Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (April 21, 2024) inaugurated newly constructed 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex' at Halishahar cantonment in Chittagong. She inaugurated this complex at the Artillery Center and School in Chittagong's Halishahar Cantonment. After the inauguration, the Prime Minister visited the Artillery Museum established at the newly constructed 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex'. Read more: PM Hasina rues lackings in extraction of sea resources despite potentials She also witnessed sculpture of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed at the museum. She also saw the historic 3.7 inch howitzer that fired the first shot of Mujib Battery in the War of Liberation, the ammunition used in the artillery regiment and replicas of all the cannons and the glorious history of the remarkable operations of the artillery forces in the great Liberation War. Later, the Prime Minister attended Darbar there. Read more: PM Hasina urges farmers to form cooperatives to boost agri production

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today (January 10, 2024) outlined the primary challenges for Bangladesh’s new government. Key among these challenges are the eradication of arson terrorism and the advancement of the nation into a technologically sophisticated era. Speaking after paying homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his historic Homecoming Day, Dr. Mahmud addressed the objectives of the new administration. “With the formation of the new government, our principal focus will be to root out arson terrorism and pave the way for a Smart Bangladesh,” he stated. Read more: 'Citizens rejected the call to boycott elections': Hasan Mahmud The information minister emphasized the pivotal role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “Our victory in the Liberation War on December 16 marked a significant milestone, but our independence was incomplete until January 10, 1972. This was the day when Bangabandhu, the Father of the Nation, returned to an independent Bangladesh,” he remarked. Dr. Mahmud paid deep respect to Bangabandhu, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, the martyrs, and the four national leaders, acknowledging their sacrifices in shaping the nation. The minister also commented on the recent national election, noting the positive feedback from international observers. “Observers from the United States, the European Union, and various countries noted the smooth and fair conduct of the elections, marking a notable improvement from previous years,” he said. He also highlighted the international support received, with official statements from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom expressing their willingness to work with the Bangladesh government. He mentioned congratulations extended by over 31 countries, including Japan, and personal well-wishes from leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Read more: Sheikh Hasina re-elected Awami League Parliamentary Party leader for 4th time in a row

The historic Six-Point Day is being observed today in Bangladesh.Bengalis of the then East Pakistan joined Awami League’s call for a daylong shutdown on this day in 1966 to press for specific demands including autonomy.Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had placed the demands several months earlier to end the tyranny of the then Pakistan government and their oppression of the Bengalis. At the call of Awami League, the people of the then East Pakistan joined the Six-Point Movement spontaneously and observed the dawn-to-dusk hartal across the province.The law enforcers opened fire on demonstrators at various places in Dhaka and Narayanganj, killing at least 10 people. The killings intensified the movement.The six points included having a federal structure of government based on the spirit of the Lahore Resolution of 1940, with a parliament elected on the basis of universal adult franchise.It also asked for the central government’s authority only in defence and foreign affairs and vesting all other subjects in the federating units of the state of Pakistan.It proposed two freely convertible currencies for the two wings of Pakistan or two separate reserve banks for the two regions of the country; vesting power of taxation and revenue collection in the federating units; and two separate accounts for foreign exchange reserves for the two wings of Pakistan. Also read: PM Hasina remembers Bangabandhu on historic six-point dayIt also demanded a separate militia or paramilitary force for East Pakistan as a measure of its security.  

The nation is celebrating 53rd Independence and National Day today in a befitting manner, with the resolution to take the country forward imbued with the spirit of Liberation War. On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the night of March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces. After the nine-month long Liberation War, with the supreme sacrifices of three million martyrs, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971. The government has undertaken elaborate programmes marking Independence and National Day. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyrs of Liberation War — placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar this morning. President Hamid first placed a wreath at the altar of the memorial followed by the Prime Minister. After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of Liberation War. A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute on the occasion, while the bugles played the last post. Later, flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also chief of the ruling party, laid another wreath at the altar of the memorial. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman this morning. On her return from the National Memorial, the Prime Minister paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka. After placing the wreath, she stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh’s independence. Sheikh Hasina stayed at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum for some time. Flanked by central leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of AL. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to Bangladeshi citizens at home and abroad. The day began with a gun salute and wreath-laying ceremony at Savar's National Memorial in honor of the Liberation War martyrs. At sunrise, the national flag was flown over all government, semi-government, private, and autonomous buildings, and all significant buildings and establishments will be illuminated. National dailies have brought out special supplements, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Shishu Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and other social and cultural organizations will host seminars, cultural programs, painting and sports competitions for children, as well as film and documentary screenings on the Liberation War. Families of martyrs and freedom fighters will be honored at the metropolitan, district, and upazila levels today. Bangladesh Post Office Department unveiled a special commemorative stamp to mark the day. Meanwhile, different religious institutions will hold special prayers and doa mehfil praying for the country's peace, development and prosperity. Special food will be distributed at institutions like hospitals, jails, children's homes, old-age homes, and day care centers. Children’s parks and museums will remain open to all throughout the day. Also, vessels of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will remain open from 2 pm until the evening for people to visit at Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra Port, and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) terminals in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barishal and Chandpur. Also read: Nation remembers Liberation War heroes Similar programmes at district and upazila levels and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the significance of Independence Day.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking his 103rd birth anniversary and the National Children’s Day-2023. She placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 here this morning. After placing the wreath, the premier stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the founding father of the country. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force gave a guard of honour on the occasion. A munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15 carnage. Later, Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, flanked by AL senior leaders, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of her party. Read more: PM pays homage to Bangabandhu Then the PM flew to Tungipara by helicopter to pay homage to Bangabandhu and offer prayers at the Mausoleum of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman there. She will also attend a programme on the National Children's Day. On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the architect of independent Bangladesh and the greatest Bangali of all times, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj. He was assassinated along with most members of his family on August 15, 1975.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today paid tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman marking the historic March 7. Officials of the ministry, led by its Acting Secretary Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, paid homage by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhaka‘s Dhanmondi-32 around 6:30am, according to a media release of the ministry. Read more: MoFA marks historic March 7, pays tribute to Bangabandhu Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, Inspector General of Missions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asad Alam Siam and other higher officials, among others, were present.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's legacy remains a "guiding light" for Bangladesh-India relationship and the driving force for India's steadfast partnership with Bangladesh on its journey towards progress and prosperity. The high commissioner and his wife visited Tungipara and paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his mausoleum Friday. Read more: Pranay Verma reaffirms India's commitment to development partnership, cooperation with Bangladesh The high commissioner also laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum to pay homage to Bangabandhu. In his written remarks at the mausoleum, Verma highlighted the importance of March in the history of Bangladesh and underlined Bangabandhu's vision for the development of the Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh partnership. Read more: Pranay Verma highlights importance of youth as "precious link" between Bangladesh, India The high commissioner also took a guided tour of the museum, which showcases Bangabandhu's life and legacy, and the supreme sacrifices that he made for the independence and progress of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu's fight for democracy, inclusivity and social justice continues to inspire people across the world, said Verma.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday unveiled a book written focusing on the government of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and its basic outlines of building a new Bangladesh. PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hosaain Miah composed the book titled "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-er Sarkar: Desh Nirmane Moulik Ruprekha.' The PM unwrapped the book at her office, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher. ReadPM unveils book on Bangamata more:  The book highlighted a total of 47 issues related to the management of Bangabandhu's government, including the administration system, cabinet, budget, economy, foreign policy, planning, defence, infrastructure and communication, women's development, trade policy, legislation, civil service, education and human resources. Sheikh Hasina wrote the preface of the book published by Pathak Shamabesh. The book reflected the way Bangabandhu wanted to build Bangladesh, which would be research and guiding documents for the researchers, thinkers, economists, policy makers and political leaders who want to realize Bangabandhu's dream of building a Golden Bengal. The book will be available at Pathak Shamabesh, Kataban, Dhaka. Read more: PM unveils book on Bangabandhu

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed firm conviction to build the country as developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh by 2041 to repay the blood debt of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “He had paid the debt (of people’s love towards him) by his blood. Now it’s our turn to repay his blood debt. And we’ll be able to repay the blood debt when every homeless person gets home and we can make the country a developed and prosperous one by ensuring food, cloth, home, healthcare and education  for the people of Bangladesh,” she said. The premier said this while participating in the discussion on a resolution brought in the House to pay tribute to Bangabandhu and take a vow for building his dream ‘Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal), marking his historic Homecoming Day after the 1971 Liberation War. Awami League lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman (Dinajpur-5) placed the resolution under the section 147 of the Rules of Procedure, which was adopted unanimously by a voice vote following the discussion over the proposal.  Hasina said the people of Bangladesh had taken up arms in their hands responding to the call of the Father of the Nation and shed their blood and made the country an independent one. So, the Father of the Nation in his historic speech delivered in then Race Course maidan returning home on January 10, 1972 promised to repay the debt of this Bengali nation’s love toward him anyhow even with his blood, she said adding that he repaid the debt with his blood. The PM said her government has successfully implemented its Vision-2021 and turned the country into a developing country in 2021 during the golden jubilee of the country’s independence and the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation. She said her government has implemented the pledges whatever her party Awami League made in the 2008, 2014 and 2018 election manifestos.  “We’ll build a develop-prosperous-golden Bangladesh by 2041 after completing Bangladesh's graduation into a developing country by 2026,” she said. Read more: Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu: PM pays tribute at Dhanmondi-32 Noting that her government turned the country into a Digital Bangladesh, the premier said, “We’ll build the country as a hunger-poverty-free Sonar Bangla as dreamt by the Father of the Nation, which would be smart Bangladesh having the population equipped with modern technological knowledge. Then it would be repayment of the blood debt of the Father of the Nation,” she added.  Hasina elaborated the lifelong struggles and sacrifices of the Father of the Nation for establishing an independent Bangladesh and bringing smiles on the faces of the people. AL lawmakers Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, advocate Qamrul Islam and Nurul Islam Nahid, Jatiya Party MPs Kazi Firoz Rashid, Sayed Abu Hossain and Rowshan Ara Mannan, Jasod lawmaker Hasanul Haq Inu and Workers Party lawmaker Rashed Khan Menon joined the discussion. In the resolution, Mostafizur Rahman said, "Parliament is in the opinion that the historic homecoming of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on January 10 is a special glorious day in the national life of Bengalis. Sheikh Mujib, the undisputed leader of Bengalis, returned home on January 10, 1972 after being freed from Pakistan's captivity 24 days after the victory in the Liberation War……. On this day, let us remember the greatest Bengali of all time and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and take a firm oath for building the golden Bengal as dreamt by him in line with the spirit of the Liberation War by bearing his ideology in hearts.” The proposal also reads that the Pakistanis had taken various plans to kill Bangabandhu during his incarceration at that time. Bangabandhu was not only tortured, but also taken to the gallows. But the Pakistani rulers had to bow down ultimately to the popularity of Bangabandhu at home and abroad, and his indomitable courage. In the absence of Bangabandhu, the Bengali nation continued the bloody war following the path and ideology of Bangabandhu. On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces were forced to surrender, it said. Read more: PM thanks JaPa for playing positive role in parliamentary democracy Bangabandhu returned to the country on January 10, 1972 via London and New Delhi after being freed from Pakistan prison. On that day, he returned to an independent  and sovereign country. 10th January is a special day in the life of the Bengali nation, it added.

Bangladesh Awami League will observe the historic ‘Homecoming Day’ of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Tuesday. The programmes will begin with hoisting of the national and party flags at the AL central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban, and its party offices across the country at 6:30 am on Tuesday, said a party press release. The Awami League leaders will pay the homage by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in Dhaka on Tueaday morning. At 11 am, an AL delegation will pay respect to the undisputed leader of the nation by placing wreaths at his grave in Tungipara. The AL delegation will include its presidium member Lt Col Muhammad Faruk Khan, central committee members - Awowar Hossain, Shabuddin Farazi Iqbal Hossain Apu, Marufa Akter Popy, Gloria Sarkar Jharana. On the occasion, a discussion will be held on a limited scale at the party's central office in the city's Bangabandhu Avenue at 3.30 pm, maintaining the health safety guidelines while Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will preside over the event. Read more: AL chalks out programmes to observe Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day Besides, all district, city, upazila, thana, union and ward level units of the AL, its associate and likeminded bodies will organise similar programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner. In a statement, AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader urged all party leaders and workers and its associate and likeminded bodies to observe all the programmes, marking the Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day in a befitting manner. Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of the nation and supreme commander of the country's Liberation War, returned to the sacred soil of independent Bangladesh via London and New Delhi on January 10 in 1972, after 290 days of confinement in Pakistan jail. Read more: Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day observed