on BNP leaders’ arrests “Awami League repeatedly came to power getting votes of the people, formed government and developed socioeconomic status of the people,” she said. Coming down heavily on BNP, she said that whenever people live in peace, BNP becomes active to create anarchy through arson terrorism. “We have to save people from this unrest and arson terrorism, this is the main task,” she said. The prime minister mentioned that conspiracy is on by the vested quarters to cripple Bangladesh economically. 'The only alternative to Hasina is Hasina': Home Minister “They are conspiring from every side to create unnatural situation in the country through arson terrorism and killing people. We have to advance facing all these odds,” she said. She requested all to remain vigilant so none can stop the forward march of the country in the coming days. Hasina called for resisting arson terrorists, militants and corrupted in the soil of Bangladesh like they did in the past. She said that in 2013-14, it was the people who resisted the arsonists, corrupts and militants. The PM called for thwarting the conspirators, corrupt people, money launderers, arms smugglers and arson terrorists. She said that the people of Bangladesh believe in democracy, peace and development. “It is with this belief that Bangladesh is moving forward at an unstoppable speed and this progress must be continued in the future as well," said the PM. She mentioned that people of the country have to decide whether they want militancy, arson, arms smuggling, corrupt people and money embezzlers from orphans, or they want the continuation of development initiated by Awami League. Referring to Israeli attacks on Palestine, she said that like Israelis, BNP-Jamaat is attacking common people, hospitals and police. PM Hasina said that the popularity of Awami League has not decreased in the last 15 years, rather people have greater confidence, trust and dependence on it. Referring to various surveys, the prime minister said that 70 percent of the people of the country have confidence in Awami League. In his speech, the prime minister strongly criticised the incitement of the garment workers and said that in this case, the far-right Jamaat and the far-left organisations, including the Communists, are speaking in unison. Meanwhile, she warned that if any factory is destroyed due to vandalism in the name of the movement, the production and export will be disrupted, the bread and sustenance of the workers will hampered. She said that even though the owners increased the workers' wage to a minimum of Tk12500 a month, vested quarters are trying to create a situation to destabilise the garment industry. Keeping this in mind, Hasina mentioned that the Awami League government has not limited the development of the country to just metro rail, Karnaphuli tunnel or big flyovers. “We have given importance on the development of rural areas, rather than the urban ones,” she said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home on Wednesday morning after attending the International Conference on Women in Islam and performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the prime minister and her entourage members landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 7:41 am. PM Hasina to leave Saudi Arabia for home tonight Earlier, the flight departed King AbdulAziz International Airport here at 10:54 pm  on Tuesday local time. On November  5, the premier went to Madina on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia. On that day, she performed Ziarat of the Rawja Mubarak of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) at Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina and offered Fateha there after Asar prayers. China becomes important partner of Bangladesh in terms of economic development, beyond: Ambassador Yao Then she left for Makkah and performed holy Umrah at the Al Masjid Al-Haram ((Kaaba Sharif)) after Esha prayers ob the same day.    On November 6, the prime minister attended the conference and delivered her speech.    On the sidelines of the conference, she also held meetings its top officials of OIC and member countries. Indian states vote in key test for opposition and PM Modi ahead of 2024 national election Apart from joining the conference, she attended the opening of the Women in Islam Exhibition and banquet dinner in honour of her. The Kingdom in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted the conference on November 6-8.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) on Sunday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking her intervention to reset the airfare in this year's hajj package. The letter signed by M Shahadat Hossain Taslim, president of the association, was submitted to the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday. Earlier on November 2, State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan announced 'Hajj Package-2024'  at a press briefing held at the Secretariat. Hajj packages for 2024 to be cheaper This year, the hajj package has been fixed at Tk 5,78,840 under the government management and Tk 9,36,320 under special arrangement, with the airfare of Tk 1,94,800, Tk 2,997 less than last year’s airfare. “Though the airfare was reduced compared to the last year, it is possible to reduce it further considering various factors. As Biman is a commercial organization, the HAAB central executive council thinks that fixing fare under their sole authority was not appropriate,” reads the letter. Bangladeshis can perform Umrah with transit visa: Saudi Hajj Minister At present, the airlines are selling Dhaka-Jeddah-Dhaka return tickets for around Tk75,000, the letter says, "They are operating flights with about remaining 20 percent seats vacant." On the contrary, almost 100% of passengers travel by flight during Hajj. Moreover, the operating cost of empty return flights is also low. Normal flights need additional costs in marketing and system management, which Hajj flights do not. Considering all these things, the maximum airfare for the dedicated Hajj flight could have been Tk 150,000, according to the letter. Biman's last hajj flight arrives in Dhaka with 358 pilgrims “You (PM) are always dedicated to the welfare of Hajj pilgrims and your role in modern and welfare-oriented Hajj management is universally appreciated. In the current context, Muslims intend to perform hajj across the country are only looking at you. Therefore, taking into account of the current situation, HAAB is requesting your kind intervention regarding rearranging the Hajj package by reducing the airfare of the pilgrims through an independent technical committee,” the letter concluded.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (November 02, 2023) urged the country’s journalists to expose the real face of the BNP before the international community as the opposition party’s activists swooped on the media persons who were covering their October 28 rally. “You, journalists, should expose internationally the real character of those who attacked you while performing duty,” she said. The premier was addressing the Delegates Conference-2023 of BFUJ-Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists at the National Press Club in the city. Noting that the anti-liberation forces have no right here in Bangladesh, she said, “Those who believe in terrorism and militancy have no right here. They don’t want the welfare of the people of this country and they are foes of the people.” The PM said the attackers of journalists and police must pay as some 30 journalists were injured in the attacks carried out by BNP men on October 28 last. Read more: Day 3 of blockade: 4 vehicles burnt in Dhaka, Narayanganj so far She said the BNP men carried out attacks even in disguise on that day, believing that they could remain unidentified and escape punishment. But they’ve finally been caught, she said. “They carried such misdeeds. Those who kill and attack journalists and police must face punishment,” she said. Hasina strongly condemned the way BNP attacked journalists and police. “Committing terrorist acts is their character,” she said. She also blasted different international organisations of journalists, including Reporters Without Borders for keeping silent over this attack. “Where are they now? We don’t see them and don’t hear any words from them. Where have they disappeared suddenly?” she said. The PM said some 30 journalists were injured and some have been receiving treatment in hospitals. “But we don’t hear anything from any of them,” she said. She compared the BNP’s attack on the police hospital here to the bombing on a Palestine hospital by Israel. They (BNP) carried out the attack on a hospital here the same way the Israel bombed a Palestine hospital and killed women and children. “I don’t know if they are taking lessons from the Jews,” said the prime minister. Talking about the 9th wage board for journalists, PM Hasina said it is the responsibility of the owners to implement it. It is very unfortunate that they filed a case instead of implementing it. She said the preparation continues to form the 10th wage board and the government has a plan to bring electronic media journalists under the wage board. She put emphasis on bringing the journalists who are working outside Dhaka under the coverage of the wage board. The premier announced to provide another amount of Tk 10 crore as donation to the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. The fund was formed with the seed money provided by the prime minister. She assured the journalists working outside Dhaka of giving plots to them under district-based housing projects. Noting that there is a huge number of newspapers in Bangladesh, she said the number of newspapers is not so high even in many developed and rich countries. There are 3,241 newspapers in the country, she said. Turning to the development of Bangladesh, she said today’s Bangladesh has gained the status of a developing country thanks to the continuation of the democracy and the government from 2009-2023. Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud spoke as the special guest at the function chaired by BFUJ President Omar Faruque. BFUJ Secretary General Dip Azad conducted the event, while President of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) Sohel Haider Chowdhury and leaders of different units of BFUJ spoke on the occasion. In the function, former BFUJ leaders were honoured with crests. Read more: EC letter inviting BNP’s jailed leader for talks on polls returns undelivered: Sources

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country as part of her government’s programme to spread true message of Islam. She opened the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in the sixth phase during the National imam Conference and Prize Giving Ceremony-2023. Imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Abdur Rahman Al-Bua'Yjan was with the prime minister during the event. Religious Affairs Ministry organised the function at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Rupganj of Narayanganj. Three pandals have been set up at the venue. After reaching the venue, the prime minister first visited the pandels  along with the  imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina. Read: PM Hasina returns home after 3-day official visit to Belgium Both the premier and the imam spoke briefly to the imams gathered at the venue from different parts of the country. She thanked the imams for coming to join National Imam Council and urged them to pray for wellbeing of the country and its people. "Pray to Allah that the development of the country being carried out by the government goes on,” she said. PM Hasina also thanked the custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Monday’s opening of the mosques raised the number of such model mosques to 300. Read: PM condoles death of freedom fighter Badrul Alam Bir Uttam The government has taken up a programme of building 564 model mosques and Islamic centres across the country. The PM unveiled 50 mosques each in the first phase on 10 June, 2021, in the second phase on 16 January this year, in the third phase on 16 March,  in the fourth phase on 17 April and in the fifth phase on July 30. The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June 2024. The mosques and centres are being built under a programme to spread the true message of Islam following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaj along with air-conditioning system. There will also be registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre and boarding facility for local and foreign guests. Read: PM Hasina set to return home from Brussels on Friday In 2017, the government has taken a project with Taka 9,435 crore for constructing Islamic Cultural Centres and Model Mosque in every district and upazila as well as municipality of the country. An audio-visual documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function. State Minister for religious affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the event addressed  among others by President of Tarikat Foundation Syed Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari, Maulana Dr. Mohammad Kafiluddin Sarkar Salehi and Maulana Ehsanul Haq Al Mojaddedi. Secretary for religious affairs ministry Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the address of welcome.