Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) put emphasis on the rural development along with building infrastructure.
“I think besides the infrastructural development we also need the overall development of the rural areas,” she told the ECNEC meeting at NEC conference room in Agargaon.
She asked authorities concerned to quickly finish the development projects which are being delayed due to allocation of small funds.
“I will ask the cabinet secretary to convey this to all secretaries in different ministries so such projects are completed quickly,” she said.
Read: Ecnec nods 44 projects worth Tk 39,094 crore
She said with the finishing these projects it would be easy for the government to take up new development programmes.
She also said that deadline of some development projects have been increased, but hose also have to be completed very soon.
“Because, if that remains unfinished costs of the projects will increase unnecessarily and it also kills time. Make sure that this is done,” she said.
Hasina said that for the socioeconomic development of the country the government must take development projects.
In this regard, she asked all to remain cautious while taking any kind of development projects so that the government could attain its goal.
Read: Ecnec approves 19 projects to cost Tk 18,067 crore
She mentioned that due to global condition the countryis having some pressure on economy. Otherwise the country was moving fast towards prosperity.
“The growth was increasing, development was expediting, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the whole world came to a standstill, and when the whole world started to move from that situation, it was hit by the Ukraine-Russia war followed by sanctions, counter-sanctions,” she said.
She also mentioned that the world is bracing for another phase of instability after Israeli troops launched heinous attacks on the innocent people in Palestine.
“As a result, the cost and time of transportation has increased manifold," she said.
She said that due to these external factors the pressure is on in Bangladesh.
Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres
The prime minister said she has requested all to utilise every inch of arable land of the country for production of food grains.
“And it has given us better results,” she said.
Publish list of loan defaulters who laundered money abroad in JS: AK Azad
Independent MP AK Azad on Monday (February 12, 2024) demanded a list of those who have laundered money abroad taking loans from banks be placed in Parliament.
Azad, who was elected MP for the first time, came up with the demand while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech.
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is totally against corruption and Awami League's manifesto also cited that.
“First of all, good governance will have to be established in the banking sector,” Azad said.
Read more: Bangladesh Bank sets an 11-point roadmap to realise default loans
Welcoming Bangladesh Bank's roadmap for reforming the banking sector, Azad, also President of Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), said the amount of defaulted loans in Bangladesh is around Tk 1,45,633 crore.
“But in reality, the amount is much more. But through write off, the amount of debt is shown less. Those who have taken loans and invested in factories and failed to repay, may be exempted subject to investigation,” he said.
He demanded to bring to justice those who did not invest loan money in any business, and instead laundered the money.
“They made home at Begum Para, and second homes. Their list should be published in the parliament,” he demanded.
Read more: Bank MDs working under increased stress due to default loans, board interference: Experts
He also commented that Bangabandhu's dream will not be realised unless they are brought under the law.
The independent MP said that those who looted banks are responsible for the rise in commodity prices and inflation.
Azad said that he wants to be accountable to the countrymen and voters through this parliament.
Azad also said he wants to make the parliament effective and lively through constructive criticism of the government.
He expected cooperation of the Speaker in this regard.
Read more: Businesses should get opportunities to turn around before wholesale declaration of loan defaulters: FBCCI President
Resist evil attempt to ensure public security: PM Hasina to Ansar & VDP
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (February 12, 2024) asked the members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to stand with courage and sincerity to resist any ill attempt to ensure public security.
“As the largest force in the country, you have to rightly perform the duty bestowed upon you. You will have to resist any evil move to protect the public safety. You should do it with honesty, courage and sincerity,” she said.
The prime minister made this call while addressing the 44th national rally-2024 of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP at Bangladesh Ansar-VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur.
She said it is a sacred duty of her government to ensure security to the people and investment, and uphold peace.
Read more: PM directs to be active on GI products
“To maintain political stability, proper economic environment and continuation of democratic governance are prerequisites for the overall development of the country,” she said, asking all to uphold such an environment in the country.
Focusing on the country’s development attained during her government, Hasina said Bangladesh now has capacity to tackle any situation.
The PM requested all to work hard with honesty to continue the country’s development journey.
She recalled the contribution of the country’s largest force Ansar-VDP, having 61 lakh members and 42 battalions including two women battalions and a specialised battalion, to ensuring security to public and private structures and organisations.
Read more: Explore new markets for Bangladesh's export items: PM Hasina tells BGMEA
The prime minister said if Ansar is asked to perform duty for any national cause, they do it properly.
“Even now our Ansar members have been discharging their duties with very competence in various important places starting from different foreign embassies stationed in Bangladesh,” she said.
She appreciated the role of Ansar members to protect the country’s assets, including that of Bangladesh Railways from arson violence unleashed by BNP-Jamaat group in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2023.
Highlighting her government’s steps to modernise the Ansar and VDP, Hasina said now the force is now earning fame at home and abroad.
“We’ve been working to develop the Ansar and VDP,” she said.
The PM reiterated her government’s conviction to protect the country from terrorism, militancy and drugs. “Our drive against corruption will always continue,” she said.
She hoped the Ansar and VDP will continue their duty in containing the social diseases in future as well.
Mentioning her government’s vision 2041 to build a Smart Bangladesh, PM Hasina said Ansar and VDP will also be developed as a smart force and will continue working for the development of the country.
She said the government will make every village a smart and safe locality in Smart Bangladesh.
On her arrival at the rally venue, the prime minister was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General AKM Aminul Haque.
The Prime Minister inspected a parade of Ansar and VDP from an open jeep and received salute. She handed over eight types of special medals to 180 Ansar and VDP members for their bravery and praiseworthy services.
The medals are Bangladesh Ansar Medal, President Ansar Medal, Bangladesh VDP Medal, President VDP Medal, Bangladesh Ansar Services Medal, President Ansar Services Medal, Bangladesh VDP Services Medal and President VDP Services Medal.
The PM later witnessed a colourful cultural programme performed by Ansar and VDP members.
Need more women in science for a sustainable future: PM Hasina tells an int'l event
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the world needs right policies and institutions to help young women choose a career in science and technology.
“We need more women and girls in science for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. We must have the right policies and institutions for young women to choose a career in science and technology,” she said.
The prime minister said this in a video statement that was played in the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
She mentioned that it is important that women in science are promoted to leadership positions.
PM Hasina hails January-7 election as the freest since 1975
“In Bangladesh, I personally commit to advancing the work of our women scientists through recognition and incentives,” she said.
The prime minister mentioned that the government is digitally empowering thousands of women and girls across the country.
“I feel delighted to see their vibrant presence in the digital marketplace. We offer dedicated training for young women to help them grow as IT freelancers. I wish to see our young people with disabilities transform their lives through digital inclusion,” she said.
Hasina said that the government is expanding technical and vocational education for women to help them prepare for the future of work.
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“We have made it mandatory for all high school graduates to get an education in science and ICT,” she said.
The premier said that in the past the number of female students in higher education, especially in science and technology, was not satisfactory.
However, she said, the participation of women in science education has improved significantly in recent years due to our concerted efforts.
She mentioned that in public universities of Bangladesh, about 40 percent of total students are female, while in private universities, their percentage is 30.
Women should be proud of PM Hasina for her capability, leadership: India's President
“We make sure that women get preference in the research and innovation grants we offer. Our young girls need to be prepared to realise our vision of a ‘Smart Bangladesh’,” she added,
PM Hasina vowed to always remain devoted to women's and girls’ education in science and technology.
According to the United Nations a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world.
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Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.
It said that gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well.
On 14 March 2011, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report at its fifty-fifth session, with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education, training and science and technology, and for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work.
On 20 December 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, in which it recognised that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Read more: Bangladeshi imaging scientist Nayma shines on global stage
Biden’s letter to PM Hasina: ‘What will BNP say now?’ asks Quader
In a significant gesture of international diplomacy, US President Joe Biden has extended a letter of commitment to work in unison with Bangladesh across various sectors, including the economy. This announcement has sparked a pointed query from Obaidul Quader, general secretary of Awami League and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, directed towards the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): “What will BNP say now?”
Committed to supporting Bangladesh's economic goals, Biden writes to PM Hasina
During a press interaction at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, earlier today (February 05), Quader criticized the BNP leadership for their absence and evasion, questioning the source of their confidence in regaining power. He remarked, “The people have already distanced themselves from you. Your international allies have also turned their backs. The US has now pledged to work alongside Sheikh Hasina’s government. What hope does the BNP have for returning to power?”
Quader also expressed concern over the recent conflicts near the Myanmar border, where violence has forced citizens from several Bangladeshi villages to flee. The ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar, resulting in gunfire and mortar shells landing within Bangladeshi territory, has prompted communication between the foreign ministries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. “The conflict is Myanmar’s internal issue, but its resolution should ensure that the panic does not spill over to neighboring countries,” Quader added, mentioning the potential role of the United Nations in mediating a solution.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
Addressing the issue of the Rohingya refugees amid Myanmar’s continued unrest, the minister firmly stated that Bangladesh would not show leniency in accepting more refugees: “We cannot bear this burden anymore.”
In response to a question about negative activities within the student wing of the ruling party at Jahangirnagar University, Quader emphasized Awami League’s zero tolerance for misconduct. “Not everyone in a party can be virtuous, but we do not condone wrongdoing. Any criminal activity should be dealt with according to the law. No one has been spared for committing crimes while we are in power,” he asserted.
Can the new Parliament perform its role perfectly, wonders GM Quader
The meeting was also attended by Awami League’s Organizational Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, and other central and metropolitan leaders.
Committed to supporting Bangladesh's economic goals, Biden writes to PM Hasina
US President Joe Biden has written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to work together to achieve Bangladesh's economic goals.
He also expressed willingness to partnering with Bangladesh on their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
"The United States is committed to supporting Bangladesh's ambitious economic goals and partnering with Bangladesh on our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," President Biden said in his letter seen by UNB.
Entire world willing to work with Bangladesh as PM Hasina placed it in dignified position: FM Hasan
As the two countries embark on the next chapter of the U.S.-Bangladesh partnership, the US President said he wants to convey the sincere desire of his Administration to continue their work together on regional and global security, economic development, climate change and energy, global health, humanitarian support, especially for Rohingya refugees, and more.
"We have a long and successful history of working together to solve problems, and our strong people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship," the US President wrote to PM Sheikh Hasina.
Hungary, Kyrgyzstan greet PM Sheikh Hasina on her re-election
The Embassy of the United States of America shared the letter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently.
Russian Ambassador dismisses claims made by BNP’s Gayeshwar
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky has categorically dismissed the allegations made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), affirming on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) that the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was democratically elected by the citizens of Bangladesh.
This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s claim. Gayeshwar had controversially stated that the current government was not chosen by the Bangladeshi people but was instead “installed by foreign powers,” specifically naming India, China, and Russia.
The Russian Ambassador emphasized that a significant 41 percent of the electorate participated in the last national election. He further asserted that Russia maintains a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
Russian Ambassador hopes Dhaka-Moscow relations will continue to thrive
The ambassador’s remarks followed his meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, where they discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest.
On Sunday, the Foreign Minister said the current government is a “people’s government elected by their votes.”
“It is a government elected by the people of Bangladesh,” he said when a reporter drew his attention to BNP’s remarks regarding the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted Bangladesh’s foreign policy ethos of “friendship to all, malice towards none,” underscoring the nation’s strong diplomatic ties globally, excluding Israel. “We maintain excellent relationships with major world powers including India, China, Russia, the US, UK, and the European Union, and enjoy good relations with all countries,” he added, further reinforcing the government’s international standing.
Only shameless persons can sit in 12th parliament: Gayeshwar
Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia to elevate ties to a higher level
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) agreed to take the existing excellent bilateral relations to a higher level.
This was expressed when President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibraheem Al Sheikh called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhwat Moon briefed reporters after the call on.
Moon said that Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share a rich and longstanding historical relationship rooted in religious, cultural, and economic bonds.
She Informed that for Bangladeshi Muslims, Saudi Arabia holds a special place in their hearts being the birthplace of Islam and the two holiest sites, Makkah, and Madinah.
“Thousands of Bangladeshis perform the Holy Haji and the Umrah for religious purposes,” she said.
KSA's Majlish E Shura Council President Abdullah arrives in Dhaka
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the recent development activities, reforms, and emerging role of Saudi Arabia on the global front under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Prime Minister and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman.
Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad congratulated the prime minister on her reelection.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia was always with Bangladesh and it has a historical long lasting relationship.
He lauded visionary leadership of the prime ninister for the unprecedented development of Bangladesh.
KSA keen to enhance trade with Bangladesh in food, energy, logistics, and manufacturing sectors : FBCCI
“Prime Minister’s leadership is exemplary and imitable,” Shakhwat Moon quoted President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as saying.
He also conveyed the greetings of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the prime minister.
Welcoming the greetings, Sheikh Hasina also greeted the Crown Prince.
PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.
Read more: Saudi Arabia sends 400 tons of sacrificial meat for Bangladesh
‘PCA can be something broad to discuss Bangladesh-EU relations’
The new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the European Union (EU) can be “something very broad” to discuss future Bangladesh-EU relations, said a senior official at the EU headquarters ahead of the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.
Talking to UNB virtually, he mentioned joint launching of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on October 25 last year in Brussels to expand and develop the multi-dimensional relationship between Bangladesh and the EU.
PCA is a legally binding agreement and it is one of three special types of international agreements.
By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country.
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A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised.
The third EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum will be held in Brussels on February 2 and it will be chaired by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud is scheduled to attend the forum who is also likely to have a number of meetings on the sidelines of the forum.
It will include an opening plenary session, three roundtable discussions and a closing session.
The Brussels Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum builds on the success of the previous two EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums held in Paris in February 2022 and in Stockholm in May 2023.
It will provide a platform for dialogue, for shaping a collective vision for the region’s future and for identifying practical ways to enhance cooperation and deepen solidarity.
Europe and the Indo-Pacific are highly interconnected and interdependent, that is why the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Asked whether the EU’s strategy for cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries will concentrate on the security or economic dimensions, the EU senior official referred to the seven pillars of EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
The seven priority areas for the EU action are sustainable and inclusive prosperity; green transition; ocean governance; digital governance and partnerships; connectivity; security and defence; and human security.
He said Bangladesh is a massive country in terms of population and it has a very impressive economic growth.
Commending the EU as Bangladesh’s largest export market, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud recently requested for EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) trade concessions until 2032 to support Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from the LDC status as well as EU’s import of diversified products from Bangladesh including jute and jute goods along with traditional products like apparels and shrimps.
The Indo-Pacific region is of key strategic importance, both in economic and geopolitical terms. The 2021 EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific sets out how the EU is stepping up collaboration with Indo-Pacific partners to contribute to the region’s stability, security and prosperity.
The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum will bring together the EU and its Member States with countries from the East coast of Africa in the West to the Pacific islands in the East.
The EU and Indo-Pacific partners will discuss how to address the increasing number of complex economic, environmental, geopolitical, and security challenges that affect both regions. Climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats for all.
It is clear that close cooperation is key to addressing these challenges effectively, achieving sustainable economic growth, and strengthening resilience to shocks and disruptions.
The digital economy, in particular, holds the potential for significant innovation and growth.
EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
The 24th EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting also takes place in Brussels on February 2.
The meeting will be co-chaired by EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo.
It will review the implementation of decisions adopted at the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit held one year ago in December 2022 and agree on future steps in developing the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.
During last year's EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, the EU pledged to mobilize EUR 10 billion for connectivity projects in ASEAN under the Global Gateway initiative.
To emphasise the centrality of ASEAN in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy, ASEAN Foreign Ministers have also been invited to participate in the EU’s 3rd Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, to be held on the same day.
EU allocates €300,000 in humanitarian aid to gutted Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps
First official visit post-election: PM to attend Munich Security Conference, says Foreign Minister
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to attend this year’s Munich Security Conference, the most high-profile annual dialogue on security issues, to be held in Germany next month.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud confirmed PM Hasina’s participation in the global conference while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
He said his ministry is working on the bilateral meetings to be held on the sidelines of the conference.
Read: UNDP administrator congratulates PM Hasina
The Prime Minister last attended the Security Conference in 2019.
Though the Prime Minister has received invitations from various countries and international organisations, her first official visit post-election may begin with Germany, a diplomatic source told UNB.
Apart from bilateral engagement with the German leaders, she will have meetings with global leaders on the sidelines.
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024 will take place from February 16 to 18, 2024, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich.
The MSC 2024 will once again offer a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world’s most pressing security challenges, said the organisers.
Additionally, the MSC, founded in the fall of 1963, will celebrate its 60th anniversary up to and during the next main conference.
Read: Dhaka, London ties evolving from development-focused to modern partnership: Cameron
The Munich Security Report is published annually before the Security Conference.
The report contains exclusive data and graphics on current security policy issues, compiled in cooperation with renowned partner institutions of the MSC.
The Munich Security Report serves as a basis for discussion at the conference in Munich.