A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Bangladesh and Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in the USA. The document was inked with a view to further developing and strengthening capacities of public administration in Bangladesh, said a press release on Thursday. Also read:MoU signed for commercial production of space-life suitable modules in Bangladesh PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and Professor Douglas W Elmendorf, on behalf of Bangladesh government and the Ash Center respectively, signed the MoU at the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge on Wednesday. During the signing ceremony, Dr Kaikaus hoped that the collaboration with the Ash Center would play a significant role in creating efficient human resources in the Public Service domain of Bangladesh, which is a critically important parameter in shaping the country into 'Shonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He stressed the need for intensifying collaboration between Bangladesh and the USA as the two countries are now celebrating the 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. The principal secretary expected that the engagements between the Government of Bangladesh and Harvard Kennedy School would be further broadened and deepened in the time to come, especially in the fields of education, research and innovation. Prof Douglas W Elmendorf described the signing of the document as a privilege for the Center to be partnering with the development trajectory of Bangladesh. He said it is important to work closely with the Government of Bangladesh in implementing the MoU. He commended the socio-economic achievements Bangladesh has scripted in the recent past, the country’s proactive and pragmatic policies and strategies as well as visionary leadership for this impressive success. Also read: MoU signed to network non-government Australian stakeholders With signing of the MoU, a new chapter of collaboration has been opened between the two sides in human resource development, with special emphasis on curriculum design and review of public administration; teaching and training of policymakers as well as exploring joint research opportunities. Finance senior secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder, Public Administration senior secretary K M Ali Azam and Consul General of the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York Dr Mohammad Monirul Islam, GIU Director Dr Shamima Nasrin, were, among others, present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will distribute Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award), the highest civilian award, to nine individuals and one institution for 2021 on Thursday in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country. The award-distribution programme will be held at her official residence Ganobhaban, according to sources at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). AKM Bazlur Rahman, Shaheed Ahsanullah Master and Brig Gen (retd) Khurshid Uddin Ahmed and Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu have been named posthumously for the award in recognition of their contributions to Independence and the Liberation War. Read: PM Hasina hands over Ekushey Padak Dr Mrinmoy Guha Neogi will receive the highest state award for his contributions to science and technology, Mohadeb Saha for literature; Ataur Rahman and Gazi Mazharul Anwar for culture, and Dr M Amjad Hossain for social work. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council will receive the award in the research and training category. Bangladesh has been recognising individuals and institutions with the award every year since 1977. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday directed the authorities concerned  to take prompt measures to provide money and relief materials to Amphan-affected people, and reconstruct their houses.  

Ordinary citizens alongside stakeholders will be allowed to submit their own suggestions on the upcoming national budget on the website of Finance Division, though it remains unclear how much resource or effort would be expended on incorporating them. 

Formal discussions on the proposed budget for 2020-21 fiscal year will kick off on May 5 through a meeting to prepare a fiscal policy for the country that will help the stagnant economy caused by the COVID-19 to return to its previous shape.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will preside over the meeting which will take place at her official residence Ganobhaban at 11am, according to sources at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).