PM Hasina
PM slams BNP over calling for movement in Ramadan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called upon the people to join forces with her party to resist the 'ghosts' of illegal power grabbers who want to foil the fruits of independence and the country's development spree.
“The independence of the country must not be allowed to fail. The illegal power grabbers who killed the Father of the Nation and their ghosts must be prevented from demolishing the independence of the people of Bangladesh," she said.
The prime minister was addressing a discussion organised by Awami League on the occasion of Independence and National Day at Bangabandhu International Conference Center here.
She said that Bangladesh has achieved remarkable development as democracy has been prevailing in the country since 2008.
“The world considers Bangladesh as the role model of development. From now on Bangladesh will not go backwards, it will move forward with an irresistible speed,” she said.
Hasina, also the chief of ruling Awami League, said the country witnessed darkness for 29 years from 1975-1996 and 2001-2008.
“We have brought new light for the people of Bangladesh removing that dark clouds. Bangladesh is advancing and will continue its journey towards development and prosperity,” she said.
She said that come what may Bangladesh will continue its journey towards the path of light.
She urged the Awami League activists and leaders to take forward the trust and confidence of the people in building the golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“Let's not be confused by anyone's false statement,” she said.
She stated that she knows it very well that there are international powers who do not like the continuous democracy in Bangladesh.
“And there are some intellectuals of ours who do not like this at all. They think if any unusual government prevails in the country they will get importance as illegal power grabbers need some sticks like them. They are feeling hurt as they can't become that sticks (of the illegal power grabbers),” she said.
She said that these people are relentlessly tarnishing the good name of the country abroad. Some inside the country are writing rubbish saying that nothing good happened here, she added.
Hasina also highlighted distortion of history and destruction of the spirit of the war of liberation, arson terrorism, militancy, killing, lotting, money laundering and corruption by Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia-led BNP-Jamat alliance across the country.
She said that all the governments after the August 15 carnage tried to protect the killers of the Father of the Nation and allowed to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Referring to 2008 elections, the premier said, her government has been able to establish Bangladesh as a developing country and its per capita income has risen to 2824 dollars, and annual budget to over Tk 6 lakh crore while Bangladesh has now become the 35th largest economy in the world.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has made Bangladesh self-reliant on food and there is no shortage of food in the country despite entire world is facing food crisis.
She mentioned that the government has constructed Padma bridge with country’s own fund, introduced metro rail service in Dhaka, while the Bangabandhu Karnofuli Tunnel will be opened soon and construction works of Paira Deep Sea Port are progressing.
She vowed that none would be able to suppress the Bangalees any more and reaching fruits of independence to every house of the country is the pledge of her government on this Independence Day.
The PM slammed BNP for calling movement in the month of Ramadan disregarding its sanctity and peace in public life.
She recalled that Khaleda Zia during her regime had killed 17 labourers in the month of Ramadan as they waged a movement for raising their salaries.
"Those who shot dead people in the month of Ramadan, how will they show respect to the holy month? So, they have called for a movement. They have no feeling for Ramadan and the sufferings of the people," she said.
She also said that her Awami League party has decided against holding any iftar party this Ramadan to save the money to buy food for the poor people.
Awami League presidium members Shahjahan Khan, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami League International Affairs Subcommittee chairman Ambassador Muhammad Zamir, Awami League presidium member Abdur Rahman, Awami League Central Committee members Parvin Zaman Kalpona and Advocate Nadira Khanom, Liberation War Affairs Secretary of Awami League Advocate Mrinal Kanti Das, general secretary of Awami League Dhaka South unit Humayun Kabir And Awami League Dhaka north unit general secretary SM Mannan Kochi also spoke at the programme.
Let's get rid of hunger & poverty: PM Hasina vows in Independence Day message
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday urged all to work for building a golden Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty.
“Let us join hands to build the Golden Bangladesh, free from hunger and poverty, by upholding the ideology of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said.
She made the call in a recorded radio and televised message on the eve of the 52nd Independence Day of Bangladesh.Bangladesh celebrates the national day on March 26 when Bangabandhu declared the independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Also read: Don't only look at the crime, look at punishment too: PMIn her message Hasina extended her sincere greetings to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad.
She said that people of the country attained their victory and got an independent and sovereign Bangladesh through the political struggle of 23 years and nine months of Liberation War fought under the leadership of the Father of the Nation.
She also extended her highest respect to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the independence of the country and conveyed her salam to the valiant freedom fighters.
The prime minister said Bangladesh is advancing on the highways of development.“Bangladesh will be a smart Bangladesh,“ she vowed.
Another 39,365 homeless families get free houses, lands from PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (March 22, 2023) provided 39,365 more houses with two-decimal lands to landless and homeless families as part of the government's target of ensuring housing for all.
With the distribution of the houses under the 4th phase of Ashrayan-2 project, nine districts and 211 upazilas have so far gained the status of landless and homeless family-free status in the country.
The premier opened the handing over of the abodes to the homeless families, joining a virtual ceremony at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Also read: Ashrayan Project: Govt thoroughly scrutinizing “irregularities”
On her behalf, public representatives –ministers, MPs and Upazila chairman-- as well as government officials –Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Upaizla Nirbahi Officers-- who were present at different project sites handed over the house certificate and land documents to the beneficiaries of 493 upazilas across the country.
Earlier, Hasina provided 63,999 houses in the first phase, 53,330 ones in the second phase and 59,133 in the third phase under the Ashrayan-2, a project of the Prime Minister’s Office.
With the distribution of 39,365 houses in the 4th phase, the total number has stood at 215, 827 under the Ashrayan-2 Project.
Read More: Islami Bank donates Tk4 crore to Ashrayan Project
The premier also declared seven more districts and 159 upazilas as homeless and landless-free areas. Seven districts are Madaripur, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Joypurhat, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Chuadanga.
Earlier, she declared Panchagarh and Magura as homeless-landless free districts and 52 upazilas as homeless-landless free upazilas.
With the distribution of 39,365 houses, a total of 196,825 people have got a shelter, getting semi-pucca houses on their own lands.
Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the event.
Read More: Erosion: Dumuria’s Ashrayan project houses at risk of washing away
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman introduced the rehabilitation programme for homeless people in 1972.
Following the footprints of Bangabandhu, her daughter PM Hasina took the initiative to provide ownership of houses and lands to homeless and landless people through the Ashrayan Project in 1997.
Since then, a total of 771,301 families have so far been rehabilitated. The number of rehabilitated people is 38,56,505 (estimated as five persons in a family).
Read More: 230 ethnic minority families to get ‘Machang Ghar’ in Bandarban under Ashrayan scheme
Some 5,54,597 families were rehabilitated directly under the Ashrayan Project, while 2,16,704 families under different programmes of concerned government offices, including the Land Ministry and Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.
Glorious chapter starts with Bangladesh’s first submarine base: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said a glorious chapter opened in the country’s military history with the commission of its first ever submarine base in Cox’s Bazar.
“A glorious chapter started in the military history of Bangladesh as a full-fledged and modern submarine base is being commissioned in the Bangladesh Navy,” she said.
The premier was addressing the commissioning ceremony of the country’s first submarine base ‘BNS Sheikh Hasina’ of Bangladesh Navy at Pekua in Cox’s Bazar through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban here.
She said her government established the Bangladesh Navy as a full-fledged three-dimensional force by adding two submarines (“BNS Navajatra” and “BNS Joyjatra”) to the naval fleet on March 12, 2017.
Hasina asked the members of Bangladesh Navy to work for building the country alongside their professional duty, by playing supportive role to unlock potentials of the blue economy.
Also read: Utilise export opportunities emerging due to Russia-Ukraine war: PM Hasina
“I hope that being imbued with the spirit of patriotism, every member of Bangladesh Navy will continue their endeavors to build the country as hunger-poverty-free, developed and prosperous Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation, alongside performing their professional duty. Because, we’ve taken a blue economy policy to explore our huge marine resources,” she said.
She said the government has taken steps to utilise marine resources for the country’s economic development. Besides, Bangladesh has many scopes to develop its tourism industry, she said.
The PM said her government has been building the armed forces as capable ones to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, if Bangladesh is attacked.
“We don't want to make war with anyone. But, we have to attain enough efficiency to protect our independence and sovereignty, if Bangladesh falls into such a situation. We’re preparing our forces keeping that in mind,” she said.
In the last 14 years, a total of 31 warships, including 4 frigates, 6 corvettes, 4 large patrol crafts, 5 patrol crafts and 2 training ships were added to the fleet of Bangladesh Navy, she said.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked Bangladesh Navy as the force is not only building ships for Bangladesh, but also constructing various water vessels and exporting these to different countries.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal delivered the welcome speech from Pekua venue.On PM’s permission, the Chief of Naval Staff handed over the commissioning forman (order) to commanding officer of the submarine base Commodore M Atiqur Rahman.
In the function, the nameplate of BNS Sheikh Hasina was unveiled.
The newly constructed submarine base can accommodate a total of six submarines and eight warships at a time.
PM Hasina inaugurates 50 more model mosques
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday inaugurated 50 model mosques along with Islamic cultural centres in the third phase in parts of the country.She joined the inauguration event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
These model mosques include separate places for aju (ablution) and namaj along with air-conditioned system.
Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, rituals 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, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.
Earlier, on June 10, 2021 and January 16, 2023, the prime minister inaugurated 100 model mosques in the first and second phases simultaneously across the country, aimed at spreading the true messages of Islam for removing misconceptions about religion.
Also read: PM inaugurates 50 more model mosques to disseminate the essence of Islam
A total of 564 such mosques are being built in the country under the project.The purpose of the project is promotion of Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminating the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those.
Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques having the elevator facility and a floor space of 2,360.09 square metres each are being constructed in 64 districts and city corporation areas.
Under category B, 475 mosques are being built with a floor space of 1680.14 square metres each, while 16 mosques under C category in coastal areas will have a floor space of 2,052.12 square metres each.
Diabetic patients to get free insulin at community clinics: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday announced that the government will provide free insulin to the diabetic patients of the country through community clinics.
She said this while addressing the second graduation completion programme of Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialised Hospital & Nursing College.
“We have decided that we will include insulin in the list of free medicines of the community clinics across the country for the diabetic patients,” she said.
Currently, the government is providing 30 types of medicines free of cost through the community clinics.
“We will give away insulin free of cost so that the diabetic patients could get relief,” she added.
The prime minister called upon the country’s youth to get nursing education and training engage to provide nursing services on a large scale.
“I will call on the youth folk to come forward to receive nursing education and engage them in nursing service. It will not only create employment at home but also abroad,” she said.
She believed that Bangladesh will also move ahead in this (nursing) field as the country is moving ahead in every field. “…and I want this,” she said.
Hasina, also the chair of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, disclosed that it will establish a medical college alongside this hospital and nursing college.
Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital and Nursing College (SFMMKPJSH&NC), named after the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib, was established by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust.
She said that the government has always regarded the nursing as a dignified profession and provided priority for its development.
She said that Bangabandhu established related institutes and took various steps to increase the dignity of nursing profession, development of nursing services and technology.
Following the footsteps of Bangabandhu the government has upgraded the nursing profession to second class service.
She mentioned that during her 1996-2001 tenure and from 2009 to till now the government has appointed around 38,000 nurses.
Read more: PM seeks more supports from ADB for education, skills development and infrastructures
“At the same time, development and recruitment of midwives in the health sector to prevent maternal and child mortality is a significant achievement of the Awami League government,” she added.
The premier said at present, importance and reputation of nursing profession is increasing all over the world.
According to Gallup, an analytical organization in the United States, nursing has been named the most trustworthy profession in 2022 as in 2021.
She praised the role of nurses in people’s services along with doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic and said it will be remembered forever.
She mentioned that there is huge demand for nurses in different countries across the world as well as in Bangladesh.
She said many from the nursing profession could avail jobs abroad through learning the languages of the host countries.
The PM, however, said the requirement of the country has to be met before sending nurses abroad.
She briefly highlighted different initiatives of her government for the development of the health and nursing sectors.
As part of the initiatives of Awami League government, she said, the old 23 nursing institutes have been upgraded to Nursing Colleges where 4-year B.Sc in Nursing courses and Post Basic courses are being conducted.
“Besides, another 16 nursing institutes are in the process of being upgraded to nursing colleges,” she said.
Currently, 69 nursing and midwifery institutes are running Diploma, BSc Basic and Post Basic as well as Masters courses at the government level. The National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIENER) for higher education and research in the field of nursing has been established.
Besides, the Awami League government has established 23 new medical colleges in the last 14 years. It has plans to establish medical universities in each division and has already set up medical universities in four divisions.
The prime minister said that her government always serves the people and takes required measures to this end.
“We can take the credit that we have been able to change Bangladesh from 2009 to 2023,” she said.
She said that her government has increased education rate, reduced maternal and child mortality rate, provided electricity in each house, reached health services to the people along with providing free medicines through community.
KPJ Healthcare Berhad president Norhaizam Binti Mohammad was the speaker of the graduation ceremony.
Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital & Nursing College chief executive officer Mohd. Taufik Bin Ismail also spoke.
Among the graduates, Enamul Huq expressed his feelings.
The PM also handed over certificates among 210 nurses and the Prime Minister’s award among six graduating nurses for their outstanding results in their respective sessions.
A documentary on Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital & Nursing College was screened in the programme.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated theWebsite, Hospital Management Software and Medical Journal of the hospital.
Professor Deen Md. Noorul Haque, former Director General of Health Services, handed over a copy of KPJ Dhaka Journal of Medical Science to the prime minister.
Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Commissioner Sheikh Shamsuddin Ahmed handed over the dummy of a Slit Lamp and Operative microscope to the prime minister.
Many dev partners enhancing interest rates during this critical juncture: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged development partners to continue their financing on soft conditions until the global economy normalises.
“During this critical juncture (the global financial crisis), we’re noticing with dismay that many development partners are enhancing their interest rates, which makes the development financing in case of most of the projects ineffective,” she said.
The premier was addressing a programme at InterContinental Dhaka, celebrating 50 years of the partnership between Bangladesh and Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Sheikh Hasina stressed the need for coordination among the development partners to face more than one economic blow or impact.
“Development partners need to continue financing on soft conditions until the global economy returns to a normal state. Financial institutions and developed countries should pay special attention to it,” she said.
The PM said Bangladesh does not want charity, rather wants what’s due. “Being a part of the global community, we’re demanding for our fair share,” she added.
She said the global business partners are imposing unnecessary trade restrictions, which are hampering the overall supply chain further and thus pushing countries like Bangladesh into an economic crisis.
In the context of the current global economic situation, the premier requested ADB to go for soft and innovative financing approach as well as to put strategic importance on skills development, development of health sector, ICT-based entrepreneurs, human resources and standard infrastructures, and on fighting climate change.
However, she said, “We’ve noticed with satisfaction that ADB has always been beside Bangladesh with its innovative and technical assistance during our tough times.”
Sheikh Hasina said the world has been experiencing multiple challenges due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and resulting sanctions and counter-sanctions. “We are victims of this geopolitical crisis, in which we have no involvement,” she said.
“This is impacting our hard-earned achievements and leading us to an uncertain world. We don’t see immediate solutions to this crisis either,” she added.
The PM said most countries are encountering unprecedented food, fuel and financial crisis that have resulted in devaluation of currencies, depletion of foreign reserves, and acceleration of inflation. The most serious concern is that these are disproportionately affecting the poorest segment of the global community, she said.
The premier wished the event, tiled “Celebrating Bangladesh-ADB 50 Years of Partnership”, jointly organised by the Government of Bangladesh and ADB, a grand success.
She hoped Bangladesh’s relationship with ADB would be strengthened further in the days to come.
The PM said, ADB has become one of Bangladesh’s trusted development partners over the last 50 years. “During this period, ADB assisted us in almost all sectors for our socio-economic and infrastructural development,” she said.
“Over the last one decade, ADB’s assistance to Bangladesh has increased around three times. Presently, cumulative contribution of ADB has reached USD 28.38 billion that makes Bangladesh the third largest recipient in ABD’s portfolio,” she added.
Bangladesh is now implementing 54 projects with ADB’s financial and technical assistance, she went on.
The PM recalled with gratitude ADB’s immediate response during the Covid-19 pandemic with a substantial support of USD 2.29 billion to mitigate the health crisis. Recently, ADB has come forward with an emergency support of USD 230 million for addressing the impacts of devastating floods in northwest Bangladesh.
Besides, ADB has been extending low-cost financing for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, she added.
Focusing on the country’s development, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has been witnessing a momentous journey over the last one and a half decade. “We were able to maintain over 6.5 percent growth rate during this period,” she said.
She said there have also been outstanding progresses in reducing poverty, generating employment, dropping maternal and child mortality, increasing literacy rate and life expectancy, achieving food security and gender parity. “We also successfully managed the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.
She said Bangladesh’s development efforts have been recognised by the global community.
“By next year, we will reach the milestone of a half trillion economy. Bangladesh is currently the 35th largest economy in terms of GDP, and with consistent economic growth we will be the 28th largest economy by 2030 and the 24th largest economy by 2036,” she said.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa spoke on the occasion. Secretary of Economic Relations Division (ERD) Sharifa Khan made the welcome remarks, while ADB’s Country Director in Bangladesh Edimon Ginting delivered the concluding speech.
‘Enjoying her own recipe for tea’: CNN’s Richard Quest tweets photo with PM Hasina
Renowned British journalist and CNN’s international business correspondent Richard Quest tweeted a photo with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina yesterday (March 13, 2023).
The tweet read: “I am enjoying her own recipe for tea: ginger, cardamon, honey and host of spices.”
Read More: Pressures on Sheikh Hasina won’t work: PM
The photo was taken in Dhaka during Quest’s visit here.
In another tweet with a photo, the anchor of ‘Quest Means Business’ on CNN wrote: “Thank you #bangladesh for warmth and hospitality. This was my first visit to your country: it won’t be my last. You can see my interview with the prime minister on @questCNN next week.”
Read More: EC is totally independent to conduct election: PM Hasina
EC is totally independent to conduct election: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday reiterated that the Election Commission is totally independent to conduct the country's next general election.
She said this when visiting British Minister of State (Indo-Pacific) of Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Anne-Marie Trevelyan paid a courtesy call on her at Ganabhaban here on Sunday morning.
During the meeting, they discussed different issues including election, Rohingyas and economic development of Bangladesh, Covid-19 pandemic and post-Covid situation.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
About the next general election, the premier said Bangladesh follows the Westminster-type democracy. “Our main goal is the welfare of the people. The Election Commission is totally independent. It will conduct the election,” the PM was quoted as saying.
Also read; So-called opposition out to spoil success though falsehood: PM Hasina
Regarding the freedom of expression, Hasina said the media enjoys total freedom here. There was only one television channel in the country but her government opened television channels to the private sector. Now there are 24 private TV channels and more TV channels are in the pipeline, she said.
The UK’s Indo Pacific state minister said the next stage of development is very important for Bangladesh on the way of its graduation from the status of a least developed country (LDC).
Anne-Marie Trevelyan said she visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and appreciated Bangladesh and Sheikh Hasina for providing shelter to the displaced people.
She also praised the administration for handling the recent fire incident in the Rohingya camp in a nice manner.
In this regard, the PM said a huge number of new babies are born in the displaced Rohingya community every year, intensifying the burden further on Bangladesh.
Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic affected the whole world, she said Bangladesh emphasized on growing more food and took steps accordingly.
PM’s Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin and UK High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson were present.
Ensure insurance claims are paid after proper investigation: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called for ensuring that the insurance claims are paid after proper investigation to curb anomalies in this sector.
“Make sure that you are paying the claimed money after appropriate investigation and examinations,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a programme to observe National Insurance Day 2023 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) with the theme 'my life and asset will be secured, if these are insured' ('amar jibon amar sampad, bima korle hobe nirapad').
She said that there are allegations of anomalies in paying the claimed money where unscrupulous people claim hefty amount of money against their insured items.
“My request to the people and authority involved in the insurance sector to remain alert to ensure inquiry for finding out the actual loss from any incident,” she said.
She asked them not to pay any money without conducting proper investigation bowing down to the pressure from any (influential) person.
She asked all people and authorities involved in insurance sector to sincerely look into various anomalies in this sector.
“Please do no give in to any pressure. Many people come to us, to me and the ministers or any other person, for getting favour, but you have to find out the actual loss,” she said.
Hasina said that any person can claim hefty amount for his or her insured item, but the concerned authorities have to pay the money after proper investigation and examination.
“Why is not that being implemented? Then should I think that the investigators are also the beneficiaries of this (anamoly)? I doubt they also have involvement is this," she said.
She mentioned that she does not want that insurance companies earn bad names, because she is also a member of this family. “I have to look after this.”
She also requested the insurance companies to publicise their various kinds of products among the people as they sometimes are reluctant to take insurance policy.
Responding to a demand from the insurance companies, the PM said that the government will look into the matter that without proper insurance no vehicle will be plying on the roads.
“We have to keep a special eye on this matter,” she said.
Also read: PM on forex reserves: Better to spend on people's welfare than keep it idle
The premier said that since 2009, her government has taken various timely and effective measures to further develop and modernise the insurance industry.
She questioned how the third party insurance is still operational in the country as such insurance for cars had already been cancelled in the country.
“How the third party car insurance hurts I know it well as I was the victim of it,” she said.
Briefly describing various measures for the development of the insurance sector, she said the government has enacted Insurance Act-2010, the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority Act-2010, Insurance Corporation Act-2019 and the National Insurance Policy-2014.
She said her government has been implementing a Bangladesh Insurance Sector Development Project for modernisation of the insurance sector.
The PM stressed the need for complete digitisation of the insurance sector and asked all concerned to enhance the capacity of Unified Messaging Platform (UMP) to increase the confidence of the people in this sector.
She said that the government has appointed an insurance actuary to ensure the overall development of the insurance industry in the country accordingly.
“Insurance companies have increased in the country and we’re implementing several mega projects. Insurance is necessary in every sector,” she said.
The prime minister thanked the authorities concerned for introducing health, life and crop insurances.
“You people have to go for massive publicity about the good things of insurance as the people of our country largely ignored the system,” she said.
The premier, however, asked all to remain cautious so the global economic recession arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter sanctions cannot harm Bangladesh in any way.
Detailing her government's efforts in the last 14 years since assuming power in 2009, she said Bangladesh has now become a developing nation and acquired dignity on the global stage.
PM Hasina said her Awami League party has restored democracy in the country through struggles. Bangladesh is continuously progressing ahead as the democratic process continues after the Awami League was voted to power in 2008, 2014 and 2018 general elections.
She handed over a crest, certificate and three books (The Unfinished Memoirs, the Prison Diaries and New China as I Saw written by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) to the winners of the easy competitions at the school and college level.
She also distributed honorary certificates to National Life Insurance and the Popular Life Insurance for the life insurance category while the Green Delta Life Insurance and Sonar Bangla Life Insurance got the award for the non-life insurance category.
IDRA Chairman Mohammad Jainul Bair, Bangladesh Insurance Association President Sk Kabir Hossain And Secretary to Financial Institutions Division Sheikh Mohammad Salim Ullah also spoke.
A documentary on the insurance sector of the country was screened at the programme.
Earlier, she distributed prizes among the easy writting competitions.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman joined Alpha Insurance Company on March 1, 1960, and took up insurance as a profession. In commemoration of that day, the National Insurance Day is celebrated on March 1 every year.