Sheikh Hasina
Hasina mourns Lata Mangeshkar’s sad demise
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday conveyed her profound condolences to the government and the people of India over the sad passing away of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.In a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she mentioned that the people of Bangladesh mourn in solidarity with the people of India in this hour of grief.
Also read: Lata Mangeshkar admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in MumbaiLata Mangeshkar, a cultural icon and a legend, was one of the most accomplished artists of all time, Hasina said, adding, “With her most extraordinary melodious voice, she sang innumerous songs in different languages, including Bangla, and touched the hearts of millions in our region and beyond. Her Bangla songs are now an integral part of the treasure trove of Bangla culture.”She recalled Lata Mangeshkar with deep respect and gratitude for her role in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. “Along with her fellow Indian artistes, contributed immensely towards promoting the cause of Bangladesh among the people of India.”
Also read: Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar hospitalised with CovidHasina offered her prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar and expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family members and millions of her fans across the world so that they have the fortitude to bear with such an irreparable loss.
Looking forward to working together with India for 50 years and beyond: Hasina to Modi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said they look forward to working together with India in the next 50 years and beyond towards realising the shared vision of building a peaceful and prosperous region.
"The year 2021 was a historic one for the Bangladesh-India relationship, marked by celebrations of epochal events and engagements at the highest levels," she said in a message to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the occasion of the Republic Day of India.
On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh and on her own behalf, Sheikh Hasina extended her warmest wishes and heartiest felicitations to Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India.
Read: India’s 73rd Republic Day celebrated in city
The Prime Minister thankfully recalled Modi's visit to Dhaka in March 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India.
"Your gracious presence on these occasions had added extra enthusiasm to the celebrations and allowed us to further consolidate our excellent bilateral relations, which so happily exist between our two countries," she said.
Hasina recalled with gratitude the support rendered by the government and the people of India during the Liberation War in 1971 that set the foundation of a unique relationship.
The joint celebration of 'Moitri Dibosh,' across the globe, held on 6th December, the day when India recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent State in 1971, projected this special relationship, she said.
Read: Hasina calls for strong vigilance on forces active against Bangladesh
"The unique ties of close friendship, cooperation, and trust between our two countries have flourished and grown from strength to strength in recent years. Many new frontiers of cooperation alongside all traditional areas have been identified, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic," Hasina mentioned.
She said, "Let this joyous occasion be a special one, as India is also celebrating 'Azadika Amrit Mahotsav' to mark 75 years of her independence."
No one can ignore Bangladesh now: Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said nobody can ignore Bangladesh anymore as the image of the country has brightened for its successes in its socio-economic development, promoting global peace and tackling domestic terrorism and militancy.
“Once there were so many negative words against Bangladesh abroad.Still, some people are there who like to undermine Bangladesh. But the image of Bangladesh has brightened for its socio-economic development, and for many other reasons,” she said.
The Prime Minister was addressing the graduation ceremony of DSCSC-2021-2022 course virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban. The graduation ceremony was held at Sheikh Hasina Complex of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Mirpur Cantonment here.
Hasina said Bangladesh has successfully regained the dignity that was obtained through the victory of the 1971 Liberation War but lost after the 1975 August 15.
“Now no one can neglect Bangladesh. Bangladesh has gained the dignity as a role model for development.This will have to be upheld,” she said.
Referring to Bangladesh's foreign policy – “Friendship to all, Malice towards None,”-- framed by the Father of the Nation, she said Bangladesh has always been maintaining the policy.
“We won’t fight against anyone. But we won’t remain silent if any blow comes to our independence and sovereignty. We’ll resist or protest it. We've built our armed forces in that way,” she said.
Noting that Bangladesh always believes in maintaining friendly relations with others, she said, “Bangladesh has been playing a very significant role in the promotion of international and regional unity.”
Despite many limitations, Hasina said, Bangladesh has always responded to the call of the distressed humanity, extended a helping hand to it and given shelter to Rohingyas in the country.
“We continue negotiations with Myanmar and also discussions at the international levels so that they (Rohingyas) can return to their homeland. Today, Bangladesh has been able to create a dignified position in the world because of our policy,” she said.
Mentioning that they want to turn Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041 and celebrate the 100 years of the country’s Independence in 2071, she asked the newly graduated and trained officers to work as soldiers to build a prosperous Bangladesh.
“You’ll have to work as soldiers to build a developed Bangladesh by 2041. Always move forward keeping your heads high. To love Bangladesh and its people, act as dedicated souls for the country,” she added.
Mentioning that no one can stop the indomitable pace of the country’s progress, she asked the officers to work for taking Bangladesh forward further.
Govt wants to build knowledge-based society: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the government wants to build a developed and prosperous nation imbued with modern and technological knowledge.
“We want to build a nation imbued with modern and technological knowledge to make Bangladesh developed and prosperous,” she said while inaugurating newly constructed Rangpur Divisional Headquarters complex building.
The programme was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the building while the Prime Minister joined it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
READ: Hasina stresses need for research in health sector
She mentioned that due to the pragmatic and time-befitting steps of the government the country has advanced in the last 12 years.
“We have to go more, we want to build hunger and poverty-free Bangladesh which was the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, our aim is the country will no longer see ‘monga’ and famine and people will never face sufferings, ” she said.
“Rural people will live in their villages and get all facilities of the urban areas, people will no longer need to rush to the capital as employment opportunities will be created in the villages,” she said.
She asked all concerned to implement the development programmes properly.
Sheikh Hasina said that the government is setting up one hundred economic zones across the country to expedite industrialisation for meeting local demand and boost export.
She also asked the owners of industries to set up agricultural products processing plants considering those products that grow in their respective areas.
She also said that the government has set up testing laboratory that is needed for exporting food items and gradually all divisional headquarters will get such laboratory so that products could be sent from there directly.
“Our aim is to make Bangladesh developed and prosperous one by 2041, InshAllah this will also be achieved, no one will not able to stop the forward march of Bangladesh,” she said.
She said that the future generation will get a congenial atmosphere for living.
Talking about the massive development of Rangpur Division in the last 12 years, the Prime Minister said that the government has taken numerous development programmes for this division.
“By the grace of Allah, no ‘Monga’ or famine was seen in this region after AL came to power,” she said.
READ: Schools must assign staff to help students cross roads safely: Hasina
She also mentioned that Rangpur region is now a food surplus area and employment opportunities have been created for its people.
Public Administration senior secretary KM Ali Azam and Rangpur Divisional Commissioner M Abdul Wahab Bhuiyan also spoke at the programme.
A video on the development of Rangpur division was screened at the programme.
Bangladesh to be governed with Bangabandhu’s political ideology: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Bangladesh will be governed as per the ideological speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that he had delivered on his historic Homecoming Day in 1972.
“The Father of the Nation on his Homecoming Day on January 10, 1972 delivered his policymaking speech and ideological directives for governing the country. We’ve to go ahead with that ideology; we’ve to advance the country with that. And the pace of development in Bangladesh must not be stalled, no matter what,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing a discussion meeting here, marking the historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Awami League arranged the discussion at its Bangabandhu Avenue central office.
AL President Sheikh Hasina presided over the discussion, joining it from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Hasina visits a bridge that sets a milestone for Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana on Friday made a surprise visit to the Padma Bridge that has set a milestone in the country’s development trajectory.
The prime minister reached the Padma Bridge in a convoy around 7:23am and walked about 2 kilometres from pillar-7 to pillar-18 with her sister during the visit, reports UNB Munshiganj correspondent.
Later, they had breakfast at Service Area-2 at Jazira Point. The prime minister left for Dhaka around 10am.
Dewan Abdul Quader, executive engineer of the Padma Bridge project, said the prime minister was very happy seeing the progress of the bridge, the much-awaited dream project of the nation.
Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj Kazi Nahid Rasul and Shariatpur Deputy Commissioner Md Parvez Hasan were also present during Sheikh Hasina's visit.
PM mourns Joynal Hazari’s death
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed deep sorrow at the death of Bangladesh Awami League’s advisory council member and valiant freedom fighter Joynal Hazari.
In a condolence message, she prayed for salvation of the departed souls of the former AL Feni district unit’s general secretary and ex-member of parliament.
The Prime Minister expressed profound sympathy to bereaved family members.
Joynal Hazari, 76, died at a city hospital on Monday afternoon.
He breathed his last at around 5:20pm at Labaid Specialised Hospital admitted on December 15 with lung infections, cardiac and kidney problems.
PM returns home from Maldives
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday returned home wrapping up her six-day bilateral visit to the Maldives.
A special VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport here at 5:30pm, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB.
Earlier, the aircraft departed Velana International Airport, Male at 1:20pm (local time).
Also raed: Launch of US-Bangla flights strengthened Dhaka-Male air connectivity: PM
On December 22 last, the Prime Minister went to the Maldives at the invitation of the county's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
During her visit, Sheikh Hasina had separate meetings with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vice-President Faisal Naseem, Speaker of its national parliament Mohammed Nasheed and Chief Justice Uz Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.
Three instruments -- one agreement on avoidance of double taxation and two MoUs on cooperation in health and sports sectors—were signed.
A joint communique was issued following the bilateral talks and the handing over ceremony of the instruments.
Also read: PM leaves Maldives for home
Bangladesh also gifted 13 military vehicles to the Maldives as a token of friendship between the two South Asian nations.
The Prime Minister addressed the Maldivian parliament and also virtually joined a community reception accorded to her by the Bangladeshi community living in the island nation.
PM to return home Monday from Maldives
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return home on Monday afternoon wrapping up her six-day bilateral visit to the Maldives.
"A special VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage members will depart Velana International Airport, Male at 1:00pm (local time) tomorrow," Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB.
The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, here at 5:45pm on Monday.
Also read: Be partners in Bangladesh’s development story, Hasina to Maldivian entrepreneurs
On December 22 last, the Prime Minister went to the Maldives at the invitation of its President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
During her visit, Hasina had separate meetings with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldivian Vice-President Faisal Naseem, Speaker of its national parliament Mohammed Nasheed and Chief Justice Uz Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.
Three instruments–one agreement on avoidance of double taxation and two MoUs on cooperation in health and sports sectors—were signed.
A joint communique was issued following the bilateral talks and the handing over ceremony of the instruments.
Also read: Bangladesh wants friendly relations with all countries: PM
Bangladesh also gifted 13 military vehicles to the Maldives as a token of friendship between the two South Asian nations.
The Prime Minister addressed the Maldivian parliament and also virtually joined a community reception accorded to her by the Bangladeshi community living in the island country.
Solih attributes ‘milestone achievement’ to Hasina’s ‘exemplary’ leadership
President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the “outstanding” socio-economic progress achieved in Bangladesh under her leadership.
He also congratulated her as Bangladesh qualified for graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a developing country status.
President Solih attributed this “milestone achievement” to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s "foresight and exemplary" leadership, coupled with the hard work of Bangladeshi people, according to a joint communiqué issued on Thursday night.
Both leaders noted the untapped scope for economic cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh.
They agreed to expedite the work in translating this potential into tangible outcomes through trade and investment initiatives.
In the context of graduation from LDC status, and the need to maintain benefits enjoyed under the South Asian Free Trade Area, Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s offer to conclude a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Maldives.
Solih welcomed Hasina’s initiative for PTA and to hold Commerce Secretary-level meetings to discuss trade related issues in detail at the earliest.
Read: Bangladesh-Maldives ties must grow further: Hasina
Both leaders reviewed the progress made on the commitments announced during the state visit of President Solih and the official visits of Vice President Faisal Naseem and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid to Dhaka earlier this year.
They expressed satisfaction on timely holding of the first bilateral consultations at Foreign Secretary level, between the two countries in November 2021 in Malé.
The two leaders noted the need to expedite the implementation of the other instruments concluded during the visit of President Solih in March 2021.
Solih and Hasina held official talks on Thursday and reviewed the entire range of bilateral engagements including exploring new avenues for further strengthening cooperation on trade, investment, connectivity, health, culture, agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, human resources development, consular and community welfare.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Read: Bangladesh-Maldives ties must grow further: Hasina
During the visit, Vice President Faisal Naseem, Speaker of People’s Majlis, former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel paid courtesy calls on Hasina.
Solih recalled his successful state visit to Dhaka in March 2021, to participate in the epochal celebrations commemorating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh and congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on these festive occasions.
Solih and Hasina discussed the global Covid-19 pandemic and noted the devastating impacts it has had on the economies, livelihoods and wellbeing of the people in both the countries, as well as across the globe.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic.