Opposition MPs on Thursday urged the government to ensure democracy and good governance eradicating corruption and irregularities in order to implement the spirit of the country’s independence. But the treasury bench MPs mainly highlighted the development of Bangladesh during the Awami League rule, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Both opposition and ruling party MPs participated in a two-day special discussion that concluded on Thursday in Parliament, marking the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence. Leader of the House and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday placed a proposal for holding a general discussion in Parliament under section 47 of the Rules of Procedure to mark the 50 years of the country’s independence. The proposal was adopted unanimously by voice vote on Thursday after the general discussion. Fifty-nine MPs from across the board joined the discussion and spoke for 10 hours and 45 minutes. President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday delivered a commemorative speech, marking the Golden Jubilee of independence. Joining the discussion, Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujbul Haque said there is no doubt what the country has achieved, but corruption and irregularities need to be eradicated to materialize Bangabandhu’s dreams. "Bangabandhu had said corruption must be eradicated. But that was not done. In order to implement Bangabandhu's philosophy, corruption must be stopped,” he said. “Plundering of banks, default loans and money laundering were not Bangabandhu's dreams. We’ll have to stop all these ugly things,” said the JP MP. Read: Opposition MPs slam mismanagement, politics in health sector Another JP lawmaker, Anisul Islam Mahmud, said all the achievements would be shattered if the institutions of the country are not strengthened. “Though 50 years have elapsed since independence, our institutions have not been strengthened enough. So, we’ve to do that. Otherwise, all the achievements will go in vain,” he said. He said there is no denial that Bangladesh has witnessed significant development. “Since election is the main principle of democracy, I urge the Prime Minister to strengthen the EC.” Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon said social disparity continues to expand in the country even though Bangladesh has attained massive development. “The disparity has widened and turned acute. Bangladesh is seeing unprecedented development under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina as there has been marked progress in all economic indexes…but the assets and wealth of the country have got concentrated in the hands of a few,” he said. Expressing dismay over the participation of businessmen in politics, Menon said, "We’ve noticed today that a military-civil bureaucracy-rich group has developed centering the ruling power.” Noting that Bangabandhu had brought the bureaucracy under public representatives, Menon said now the public representatives are under the bureaucracy. “We’ve to take the development and democracy forward simultaneously, and resist all sorts of communal activities,” he said. Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said Bangladesh has now become as the role model for development in the last 50 years of independence, proving all the speculations of international groups wrong. Read: Opposition MPs call Health Minister “shameless” over health sector “failures” He said many international personalities had predicted that Bangladesh might not survive as an independent country and even if it survives it would have to depend on foreign aid. “But Bangladesh is now a role model proving their predictions wrong,” he said. The Agriculture Minister urged all to get united to implement the ideology of Bangabandhu. AL MP Shajahan Khan said the ideology of Bangabandhu and the spirit of Liberation War are the only values for people to take the country forward. He urged the people of Bangladesh to fight all the conspiracies against the country. “We all would have to be united under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.” BNP MP Rumeen Farhana said Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country with a motto of establishing democracy. “But in the last one decade, limited democracy has been introduced in Bangladesh,” she said. Rumin said, the “more development, less democracy” culture is going on in Bangladesh now just like Ayub's (Pakistani autocratic ruler) “basic democracy”. BNP MP Harunur Rashid slammed the government saying that corruption is everywhere, especially in the health and education sectors. He said there is no democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the nation on Thursday evening, marking the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence. “The Prime Minister will deliver her speech at 7:30pm on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of our great Independence,” PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB. State-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will simultaneously broadcast the Prime Minister’s address.

Bangladesh has said regional connectivity is one of the most important means of trade and that Bangladesh’s unique geographical location in the region provides an opportunity for all countries in the SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to be connected by road.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came up with the view during her conversation with her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering.  She reiterated the offer to Bhutan for full access to Bangladesh’s seaports, according to a joint statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan issued on Wednesday night.  The Prime Ministers noted the substantial progress made in the past towards signing an MoU among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India on trilateral cooperation in hydroelectricity.  In order to move forward, they agreed that a Secretary-level meeting among the three countries should take place at an early date. They also decided to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in this sector. Dr Tshering thanked the government of Bangladesh for its support towards the establishment of the Third International Internet Gateway and Bhutan’s proposal to purchase bandwidth from Bangladesh, which will ensure the reliability of internet and communications for Bhutan.  The discussions between the agencies concerned of the two governments are at an advanced stage and he expressed the hope that the two sides will soon be able to agree on a rate that is mutually acceptable.  Also read: I'm here to hear Bangladesh story sitting next to Hasina: Bhutanese PM The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through the recently inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari rail interlink between Bangladesh and India.  The Prime Minister of Bhutan, who arrived on March 23 on a state visit, is scheduled to leave here for home on Thursday morning. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.  Dr Tshering paid the visit as the Special Representative of Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.  He was accompanied by senior officials of the Royal government of Bhutan and a cultural delegation. The visit of Dr Tshering to Bangladesh at a time of the global pandemic is an exceptional gesture of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries. He laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory of the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh.  He also visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Dr Tshering paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosted a banquet in honour of Dr Lotay Tshering. Also read: PM for building infrastructures to reap highest benefits from PTA Foreign Minister Dr Momen met Prime Minister of Bhutan at the latter’s place of residence on March 23. Dr Tshering delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the National Parade Ground as a special guest at the programme organised to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.  The official discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan were held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries.  During the official discussions, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan towards Bangladesh’s fight for independence. In commemoration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the two Prime Ministers paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the valiant freedom fighters, 3 million martyrs, and two hundred thousand women and children who suffered oppression during the war.  The two Prime Ministers recognised with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship.  They stated the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation. Taking note of the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, the two Prime Ministers congratulated each other for successful, effective, and timely initiatives taken by the respective governments.  Dr Tshering expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh for the support rendered to Bhutan during the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies.  The two Prime Ministers expressed happiness that both Bhutan and Bangladesh are well on track to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2023 and 2024 respectively despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).  They, however, noted that bilateral trade has been severely affected by the pandemic and that all-out efforts must be made to overcome the setbacks.  Also read: Bangladesh, Bhutan to examine rail network through India The two Prime Ministers emphasized holding the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) and Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as soon as possible, and amend the SOP on the use of inland waterways, and finalise the Protocol to the Transit Agreement on a priority basis. The two leaders emphasised the need for enhanced private sector cooperation, for which the Chambers of Commerce should come up with innovative ways of doing business.  They also encouraged importers and exporters of Bangladesh and Bhutan to use the riverine route for the transport of goods as a viable alternative to road links. As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, and as part of the celebrations of 50 years of Bhutan’s recognition of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to provide Bhutan internet bandwidth at a friendly rate Following up on the decision taken during Prime Minister Tshering’s visit in April 2019, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed happiness at the fact that a total of 19 physicians and surgeons have joined various hospitals in Bhutan, and are serving there with good reputation.  They expressed happiness that an increasing number of Bhutanese students are choosing Bangladesh as their preferred destination for undergraduate studies, particularly in medicine.  Bangladesh agreed to increase the number of annual MBBS quota seats for Bhutanese students from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty).  It has also been decided that Bangladesh will issue multiple entry visa to Bhutanese students for full duration of their study subject to the validity of their passports. The Prime Ministers viewed that the cultural cooperation between the two countries should be further strengthened in order to promote people-to-people contact, and that, in commemoration of the 50th year of our friendship, the two countries should exchange cultural delegations. Dr Tshering expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in Bangladesh. He extended invitations to the Hon’ble President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday said Bangladesh has undergone an “impressive development and is today a vibrant democracy” with high economic growth rates. “At the same time, Bangladesh has succeeded in clearly reducing poverty in the country using innovative development policy strategies,” he said in a message sent to President Abdul Hamid. Also read: French senator lauds Bangladesh’s progress; recalls Bangabandhu Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen read out the message at a programme held at the National Parade Ground on Tuesday, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence. The German President said the world very much values Bangladesh’s peaceful foreign policy and its generous humanitarian engagement, particularly when it comes to taking in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who have fled their homes. Also read: India praises Hasina's statesmanship, Bangladesh’s "miraculous” progress “The global challenges of our time, particularly the current pandemic situation and climate change, can only be tackled if we work together. Our many years of friendly relations provide a very firm basis for such cooperation,” the message reads. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence, he conveyed to his Bangladesh counterpart and the people of Bangladesh his sincere congratulations. “I wish you strength and every success for the tasks that lie ahead.” Also read: Bangladesh’s importance in S Asia growing: US

Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering arrives here on Tuesday on a state visit as a special representative of the Bhutanese King to participate in the celebrations of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to be the star attraction even among the strong field of regional leaders attending 10 days of celebration in Dhaka has said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision ‘continues to light’ the Bangladesh-India friendship.

French Senator and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group for South East Asia Jacqueline Deromedi has lauded Bangladesh’s progress saying that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ‘today would be proud of the country he had built’.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed her Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) as he arrived here on Friday morning on a two-day official visit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bangladesh on March 26-27 focusing on three mega events. 

Bangladesh and India on Thursday highlighted their shared objective with an approach “no crime, no death” to end killings along the border, noting that every death is regrettable.