Sheikh Hasina
AL founding anniversary drives grassroots engagement on Facebook
Grassroots people took to Facebook to greet the Awami League (AL) on its 73rd founding anniversary and expressed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by sending short messages and audio-visuals.
A handful of selected audio-visuals were shared on the verified Facebook account of Awami League.
On May 20, the ruling party's official Facebook page invited greetings from people to mark its founding anniversary.
From Rangpur's Chadmapuskorini, more than 10 female footballers made it to the national level of the game. They lacked opportunities and a playground.
Standing in front of the Chadmapuskorini mini-stadium, Md Milon Mia, coach of the AFC Female Football Team said, "This mini-stadium is for female footballers in Chadmapuskorini. Sports enthusiasts, as well as people from all walks of life, are happy with this gift of the prime minister."
"Ten to twelve female footballers are now playing for the national team under different age groups. The prime minister donated Tk10 lakh for female footballers and transformed this area."
Shahab Uddin Shihab, a Patuakhali Medical College student, said, "This medical college in Patuakhali was an earnest demand of the people of this area and 60 lakh people of southern Bangladesh."
"On February 25, 2012, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while addressing a gathering, announced the establishment of Patuakhali Medical College to ensure people's access to healthcare. Then it was established as the country's 24th medical college."
Female entrepreneur Mosammat Dilruba of Rangpur Sadar's UDDC said, "As a female entrepreneur, I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. UDDC is the epitome of her initiative to digitalise Bangladesh."
"Poor rural women make wonderful products such as Nakshi Kantha. We take photos of their works and send them to Platform 101. Customers can pick that up according to their choice."
Aslo read: Awami League marks 73rd founding anniversary
PM: Govt mobilises all resources to mitigate flood miseries
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said her government has mobilised enough resources to tackle the ongoing flood fury and reduce sufferings of the affected people.
"This time the fury (of the flood) is little bit intense. It may continue for sometime, may stay till September," she told Japanese Ambassador Naoki ITO who called on her at her Sangsad Bhaban office.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the call on.
The PM said that the government is mobilising everything to reduce the sufferings of the people in the flood affected areas.
"We have to live with the nature, we are mobilising our resources to provide all types of assistance to the flood victims," she said.
Also Read: All citizens aged 18-50 can join universal pension scheme: Cabinet clears a draft law
PM Hasina said that since the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 Japan has been giving support in various fields of development.
She also mentioned that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the great admirer of Japan for its huge socioeconomic and technological development.
Talking about the democratic process of the country, she said that it was confined to the cantonment for long time.
"Overtly or covertly they (military rulers) ruled. From there we have restored the democracy," she said.
She also said that press in the country is free. There are 33 TV channels operating in Bangladesh.
"Before that only state-run Bangladesh Television was functioning," she said.
Regarding the Padma Bridge, she said that she first laid the foundation stone of the bridge on July 4, 2001. Later the works did not progress until her AL government returned to power to complete the construction.
The prime minister said that her government wanted to develop Cox's Bazar for tourism as it has the longest natural sea beach in the world.
Ambassador Naoki ITO Invited the PM to his country saying that Japan will be happy if she can pay a visit sometime in November this year.
He also said that Japan will continue to extend its support to Bangladesh's development works.
In this connection, the ambassador said that he is eagerly waiting for the inauguration of Metro Rail.
He also mentioned that hopefully Japanese companies will start work in the Araihazar special economic zone from next year.
Referring to World Refugee Day being observed today he said, Japan wants an early repatriation of the Rohingya refugees.
He said that Bangladeshi products got 98 per cent duty free quota free access in Japan.
Hasina, in this connection said that said that the government has provided better facilities for Rohingyas in Bhashanchar.
The ambassador handed over a photo album titled, A visit to Japan by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973, which was published on the occasion of the 50 years of diplomatic ties with Japan.
Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus was present in the meeting.
PM seeks support of Japan to become a developed nation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday sought the support of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency-JICA to fulfill the vision of Bangladesh to turn into a developed nation by 2041.
“I hope Japan and JICA will be with us to fulfill our vision to become a developed nation by 2041,” she said.
The premier said this in her video message aired in the celebration programme of the 50 Years of Cooperation between Bangladesh and JICA.
Also read: Southern region won’t remain neglected anymore: PM
She said Bangladesh is marching forward to fulfill the Father of the Nation’s dream of turning Bangladesh into a developed nation. Bangladesh has already attained recognition for graduating to a developing country in 2026, she added.
Recalling the visit of the then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe to Bangladesh in 2014, she said the both countries affirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“We have launched the ‘Japan-Bangladesh Comprehensive Partnership’ to elevate the friendly relationship to a new height. Our comprehensive partnership is now poised to be raised to a strategic partnership in the near future,” she said.
Hasina said Bangladesh and Japan have been maintaining and furthering relations based on those values and common interests.
“We believe that sincerity, friendship and mutual respect are the core values for long-lasting bilateral relations,” she said.
The PM said Bangladesh and Japan have been enjoying excellent relations since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. “We remain deeply grateful for the invaluable support and contribution of Japan and its people during our War of Liberation,” she said.
“We recognize that Japan is one of our most trusted friends and the single largest development partner,” she said, adding that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of Bangladesh-Japan relations through his maiden visit to Tokyo in 1973.
Also read: Mega projects won’t affect the economy: PM
She said it was an honour for her to carry on her father’s legacy and she visited Japan in 1992, 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Starting from 10.6 million USD commodity grant aid in the financial year 1971-72, JICA's financial assistance portfolio to Bangladesh now stands at 28 billion USD, the PM mentioned.
Matarbari Coal-based Power Plant, Matarbari Port Development Project, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Rail Bridge over the river Jamuna, Metro-rail network at Dhaka city and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project are some of the transformational projects currently being implemented with JICA's assistance, she cited.
On the occasion of the golden jubilee of the cooperation, Hasina conveyed her warmest greetings to the Emperor, the Empress, the Prime Minister and the friendly people of Japan.
PM credits AL for robust economic growth
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said it was because of the Awami League Bangladesh could attain over five percent GDP growth during the pandemic when many developed countries saw negative growth.
“We have given budget for FY2022-23, when many developed countries are having negative GDP growth, Bangladesh maintained its growth over five percent,” she said.
She said this while leaders of Awami League and its associated bodies greeted her at the Ganobhaban marking the 14th anniversary of Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s release from prison.
On this day in 2008, Hasina was released from the special sub-jail set up on the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) Building after remaining captive there for nearly 11 months.
The Awami League president was arrested from her Sudha Sadan residence at Dhanmondi on July 16, 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government, which assumed power in the political changeover of 1/11 in 2007.
Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League always has to step forward defying all odds and hurdles.
Also read: Villagers to get specialized healthcare services online at home: PM
She said that whenever she was arrested she sent letters to the people, and leaders and activists of Awami League for giving them directives.
She said that in 1983 she was arrested after her return in the country. At that time she was taken to the DGFI office.
“I never bow down to anyone and never begged from anyone. I got the lesson from my father and family not to bow to anything unjust.”
She said that leaders and activists of AL always choose the right path and she also saw it during the time of Bangabandhu.
She recalled that the caretaker government was compelled to free her due to the movement and pressure from her party. They became surprised when they saw that Awami League collected 25 lakh signatures in just 15 days.
“This is Awami League, people are our strength,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that people are not the strength for the BNP as their birth happened through illegal system.
Also read: Balance development with environment, PM tells at event on World Environment Day
Recalling her jail days during the army backed caretaker government she said that she noted down how the country will be governed and how the party will be run.
“I noted down how we will develop the country, as a result there is electricity connection now in every house,” she said.
Slamming the critics of achievements of Bangladesh, she said this section of people can't accept the country's development.
“I do not know why they are so mean minded and why they have such kind of poor mentality,” she said.
She said that the government has provided COVID-19 vaccines free of cost to the people.
“We know how to do the welfare of the people,” she said.
In this regard she said that defying heavy international obstacles the government constructed the Padma Bridge with its own resources.
“The Father of the Nation liberated the country, this Independence can not go in-vein, we will do our job, we will change the fate of the mass people, no matter who say what,” she said.
She also said that the government has formulated Delta Plan 2100 for the future generations so that they could get a prosperous life.
PM shocked at loss of lives in Sitakunda fire
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the loss of lives in a massive fire at BM Container Depot at Sitakunda in Chattogram.
She prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
She also directed the authorities concerned to provide necessary treatment to the injured victims.
READ: Ctg container depot fire: Death toll climbs to 18, over 200 injured
PM: Keep environment in mind in development projects
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take high care of environment and ecology while taking up any development project.
"Everybody has to pay attention to environment in any project,” she said. “The project has to be executed keeping water reservoirs, adequate green area and rainwater harvesting system.”
The prime minister made the directives while witnessing the designs of four projects, which were presented by the Housing and Public Works Ministry and the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) at her official residence Ganobhaban, said a press release from the Press Wing of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The four projects are Keraniganj Waterfront Smart City, Conservation of Flood Zone at Turag River and Compact Township Development, Construction of Sheikh Hasina International Convention Centre at Zajira end of Padma Bridge in Shibchar (Madaripur) and Construction of Multistoried Residential Building for Government Officials and Employees at Sher-e Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.
Also Read: PM Hasina: I had to redesign the Padma Bridge to make it longer
Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar train service to open by June, 2023: Railways Minister
The train service from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar be opened in June next year, said Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan on Sunday.
“We have come a long way and hope all the work will be completed in this period,” said the minister at the signing ceremony of ‘Signaling and telecommunication system at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Railway Bridge’ at Railway House of the capital.
Meanwhile, he said the railways couldn’t get rid of the ticket black marketing. “That is why we have taken many steps. Now, the responsibility has been given to the new organisation (Shohoz.com). It's only been two-three months, we will have to wait and see how much we get from their service.”
"We have also taken steps to alleviate ticket black marketing," the minister said.
Project objectives
On April 3, 2011, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the construction of meter gauge railways from Dohazari-Ramu-Cox's Bazar and Ramu-Ghumdhum.
There will be nine stations along the 128-km rail route, located at Satkania, Lohagara, Chakaria, Dulahazara, Eidgaon, Ramu, Cox's Bazar Sadar, Ukhia and Ghumdhum. It will feature modern computer-based interlock signals and digital telecommunication systems.
Once complete, it will connect with the Trans-Asian Railway Corridor.
An overriding objective of the project is to bring tourist haven Cox's Bazar under the railway network, making it more accessible for tourists from abroad who may prefer to head there straight after landing in Dhaka, as well as encouraging local tourism by providing stressed out residents of the capital with a safe, comfortable, affordable and environmentally-friendly option for weekend breaks.
If this project is implemented, a safe, comfortable and affordable communication system will be developed for tourists and local people. There will also be significant cargo movement on the line. Fish, salt, paper raw materials, forest and agricultural products can all be easily transported at a convenient cost.
Also read: Dhaka-Bhanga train service through Padma Bridge to open by June, 2023: Railways Minister
PM urges US companies to boost investment in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Bangladesh needs enhanced investment from its friendly countries, especially from the USA, as it aspires to become a developed and prosperous country by 2041.“Bangladesh has been recommended to graduate from the LDC in 2026. We are aspiring to become a developed and prosperous country by 2041. For that purpose, we need enhanced investment from our friendly countries, especially from the USA,” she said.The prime minister said this at a meeting with the first-ever visiting Executive Business Delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council at her official residence Ganobhaban.She said that Bangladesh is now an attractive investment destination. Along with physical infrastructure, the government has upgraded and eased the rules and regulations relating to investment and business.“Bangladesh has the most liberal investment policy in South Asia and that foreign investment is protected by acts of Parliament and bilateral treaties,” she said.
Also read: PM urges ADB to finance Bangladesh's Delta Plan 2100Highlighting her government's development programmes she mentioned that the entire country has recently been brought under electricity coverage.“We are upgrading our road, railway and water communications by implementing some mega projects,” she said.Hasina told the delegation that her government is setting up 100 special economic zones for domestic and foreign investors across the country.“We may earmark one of the zones exclusively for the US investors, if you desire so,” she said.She said that demographic dividend, and government’s focus on developing skilled manpower ensures that investors here get skilled human resources at competitive wages.The prime minister said that Bangladesh-US friendship is based on common values and shared interests and it is reflected in expanding overall business relations.“Our trade relations can be further strengthened with duty-free access and other trade privileges in the US market,” she said.In this regard she said Bangladesh is ready to commence Free Trade Agreement-FTA negotiations with the US at an appropriate time.She mentioned that export volume increased by more than USD 3 billion during the last five years. The export volume rose to USD 7.6 billion in 2021-22 from USD 5.8 billion in 2016-17.Since independence, she said, the US has been one of the trusted development partners and it is contributing to Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress. The USA is the single largest source of FDI and export market for Bangladesh.“I believe US companies will take the advantage and invest more in potential sectors like power and energy, ICT, infrastructure, light engineering products, mobile phone and electronic goods, automobile, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, among others.”
Also read: Don’t go to foreigners with complaints: PM to labour leadersShe said that the government is pursuing a long-term growth strategy for its citizens which is sustainable as acknowledged by the global economists and organisations.Hasina said that the government has taken pledge to realise the “Golden Bangla’’, the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to turn Bangladesh into a poverty- and hunger-free prosperous country.“With such strong prospect, I would now assure you of the best possible policy framework to ease our business and investment climate," she told the delegation.She hoped that the US-Bangladesh Energy Taskforce which was launched in September 2021 will help advance energy cooperation between the stakeholders of both countries.“Likewise, the proposed US-Bangladesh Digital Economy Taskforce will contribute in deepening the cooperation of companies of both countries to ensure our sustainable development.”She hoped that the business delegation would be able to understand the congenial atmosphere and feel confident for their potential investment in Bangladesh.In this connection, she said that Bangladesh is now recognised for the state-of-the-art manufacturing factories in various sectors like RMG, leather, plastic, jute, ICT, agro-processing and many more.“It is our TIME now and please make your TIME taking opportunities of our conducive investment regime. I wish every success of the US-Bangladesh Business Council,” she said.Board Chair of US-Bangladesh Business Council Jay R. Pryor,Board members of the US-Bangladesh Business Council andbusiness executives from Bangladesh and US also spoke at the meeting.
Hasina, Rehana offer prayers at the graves of family members
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana on Wednesday offered prayers at the graves of the martyred family members of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Banani. PM's Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas said the daughters of Bangabandu offered fateha and munajat for their family members during the visit to Banani graveyard in the morning.
Also read: PM condoles death of Kishoreganj AL leader
Hasina greets Freedom Fighters on Eid
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday greeted all the Freedom Fighters (FFs) of the country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Like other occasions, the Prime Minister sent flowers, fruits and sweetmeats to the war-wounded FFs and members of the martyred families at Martyred and War-wounded Freedom Fighters’ Rehabilitation Centre (Muktijoddha Tower-1) on Gaznavi Road in the capital’s Mohammadpur area as a mark of her good wishes for them.
PM’s assistant private secretary-2 Gazi Hafizur Rahman Liku and assistant press secretary ABM Sarwar-E-Alom Sarkar handed over these items to them in the morning.
Also Read: PM greets FFs, sends them gifts on Victory Day
The war-wounded FFs and members of the martyred families expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for remembering them on every national day and festival like Independence Day, Victory Day, Eid and Pahela Baishakh.
They wished the Prime Minister good health and long life, and highly appreciated her farsighted leadership.