Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States remains excellent despite recent comment regarding US sanctions by PM Sheikh Hasina. “We have taken several positive decisions in recent times to enhance our relations with the United States,” he said,  while speaking at a press briefing in the Secretariat this afternoon.  Mahmud emphasized the government's desire to strengthen ties with the US. Also Read: PM strikes defiant tone in face of US pressure Highlighting the need to diversify trade opportunities, Mahmud mentioned that Bangladesh has not been able to increase trade with countries of South America. He also stressed the importance of expanding trade with the Middle East beyond labour export, given the increased purchasing power and awareness in the region. He also emphasized the trade potential in ASEAN countries and the Oceania region, citing the Prime Minister's interest in exploring these opportunities. Also Read: New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US “Prime Minister's remarks regarding the US visa policy were intended to alleviate concerns and ease tension for those worried about obtaining US visas,” he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said it doesn't matter at all if someone goes to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey. “There are other oceans and other continents in the world, we will make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she said firmly. Also Read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam Hasan Mahmud also mentioned that Bangladesh's budget deficit stands at 5.2 percent, whereas in comparison, India's deficit is 5.9 percent, the United States' is 6 percent, and the United Kingdom's is 5.5 percent. He referred to the proposed budget for 2023-24 as "people-friendly and poor-friendly," stating that the government aims to increase the number of direct beneficiaries and the number of allowances provided. Also Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP He further said that around two crore people would directly receive various forms of government assistance, including financial aid. In addition, he announced that a list containing the names of individuals involved in arson attacks, as well as their instigators and financiers, would be disseminated to relevant authorities.  

Those who spread confusion and misinformation do not like that Bangladesh is prospering, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud. He made the remark during an exchange of views with journalists on current issues at his residence in Chattogram city on Friday (March 31, 2023) afternoon. Hasan, also Joint General Secretary of Awami League, said that as the country continues to progress, the prosperity and wealth of every citizen also increases. He alleged some newspapers intentionally publish negative news: “Many individuals do not like the economic prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. Therefore, some newspapers intentionally publish negative reports, while identified foreign individuals spread misinformation against Bangladesh." Read More: BBC film on India's PM Modi, 2002 riots draws government ire Despite these efforts, Bangladesh remains indomitable, he said. The information minister also criticized 12 countries, including the USA, that issued a statement on the arrest of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams, stating that it was tantamount to “interference in the country's internal affairs.” He highlighted the contrast between the response to this incident in Bangladesh and the “lack of concern” expressed by countries when the BBC office in India was searched. He reminded diplomats of the Vienna Convention that sets the rules and limits on their conduct while stationed abroad and asserted that the government would continue to ensure freedom of media. Read More: Indian officials search BBC offices for second straight day Mahmud also criticized the opposition party for going to foreign diplomats and requesting “intervention” instead of engaging with the people of the country. He stated that it was "anti-national and involved a conspiracy against the country" to meddle in internal affairs. Hasan Mahmud referred to a recent report by Bloomberg, a renowned US media organization, that praised the economic prosperity achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ability to maintain economic stability even during the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession. According to the report, there is a possibility of Sheikh Hasina winning the next election and serving a fourth term as prime minister. Mahmud also shared statistics demonstrating Bangladesh's economic growth and stability under the current government. Read More: Indian officials probe BBC for 3rd day, alleging tax dodge He stated that the percentage of people living below the poverty line stands at 16% despite the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession. Additionally, Bangladesh's per capita income has surpassed that of India during the pandemic, and the country has risen from the 60th to the 35th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, he added. The Acting President of Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League, Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury, former Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, North District President MA Salam, South District Acting President Motaherul Islam, and other party leaders were present at the event. read More: Tax officials search BBC's Delhi offices weeks after Modi documentary

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud today said that the recent attacks on the Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh were similar to 2013, 2014 and 2015 anarchies carried out by BNP-Jamaat, and that the recent attacks were “monitored from Dhaka and London.” “They had planned to create a mess in the whole country by spreading rumours and carrying out violence in Panchagarh,” the minister said while visiting the areas where the attacks took place in Ahmednagar under Boda upazila of Panchagarh district. "We have come here on behalf of Awami League to see the mindless violence that was carried out on the Ahmadiyya community on March 2, 3 and 4. There were provocations before the heinous attacks similar to those of 2013, 2014 and 2015,” added the minister. He said the attacks were carried out after organised incitements. “The attacks were carried out as part of a grand plan of those who want to fish in muddy waters and want to create instability in Bangladesh.” He said everyone knows who operates ‘Basher Kella’ on social media platforms. Provocations were spread from the page, and from the pages of BNP leaders Rumin Farhana and former lawmaker Harun-or-Rashid, he claimed. Most attackers were BNP-Jamaat supporters though they used another banner, said Hasan. He said the attackers set fire to Morshed Mia's home, the general secretary of AL Ward-9 unit under Dhakkamar union. He added that attacks were carried out on police boxes and the home of Jubo League municipality unit vice president Shahin Alam. The minister said the terrorists had tried to launch attacks on DC and SP offices while they torched the vehicle of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). He said that Islam never allows attacks on anyone in the name of religion and the Prophet (PBUH) never endorsed burning people’s houses like this. "Those who carry out acts of violence against others in the name of Islam are enemies of Islam," said Hasan. Hasan Mahmud urged all to resist the enemies, saying the government is determined to ensure exemplary punishment for the attackers. Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan, AL Organising Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, AL Panchagarh district unit general secretary Anowar Sadat, deputy commissioner (DC) Md Jahurul Islam and police superintendent SM Sirajul Huda, among others, were present. Later, the minister joined a peace rally in front of AL Panchagarh district unit office.  

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said  that majority of the attackers on Qadiani community’s event ‘Salana Jalsa’ are BNP and Jamaat supporters. “Police have the names of those people who carried out the attack on Qadiani community’s event ‘Salana Jalsa’ in Panchagarh. Most of them were BNP-Jamaat supporters.  They created chaos and attacked there.  The incident took two lives”, said Hasan Mahmud. The minister made the remarks while sharing views with the newly elected committee of Bangladesh PhotoJournalist Association at secretariat. Mentioning that Panchagarh occurrence was not any isolated incident the minister said that as the BNP does politics with communal extremist groups they are trying to make more such incidents happen.  Read more: Jammat, BNP involved in Panchagarh violence: Asaduzzaman “It is being looked into whether the Rohingya camp incident was related to any sabotage,” said Hasan Mahmud while replying to a question about the recent fire incidents. He also claimed that the Science Lab building explosion and the Sitakunda fire were just accidents.  

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday said that BNP is a terrorist party not just in the context of Bangladesh. Through their involvement in the infamous ten-truck weapons smuggling case, they were involved in creating unrest in India as well. “After forming the government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that the government will not let Bangladesh’s soil be used for creating unrest in any neighboring country. That is why all kinds of smuggling including arms smuggling has been completely stopped,” said the minister while exchanging views with media personnel at Chattogram circuit house. Read more: BNP's allegation over Shaheed Minar incident 'false': Info Minister “As a government party, our duty is to stand by the people so that no one can destroy the peace of the country. That is why we will hold a peace rally in every district on Saturday and keep a vigilant eye so that no one creates chaos,” Dr Hasan Mahmud said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has dismissed the opposition BNP's principal demand of a non-party government to oversee the next elections, and said that although BNP is now pretending to be a systematic movement, if given the chance it would create anarchy again in the country. "So Awami League leaders and activists must have to be careful," the minister said at a peace rally organised by the Chittagong Metropolitan Awami League at Andarkilla intersection in the city on Saturday (February 4) afternoon as a chief guest. He said, "BNP knows that they have no chance to win in the elections, so they have plotted many conspiracies. But no one will be allowed to create any kind of chaos in the country. If anyone tries to create chaos, Awami League will resist them with the people." Hasan Mahmud, also the joint general secretary of Awami League (AL), said there will be no caretaker or polls-time-neutral government in Bangladesh to oversee national elections again. "There is no caretaker government anywhere in the world except Pakistan. BNP wants to follow Pakistan, but Bangladesh doesn't." "As per the constitution, a fair and neutral election will be held in the country through the Election Commission under a government elected by people,” he said. Deputy Minister of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and General Secretary of Metropolitan Awami League and former Mayor AJM Nashir Uddin, among others, addressed the rally with acting President of Chittagong Metropolitan Awami League Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury in the chair. Read more: Caretaker government most suitable system for credible polls: Fakhrul  

BNP has realized that they cannot win in the next national election, and that is why they are making excuses for not participating in it, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said today. “We want to compete with and defeat BNP. However, they will not get the opportunity to cause mayhem as they did in 2014. If they try, the countrymen will throw them into the sea,” he said. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the AL party office in Rajshahi. Awami League wants every political party to participate in the elections, he said, adding that the caretaker government system only exists in Pakistan. Also Read: BNP’s march from Shahjadpur to Malibagh begins “BNP wants to follow Pakistan, but our electoral process will be similar to that of Australia, India, the United States, and Japan. The election will be held as per the country’s constitution,” the minister said. The AL leader also said that BNP attempted to destroy democracy during the 2014 national election. “They burnt down 500 voting centers and killed several election officers,” he added. The information minister also stated that due to the country's current economic situation, using EVMs (electronic voting machines) in all seats is not possible. “The Election Commission proposed an approximately one million dollar project to purchase EVMs. However, given the global economic situation, we decided not to proceed with the project,” he said. Also Read: BNP unveils 4-day march programme in Dhaka from Jan 28 He also said that because elections are held under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, the government cannot transfer any OC, UNO, or constable after the election date is announced. Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation and AL presidium member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton and MP Md. Ayen Uddin were also present, among others, at the press conference.  

The electricity tariff in Bangladesh hiked by 5 percent at the retail level is still less than that of many developed countries, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Friday. A slight increase in electricity tariff is proposed to adjust the subsidy borne by the government, he told the reporters at Rajshahi Circuit House.   “Our government is counting thousands of crores in subsidies for the power sector so that the people do not suffer and can get electricity at a cheap price.” Rising fuel prices in Europe and the UK are driving electricity rationing, driving up prices. But in Bangladesh, the price has not been increased in that way as the power sector is still dependent on fossil fuels, he said. Also Read: BNP paying for "imprudent" decisions: Hasan Mahmud The government has raised the electricity tariff by 5 percent at the retail level that  will be effective from January 1. Now the average tariff for all consumers will go up by Tk0.36 to Tk7.49 from Tk7.13, the Power Division said in a media statement Thursday. Regarding the prime minister’s rally in Rajshahi on January 29, Hasan said the rally will be in a field, but the whole city will turn into a rally that day. There will be millions of people joining the rally. “We believe in the power of the people. And they (BNP) believe in conspiracy and the power of arms. So, all evil forces should be eliminated by the power of the people and that should be shown in the rally of Rajshahi on January 29.” Marking the PM’s rally here, Hasan Mahmud arrived in Rajshahi this morning for an exchange of views with local leaders and a field visit.    

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud met with 13 journalists from Asia, Europe, and Africa at his office in the capital Monday. The minister informed them about the overall development of the country, including the mass media. He also replied to their questions. Journalists from Algeria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Vietnam are now in Bangladesh at the invitation of the foreign ministry. They already visited the top tourist spots in Bangladesh and the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar. Read more: 10 journalists win UNICEF award for outstanding reporting on children’s rights in Bangladesh  

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Friday that the Victory Day's vow is to build a fully developed country by 2041 and transform Digital Bangladesh into Smart Bangladesh by suppressing all anti-national, anti-independence forces and conspiracies, including BNP. He was speaking to the reporters after placing a wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the city's Dhanmondi, marking the country’s Victory Day. Read more: PM releases postage stamp on Victory Day He also said all the leaders of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the descendants of who were anti-liberation evil-forces, are engaged in anti-national conspiracy. “When the country is moving forward, even after five decades of independence, the anti-independence forces are plotting various conspiracies against the country,” Hasan said. “They (BNP) are giving wrong information about the country to foreigners and are involved in conspiracies at home and abroad.” Paying respect to the martyrs of the liberation war, Hasan Mahmud said the dreams that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that led the struggle for the country's independence, could not be realized due to his assassination on August 15, 1975. Read more: President, PM witness Victory Day parade Under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made incredible progress in the last 14 years on the way to fulfilling the dream of Bangabandhu, he added. “We graduated into a middle-income country and became self-sufficient in food.”