Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said Bangladesh is not becoming a one-party state. "Definitely, Bangladesh is not becoming a one-party state. We uphold the values of democracy. Bangladesh is a multi-party democracy," he said. The Foreign Minister made the remarks while responding to a question at an interactive session hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. Friendship between Bangladesh and Iran will grow further in the coming days: Environment Minister He said some leaders who are part of the BNP-Jamaat led alliance have the desire to turn Bangladesh “into Afghanistan” and they “cannot contribute to democracy.” The Foreign Minister said BNP-Jamaat alliance has always tried to disrupt the democratic journey and they even tried this time too. "But they failed in the past and this year too. They were not successful," he added. Despite challenges, Hasan said, democracy in Bangladesh is doing better day by day. US Embassy empowers young Bangladeshi journalists through first ever TechCamp  He described the relations between Bangladesh and the US as cordial and expressed willingness to take the relations to a new height. On the situation in Myanmar, the Foreign Minister said they should work together.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud is leading the Bangladesh delegation in the 19th NAM Summit that began on Friday in the Ugandan capital city Kampala. The 19th NAM Summit themed: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”, will continue till January 20 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo Convention Centre. US rules out notion of not recognising Hasina government Hasan was scheduled to embark on the multilateral tour to Uganda on January 17 but his departure was delayed by a day due to flight cancellation amid fog and poor visibility. Established in 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) – which shares 44 of its 120 members with the Commonwealth – is a grouping of mostly developing countries working together to advance shared interests. NAM Summit: Dhaka calls for greater unity, solidarity for shared prosperity At the ministerial level meeting, Bangladesh called for greater unity and solidarity among the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member-States to ensure shared global prosperity. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, leading Bangladesh at the ministerial-level meeting, referred to the statement of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the NAM Summit in Algiers in 1973 where Bangabandhu emphasised the principles of self-reliance and effective economic cooperation among the non-aligned countries which is still relevant after 50 years. The two-day ministerial meeting on NAM ended on January 18 after finalising the outcome document, Kampala Declaration and declaration on Palestine which are expected to be adopted in the 19th NAM Summit scheduled to be held on January 19-20. First bilateral visit: Hasan Mahmud to visit Delhi on Feb 7, strengthening relations on agenda The foreign secretary also highlighted the progresses achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and mentioned that the people of Bangladesh re-elected her through a "free, fair, peaceful and participatory" election, to continue her march towards development and prosperity. He also called for establishing effective mechanisms inside the NAM to help the NAM countries from LDC graduation and also to deal with the aftermath of the graduation. The foreign secretary also attended the meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine and reiterated Bangladesh’s unequivocal support for the legitimate right and just struggle of the Palestinian people for their freedom from Israeli occupation and oppression. He also urged the members of the Movement to use all tools available to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has invited his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud to visit New Delhi at a mutually convenient time. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma extended the invitation on behalf of the Indian External Affairs Minister on Monday. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud accepted the invitation and told him that he would visit Delhi soon. He revealed he plans his first bilateral visit to India. Dhaka, Delhi discuss expansion of trade, connectivity The visit aims to further strengthen diplomatic ties, with the exact date to be decided later. Additionally, Mahmud is set to embark on a multilateral tour to Uganda this week The meeting with the Indian High Commissioner marked Hasan Mahmud's first diplomatic engagement since assuming the office of foreign minister. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni congratulates Sheikh Hasina He noted the successful holding of the 12th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on January 7, which was free, fair and participatory, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also noted that international elections observers and media who visited Dhaka to cover elections expressed their satisfaction over the election process. Hasan Mahmud mentioned that BNP is resorting to arson in the name of movement and protests and no discussions can be held with ine who patronizes this kind of heinous activities.  No dialogue with those who burn people to death: Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud The new foreign minister thanked the government of India and Dr. Jaisankar for their Messages of Congratulations. Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar congratulated Dr Hasan Mahmud on his appointment as the new Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. “Look forward to working to further deepen the India-Bangladesh Maitri (friendship),” he said in a message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has been elected unofficially in Chattogram-7 (Ranguniya and part of Boalkhali) constituency for the fourth consecutive time. Assistant Returning Officer and Ranguniya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Raihan Mehebub announced the results on Sunday night. Polls transparent, free and fair: Foreign Minister  He bagged 1,98,976 votes while his nearest contestant Islami Front candidate Advocate Iqbal Hasan earned 9,301 votes. Independent candidates Azad, Nixon win Faridpur-3, 4 The voting in the 12th parliamentary election began at 8:00 am and concluded at 4pm without any break amid tight security in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies. Mashrafe secures victory from Narail-2 again

Being annoyed with the BNP’s  activities, its leaders from top to bottom are leaving the party, said Awami League Joint General Secretaryand Information and Broadcast Ministet  Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday. “I have a question to the BNP leaders: why do they do the politics of BNP? The top leader of the party is not allowed to participate in any election whatever it is at union, upazila or national level.” He made the remarks while talking to journalists at his office at the secretariat on Thursday. Govt inviting danger for RMG sector only to retain power: Rizvi Regarding the King's parties, Hasan, also Information and Broadcasting Minister, said BNP is the first ‘king’s party’ of the country founded by Ziaur Rahman. “Ziaur Rahman after usurping power formed the BNP through distributing leftovers of power,” he said. About the recent role of civil society and intellectuals, Dr Hasan said, “We saw different statements of intellectuals with importance. But unfortunately they are silent when the arson attacks are being carried  out on public transports and public property. Many people became victims of the arson attacks.” He said those subversive activities will be stopped when the conscious people, journalists and civil society would raise their voice against them. But it is regrettably true that the so-called civil society didn’t make any statement against the violence of the BNP-Jamaat, he added. EC  okays transfer of 338 OCs and 205 UNOs Dr Hasan said, “I think that the so-called civil society who makes statements from time to time should be identified as opportunists. I would like to urge the journalists to identify them and unmask them.” Being annoyed with the BNP’s subversive politics, many leaders and workers would leave the party, Hasan Mahmud hoped that the BNP would refrain from such evil politics. Replying to another query over elections, Hasan said it is not mentioned in the constitution that an election would not be acceptable if a particular political party does not take part in the election.  Many elections were held in Bangladesh in the past where many political parties remained absent, he said, adding even a political party led by a big leader didn’t take part in the 1970's election. "But there was massive participation of the people and the election was accepted." So far 338 aspirants challenge RO’s decisions The information minister said the BNP and other political parties didn’t take part in city corporation polls. But, the countrymen took part in those polls, he said. The festivity among the people has already started centring rhe upcoming polls. So there will be a huge participation of the people in the elections slated on January 7, Hasan Mahmud hoped.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said the BNP is conducting arson attacks in the name of anti-government movement. "It is not the work of a political party. Those are activities of terrorist organisations.  So, please take the pen and write against their vile activities" the minister said while speaking at a cheque distribution programme of the Journalist Welfare Trust at the Information Bhaban Auditorium in the capital's Kakrail. Cox’s Bazar Express Train: 115 tickets reserved for Ctg sold within 30 minutes “On October 28, 32 journalists were beaten and injured during the BNP's rally. Of the injured journalists, more than 20 were from the BNP beat. They were familiar faces to the BNP men, yet they beat them. It has never happened before that so many journalists were injured in one day in Bangladesh,” he said. The information minister said the BNP-Jamaat killed journalists whenever they were in power. About 14 journalists including Humayun Kabir Balu, Manik Saha, Saiful Islam Mukul and Shamsur Rahman in Jashore and Khulna were killed during the BNP regime, he said. None will be spared if attempts are made to destabilise rice market: Food Minister Regarding the BNP’s central office, he said, "It’s not police or any government agency but the BNP leaders who keep their office under lock and leave. BNP leaders have lost the courage of opening their office. How will they do politics?” “During the BNP's regime, police locked our office, I was there, we broke the lock and entered,” the AL joint secretary said. Referring that the election will be held on time with the massive participation of the people,Hasan Mahmud said, "Let's move the country forward together. Save the country from this incendiary-anarchy, the government is determined to eliminate the anti-state forces that created this incendiary anarchy.' Bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar Regarding the Journalist Welfare Trust, the Information Minister said that this trust is a unique example of how much the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is journalist-friendly. “Today Journalist Welfare Trust has become a place of trust for journalists. “ The minister handed over cheques worth Tk 1,53,50,000 to 186 journalists and their families. Earlier, the Information Minister inaugurated the new office of the Journalist Welfare Trust on the second floor of the old DFP building at the Information Bhaban complex. Presided over by Journalist Welfare Trust Managing Director Subhash Chand, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists President Omar Faruque, Secretary General Dip Azad, Jatiya Press Club president Farida Yesmin, general secretary Shyamal Dutta , among others, were present at the event.

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.