President Abdul Hamid
Parliament goes into winter session Thursday
The 21st session of the 11th Parliament, also known as winter session, began on Thursday afternoon with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
President Abdul Hamid started addressing the Jatiya Sangsad during the maiden session of 2023 as per the Article 73(2) of the Constitution.
Later, there will be a discussion over a thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech in the House during the session.
Read more: Parliament’s winter session begins on January 5
The House went into the session after a recess of 59 days as the 20th session of the current parliament was prorogued on November 06 last.
On December 19, the President convened the 21st session, exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Clause (1) of Article 72 of the constitution.
Parliament’s winter session begins on January 5
President Abdul Hamid on Monday convened the 21st session of the 11th Parliament on January 5, 2023.
The President convened the first session of 2023, exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Clause (1) of Article 72 of the constitution, said a press release of Parliament Secretariat.
The winter session will begin at 4pm on January 5.
Read more: PM thanks JaPa for playing positive role in parliamentary democracy
The President has to address the first parliament session in a new year, according to Article 73(2) of the Constitution. Later, there’ll be a discussion over a thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech in the House during the session.
Earlier, the 20th session of the current parliament was prorogued on November 06 only after six sittings. So, the House is going into session after a recess of 59 days.
Read more: 5 parliamentary seats now vacant after BNP MPs’ resignation: Speaker
Prevent plots that go against the constitution, spirit of Liberation War: President
President Abdul Hamid on Saturday called upon people to be vigilant, to prevent any activity and plot that goes against the constitution and the spirit of the Liberation War.
“As the practice of democracy and development of values increase, the effectiveness and dignity of the constitution will also increase," he said.
He made this call as the chief guest at the function organized by the Bangladesh Supreme Court at the Bangabandhu International Convention Center on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebration of the implementation of the Constitution of Bangladesh and Supreme Court.
The president said that exploiting the constitution for the interests of individuals, groups and parties can never be a good example.
Terming Bangladesh Supreme Court as the “guardian of the constitution”, he said the executive, legislative and judicial divisions have to work together to keep the sanctity and dignity of the constitution intact.
He also reminded the judiciary and lawyers to play a leading role in this matter.
Read more: President for ostracising the corrupt for combatting corruption
The president asked everyone irrespective of party affiliation to respect the constitution and play a role in establishing democracy and rule of law in the country.
Hamid said that the Father of the Nation had mentioned the establishment of an independent judiciary in the constitution, where the Supreme Court and the subordinate courts would conduct judicial work independently according to the law within their respective jurisdictions and limits.
The first step towards fulfilling Bangabandhu's dream was ensured when the Supreme Court of Bangladesh started its journey on December 18, 1972, he added.
The president lauded Bangladesh Supreme Court as it has been playing a prestigious role as the guardian and protector of the constitution in times of peace and crisis, besides protecting human rights and ensuring justice.
A publication, titled “Fifty Years (1972-2022), Literature and Legacy, Supreme Court of Bangladesh”, was launched in the programme while a documentary on the history of constitution was presented.
Justice Mohammad Nuruzzaman from Appellate Division of the Supreme court delivered the inaugural speech whileChief Justice of Sri Lanka Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya spoke at the programme as guest of honour.
Read more: Create your own identity at national and international level: President at NDC
Law Minister Anisul Huq spoke as the special guest while Chief justice Hasan Foez Siddique presided over the programme.
President inspects Victory Day parade
President Abdul Hamid on Friday witnessed the Victory Day parade at national parade square, marking Victory Day.
President Abdul Hamid took salutes and inspected the parade as the chief guest at the national parade ground.
Read more: PM releases postage stamp on Victory Day
The Great Victory Day Parade was held under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division and management of the 9th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army.
Parade Commander Major General Mohammad Shahinul Haque accompanied the President during the inspection.
Hamid also witnessed armoury acquisitions of different regiments and contingents of the armed forces, a spectacular fly-past conducted by army aviation, helicopters of anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), navy aviation, parachute landing by army paratroopers and the air force of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps took part in the parade.
On his arrival at the parade venue at about 10:30 am, Hamid was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, parliament members and the chiefs of the three services and senior officers of the armed forces division.
Earlier, President Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar early Friday, marking the Day.
The head of state placed a wreath at the altar of the National Memorial at about 6:30am followed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
After placing the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of deep respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971.
Read more: President, PM witness Victory Day parade
The Nation is celebrating its 52nd Victory Day (inc. December 16, 1971) with elaborate programmes, paying homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War.
On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month war.
President, PM witness Victory Day parade
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the Victory Day parade at national parade square Friday morning, marking the 52nd Victory Day.
President Abdul Hamid took salutes and inspected the parade as the chief guest.
The Great Victory Day Parade was held under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division and management of the 9th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army.
Victory Day-2022 Parade Commander Major General Mohammad Shahinul Haque accompanied the President during the inspection.
Hamid also witnessed armoury acquisitions of different regiments and contingents of the armed forces, a spectacular fly-past conducted by army aviation, helicopters of anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), navy aviation, parachute landing by army paratroopers and the air force of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force,Police,Coast Guard,Ansar, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh ( BGB) and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps ( BNCC) took part in the parade.
On his arrival at the parade venue at about 10:30 am, Hamid was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, parliament members and the chiefs of the three services and senior officers of the armed forces division.
Read more: Nation celebrating Victory Day
The President and the Prime Minister enjoyed the attractive march past, spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display there.
PM's daughter Saima Wazed Putul and grand daughter Sama Hossain were present in the time.
On the arrival of the premier at the parade ground at 10:22am, she was escorted by a ceremonial cavalcade, a motorcade and military police, while advancing towards the saluting dais.
The Liberation War Affairs Minister, Chiefs of three services, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and The Liberation War Affairs Secretary received the PM.
The Nation is celebrating its 52nd Victory Day with elaborate programmes paying homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War.
On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month war.
The people of Bangladesh at home and abroad are celebrating the Victory Day, the most joyous day when the country was born at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of nearly half a million women.
Ex-secretary Kamal made new NHRC chairman
President Abdul Hamid on Friday appointed former Secretary Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed as chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The recruitment was made a day before the International Human Rights Day.
former secretary was appointed in line with ‘National Human Rights Commission Act-2009’, said a press release signed by Joint Secretary Mohammad Asaduzzaman Nur.
Read more: Nasima Begum appointed NHRC ChairmanThe newly appointed NHRC chairman will enjoy all kinds of facilities including salary like a Supreme Court judge during his tenure, it said.
PM's outgoing principal secretary pays courtesy call on president
Prime Minister's outgoing principal secretary Ahmad Kaykaus paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban Wednesday.
Congratulating the outgoing Kaykaus on being appointed as the alternate executive director of the World Bank in Washington, President Hamid hoped that he would be successful with his duties and make all-out efforts to protect the interests of the country, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin said.
Read more: PM Hasina pays courtesy call on President Hamid
The outgoing principal secretary sought the president's guidance and cooperation in discharging his new duties.
The president also thanked Kaykaus for successfully performing his duties as the principal secretary to the prime minister.
Int’l day of persons with disabilities on Saturday
Bangladesh will observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday aiming to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of the people with special needs.
This year the day's theme is ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.'
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday issued separate messages on the occasion of the 31st international day and 24th national day of persons with disabilities.
The president in his message said the people with disabilities are an integral part of society. It is not possible to achieve the overall success of sustainable development goals by excluding them, he said.
“In order to exploit the talent and skills of the people with disabilities for the country’s development, it is absolutely necessary to provide them with proper care and training,” said Hamid, adding that the government is very serious about their welfare and their inclusion in the mainstream of development.
Read more: Work together for inclusive, sustainable world for all: UN
He appreciated the government’s initiatives to provide them with allowances, education stipends, integrated disability education programmes, therapy services and construction of sports complexes under the social safety net.
“I hope that all concerned will be more sincere in facilitating the welfare of the people with disabilities and their participation in development activities,” he said.
He extended his greetings and congratulations to all the people with special needs in the country, their families, organisations and agencies working for their welfare.
The president urged the concerned private institutions, charity, local and foreign organizations and civil society alongside the government to come forward for ensuring their participation in various family and social events for the mental development of the differently-abled people and to improve their lives.
In her message the prime minister extended her sincere greetings and congratulations to all the people with special needs staying in Bangladesh and the entire world.
She urged the people from all stages of the society and the charity, local and international organisations to work together alongside the government for the overall development of the persons with disabilities.
“The Awami League government is determined to engage the people with disabilities in development activities,” she said.
Hasina said her daughter Saima Wazed Putul has been working tirelessly to improve the life of the people with special needs in the world including Bangladesh. “We’ll make the future world a welfare one for people with disabilities or special needs, where they would get an easier life thanks to the development of new technologies,” she said.
She said the promise of improving the life of the people with disabilities was made in the election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League.
“People with disabilities are an integral part of our society. The overall development of the state is not possible without them,” said the PM focusing on her government’s programmes for the welfare of the differently-abled people.
In order to transform them into skilled manpower, the government has been implementing many development programmes on different issues including providing healthcare, education and training and creating employment through the National Disabled Development Foundation under the Social Welfare Ministry, she said.
The PM said they launched a total of 103 disability service and assistance centres in 64 districts and 39 upazilas of the country to provide one-stop service to people with disabilities and autism.
She said the government is conducting activities through 45 mobile rehabilitation therapy vans with the aim of reaching the doorsteps of the people with disabilities in remote areas.
The PM said the government is running 74 intellectually disabled and 12 special schools for children with autism across the country to open the way for the education of the disabled children.
Read more: Int’l Youth Day: TIB for suitable environment to utilise youths for development
As a symbol of empowerment of disabled people, her government constructed a 15-storied Multipurpose Disabled Complex (Suvarna Bhaban) at a cost of some Tk 100 crores in Mirpur, Dhaka, she said.
The prime minister said an international standard sports complex is under construction in Savar on the outskirts of the capital at a cost of some Tk 447 crore to motivate the disabled people in sports and cultural activities.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution.
Shaheed Dr Milon Day today
Shaheed Dr Milon Day is being observed across the country onSunday, commemorating the 32nd martyrdom anniversary of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon who was killed during the 90s’ anti-autocratic movement.
Different socio-cultural and political organisations as well as professional bodies have chalked out various programmes to observe the day with due respect.
The day's programmes include placing wreaths at the grave of Shaheed Dr Milon on the Dhaka Medical College campus, offering 'fateha' there and holding discussions to mark the day.
On this day in 1990, Dr Milon, the then joint secretary general of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) and a teacher of Dhaka Medical College, was shot dead by gunmen near TSC on the Dhaka University campus on his way to a meeting against then autocratic ruler HM Ershad.
Read more: Shaheed Dr Milon Day on Friday
The movement got momentum following the martyrdom of Dr Milon and autocratic ruler Ershad had to quit power finally in the face of a vigorous mass movement.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, paid homage to Shaheed Dr Milon, recalling his supreme sacrifice for the restoration of democracy in the country.
In his message, the President expected that being imbued with the ideology of Dr Milon the new generation will engage themselves in the democratic practices.
"Democracy and development are complementary to each other. The advancement of democracy must also be accelerated to ensure sustainable development,"he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, the anti-autocracy movement got new speed through the supreme sacrifice of Dr Milon.
Read more: Shaheed Dr Milon Day on Saturday
"Emergency was declared on the day, but denying the emergency and curfew, students and mass people brought out processions on the streets several times. Later, the autocratic ruler was forced to quit and democracy was restored," she added.
Armed Forces Day: President pays tributes to martyrs
President Abdul Hamid on Monday paid tribute to the martyred members of Armed Forces on the occasion of Armed Forces Day-2022.
He placed a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban (flame eternal) at Dhaka Cantonment this morning.
Read more: Armed Forces Day: PM pays tribute at Shikha Anirban
Hamid, also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, stood in solemn silence for some time to show profound respect to the memories of the martyrs members of armed forces, who made supreme sacrifices during the Liberation War.