PM Hasina
PM Hasina collects nomination form for national election
Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the selling of party nomination forms for the 12th parliamentary elections of Bangladesh on Saturday (November 18, 2023) after collecting her nomination form.
According to the party sources, the AL chief opened the nomination paper selling from party’s central office at 23, Bangabandhu Avenue at 10:30am.
AL advisory council member Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed collected PM’s nomination form for Gopalganj-3 constituency.
PM Hasina to inaugurate AL's selling of nomination forms Saturday
Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the national election will be held on January 7.
Those seeking party nominations will be able to collect and submit nomination papers from Saturday (November 18) to Tuesday (November 21) between 10am and 4pm daily.
Candidates seeking nominations will have to collect and submit the application forms from the specific booth according to the administrative division from the central office of Bangladesh Awami League at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue.
Nomination papers of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions will be distributed on the second floor of the central office. Meanwhile, candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions will be able to collect nomination forms from the third floor of the central office .
Nomination papers of all departments will be submitted on the ground floor of the central office, according to the press release.
Nomination seekers will have to collect and submit the application forms by themselves or through qualified representatives of the candidates without any additional public gathering, read the press release.
Seek public apology for killing people and arson violence: PM Hasina asks BNP, Jamaat
The candidate will have to bring a photocopy of their national ID card with them to collect nomination papers.
The deadline for submission of nomination papers is November 30, while December 1-4 was fixed for scrutinising nomination papers and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17.
The CEC announced the national election schedule of Bangladesh during a televised address to the nation.
Headless BNP wants to foil elections to create unusual situation: PM Hasina tells Khulna rally
Dismissing opposition BNP as headless Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the party seeks to create an unusual situation by foiling the upcoming national election.
“They know that they don't have any leadership. They are just a party without any head. One is absconding and another is in the jail. That party does not want to hold any election. They just want to create an unnatural situation,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a grand rally organised by ruling Awami League at Khulna Circuit House ground.
PM Hasina opens 24 dev projects, lays foundation for 5 others in Khulna
She said natiinal polls are upcoming and all have to remain vigilitant during the voting.
“BNP-Jamaat knows that in 2008 elections they have got only 30 seats,” she said.
She again warned that the hands that set fire to vehicles will be burnt in the same fire.
“Give them a good lesson so that no one dares harming any one of the country. That kind of incidents must not be allowed to happen again,” she said.
She asked the Awami League and its associate bodies to give protection to the people of the country along with the law enforcing agencies.
The PM said that whenever Awami League comes to power the country gets development and the people gets welfare.
20 special trains running ahead of PM’s Khulna rally
“It is very much regretful that BNP is the synonym of terrorism. The only task of BNP-Jamaat is to kill people through arson attacks,” she said.
In this connection she mentioned the incidents of October 28 last when, she said, BNP-Jamaat terrorists mercilessly beat a policeman to death.
She said that BNP-Jamaat terrorists injured 45 policemen and attacked journalists who went there to cover their programmes.
“They attacked hospitals like the Israeli forces in Gaza. They also vandalised ambulances. I do not think that they have a little bit of humanity,” she said.
She mentioned that the only virtue of BNP-Jamaat is to kill people.
She said that the government has already declared to award Tk 20,000 for nabbing arson terrorists and handing them to the law enforcing agencies.
Govt can’t be ousted thru secret attacks: PM Hasina
“We will not spare anyone who is involved in killing people through arson attacks,” she said.
She said that continuous democratic process is helping Bangladesh gain massive development, visible to all.
Bangladesh will surely overcome arson violence: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (November 12, 2023) urged the people to boldly face any situation saying that Bangladesh will surely overcome manmade disasters like arson violence.
“We will take Bangladesh forward, surely overcoming manmade disasters like arson violence as we face the natural disasters. I would like to tell the countrymen to boldly face any situation,” she said.
The premier was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory (GPUFF) – the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia - in Narsingdi.
She said Bangladesh will move forward commodity price hike has emerged due to external factors like wars, economic sanctions and global inflation.
She once again called upon the people not leave even a single inch of land uncultivated to ensure Bangladesh would never need to beg anyone for food.
Read: PM places 5 recommendations to end Israeli carnage in Palestine
She said Bangladesh today is a developing country, which would move forward further and be Smart Bangladesh, having a smart population, smart government, smart economy and smart society.
She said Bangladesh faced repeated obstacles in its development journey, but none could stop its progress. “None would be able to stop this progress of Bangladesh anymore,” she said.
She said the Awami League refused a foreign proposal to sell gas abroad before the 2001 generation election. That caused her party’s defeat in the election.
But BNP leader Khaleda Zia agreed to it and won the vote, she said.
The PM said had she yielded to the pressure that day Bangladesh would not have seem such an excellent fertilizer factory today.
Read: Vote for AL to help finish incomplete dev projects: PM Hasina
A number of farmers were killed during the BNP regime as they had agitated demanding fertilizers in different places including Gaibandha and Tangail, she added.
The PM said no shortage of urea fertilizer was seen anywhere in the country in the last 15 years thanks to its uninterrupted distribution and import of this fertilizer. “Now there is an enough stock of fertilizers in the country,” she said.
PM Hasina opens Southeast Asia’s largest urea fertiliser factory in Narsingdi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (November 12, 2023) opened newly built Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory (GPUFF), the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, which will reduce the country’s dependence on fertiliser imports and create jobs.
The annual production capacity of the environment friendly and modern fertiliser factory in Narsingdi is some 1 million metric tons, capable of producing 2,800 metric tons of urea daily.
the local demand for urea fertilizer is some 26 lakh metric tons annually. If this newly built plant goes in full swing production, some 20 lakh metric tons of urea will be produced yearly in the country.So, the factory will play a leading role in meeting the growing demand of urea fertiliser, ensuring supply of fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices, saving foreign currency by reducing imports and creating employment opportunities.
Bangladeshi farmers need to use fertilizer and water efficiently: Experts
Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) has implemented the 'Ghorashal Polash Urea Fertilizer Project' on 110 acres of land at a cost of around Tk 15,500 crore. The construction work for the project began on March 10, 2020.
Out of the total project cost, TK 4,580.21 crore came from the government exchequer while Tk 10,920 crore from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFG Limited (MUFG) and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) as commercial loan.
As per the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2014, the industries ministry took an initiative to set up a new granular urea fertiliser factory at the place of the existing two fertiliser factories - Urea Fertiliser Factory Limited (UFFL) and Polash Urea Fertilizer Factory Limited (PUFFL) at Ghorashal under Palash upazila in Narsingdi district.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI) and China National Chemical Engineering No 7 Construction Co Ltd (CC-7) jointly constructed the factory, which will have an annual production capacity of 9.24 lakh metric tons.
The daily production capacity of the new factory is about three times higher than that of the earlier two fertiliser factories.
GPUFF is the first fertiliser factory in Bangladesh where the environmental pollutant Carbon-Di-Oxide (CO2) will be captured from the primary reformer flue gas and the production of urea fertilizer will be increased (about 10pc ) by using the captured CO2.
The prime minister released a commemorative postage stamp, marking the inauguration of the factory.
Earlier, PM Sheikh Hasina inspected the factory.
Fertilizer price increased by 105% in Bangladesh since Russia-Ukraine war: Report
In another first, PM Hasina opens Ctg-Cox's Bazar railway line
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (November 11, 2023) inaugurated the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chattogram-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line setting yet another milestone in the country's communication network.
The southern region wore a festive look as she unveiled the new rail route (from Dohazari in Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar) for train movement at a ceremony at newly constructed Cox’s Bazar Railway Station.
The premier flagged off a train and then travelled by it from Cox’s Bazar Railway Station to Ramu Railway Station.
Read: Oyster-shaped railway station adds greater tourist attraction to Cox’s Bazar
She bought her own ticket from the counter of the railway station. She waved the green flag before boarding the train.
She also blew the whistle signalling the start of the train.
Addressing the inauguration programme, the prime minister said, “Today Cox's Bazar has been linked to the country's railway network. I am really very delighted for being able to attend the inaugural ceremony physically, " she said.
"I have kept my promise by inaugurating the railway. This was a longstanding demand of this region. This is a day of feeling proud," she said.
Read: Railway Minister to inspect Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line before inauguration
Talking to reporters during the train ride, the prime minister said that this train link will contribute a lot to country’s GDP and economy.
“Transportation of goods, people and tourists will be expedited resulting in increase the GDP and more vibrant economy,” she said.
She mentioned that Cox’s Bazar has the longest sandy sea beach in the world.
“But we could not build this tourist spot up to the mark. We have to make sure that tourists can come here comfortably,” she said.
PM Hasina said that apart of tourists conveyance the trade and commerce of this area have been given importance.
“We are building a deep seaport, power station, building an economic zone here,” she said.
She also mentioned that Bangladesh will be linked with trans Asian railway by this rail line.
“This rail line will go to Ghumdhum from Ramu, later from Ghumdhum it will be linked with South and South East countries.”
Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge
On her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and local MPs.
Local artists greeted her with traditional songs and dances.
The railways minister presided over the programme.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director for Bangladesh Ginting and Railways Ministry secretary Md Humayun Kabir also spoke at the event.
Bangladesh moves towards cashless society: PM Hasina on launching Taka Pay card
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (November 01, 2023) said her government seeks to build a cashless society in a bid to reduce corruption, expedite development and ease revenue collection.
“When we will be able to build the cashless society it will curtail corruption. The development of the country will be expedited and the revenue collection will be eased,” she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating local currency card ‘Taka Pay’, first of its kind in the country, from her official residence Ganabhaban. She was connected virtually with headquaters of Sonali Bank, City Bank and Brac Bank.
Sheikh Hasina said that as an independent and sovereign country, Bangladesh’s financial system has to be independent and sovereign for reducing dependency on others.
PM Hasina launches Taka Pay, first-ever local currency card, to save costly dollars
She put emphasis on data security of every holder of the newly introduced debit card.
“I hope that the security system of this network will be well-protected. We have to pay special attention to this. Foolproof firewall has to be there,” she said.
She said that this Taka Pay card will be a groundbreaking step for building the cashless society in Bangladesh.
“We will not be dependent on others. We will use our money in our country, we will try to connect this system with otheir countries. We must not be dependent on any single hard currency,” she said.
"Today I'm very happy," said the prime minister terming the own currency card as a landmark step for the country.
She mentioned that the cards which are being used by the people are operated by the foreign companies.
“No more foreign currency spending after introduction of Taka Pay card”," she said.
Hasina spoke about her government’s plan to introduce international transactions through Taka Pay in future.
She also underscored the importance of bringing everyone under banking services towards establishment of a cashless society.
PM Hasina to launch 'Taka Pay' card Tuesday: BB
The premier said every citizen of the country should be brought under the banking service.
Directing the Bangladesh Bank to focus on establishing good governance in the banking sector, the PM said, the role of central bank is very important in establishing a cashless society.
“So, special attention should be given to ensure that the service in the banking sector is more fair alongside good governance,” she added.
PM Hasina asked the officials concerned to provide training and up to date information to the people so that they can use this Taka Pay card easily without any hassle in their daily payment.
The card is be issued by state-owned Sonali Bank and privately-owned City Bank and BRAC Bank in collaboration with the central bank.
'Taka Pay' will provide the same service nationally through the use of 'The National Payment Switch of Bangladesh', an electronic payment platform operated by the BB.
Election will be on time, BNP can’t stop it, says PM Hasina at press conference
Hasina highlights AL’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh during discussion with European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh Awami League’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections during a discussion with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.
She also spoke about establishing an independent Election Commission, photo ID/biometric information-based voter list, and transparent ballot boxes.
The issues were discussed when the European Commissioner for International Partnerships called on the prime minister at her hotel suite in Brussels.
Also read: PM Hasina asks EU to extend GSP+ facilities for 6yrs to graduating LDCs like Bangladesh
Urpilainen hoped that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair environment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The European Commissioner lauded the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership and expressed EU’s commitment to further deepen this relationship.
Urpilainen also underscored potential areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development and decent work.
Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in green transition, education and skill development.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, among others, were present at the discussion.
Also read: Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
In a separate meeting, PM Hasina sought support of the international community, including the European Union (EU), for an “early, safe and sustainable” repatriation of the forcibly-displaced Rohingyas.
The prime minister said the repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar, is required for the sake of “peace and stability” in the region.
The issue was discussed when European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic met Prime Minister Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels on October 25.
The PM thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s disaster management, particularly in earthquake preparedness.
During the meeting, the European Commissioner lauded Bangladesh’s outstanding socio-economic development under the leadership of Hasina.
Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
He also lauded Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, including an early-warning system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
He commended Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the Rohingyas and announced an additional Euro 10.5 million assistance for the Rohingyas.
Efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines
On the other hand, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation.
PM Hasina held a meeting with the European Investment Bank (EIB) president recently at her hotel suite in Brussels.
She referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh.
She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.
Make a mini Switzerland in Bangladesh, PM Hasina urges Swiss investors
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (October 23, 2023) urged Swiss entrepreneurs to make investments in Bangladesh to create a mini Switzerland in the South Asian country.
Swiss businesses can invest in Bangladesh in the special economic zones (SEZs), she said, adding "We will provide lands (in SEZs) and they can make a mini Switzerland here,” she said.
The premier made this call when Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli paid a courtesy call on her at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Read: Some Western powers seek to install a puppet government in Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells ALPP meeting
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the call on.
In response the ambassador said Swiss companies are interested to invest in Bangladesh, said the press secretary.
The envoy said the volume of trade between Bangladesh and Switzerland should be increased.
He said he will continue to work for further strengthening the bilateral relations and cooperation.
The envoy appreciated the economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of PM Hasina in the last one decade.
Read: All enjoy equal religious rights in Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells Hindus celebrating Durga Puja
He said that Switzerland would work together with Bangladesh to fight the adverse impact of climate change.
PM Hasina said the focus of her government is on the development of rural people of Bangladesh. “The backbone of development is middle class people,” she added.
“We are taking many programmes to reduce the extreme poverty rate to zero, at least to one percent,” she added.
The prime minister mentioned that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a vision to “make Bangladesh as the Switzerland of the East”.
She recalled that she was with Bangabandhu when he visited Switzerland at the invitation of Swiss government after undergoing surgery in London.
Read: PM mourns death of Patuakhali-1 MP Md Shahjahan Mia
Talking about connectivity, she said Bangladesh can be a bridge between the East and the West. So, the government is now developing the airports to this end.
"We look forward to transforming Bangladesh-Switzerland bilateral relations into a broad-based partnership," she said.The prime minister assured the ambassador of extending all cooperation in discharging his duty in Dhaka.
The Swiss envoy handed over the copy of a letter to Sheikh Hasina, which Bangabandhu sent to the Switzerland government in replying to Swiss recognition to Bangladesh as an independent country.
Receiving the letter, the prime minister said that the letter will be displayed in the museum.
PM's Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah And Deputy Head of Swiss Mission in Bangladesh Corinne Henchoz Pignani were present.
PM Hasina inaugurates 15-storey Bar Council Building
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed 15-storey building of Bangladesh Bar Council in Dhaka.
The building with state-of-the-art facilities costing Tk 138 crore has adequate office space, meeting rooms, two conference rooms, record room, store room, waiting area, cafeteria, day-care centre, exhibition space and many other facilities.
PM to inaugurate new Bangladesh Bar Council building Saturday
On her arrival of the venue, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haq welcomed her. Later she visited different parts of the building.
Built under the supervision of the Law and Justice Division and designed by the Department of Architecture, the Bar Council building has five tribunal rooms, multipurpose hall and separate prayers room.
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More than hundred lawyers can live in the building that also houses a TV lounge, a kitchen and a dining hall.
After inaugurating the building, she joined the lawyers' grand rally at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan as the chief guest.
PM Hasina denounces BNP as a terrorist party that kills people
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq presided over the rally.
The central leaders of Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers' Council and lawyers who followed the ideals of Bangabandhu from across the country participated in the rally.
PM Hasina declares state mourning on Saturday for Palestinians killed by Israel
Bangladesh will observe one-day state mourning on Saturday (October 21, 2023) for the Palestinians killed in recent Israeli attacks, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced.
She also called for offering prayers for the Palestinian victims in all mosques after jumma and other places of worship across the country on Friday. The victims of the brutal Israeli attacks are not only Muslims, but also Christian and Jews, she said.
The premier made the announcements on Thursday (October 19, 2023) while addressing a programme arranged in Sarak Bhaban in the city’s Tejgaon area to open 150 newly constructed bridges in 39 districts and 14 newly constructed overpasses of the Roads and Highways Department simultaneously.
Also read: PM Hasina opens 150 bridges in 39 districts in a single day
She said Bangladesh will be in the fight to establish the rights of Palestinian people as repeated attacks on the Palestine can never be accepted.
“Our stance is that this war will have to be stopped soon. The Palestinian people should get back their due lands occupied by Israel. The lands will have to be given back the lands to the people of Palestine,” she said.
Referring to the her Wednesday’s meeting with envoys of OIC member countries based in Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina said she told the envoys that all have to fight unitedly for establishing the rights of Palestinian people.
Also read: PM Hasina urges OIC neighbours to resolve their problems through dialogue
“We’re also with them. We’ll have to fight. The repeated attacks on them can never be accepted. We can’t accept it,” she said.
She said Bangladesh has already condemned the way Israel killed Palestinians – innocent people including women and children by attacking a hospital and other places in Palestine.
“It is unbearable to see blood stained faces of children who were killed or injured in bombing attacks by Israel,” she said.
She said Bangladesh will send medicines, dry foods and other necessary items for the people of war-torn Palestine.
“We will send medicines, dry food and necessary commodities for women and children. We’ve taken this step. We’re always beside the dressed people with whatever resources we have,” she added.
Also read: Resolving Palestine crisis depends on ‘united efforts’ by Muslim Ummah: PM
The PM already asked the health ministry to take steps for sending medicines to the Palestinians.
In an oblique reference to BNP, Hasina said it was noticed that many still remain silent here on this issue fearing that those behind such incidents would be displeased.
“Those who don’t have courage to raise voice for the oppressed people wage movement demanding the resignation (of the government), which is unfortunate,” she said.
In the function, she also unveiled the foundation stones of 1,100-metre Kewatkhali Bridge and 1,471-metre Rahmatpur Bridge over Brahmaputra river in Mymensingh, opened newly constructed DTCA Bhaban for Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, BRTA Automated Motor Vehicle Fitness Test Centre of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, BRTC Bus Depot and Training Centre of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation as well as conferred the financial assistance to the road accident victims.
The PM inaugurated the infrastructures through a virtual platform from a programme,while the audiences were also connected virtually from Mymensingh Circuit House Ground and BRTA Office in Mirpur.