Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Cabinet Division announces names for new Cabinet
The cabinet Division has invited some 25 MPs as ministers and 11 as state ministers to take oath as new cabinet members led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain shared the information with journalists at the secretariat on Wednesday night.
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The 25 ministers are: AKM Mozammel Haque, Obaidul Quader, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Dr. Dipu Moni, Tajul Islam, Farooq Khan, Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali, Advocate Anisul Haq, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Abdus Shaheed, Sadhan Chandra Majumder, RAM Ubaidul Mokhtadir Chowdhury, Abdur Rahman, Narayan Chandra Chanda, Abdus Salam, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Farhad Hossain, Faridul Haque Khan, Zillul Hakim, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Nazmul Hasan Papon, Yeafesh Osman and Dr. Samanta Lal Sen.
The 11 state ministers are: Mohammad A. Arafat, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Nasrul Hamid, Simeen Hossain (Rimi), Rumana Ali, Ahsanul Islam (Titu), Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Zahid Farooq, Kujendra Lal Tripura, Mohibbur Rahman.
Of them, Yeafesh Osman and Dr. Samants Lal Sen will take oath as technocrat ministers, he added.
Regarding portfolios, the secretary said that it will be known tomorrow after taking oath.
Read more: Cabinet body approves proposals for import of fertliser, LNG and sugar
World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland
Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, has said he is confident that under her leadership, Bangladesh will be able to fully realize its economic potential and become a developed country by 2041.
“The bold reforms taken forward under your leadership have helped raise Bangladesh’s economic and social standing,” Schwab said in a message to PM Hasina.
Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
“The World Economic Forum looks forward to working closely with you and your government to support in achieving its full growth potential,” he said.
He also invited PM Hasina to the 54th World Economic Forum annual meeting, which will take place in Davos-Klisters, Switzerland, from January 15 to 19, 2024 under the theme, “Rebuilding Trust.”
Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU
As usual, over 100 governments, all major international organizations, the 1000 most important global companies, relevant civil society and academic institutions, as well as the global media will interact at the highest level.
“I truly look forward to engaging you in this effort and, hopefully, to welcoming you in Davos,” he said, wishing her every success in her new leadership role.
New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president
“On behalf of the World Economic Forum, please accept my congratulations on leading your party to a historic win in the 12th National Elections. I wish you and your colleagues every success for the new tenure,” Schwab said.
Bangladesh's election has been most free and fair held after 1975: PM Hasina
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Sunday's parliamentary election will be written in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh.
"A free, fair, neutral and participatory election was held with spontaneous participation of the people," she said.
Hasina made the remarks when the Awami League leaders and activists gathered at her official residence Ganabhaban to greet her on the party's landslide victory on January 7 12th parliamentary election.
The victory has paved the way for her to become the prime minister for the fourth consecutive term and overall fifth term in office.
Read: PM Hasina greets new Polish PM Donald Tusk
Hasina thanked the Election Commission for holding a wonderful election with support from law enforcement forces, the armed forces and other people involved in it.
She mentioned that BNP cannot survive in Bangladesh as they follow the advice of their foreign masters.
"BNP was out to foil the national election. They have some masters. They don't know the people of Bangladesh. It will not be possible to survive in Bangladesh by following the advice of these masters," she said.
In this connection she said that Awami League has no foreign masters as the people are their strength.
She mentioned that BNP-Jamaat clique hatched many conspiracies to foil the election.
She said this election has been the most free, fair and disciplined, participatory and competitive of all the polls held after the 1975.
"We have proved that the election can be held in a free and fair manner under the Awami League government," she said.
Read: Spanish businesses keen to make investments in Bangladesh: Outgoing envoy
The prime minister asked the party leaders and workers to work in unison forgetting everything for the welfare of the people of the country and its people.
The AL President said many of the party nominated candidate have been defeated by independent candidates despite they were confident of their win.
She said that conspiracies are being hatched to cash in on the conflicts among the party men.
"So, work shoulder to shoulder for the welfare of the country and its people forgetting everything by obeying the people's mandate," she said.
Hasina said that the non-participation of some political parties in the election doesn't matter as the participation of the masses matters.
"If the people don't want the Awami League in power, we will show that by their mandate," she said.
In this connection, she recalled that the mass people had overthrown BNP government within one and a half months as they assumed power through rigging in February 15, 1996 election.
"The people of Bangladesh never accept any injustice," she said.
Younger daughter of the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and sister of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Rehana presented a flower bouquet to her elder sister.
Read: PM Hasina directs restoration of canals and rivers of Dhaka the soonest
General Secretary of the AL Obaidul Quader also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the central executive body of the AL led by its general secretary greeted prime minister and the party president Sheikh Hasina with a flower bouquet.
Hasina’s return to power will be welcomed in Global South: Policy analyst Kugelman
Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. Michael Kugelman has said in South Asia and the broader Global South, Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's return will be welcomed.
He cited her focus on economic growth, connectivity, nonalignment, climate change, global peacekeeping and hosting of Rohingyas.
Also read: Bad blood will linger between Dhaka and the West but Hasina’s return will be viewed more positively in the region: South Asia policy analyst Kugelman
"Easy to overlook this with so much focus on what the West thinks," he said.
Within hours after Bangladesh’s election result was declared, the Indian, Russian, and Chinese envoys all extended their congratulations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Kugelman said.
Also read: ‘US wanted to act proactively to send tough message’: Kugelman
"If anyone is surprised by this, there’s no reason to be. They all (not just India) have long viewed her as a key partner," he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"And guess what other country’s ambassador has now congratulated Hasina? Pakistan. Perhaps the only country in South Asia that might be a bit uncomfortable about her return. But still willing to accept the election result," Kugelman said in a separate message posted from his verified X account.
Also read: AL retains significant level of support because of success stories, says South Asia policy analyst Michael Kugelman
India congratulates PM Hasina on election victory, hopes for ‘even stronger momentum’ in ties
India has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory and eyes “even stronger momentum and growth” in the bilateral partnership in support of each other’s national development.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma during his call on PM Hasina today (January 08, 2024) conveyed warm greetings and congratulations on behalf of the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Read more: Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory
India was the first country to congratulate the Prime Minister today.
The Indian high commissioner expressed hope that during the new term of PM Hasina’s government, there will be even stronger momentum and growth in the bilateral partnership.
The envoy said that India will continue to support people of Bangladesh in realizing their vision of a stable, progressive and prosperous nation, guided by their long-standing friendship and inspired by their shared sacrifices in the Liberation War.
Read more: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’
Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory
The envoys of India, Russia, China, Bhutan, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Monday (January 08, 2024) morning.
Besides, the delegation of Aga Khan Diplomatic Representatives also met her.
Read more: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’
On behalf of their respective countries and organisation, they congratulated Hasina on her party’s absolute victory in Sunday's 12th National Parliamentary Election, according to a release from PM’s press wing.
The delegates expressed their firm commitment to continue cooperation with Bangladesh, it said.
The prime minister thanked them and sought their cooperation in the development and advancement of Bangladesh.
Read more: India congratulates PM Hasina on election victory, hopes for ‘even stronger momentum’ in ties
Bad blood will linger between Dhaka and the West but Hasina’s return will be viewed more positively in the region: South Asia policy analyst Kugelman
With the opposition BNP boycotting the January 7 polls, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, Awami League, are all but guaranteed a fourth consecutive term.
Five countries in South Asia will hold elections this year, and the first — in Bangladesh on Sunday (January 7) — features the least uncertainty.
Many Western countries value their trade ties with Bangladesh, given its powerful garment industry, and perceive it as a strategically significant state situated in the heart of the Indo-Pacific.
PM Hasina to address election rally in Narayanganj Thursday
But they cannot rule out punitive post-election steps, including trade sanctions. Either way, bad blood between Dhaka and the West — especially Washington — will certainly linger post-election, according to Foreign Policy’s South Asia Brief by Michael Kugelman.
By contrast, Hasina’s return will be viewed more positively in South Asia, said the South Asia policy analyst.
Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center in Washington, DC, said that Sheikh Hasina enjoys strong support from India, which, like the Awami League, characterizes the opposition as a potentially destabilizing threat that could lead to the return of Islamism in Bangladesh.
Jan 7 general election will be a milestone in country’s democratic history: PM Hasina
Hasina’s push for connectivity resonates with Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, all of whom are pursuing new initiatives with Bangladesh.
The strong economic growth under her offers new opportunities for trade within a region where it lags, said the analyst.
Finally, her policy of balancing relations with both Beijing and New Delhi converges with that of the region’s other non-aligned states, said Kugelman.
Although foreign countries play an outsized role in Bangladeshi politics, it will be up to the people of Bangladesh to determine the country’s future direction, said the International Crisis Group on Thursday in a new report.
President casts vote via postal ballot, encourages nationwide participation in Jan 7 election
Based on the decisions that the AL and BNP take, the public will decide either at the ballot box or on the streets, it said in its Asia Report, "Beyond the Election: Breaking Bangladesh’s Political Deadlock."
Although it may be impossible before polling day, it is incumbent on
both sides to enter talks as early as possible to avoid a lengthy and potentially deadly political showdown, reads the report.
Foreign governments, for their part, should work together to cajole the two sides into negotiations aimed at forging a new political settlement.
Given the level of domestic opposition it is facing, alongside economic and geopolitical headwinds, the AL has reasons to seek a compromise.
Negotiations to rebuild relations between the main political forces and put Bangladesh back on to the path of democracy, peace and stability will require concessions from both sides, said the Crisis Group.
The country’s foreign partners, particularly the US and India, should actively encourage them in that direction, it said.
“The 7 January election will not resolve Bangladesh’s political crisis. Although it’s too late to postpone the vote, a flawed election provides only more reason to redouble efforts to get the ruling Awami League and its opponents talking again after the poll," said Crisis Group's Asia Director, Pierre Prakash.
“Since the 2008 election that brought the Awami League to power, the country has not held a credible national election. And while Bangladesh has made significant progress in some areas over the past 15 years, most notably on the economic front and in reducing poverty, it has experienced continued political violence and repression of civil liberties," Prakash added.
A new political settlement between the two major parties would help to put Bangladesh back on to the path of democracy, peace and stability, Prakash said.
"It could avert further political violence – in the past few months alone, dozens of people have been killed. It would also help to balance Bangladesh’s international relations and improve its economic prospects,” said the Crisis Group's Asia director.
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‘Want the entire world to observe our polls and learn from us’: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said they want to see a "free, fair, non-violent and transparent" election and achieve the goal to build a "Smart Bangladesh" ensuring peace and stability.
"We want all from the entire world to come and see, and learn from us," he said while talking to journalists after his meeting with a team of European Union (EU) experts at his residence on Wednesday (December 27, 2023) night.
Momen, however, said the visiting EU team only listened to him as they wanted to know a few things, but did not make any comment on the election. “They didn't even want to talk to the media.”
He said Bangladesh is a democratic country, and there is a very strong Election Commission in place that is taking all necessary steps to hold a fair election.
Asked about BNP's allegations to the EU team in a separate meeting, the foreign minister said the government has not arrested anyone on political grounds but arrested those who were involved in “terrorist activities.”
Also read: Don’t want to see any proxy war in region; want to show world fair polls: FM
He referred to CCTV footage and statements made by some BNP supporters, mentioning who instructed them to carry out arson attacks and vandalism.
"Not a single person has been arrested for political reasons . Only criminals have been arrested. We cannot tolerate terrorism," Momen said.
The foreign minister said some big countries want Bangladesh to purchase things from them, but Bangladesh does not do so at the cost of sacrificing public interests.
"That's why they are unhappy to some extent. But we follow our principles. If you stand by your principles, your dignity will be enhanced," Momen said.
Also read: EU polls mission holds meeting with FM Momen, BNP leaders in Sylhet
He also talked about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s desire to build a “Sonar Bangla” and a “Smart Bangladesh.”
"We want peace. We want stability. We don't want terrorism. We want freedom of media and freedom of speech. We want the continuation of democracy. We want more job opportunities," Momen told the reporters, referring to Awami League's election manifesto.
Before going to Sylhet, Momen also talked to reporters in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon.
Highlighting the importance of peace and stability for greater development, he said they do not want to see any “proxy war” in the region.
“Our main goal is that we do not want to see any proxy war here. Problems remain there where we see proxy war despite having resources. Europe has fallen into proxy war and is facing challenges,” he told reporters, noting that there might be efforts to make the countries in the region weaker.
Momen said Bangladesh has taken a leadership role in the region and other countries acknowledge this.
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In Smart Bangladesh Awami League pledges more safeguards for minorities, end of intolerance
With the determination to make the nation smart, defined as free from dogmatism and anchored in harmony, Awami League has announced its manifesto for the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election.
The manifesto, with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment,” was announced by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (December 27, 2023) at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka.
The manifesto focuses on the plans and commitments for ethnic and religious minorities. It outlines the steps the party will take for the communities if it returns to power.
The manifesto not only addresses the next five years but also the vision of developing a prosperous Bangladesh by 2041. In this long-term vision, the lives, traditions, culture, history, and aspirations of ethnic and religious minorities are integrally linked with the development of Bangladesh. The manifesto outlines a clear path for these communities during this extended period, including specific steps to be taken.
The President of the Awami League stated that discriminatory behavior against ethnic and religious minority communities will be eliminated. Prioritized efforts will continue to improve their living standards.
Currently, Bangladesh is home to over 30 lakh people from approximately 45 ethnic minority groups. Their lives, traditions, culture, and history are deeply intertwined with Bangladesh. The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognized equal rights and dignity of all communities, including ethnic and religious minorities, in the Constitution of Bangladesh. In line with this, Awami League continues to eradicate discriminatory behavior against these communities and prioritizes various initiatives to protect their lives, properties, places of worship, autonomy, and improve their living standards.
Read: Bangladesh’s strong position in int’l arena due to AL’s successful foreign policy: PM
In Bangladesh, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others can freely practice their religions, as affirmed by the leader of the Awami League.
Development and Progress
Measures have been taken to protect the land, homes, places of worship and other assets of religious and ethnic minorities.
Various programs, including social safety schemes, are being implemented to integrate the people of ethnic minority communities into mainstream development.
Special provisions and opportunities continue for the education and employment of children of underprivileged ethnic minorities and tea garden workers.
Educational and health services for ethnic minorities have been expanded to remote areas, and other infrastructural facilities, including roads and electricity, have been improved.
The government encourages the preservation of the diverse customs and traditions of ethnic minority communities.
To ensure greater political representation and social inclusion, the government has taken positive steps to increase the participation of ethnic minorities in decision-making processes.
Various clauses of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord have been delegated to the Regional Council and District Councils, allowing development activities to be planned and implemented, considering local, geographical, and socio-economic contexts.
Special measures have been taken for the development of tourism, food processing, small and medium industries, and traditional cottage industries in the three hill districts. High-value spice cultivation, coffee and cashew nut farming, cotton cultivation, and solar energy initiatives are being implemented for the public's benefit.
Grants for the development of temples, crematoriums, pagodas, and churches continue, along with ongoing programs for the overall welfare of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities through respective religious welfare trusts.
Awami League’s Commitment
Article 23A of the Constitution stipulates that the state will adopt measures to preserve and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the ethnic sects and communities. Initiatives to uphold this constitutional provision will continue.
During the tenure of the Awami League government, the Vested Property Act was amended, and measures were taken to resolve issues related to vested properties. Obstacles in the implementation of the law will be removed.
A National Minority Commission will be formed, and a special protection law for minorities will be enacted to safeguard the interests of minority communities. Awami League will continue to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and livelihood of religious and ethnic minorities, and underprivileged communities.
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During the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, religious and ethnic minorities faced brutal attacks and discrimination. Many from these communities were killed, numerous women were raped, and their homes, lands, and businesses were occupied and looted. Awami League will complete the judicial process for these inhumane incidents and prevent their recurrence.
Awami League will maintain its policy of ending terrorism, discriminatory behavior, and human rights violations against religious and ethnic minorities. It will ensure the protection of their lives, properties, dignity, and equal rights in all spheres of state and social life.
Priority will be given to the balanced development of underdeveloped areas, including slums, chars, haors, and coastal regions, and to improving the quality of life of their inhabitants.
Neglected Communities
A portion of Bangladesh's population consists of Dalits, Harijans, and Bede communities. These communities are neglected, isolated, and overlooked in society. Awami League is committed to implementing programs to improve their living standards and integrate them into the mainstream.
Social safety programs for the development of the living standards of the Bede and other underprivileged communities will continue. Vocational training will be provided to enhance their skills, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and integrate into mainstream society. Cash assistance and housing programs for underprivileged communities will be expanded nationwide.
Hijra Community
The Hijra community forms a small part of Bangladesh’s total population. Throughout history, this community has been isolated and neglected. Awami League government has taken various programs to ensure the fundamental rights of the Hijra community and integrate them into mainstream society.
The manifesto states that Hijras will be included in mainstream society, and their fundamental rights will be protected. Social justice will be ensured, along with improvements in education, housing, living standards, and social security.
Awami League’s election manifesto also says that cash assistance and housing programs for the Hijra community will be expanded nationwide.
Read more: Avoid conflict, work peacefully for participation of voters in election: PM Hasina urges candidates
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.
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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.
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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