PM
PM to address nation this evening
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday will address the nation on Tuesday evening ahead of Pahela Boishakh 1428.
“The Prime Minister will address the nation at 7:15pm on the occasion of the Pahela Boishakh (Bangla New Year),” said PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) will simultaneously broadcast the Prime Minister’s address.
Also read: PM to address nation this evening
Private television channels and radio stations will also air the Prime Minister’s speech.
Also read: Coronavirus: PM to address nation March 25
Global peace turned more challenging amid pandemic: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said ensuring global peace has become far more challenging than in the past due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other threats.
“With the advent of invisible enemies like the coronavirus, the rapid spread of technology, and the advancement of time, new elements of threats have emerged,” she said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of ‘Exercise Front Runner of Peace-2021’ from her official residence Ganobhaban.
On the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Independence, a multinational exercise, organised by Bangladesh Army, was held at Bangabandhu Cantonment, Ghatail, Tangail from April 4-12.
Also read:Maintain Covid precautions: PM Hasina
Military members from India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka along with their Bangladesh counterpart participated in the exercise.
Currently, Sheikh Hasina said, peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions have to deal with multidimensional and complex situations. “So, the number of peacekeepers’ deaths has is rising at an alarming rate.”
So far, she mentioned, 158 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and 237 injured. “Time has come to equip peacekeepers with appropriate training and equipment to deal with the upcoming crises in UN peacekeeping operations.”
Hasina said the recent incidents that happened in UN peacekeeping missions were presented in ‘Exercise Front Runner of Peace’ so that the future peacekeepers may be trained well in making appropriate decisions to deal with such situations.
Also read:Curb food adulteration with an iron hand: PM Hasina
The Prime Minister said properly trained armed forces are essential to safeguard the national integrity and sovereignty of any country. “Similarly, there’s no alternative to regular exercise in proving the capabilities of the military members.”
Returning to power in 2009, she said, the Awami League government has formulated a long-term plan titled 'Forces Goal-2030', and it is being implemented with the aim of building a highly professional and trained military.
In 2016, she said, the government has established ‘Bangladesh Peacebuilding Centre (BPC)’. In the last 12 years, it has made significant progress in modernising the three forces.
“We’ve added sophisticated weapons and technology to our military. We’ve adopted a 'zero-tolerance policy' to eradicate terrorism and militancy,” she said.
So far, over 175,000 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 1,800 women ones, have participated in 54 missions in 40 countries of five continents while more than 7,000 Bangladeshi army and police personnel are currently deployed in 10 peacekeeping missions, the PM said.
“In every mission that our peacekeepers destined they have raised the flag of the United Nations high as well as brightened Bangladesh’s image. That’s why Bangladesh has become one of the highest peacekeeper-providing countries in the world today,” she said.
Talking about the socioeconomic development, the Prime Minister said even during the pandemic when the world economy got stalled, the government has tried to keep Bangladesh economy moving, enabling the country to achieve 5.4 percent GDP growth. “By the time we’ve been elevated to the developing nation status."
Visiting Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane also spoke at the programme while Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed delivered the welcome and thanksgiving speeches.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Army chief distributed certificates among the participants of the exercise.
Country needs more energy for development: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said the government wants to develop the country and for that reason it needs more energy.
“We want the development of our country. That’s why we need energy,” she said while visiting Special US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry called on her at her official residence.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim later briefed reporters.
He said the Prime Minister mentioned that as the source of clean energy, Bangladesh put emphasis on producing more energy from hydroelectric power plants.
“We’ve only one hydroelectric power generation plant. Now we’re in discussion with Nepal, Bhutan and India to set up hydroelectric plants through bilateral or trilateral initiatives on regional basis,” she said.
She also said that there are around 5.8 million solar connectivity in the country.
Also read: Make no mistake; take action: Kerry on dealing with climate crisis together
“Agriculture sector also needs solar energy for irrigation,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina deeply appreciated the decision of the US to return to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“This’ll create new momentum in climate change diplomacy,” she said.
PM Hasina for harnessing potential of youths
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday put emphasis on establishing cooperation in harnessing the power and potential of the youth.
She said it could be done through skill development, utilising the full potential of ICT, creating necessary legal, institutional and infrastructural framework; and improving connectivity to facilitate trade and investment among the D-8 member states.
Also read:Maintain Covid precautions: PM Hasina
“The D-8, which was established 24 years ago, is now poised to deliver its goal of economic development through creating synergies,” she said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the areas of cooperation in her welcome statement while presiding over the 10th D-8 Summit that began in a virtual platform with participation of leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
At the outset of the summit hosted by Bangladesh, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered opening remarks as the current Chair of D-8 and handed over the D-8 Chairmanship to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021”.
Hasina said the power and potential of the youths who have made breakthroughs in business ideas, models, innovations and technologies is very important.
“The youth in our countries can be encouraged to come together through the business initiatives at private and even government to private level. The D-8 Business Forum together with the 1st D-8 Youth Summit has created this rare opportunity,” she said.
The Prime Minister said youths are well conversant with digital technology and have kept Bangladesh’s economy vibrant during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said the UN has estimated that the global economy is expected to lose nearly 8.5 trillion dollars in output over the next two years because of pandemic.
Also read:Curb food adulteration with an iron hand: PM Hasina
“To overcome the challenges, we need effective partnership and greater cooperation in the fields of technology and innovation.”
She mentioned that Bangladesh has put emphasis on the use of transformative technology for the last one decade, turning the country into a “Digital Bangladesh”.
With more than six hundred thousand IT professionals, 28 high-tech parks and technology friendly initiatives, she said that Bangladesh is moving forward optimally using the power of the youth and technology.
The Prime Minister said another key area of cooperation where the D-8 member states need to give their focus on is trade.
She mentioned that the D-8 Secretariat can provide information of potentials within the Group and explore scope for "Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreements".
“Such information could help increase trade and investment dialogue, and more trade and investment among the member states. Trade is ultimately driven by the private sector,” she said.
Hasina also mentioned that it is important to facilitate the travel of business people for which Bangladesh has joined six D-8 members in ratifying "Simplification of Visa Procedures for the Businessmen of the D-8 Member States."
She said for effective and sustainable development within D-8, it is now imperative that the member countries cooperate with and assist each other on climate change issues.
“As the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum-CVF, we’ll be happy to work with the D-8 member states on the issue of implementation of the Paris Agreement.”
Talking about the Rohingya issue, Hasina said this problem is causing severe impact on the country’s environment, society and the economy. Bangladesh gave shelter to 1.1 million Rohingyas of Myanmar on humanitarian ground, she said.
“We’ve insisted from the beginning that the Rohingyas have to go back to the Rakhine State in Myanmar in a safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable manner,” she said.
Also read:Will deliver benefits of independence to all doors: PM Hasina
Unfortunately, the PM mentioned, it has been more than three years after their influx into Bangladesh, and the repatriation process is yet to be started.
“We’re also concerned that if the crisis is not resolved, this may create security concerns in the region and beyond,” she warned.
Expressing her gratitude to the D-8 member states for their support on the issue, she urged them to put pressure on Myanmar for taking back the Rohingyas.
Talking about the natural disaster, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has achieved phenomenal socio-economic growth even after the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
Last year, she said, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh had to bear the brunt of cyclone Amphan, and prolonged flood in large parts of the country.
“It’s estimated that close to 1 percent of our GDP is lost due to climate change, which is likely to increase in the coming decades if the current phenomenon is not reversed. This calls for an urgent and a meaningful cooperation among us for adaptation and mitigation measures.”
On the issue of Covid-19 pandemic, she said that just before the outbreak of the pandemic, Bangladesh had achieved an enviable GDP growth rate of 8.15 percent. Even during the pandemic, it achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.4 percent, one of the highest in the world, by putting equal emphasis on lives and livelihood.
“Apart from rolling out a stimulus package worth 1.24 trillion taka, which is around 4.4% of our GDP, our investment in food security, agriculture and adequate social safety nets contributed in overriding the fallouts of Covid-19.”
She said that the government is also providing various social protection supports to more than 9.5 million people.
“We’ve taken an initiative to provide a house to country’s every homeless person marking the birth centenary of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”
She mentioned that Women's empowerment and their equal involvement at all levels is also an important factor of economic stability.
She said Bangladesh is one of the top readymade garment exporters in the world. More than 85 percent of the workers in this sector are women. They are significantly contributing to the society and the economy.
The percentage of enrolment in schools is higher for girls than boys.
Women are active in all professions as well as in politics. They are also serving in the UN peacekeeping missions abroad, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh places utmost importance to education at all levels.
“We’re providing free education up to secondary level. Bangladesh has become a popular destination for foreign students who want to pursue higher studies.”
In this regard, she said the SEACO University Network will provide a good platform for new and trendier subjects, including the 4IR and also a stable online education platform for our students.
Covid-19: Hasina for balancing livelihoods and public health
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said livelihood activities need to be continued maintaining health hygiene amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The lives and livelihoods of people should go on. We can’t make people suffer. But it’s absolutely essential to follow health rules,” she said while addressing the concluding ceremony of the 71st foundation training course for BCS cadre officers.
The Prime Minister joined the event, held at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) in Savar, virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
She urged the people of the country to take measures so that everyone follows the health safety rules.
Also Read: Second dose of Covid vaccine from Thursday: PM
“The coronavirus pandemic has reappeared and now we can see that blow. Though we’ve taken some instant measures, maybe we’ll have to take tougher steps to save people, and we’ll do so,” she said pointing at the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister urged all to keep themselves protected and make others protected following the health rules, including the use of face masks.
Pointing at the fresh cadre officers, the PM directed them to pay special attention so that everyone follows the health protection rules in their working areas where they are going to join.
State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain and Public Administration’s Senior Secretary Shaikh Yusuf Harun also spoke on the occasion.
BPATC Rector Rakib Hossain presented the report of the foundation training course. A total of 307 fresh cadre officers, including 89 women, participated in the course conducted at six cetnres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla and Bogura, and all of them successfully completed the training.
Among them, 31 participants – 18 male officers and 13 female officers-- received the certificates of excellence in the training course.
The State Minister, on behalf of the Prime Minister, handed over the certificates to the first three participants for their outstanding performances during the training.
Also Read: Will take action against those involved in vandalism: PM
The participants from other training centres were virtually connected with the function.
Mentioning her government’s various development plans and activities, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh today graduated to a developing country from the status of a least developed one as the government has been able to accelerate the pace of development programmes remaining in power for the last 12 years in a row. “Now our goal is to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh by 2041.”
Describing the young officers as the soldiers of building a developed and prosperous Bangladesh by 2041, the Prime Minister directed them to perform their duties with confidence, honesty and sincerity to reach the goal as she may not be alive to run the State at that time.
“Aalways keep in mind that Bangladesh is our motherland. We’re Bangalees. We achieved the victory fighting a war. We’ll move ahead keeping our heads high in the world with dignity,” she said.
She urged the administration to render services showing sincerity to people as they are owners of Bangladesh.
Focusing on the government’s measures to build pro-people public administration, the PM said the government has made arrangements for civil service officers to obtain higher degrees and advanced training at home and abroad.
Feni youth held under DSA for 'defaming' PM on Facebook
A Feni youth was handed over to police Monday and was arrested under the Digital Security Act (DSA) for "defaming" Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in a Facebook post.
Nurul Afsar, 26, is from Feni's Amirabad union and works as a bank office assistant in Janata Bank.
Feni upazila Secha Sebok League President Faruk Hossain took him to the police at 8pm for "defaming and tarnishing the image of the head of government."
Also read: Chakaria madrasa student arrested under DSA for video on PM
"On March 26, a Facebook page called 'AJ Limon Juktorajjo BNP' made an 'offensive' post about the prime ministers of Bangladesh and India. The accused wrote defamatory words about the prime ministers while commenting on that post," he said.
As Faruk came across the post, he handed over Afsar to Sonagazi Model Police Station and also filed a case against him under the Digital Security Act in connection with the incident, Sajedul Islam, officer-in-charge of Sonagazi Model Police Station, confirmed.
Also read: Youth held under DSA for spreading PM’s distorted image online
Perform duties properly to enforce Corona directives: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed all the authorities concerned to perform their duties properly to ensure the government’s directives are implemented appropriately to battle the fresh wave of the Covid-19 in the country.
“We’ve already issued some directives to check coronavirus. You all will have to pay special attention so that people follow the directives properly,” she said while inaugurating the newly constructed multi-storied head office of the National Security Intelligence (NSI).
The Prime Minister declared the 20-storied head office building open, joining the function virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Also read: Avoid public gatherings, wear masks to fight Covid surge, PM urges all
She said her government is much conscious about keeping the economic activities running, but saving lives of people is the first priority.
Sheikh Hasina said various countries across the world witnessed economic slowdown due to the corona situation, but Bangladesh has been able to keep the economic pace running and its economic growth rate is higher than other South Asian countries. “We’ll have to maintain it (the trend of growth),” she said.
The Prime Minister asked all to raise public awareness so that people follow the health protection rules and guidelines.
“All will have to keep themselves protected and protect others. You all who are in-charge throughout the country will have to perform your duties properly,” she said.
Also read:PM issues directives to tackle Covid-19
Sheikh Hasina asked the NSI to work properly to check militancy, terrorism, drug and corruption in the country as the government announced ‘zero tolerance policy’ against these social menaces.
“You always will have to remain vigilant about these (social menaces) and take proper measures. You’ll have to do whatever necessary for protecting people’ lives and properties, public interest and ensuring peace and security to public life,” she said.
“We want that you, every member of NSI, will perform your duties with honesty and sincerity being imbued with the spirit of patriotism,” she said.
The PM put emphasis on maintaining the continuation of the country’s development adding that now Bangladesh is a developing country thanks to her government’s tireless works since 2009.
“If we want to keep its continuation, we’ll have to maintain peace and order in the country, fight Corona and simultaneously keep up the economic pace,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said though the Corona pandemic may hinder the country’s progress to some extent, Bangladesh will be able to recover from it. “Bangladesh is marching forward and will do so,” she said.
Also read:PM to inaugurate Covid-19 vaccination on Jan 27
Extending her thanks to the NSI members for playing a role in fighting the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic, she asked the NSI members to play more significant role this time.
PM’s Security Affairs Adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique was present at the function moderated by PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus.
NSI Director General Major General TM Jobaer delivered the welcome speech.
On January 17, 2015, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the 20-storied building for the NSI head office.
PM shocked at death of Namita Ghosh
Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of eminent singer and vocalist of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra Namita Ghosh.
She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Namita Ghosh breathed her last on Friday evening at a city hospital at the age of 63.
She left behind three brothers, two sisters and a host of relatives and well-wishers.
Meanwhile, AL general secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Namita Ghosh.
Independence Day: PM Hasina pays homage to Bangabandhu
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Friday morning on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day.
On her return from the National Memorial at Savar, the Prime Minister paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in the city.
After placing the wreaths, she stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of deep respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh Independence.
Sheikh Rehana, the youngest daughter of Bangabandhu, was present on the occasion.
Independence Day: President, PM pay tributes to martyrs of Liberation War
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar on Friday morning, marking Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day.
This year, the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its Independence.
President Hamid first placed wreaths at the altar of the memorial followed by the Prime Minister.
After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the 1971 great Liberation War.