President
President seeks massive investment from Qatar in Special Economic Zones of Bangladesh
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday urged Qatar to invest more in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh will welcome investments in various sectors including in state-led food supply chains from production to consumption such as agro-production and processing, food packaging, smart agriculture and fertiliser production," he said
He made this call during a courtesy meeting with the visiting Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Bangabhaban.
President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
Acknowledging Qatar as a valuable development partner of Bangladesh in the Gulf region, the president said the emir's visit and the signing of the cooperation documents - five agreements and five MoUs- between the two countries will further expand and strengthen bilateral co-operation in the days to come.
The president said Bangladesh government has established 100 Special Economic Zones for foreign investment.
"Qatari investors can get massive incentives and support in sectors like petro-chemicals, energy, machineries, information technology, electronics, ceramics, agri-business, food processing in Bangladesh," he also said.
Expressing his gratitude to the Qatar government for providing employment opportunities to about 3.75 lakh Bangladeshis, president Shahabuddin said this manpower is constantly contributing to the socio-economic development of both Qatar and Bangladesh.
Dhaka pulling out all the stops to welcome Emir of Qatar after nearly two decades
Besides, the president urged the emir of Qatar to recruit more young, skilled and semi-skilled manpower, IT experts, and professional technicians from Bangladesh.
The president also thanked the Qatari government for supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh and sought long-term energy assistance from the country.
He also stressed the need for playing more effective role by the two sides in exploring trade and business potentials.
The president praised Qatar's efforts (along with Egypt and the US) to facilitate the ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas.
The emir of Qatar praised the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He assured that all necessary assistance will continue for Bangladesh in the coming days.
The emir of Qatar said that the various agreements and MoUs signed by Qatar and Bangladesh will play more effective role in the development of bilateral and multi-lateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, both the president and the emit exchanged greetings.
President calls for unity and support for the underprivileged this Eid-ul-Fitr
They hoped that the visit will pave the way for further strengthening the multi-faceted partnership between Bangladesh and Qatar.
In the meeting, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, foreign secretary and secretaries to the president were present.
After the meeting, the emir took part in a photo session and signed the visitor's book kept there.
Dhaka pulling out all the stops to welcome Emir of Qatar after nearly two decades
President Mohammed Shahabuddin welcomed Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday afternoon as Bangladesh rolled out the red carpet complete with gun salute at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The Emir of Qatar arrived at 5pm for a two-day state visit at the invitation of the president of Bangladesh.
The president and the emir exchanged flowers at the airport on his arrival and exchanged greetings with the representatives of Bangladesh and Qatar in the presentation line after receiving the salute.
During the trip, President Shahabuddin will host an official lunch in honour of the emir at Darbar Hall followed by a cultural programme at Bangabhaban on Tuesday.
On the other hand, the visiting emir will sign the visitor's book after the courtesy meeting with the president.
Bangladesh and Qatar will sign 11 cooperation documents- six agreements and five MoUs, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud came up with the update while briefing the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Such a high-level 24-hour visit is taking place from friendly country Qatar nearly after 19 years.
The then Emir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited Bangladesh in April, 2005.
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive the emir at her office.
They will have tête-à-tête (one-to-one) meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office which will be followed by a bilateral meeting, witness the signing of multiple cooperation documents between the two nations, including 6 MoUs, and join a joint press meet.
After signing the visitors' book there, the emir will head for Bangabhaban on Tuesday afternoon where the president will receive him.
Alongside, the emir will inaugurate the park in Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and a road running from Mirpur ECB Chattar to Kalshi Flyover at 3pm, which will be named after the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the visiting emir's father and predecessor.
He is scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a special flight at 6pm Tuesday while he foreign minister will see him off at the airport.
Qatar recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign state on March 4, 1974 following the 2nd OIC Summit held in February 1974.
Bangladesh opened its diplomatic mission in Doha on June 25, 1975. The State of Qatar reciprocated by opening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982.
More than 400,000 Bangladeshis work in Qatar and they are appreciated as dedicated and hard working.
Recently the two nations have engaged in extensive economic cooperation in the vital energy sector, as the tiny Gulf state is home to the world's largest per capita reserves of hydrocarbons, while Bangladesh since 2022 has been a major buyer in the region of LNG (liquefied natural gas) in particular, of which Qatar has been the world's highest supplier.
Liberation war affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, chiefs of the three services, principal secretary to the prime minister, foreign secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), secretaries concerned to the president office and senior military and civil officials were present there.
President urges universities to adopt world class curricula
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday urged the universities to formulate world class curriculum so that the students can establish themselves as qualified at the national and international level.
The President said this when newly appointed vice-chancellor of Chittagong University Abu Taher paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor informed the President about the academic and overall activities of Chittagong University.
At that time, President Shahabuddin said that higher education is very important to be compatible with science and information technology.
President calls for unity and support for the underprivileged this Eid-ul-Fitr
Expressing his hope, the president said that the authorities will take necessary initiatives to expand formal education as well as non-formal education programs in higher education institutions.
President Shahabuddin also spoke about taking initiatives so that students can gain knowledge on various contemporary issues including the country's liberation war, independence, culture and tradition.
President offers Eid prayers at National Eidgah
President's Office Secretary Wahidul Islam Khan, Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam and President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin were also present during the meeting.
President calls for unity and support for the underprivileged this Eid-ul-Fitr
In a speech delivered at Bangabhaban, President Mohammed Shahabuddin called on affluent members of society to support the less fortunate and celebrate the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr collectively, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
During the address, President Shahabuddin extended his warmest Eid greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad, as well as to people worldwide, on one of Islam's most significant festivals. He highlighted the ongoing global strife, particularly mentioning the hardships faced due to conflict such as that in Palestine. "It is our moral duty as humans to provide support wherever possible and work towards alleviating this pain," he stated.
The President emphasised the importance of shared joy, stating that sorrow might be endured alone, but joy requires companionship.
He envisioned Eid as a catalyst for fostering bonds of friendship, harmony, and unity among all people and implored that the lessons of Eid-ul-Fitr contribute to building a prosperous Bangladesh.
Echoing the principles of Islam, President Shahabuddin reminded all that the religion promotes peace, welfare, human values, equality, and mutual coexistence. He called upon citizens to ensure that no neighbour, relative, or friend feels excluded from the festivities of Eid.
Further, he urged collective efforts to achieve a hunger-free, poverty-free, and prosperous 'Smart Bangladesh' and realise the 'Sonar Bangla' dream of Bangabandhu.
The Eid celebrations at Bangabhaban were marked by the exchange of greetings between the President, his wife Dr. Rebeka Sultana, and guests from diverse sectors including senior politicians, the Chief Justice, cabinet members, diplomats, freedom fighters, and cultural and educational figures. The event featured an array of traditional foods, celebrating Bangladesh's rich culinary heritage.
Earlier in the day, President Shahabuddin performed Eid prayers at the National Eidgah where he prayed for the nation's peace and prosperity, the wellbeing of its people, and the global Muslim community. Post-prayer, he mingled with attendees, spreading Eid cheer among the congregation.
Accompanying the President were Minister of Religion Md. Faridul Haque Khan, MP, and other key secretaries of Bangabhaban, all sharing in the day's solemn yet festive observances.
President offers Eid prayers at National Eidgah
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday morning offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises.
The President was received by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, Religious Affairs Minister Md. Faridul Haq Khan, DSCC Mayor Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh and others on his arrival at the venue.
Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Hafez Maulana Mufti Ruhul Amin, conducted the Eid prayers, held under the auspices of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
Along with hundreds of people from all walks of life, the country's renowned personalities, including chief justice of Bangladesh, cabinet members, Supreme Court judges, lawmakers, senior political leaders, diplomats, and civil and military high-us also offered prayers at the venue.
A special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of Bangladesh and welfare of the people as well as the Muslim Ummah while special doa was also offered seeking eternal peace for the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the county particularly during the Liberation War in 1971.
Doa was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who faced martyrdom on the fateful night of August 15 in 1975.
The president exchanged Eid greetings with people at the Eidgah after the prayers.
Special arrangements have been made for women to offer Eid prayers at the National Eidgah.
Secretaries concerned to the president were also present during the prayer.
Ambassadors of Portugal, Bahrain present credentials to President
Newly appointed Ambassador of Portugal to Bangladesh João Ribeiro de Almeida and Ambassador of Bahrain Abdulrahman Mohammed AlGaoud on Thursday presented their credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday.
A smart contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment received them with a guard of honor on their arrival at the Bangabhaban, president's press secretary told UNB after the meeting.
Welcoming the new ambassadors, President Shahabuddin said that Bangladesh is working to develop bilateral and multilateral relations with all the countries of the world.
He said that in the current context, it is very important to increase trade and investment along with the development of diplomatic relations.
The president said that there is no alternative to mutual and multilateral cooperation in the current world situation.
Highlighting the existing potential in Bangladesh's various sectors including garments, medicine, ceramics, leather and leather goods, the president urged the ambassadors to take initiatives to explore the mutual potentials.
During the meeting, the ambassadors of Portugal and Bahrain praised the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
The ambassadors highlighted the contribution of the peace-loving and skilled workers of Bangladesh to the economic development of their countries.
The new ambassadors sought the president's full cooperation while performing their duties in Bangladesh.
Secretaries of the president's office were also present.
Play an active role in int’l forums to resolve Rohingya issue: President to outgoing New Zealand envoy
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged New Zealand to play an active role in international forums to solve the Rohingya crisis.
The President made this call when New Zealand's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, David Pine, paid a farewell call at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.
During the meeting, President Shahabuddin thanked the outgoing high commissioner for successfully performing his duties.
The President said that New Zealand is one of the countries that recognized Bangladesh soon after independence.
President asks BERC to strengthen research, discover new sources of energy
He said that Bangladesh and New Zealand have excellent bilateral relations. Pointing out that there is ample opportunity to expand the relationship between the two countries in various fields including trade and investment, the President emphasized on exchanging visits at the public and private levels of the two countries to exploit these possibilities.
The President said that even though Bangladesh has sheltered more than eleven lakh Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar for humanitarian reasons, it is currently a major problem for the country, and the pressure on the government and people of the country is increasing with each passing day.
He expressed hope that New Zealand will play an active role in the international forum for the dignified return of the Rohingyas to their country.
The President also said that New Zealand is one of the preferred destinations for Bangladeshi students in terms of higher education.
He expressed hope that in the future Bangladeshi students will get more opportunities in the field of higher education in New Zealand.
During the meeting, the outgoing High Commissioner of New Zealand expressed his gratitude to the President for full cooperation in fulfilling his duties.
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He also spoke about increasing the opportunities for higher education of Bangladeshis in New Zealand in the future.
Secretaries of the President's office were also present during the meeting.
President asks BERC to strengthen research, discover new sources of energy
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday directed the the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to strengthen research and discover the new sources of energy.
The president gave these directives when a BERC delegation handed over its annual report 2023-24 to the president at Bangabhaban this afternoon.
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"We need to focus on developing new sources of fuel," President Sahabuddin said.
The president said that the energy sector is one of the most important sectors for the overall development of a country.
He said that the demand for electricity is gradually increasing along with the development of the country.
The president hoped that BERC will provide sound and timely recommendations and advice to the government on stability and pricing in the energy sector.
Chairman of the Commission NUrul Amin briefed the president on the activities of BERC.
Other delegation members are - Dr. Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, Dr. Helal Uddin, Abul Khair, Aminur Rahman and BERC Secretary Khalilur Rahman Khan.
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The delegation sought the president's full cooperation and guidance in their activities.
The president expressed satisfaction over the overall activities of the commission.
President's office secretary Wahidul Islam Khan, Press Secretary Zainal Abedin and Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam were also present.
President asks ICB to be proactive
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday said the Information Commission of Bangladesh (ICB) should be proactive in performing its duties.
The President gave the directive when a four-member ICB delegation handed over the “Information Commission’s Annual Report 2023” to him at the Bangabhaban.
Chief Information Commissioner Dr. Abdul Malek submitted it to the president while information commissioners – Shahidul Alam Zinuk and Masuda Bhatti and ICB Commission Secretary Zubaida Nasreen were present.
President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
Saying that it is the right of the people to have access to information, he asked the Commission to be aware so that no one is harassed in the process of getting information when necessary.
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The chief information commissioner briefed the president about various aspects of the annual report and the overall activities of the ICB.
Mentioning the role of the Right to Information Act as very important to ensure transparency and accountability of state activities, the President thanked the Information Commission Bangladesh for being elected as an executive member of International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC).
Expressing satisfaction over the overall functioning of the ICB, he hoped that the Information Commission will intensify its activities to ensure the constitutional and fundamental rights of people by carefully removing barriers.
Dr. Malek said the commission has received 1.56 lakh information seekers’ applications and most of those have been provided so far.
He said the ICB is working continuously to create public awareness at the grassroots level about the Right to Information Act.
He sought the cooperation from the president in doing the overall activities of the ICB.
President's Office Secretary Md Wahidul Islam Khan, Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin and Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam were also present there.
Take effective steps to address human rights violations in the country: President tells NHRC
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to immediately take effective steps to address human rights violations anywhere in the country.
He said this when a delegation led by Chairman of NRHC Kamal Uddin Ahmed presented the commission's annual report-2023 to him at Bangabhaban.
Press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters after the meeting.
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The delegation briefed the President about the overall activities of the commission and various aspects of the annual report.
President Shahabuddin said that the main responsibility of the commission is to prevent human rights violations in the country.
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At this time, the president urged the commission to take necessary measures including creating public awareness for ensuring human rights.
Secretaries concerned to the president were present at the meeting.