AL
Bangladesh’s strong position in int’l arena due to AL’s successful foreign policy: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said if her party Awami League is re-elected, Bangladesh's development cooperation with all the countries will continue.
“Bangladesh has occupied a strong and prestigious place in the international arena due to the success of Awami League’s foreign policy, following the principle of ‘friendship to all, malice towards none’ as directed by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said today while announcing AL’s manifesto for the 12th National Parliamentary Election.
The AL President said cooperation with neighboring countries will continue in various areas, including cross-border communication, transit, energy partnership, and equitable water-sharing.
Read: Come to polling centres early, cast votes for Boat: PM Hasina at Pirganj rally
She said Bangladesh is firmly determined to prevent the presence of militants, international terrorists, and separatist groups on its territory.
The Awami League government will play an important role in forming the South Asia Task Force to combat terrorism and militancy and eliminate them from the entire region, Hasina said.
“We believe in peace, not war,” she said, adding that to enhance the defense capability of the armed forces to protect the security, sovereignty, and integrity of the country, the formulation and implementation of ‘Forces Goal-2030’ is ongoing in light of the ‘Defense Policy, 1974’ formulated by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read: Bangladesh and Kosovo can boost bilateral trade: PM tells outgoing envoy
She said the efficiency and discipline of the defense forces will continue to improve, and management will continue to develop in light of Forces Goal 2030.
Hasina said necessary measures will continue to be taken to increase the professional skills of the officers and soldiers of the armed forces and their job opportunities according to the country's capability.
“To ensure the security of the country and the people, the capacity building of the defense system will continue. New welfare-oriented schemes and programs will be taken up for all ranks of the armed forces,” PM Hasina said.
Read more: In Smart Bangladesh Awami League pledges more safeguards for minorities, end of intolerance
Food for All: AL Manifesto Emphasizes Agricultural Development for a Hunger-Free Bangladesh
"Food for All" is the core goal and commitment of the Awami League. The manifesto pledges to build a hunger-free Bangladesh. On Wednesday (December 27), the Awami League announced this manifesto for the 12th national parliamentary election.
Agriculture is a primary driving force of Bangladesh's economy and livelihoods. Agriculture plays a crucial role not only in fulfilling the food and nutritional needs of the population but also in providing employment in rural areas, supplying raw materials to industries, and increasing export earnings. Following independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, initiated an agricultural revolution by taking ground-breaking steps to enhance production and ensure food security, giving utmost importance to the development of agriculture and farmers. Currently, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League government also prioritizes agriculture in state governance. With the commitment of "Food for All," the party emphasizes agricultural development in its manifesto for the 12th national parliamentary election.
PM Hasina unveils AL election manifesto promising dev, peace, prosperity
In the fiscal year 2022-23, rice production surpassed all previous records. Currently, Bangladesh ranks third globally in the production of rice, vegetables, and onions. Additionally, it holds the second position in jute production, fourth in tea, and seventh in potato production. Significant progress has been made in cultivating both domestic and foreign fruits. Farmers are encouraged to cultivate profitable but unconventional crops like coffee, cashew nuts, black pepper, malta (a type of citrus), and dragon fruit. The per capita fruit consumption rate, which was 55 grams in 2006, increased to 85 grams in 2023. In the last 15 years, 699 new crop varieties resilient to adverse environments and 708 technologies have been developed. The mechanization of agriculture is underway to modernize it. From 2010 to 2023, nearly 133,000 agricultural machineries, including combine harvesters, reapers, seeders, and power tillers, have been distributed to farmers at subsidized prices. A 3,000 crore taka agricultural mechanization project is ongoing. Overall, the country's agricultural system is transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
AL to announce election manifesto Wednesday
To maintain this trend, the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, pledges to follow sustainable development strategies based on planned initiatives. The strategy aims to meet the growing population's nutritional needs, ensure the supply and accessibility of nutritious food for all, develop commercial agriculture, expand agriculture-dependent industries, improve rural infrastructure, increase and diversify exports of agricultural and non-agricultural products, and enhance the quality of life in rural communities through poverty alleviation. The annual budget allocation will be increased, and private investment in the rural sector will be encouraged.
Awami League’s Commitment
"Food for All" remains the Awami League's primary goal and commitment. The trend of following sustainable development strategies, based on a contextualized plan for the development of agriculture, farmers, and the rural economy, will continue. The strategy includes ensuring nutrition for the growing population, supplying and accessing nutritious food for everyone, developing commercial agriculture, expanding agriculture-dependent industries, improving rural infrastructure, increasing and diversifying exports of agricultural and non-agricultural products, and enhancing the living standards of rural communities through poverty alleviation. The annual budget allocation will be increased, and private investment in the rural sector will be encouraged.
The daughter of Bangabandhu pledges to expand the initiatives already taken to increase agricultural production. The provision of agricultural loans at 4% concessional interest will continue; the central bank will refinance commercial banks at a 0.5% rate, encouraging them to distribute more agricultural loans. The Awami League will continue to provide assistance and subsidies for agricultural production and investment in agricultural inputs. Easy access to and availability of agricultural machinery will be ensured to alleviate labor shortages in agriculture and increase productivity. Subsidies on agricultural machinery will continue.
The Awami League government has already implemented a policy to bring all land under cultivation to further increase agricultural production. Sheikh Hasina's commitment is that no land will remain uncultivated. Emphasis will be placed on developing an integrated agricultural system.
Furthermore, to build a smart, agriculture-dependent Bangladesh, strategies will be adopted for commercial agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and nano-technologies, as well as for developing the rural non-agricultural sector and facing globalization challenges. The focus on modernizing agriculture, innovating technology, and increasing opportunities and facilities for agricultural research will continue. Environmental protection will also be seriously considered in the use of various products in agriculture.
Read more: Govt prepared to ensure food security into the future: Agriculture Minister
Not only agriculture, but also the fisheries and livestock sectors are immensely important for ensuring food security, meeting nutritional needs, creating employment, alleviating poverty, expanding export trade, and overall socio-economic development in Bangladesh. To meet the animal protein demand of the growing population, create entrepreneurs and employment, and keep the rural economy active, Sheikh Hasina's government is also giving equal importance to the fisheries and livestock sectors. The Awami League's commitments in this continuity are:
1. To increase the productivity of livestock by one and a half times by 2028.
2. To establish commercial dairy and poultry farms, increase self-employment, and alleviate poverty by providing loans on easy terms, necessary subsidies, technical advice, and policy support.
3. To increase the domestic production of quality animal feed ingredients, expand processing technology, and ensure reasonable prices.
4. To diversify, process, and expand export-oriented industries of animal products.
5. To expand farm mechanization and automated production systems in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
6. To increase fish production from 4.915 million metric tons to 5.840 million metric tons and to raise the per capita fish consumption from 67.8 grams/day to 75 grams/day by ensuring sustainable fish production and achieving food security through maximum utilization of resources.
7. To strengthen sustainable management of marine fisheries resources and ensure responsible fishing for the development of the blue economy.
8. To adopt projects/programs based on delta hotspots for coping with the adverse effects of climate change, improving the quality of life of local communities, adaptation, and capacity building.
9. To reduce fish waste by 10% and create employment for about 600,000 people in the next five years by ensuring sustainable use of fish resources through value chain development and diversifying value-added fish and fishery products.
10. To encourage the private sector to increase fish and fishery product exports and expand new markets abroad by organizing Fish Expos and establishing exclusive economic zones for fishery product processing, aiming to increase export earnings from 4,790 crore to 15,000 crore taka.
11. To expand ongoing programs for increasing livestock production and to enhance opportunities and facilities for processing, marketing, and value addition of these products.
12. To continue fish farming in ponds and, where possible, in rice fields by providing quality fish fry, food, and disease treatment.
13. To provide easy access to capital, electricity connections, and other facilities for farmers.
Read more: Food security remains protected amid int’l crisis: PM Hasina tells Parliament
Election Commission issues show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan
The Election Commission (EC) today (November 30, 2023) issued a show cause notice to Shakib Al Hasan, star cricketer and Awami League-nominated candidate for Magura-1 constituency, for breaching electoral code of conduct.
Shakib has also been asked to appear before the election search committee in-person tomorrow afternoon and reply to the notice.
Read: Mashrafe, Shakib, get Awami League nominations for 12th ...
The notice, signed by Joint District and Sessions Judge Satyabrata Shikder, who has been leading the Magura-1 election search committee, said, “You, Shakib Al Hasan, entered Magura city with a convoy from Kamarkhali area on November 29 after being declared as Awami League-nominated candidate from Magura-1 constituency.”
Read: 12th parliamentary election: Shakib gets AL nomination for Magura-1 constituency
The notice says that Shakib attended civic receptions, disrupting traffic on the road. Several media outlets reported on the incident.
“By doing so, you have violated the provisions of sections 6(d), 8(a), 10(a) and 12 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates,” according to the notice.
Shakib has been asked to reply in writing as to why legal action should not be taken against him for breaching the electoral code of conduct.
Read more: Magura district welcomes Shakib warmly as MP candidate
US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters
The United States has once again said it supports "free and fair" elections in Bangladesh.
"We think the future of the Bangladeshi government should be determined by its people," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at a regular media briefing on Monday (November 13, 2023) when a reporter wanted to know why the US government must discuss Bangladesh-related issues with India.
Miller said the United States is not taking a side in Bangladesh’s elections.
Read: Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy
"We do not support one political party over the other. We support free and fair elections," he added.
Miller also said, "I welcome the attempts by various reporters to draw me into internal Bangladeshi political matters, and I’m going to continue to refrain from doing so."
On Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam reiterated that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held as per the constitution, regardless of “who’s doing what.”
He said election is an internal matter of the people of Bangladesh and the election will be held under the constitution and relevant laws.
The Election Commission is taking preparations to hold the next national election by January next year and is likely to announce polls schedules soon.
Read: Election will be held as per constitution regardless of ‘who’s doing what’: Shahriar Alam
Earlier, Law Minister Anisul Huq conveyed to the UN Human Rights Council that opposition party BNP’s demand for holding the next national election under a caretaker government is “completely unconstitutional and illegal.”
Mentioning Bangladesh’s independent Election Commission, he said the government is committed to hold the next national election in a “free, fair and peaceful” manner with the participation of people.
Few public transport on Dhaka streets as tensions escalate surrounding AL, BNP events
The presence of public transport and other vehicles on Dhaka streets today (October 28) is relatively thin compared to other days, as tensions escalated surrounding the two big parties’ announced programs, causing immense commuting woes.
People who depend on public transport for their daily commute have been hit hard due to few vehicles on the roads.
Panic has gripped people over the scheduled rallies of BNP and Awami League in the capital.
Most are preferring to stay home unless they have any urgent work.
Thousands gather at Dhaka’s Nayapaltan for BNP’s grand rally
Though the day is a government holiday, those who work in private organizations are facing severe commuting problems.
The number of private cars, rickshaws and other vehicles on the streets are also few.
Streets in Shanir Akhra, Kakrail, Shantinagar, Mouchak, Dholaipar, Jatrabari, Sayedabad, Gulistan, Purana Paltan, and Jatiya Press Club areas have few public transport.
Many were seen waiting for buses to reach their respective destinations.
Fakhrul intends peaceful grand rally, warns govt against excesses
No long route buses left from Gulistan.
Contacted, Joint Commissioner (Traffic-North) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Abu Saleh Md Raihan told UNB that the number of vehicles including public buses is low compared to other days.
Mariful Hasan, who had to commute to his office in Mouchak from Shewrapara, said, “I boarded a bus from Shewrapara which dropped me at Bijoy Sarani. Getting no public transport at that point, I decided to walk to Farmgate. Later, I managed to board a bus to Mouchak.”
Like Mariful, Rahul, who also worked for a private company, said he had to change transport twice to reach his office from Keraniganj.
Kaniz Fatema said she took a CNG-run three wheeler from Narayanganj to her office in Dhaka due to the lack of public transport.
Passengers suffer due to suspension of bus movement between Dhaka and Mymensingh ahead of BNP rally
Police and RAB personnel were seen patrolling the roads while a number of check-posts were set up to ensure security.
Thousands of law enforcers – police, RAB and other agencies – have been deployed in the capital city to prevent possible violence during the rallies.
AL and the BNP got permission from Dhaka Metropolitan Police to hold their rallies at their respective venues. Jamaat, however, did not get any go-ahead from DMP for their program.
AL, BNP get conditional permission for rallies
Ruling Awami League and main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been given permission by police to hold their rallies in the capital’s Baitul Mukarram’s South Gate and Nayapaltan respectively on 20 conditions on Saturday (October 28, 2023).
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters issued separate letters to these parties in this regard tonight.
According to the letters, the Awami League got permission at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque while the BNP in front of their party office at Nayapaltan.
Read: Panic grips capital city as AL and BNP flex muscles ahead of Saturday’s rallies
The conditions state that DMP would only allow people to gather at the venues after 12:00pm, the rallies cannot go outside the allocated spaces, parties have to conclude the rallies within allotted time, no provocative or anti-state speeches should be given from the rallies, activists won't be allowed to carry sticks or rods in the name of carrying banners or festoons, organisers would be responsible if any untoward incident happen or law-enforcement situation deteriorated.
Earlier, AL and BNP submitted applications to the DMP for the permission of the rallies on October 20 and 21, respectively.
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.
PM shocked at death of AL advisory council member Fakhrul Islam Munshi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Awami League advisory council member and former deputy minister AFM Fakhrul Islam Munshi.
PM mourns death of Patuakhali-1 MP Md Shahjahan Mia
In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina said that the death of Fakhrul Islam Munshi rendered an irreparable loss to the political arena of the country.
PM Hasina inaugurates 15-storey Bar Council Building
She prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
PM to inaugurate new Bangladesh Bar Council building Saturday
AL MP Shahjahan Mia passes away
Shahjahan Mia, MP of Patuakhali-1 constituency and also president of Patuakhali district unit Awami League, passed away at hospital in the capital on Saturday. He was 85.
Brahmanbaria-2 MP Ukil Abdus Sattar dies at 84
Shahjahan Mia, Shahjahan Mia, former state minister for religious affairs, had been undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and breathed his last at 6 am, said his son Advocate Tariquzzaman Mony.
He left behind his wife, three sons, one daughter and a host of relatives to mourn his death.
DL general secretary Saifuddin Ahmed Moni dies
The first namaz-e-janaza of the three-time MP will be held at Sangshad Bhaban at 3 pm.
He will be buried at Patuakhali municipality graveyard following second-namaz-e-janaza at Russel Square Balur Math in Patuakhali on Sunday.
Poet Asad Chowdhury no more
DMCH to be upgraded if AL returns to power in next election: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (October 16, 2023) pledged that the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital will be upgraded with ultra-modern facilities if her party wins the next general election to form the government.
“Inshallah if we get chance in the next time, we will upgrade Dhaka Medical College Hospital and all district and upazila hospitals,” she said while inaugurating various projects under the ministries of water resources and health.
She joined the programme from her official residence, Ganabhaban, through video link.
Dev projects must not damage rivers and canals: PM Hasina asks officials
The parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are due in the first week of next January.
Hasina said that the aim of her government is to establish one medical university in each division.
“We need doctors, nurses and skilled manpower; we have allocated separate funds for the research on medical science,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that the government has created specialised hospitals and institutes to create skilled manpower in the country.
“We have a plan to upgrade Dhaka Medical College Hospital to 4000-5000-bed ultra modern hospital,” she said.
PM hosts dinner for artists, crew of Bangabandhu biopic at Ganabhaban
She also said that the government could have done this during the current tenure.
“…but COVID-19 and expenditure for vaccine procurement and other related huge expenditures could not allow us to do that,” she said.
She also briefly described various expenditures of the government for bringing vaccines for immunisation programme to combat COVID-19.
"We had been able to save the lives of the people from the pandemic despite the fact that thousands of people died from it across the globe including many in rich ones. But, we had to spend plenty of money to this end."
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The prime minister said they have upgraded each of the 32-bed upazila hospitals to 50-bed ones and 100-bed district hospital to 250-bed ones while big district hospitals were upgraded to 500-bed hospitals.
She said they have appointed 40000 nurses and 22000 physicians alongside launching construction of houses for their accommodation.
"We are making arrangements to make sure that the healthcare services don’t suffer any negligence," she said.
The prime minister said they have built community hospitals across the country to reach primary healthcare services to every doorstep following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The community centres are distributing 30 types of medicines free of cost. She said the facilities are helping greatly to reduce the child and mother mortality rate in Bangladesh.
After assuming power, she said the BNP-Jamaat government had stopped the community based healthcare services on the plea that the people who are working and taking healthcare services from those will cast vote for the Awami League despite the fact that the clinics have been rendering healthcare services to all irrespective their political affiliation.
"The BNP-Jamaat alliance doesn't think about the welfare of the people rather busy making their own fortunes. Their mindset is narrow," she said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Water Resources Ministry Zaheed Farooque also spoke at the programme.
Two separate video documentaries on the activities of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry and Water Resources Ministry were screened on the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated "65 community eye centres" at 65 Upazila Health Complexes in 28 districts, in the fourth phase, as part of the move to set up the facility at every upazila across the country under Health and Family Welfare Ministry.
From the same programme, she also opened 80 developed schemes and re-digging of 430 small rivers, canals and water bodies and laid the foundation stone of 20 new development projects under the Water Resources Ministry.
Sharsha Upazila of Jashore, Sathià Upazila of Pabna and Shreemongol Upazila of Moulovibazar district were connected virtually to the programme.
The prime minister unveiled the cover of a book titled "Joyjatra" featuring the development schemes implemented in the last 15 years.
Later, she talked to different beneficiaries through videoconferencing.