Sheikh Hasina
Int’l peace conference in Nov marking Bangabandhu’s birth centenary: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that Bangladesh will host a two-day international peace conference in November next, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The Foreign Ministry has already started taking its preparations to arrange this conference in Dhaka on November 4 and 5, 2021,” she said, replying to a tabled question from ruling Awami League MP Mozaffar Hossain (Jamalpur-5) in the House.
Read: 10-day special programme for Bangabandhu's birth centenary
The Prime Minister said a declaration titled ‘Dhaka Peace Declaration’ will be adopted in the conference.
She also said the issue of giving ‘Bangabandhu Peace Award’ is under the consideration of the government. “But no specific decision has been taken yet in this regard.”
About the two-day conference, Hasina said the government has already approved a proposal for arranging the event as part of the celebration of the birth centenary.
“With this conference, I believe, it’ll be possible to widely spread Bangabandhu’s outstanding contributions to the establishment of global peace and the welfare of humanity,” said Hasina, also the Leader of the House.
A number of panel discussions with the participation of the dignitaries who are engaged in the noble works in different countries of the world for the establishment of peace, as well as public and private officials concerned, educationists, journalists and intellectuals will be held, she mentioned.
Read: Bangabandhu's birth centenary to be celebrated abroad
In the two-day conference, the works and philosophy of Bangabandhu will be discussed alongside revisiting his noble initiatives he had taken as a pioneer of world peace and humanity, she said.
To make the conference a success, Hasina said a 42-member convening committee was formed with Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury as its president and Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism, Saima Wazed as the convener.
UN Special Session: Hasina places 5-point proposal for water security
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday put forward a five-point proposal to the international community to raise global awareness for a resilient and sustainable post Covid-19 world by combating water and disaster challenges.
The Prime Minister made the proposals in her pre-recorded speech in the Fifth UN Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters in “Building Back Better towards More Resilient and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World.”
"We need to take a comprehensive, result-oriented, focused and adaptive global approach for water security; and it’s important to raise political awareness, and share good practices, knowledge, and experiences," she said.
Three other proposals are: Synergies on water management and water policies and its use by nations of the upper and lower basins; focus by the world community on implementation of the Sendai Framework, the SDGs and the Paris Agreement; and mobilizing financial resources for vulnerable countries to ensure their adequate access to water.
Hasina said the world is confronting the gravest global health crisis of its times due to the Covid-19 pandemic as enormous economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic has slowed down the progress for sustainable development.
She mentioned that the growing scarcity of clean drinking water, outbreak of diseases like cholera and typhoid reminds of the crucial need of water for peace and development.
"To mitigate the water-related disasters, we’ve a shared responsibility to create stronger and inclusive international cooperation," the Prime Minister pointed out.
She said Bangladesh is the lower-most riparian country in South Asia, standing on the confluence of three mighty rivers -- the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna.
Also read: Hasina places 4 suggestions to deal with climate challenge
At present, she said, Bangladesh faces two-pronged water-related problems – its surplus and shortage.
During monsoon, Hasina said, 90 percent water enters into Bangladesh from catchments beyond our border inundating our localities while during dry season, a drought-like situation prevails across the country.
"Moreover, the scarcity of safe drinking water is an emerging problem in the coastal areas due to salinity intrusion," she said.Hasina recalled that Bangladesh has faced several climatic disasters, including the Super Cyclone "Amphan" and monsoon flood that affected about 6 million people during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Similarly, the cyclone “Yaas” inundated 27 sub-districts last month causing damage to crop, fisheries and infrastructure.Regarding climate change, she said Bangladesh is also one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world.
"Floods, tidal surges, cyclones, and riverbank erosion are now more frequent. To address these challenges, Bangladesh is taking disaster risk reduction to the next level," she said.
Under the purview of the Disaster Management Act 2012, Standing Orders on Disaster 2019 have been included for ensuring “whole of society approach”, Hasina said.
Besides, she said, Bangladesh has revised the National Plan for Disaster Management for the period of 2021 to 2025 in alignment with the Sendai Framework.
The Community Based Disaster Preparedness Model has been developed to ensure an inclusive bottom-up approach to the disaster management system in the country, the PM added.
With the vision of achieving a safe, climate resilient and prosperous Bangladesh delta, Hasina said the government has formulated Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100.
"We’ve also prepared the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan for implementing renewable energy and climate resilience projects," she said.
Also read: Hasina suggests 6 points for framing post-Covid global recovery plan
The PM mentioned that the government has taken initiatives to build 885, 000 disaster-resilient houses for the landless, homeless and displaced families across the country.
It has built 16.4 kilometres of sea dykes, 12,000 cyclone shelters and 200,000 hectares of coastal plantation. "Strengthening and raising the height of around 5,700 kilometres of coastal embankment is underway."
The Prime Minister said the government is in the process of constructing super dykes in the coastal belt to protect millions of people from the impacts of sea level rise, salinity and tidal surges.
"We’re also giving utmost importance to greenbelt development. We’re planting 30 million saplings this year on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."
As the current chair of the 48-nation Climate Vulnerable Forum, she said, Bangladesh’s key focus is going on to uphold the interests of the climate vulnerable countries and promote locally-led adaptation solutions.
"We’re working to be transformed from climate vulnerability to climate resilience to climate prosperity."
Feature film ‘Chironjib Mujib’ to be released in August
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has released the posters of a full-length movie, ‘Chironjib Mujib’, produced based on the autobiography ‘Ausamapta Atmajiboni‘(Unfinished Memoirs) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Prime Minister released three posters with her signatures at a sample ceremony at Ganobhaban on Wednesday.
Director of the film Md Nazrul Islam, also Speechwriter of the Prime Minister, was present on the occasion.
Also read: Time to focus on ‘Bangladesh Model’ moving from ‘Bangladesh Miracle’: Radwan Mujib
The full-length feature film, dedicated to Bangabandhu’s daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, will be released under the banner of Haider Enterprise in August next.
Also read: Hasina’s homecoming brought country back from darkness: Radwan Mujib
Ahmed Rubel, Purnima, Khairul Alam Sabuj, SM Mohsin (late), Dilara Zaman, Azad Abul Kalam, Shatabdi Wadud, Somu Chowdhury, Arman Parvez Murad, Shahjahan Samrat, Selim Ahmed (late) and Jewel Mahmud, among others, acted in key characters of the movie.
BNP resorting to politics of violence, says Quader
Obaidul Quader, general secretary of Awami League, on Thursday accused Bangladesh Nationalist Party of instigating violence in the country.
Quader said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is displaying great tolerance and patience in the face of various provocations of the opposition.
He described BNP’s politics as monstrous” and said the government is dealing with the situation with utmost tolerance in the face of hundreds of provocations.
Also read: Quader slams BNP for anti-people conspiracy
Noting that the BNP does not want stability in the country, the general secretary of ruling party said the opposition party wants to establish a reign of terror in the country.
He said the BNP's politics is to destroy the resources of the people and the state in the name of movement.
Also read: BNP desperate to regain power through dark ways: Quader
Quader said BNP has to come to the path of election to go to power.
He said his party has confidence in the people because it believes in empowerment of the people.
Govt to spend Tk 4,167cr on 10 projects, Ecnec gives nod
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday cleared 10 development projects involving Tk 4,167 crore.
The approval came from the Ecnec meeting held at the NEC conference room here. Ecenc Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting, joining it through a videoconference from Ganobhaban.
“Today 10 projects, including seven new ones, got approval. The overall estimated cost of the projects is Tk 4,166.61 crore,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan at a press briefing.
Of the cost, Tk 4,125.82 crore will come from the national exchequer, while the rest Tk 40.79 crore from the own funds of the organisations concerned, he said.
Among the projects, four are under the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry, two each under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and the Education Ministry, one each under the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry and the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.
Also read: Hasina suggests 6 points for framing post-Covid global recovery plan
The projects under LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry are Development of Important Rural Infrastructures in Tangail Project involving an estimated cost of Tk 865.64 crore; Development of Rural Infrastructures in Gazipur District with Tk 685 crore; Acquisition of necessary lands for solid waste management and construction of bus-truck terminals in Gazipur City Corporation with Tk 782.25 crore; and Improvement of Safe Water Supply and Sanitation System in Rural Areas of Gopalganj District Project involving Tk 261.34 crore.
The two projects under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry are Development of Kabirhat-Chamir Munshirhat-Sonaimuri Road and Senbagh-Begumganj Gasfield-Sonaimuri Road under Noakhali road division involving Tk 371.16 crore; and Support to Joydevpur-Debgram-Bhulta-Madanpur road (Dhaka Bypass) PPP (1st revised) Project with an additional cost of Tk 438.24 crore.
Another two projects are under the Education Ministry and those are Development of Bangladesh University of Professionals (1st phase) (1st revised) Project involving an additional cost of Tk 90.63 crore; and Development of Bangladesh University of Processionals (2nd revised) Project costing an additional amount of Tk 346.32 crore.
Ecnec approved another project under the Environment Ministry which is Innovation of improved technology to store ‘Agar regin’ in matured Agar Trees involving Tk 67.92 crore and the rest one is under the Power and Energy Ministry. The project, ‘Construction of gas distribution pipeline network in Rangpur, Nilphamari, Pirganj towns and adjacent areas’, involves Tk 258.11 crore.
Also read: SDGs: PM says Bangladesh in top form for prudent planning
During the approval of the projects, the Prime Minister stressed the need for using surface water instead of underground one in a larger way, rainwater harvesting as well as taking steps to keep crops cultivation and safe drinking water away from salinity, said MA Mannan.
Sheikh Hasina said each and every public university needs to have a master plan and give proper importance to conducting quality research. There should be capping in the number of students of a university for the sake of ensuring the quality education, she added.
The PM directed the authorities concerned to complete the construction work on Dhaka Bypass in a speedy manner, expediting the implementation of ‘Support to Joydevpur-Debgram-Bhulta-Madanpur road (Dhaka Bypass) PPP (1st revised) Project.
In the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Hasina unveiled the cover of a book titled "Bangabandhu in Disaster Risk Reduction" focusing on different orders and directives of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his government in disaster risk management.
Hasina suggests 6 points for framing post-Covid global recovery plan
Putting forward six suggestions to consider in framing post-Covid-19 economic recovery plan, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday underscored the need for taking immediate collective action to help mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.
"As we’re witnessing the challenges, we need to take immediate collective and concerted action to help mitigate the impacts of the pandemic through expanding trade, business and investment for our common prosperity," she said in a pre-recorded message played in the three-day Qatar Economic Forum Virtual.
The six suggestions the Prime Minister put forward in the Forum include: Taking ambitious climate action to meet the goal of the Paris Agreement, leveraging science, technology, and innovation for closing the digital divide; and having targeted international support to revitalize global trade and export earnings.
The suggestions also include contributing to the reintegration plan of migrant workers highlighted as vulnerable group by the host countries, business leaders and investors in the region should; ensuring new international support measures for the graduating LDCs to prevent any possible sliding back due to the pandemic; and having an inclusive, sustainable and holistic recovery plan for shared prosperity.
Also read: Covid antibody higher among Dhaka slum dwellers: icddr,b
In order to ensure sustainable and equitable order after the pandemic, there is a need for a whole-of-the-world approach now.
Hasina said the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the world to multiple setbacks and fragilities as it has already claimed millions of lives and battered the economies.
"We need strong global cooperation to overcome this difficult time," she told the Forum themed ‘Reimagining the World’.
She said the Qatar Economic Forum has provided the platform to identify opportunities, and share ideas and solutions to achieve that goal, and prepare for countering the future crises efficiently.
Saying that the Covid-19 is a litmus test for global solidarity, Hasina said the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda can be the blueprint to overcome this crisis.
The Prime Minister said she firmly believed that the Covid-19 vaccines should be declared as global public goods. "And the developing countries and LDCs that have the capacity should be given the necessary support to produce the vaccines."
Also read: SDGs: PM says Bangladesh in top form for prudent planning
She also said over the past few years, the world has been observing the rise of populism, anti-globalization sentiments and economic protectionism around the world. "We’ve to stand together to strengthen multilateralism. As a precondition to expanding economic activities, we need to ensure peace and stability everywhere in the world."
Talking about her own country, she said Bangladesh has achieved sustained growth of more than 6 percent over the past decade.
The country received the final recommendation to graduate from the LDCs. While fighting the current pandemic, it has been trying to make a balance between lives and livelihoods, Hasina added.
"Our government has so far announced various stimulus packages amounting to 15.1 billion US dollars. Despite the pandemic, our GDP growth reached 6.1 percent in 2020-2021, one of the highest in the world," she said.
The Prime Minister said the Digital Bangladesh vision launched by the government 10 years back has helped the country adapt quickly with the new business and work environment triggered by Covid-19.
SDGs: PM says Bangladesh in top form for prudent planning
Bangladesh has been one of the top three performers on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Index due to the government’s prudent planning with specific directions, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday.
“We’ve taken proper planning with specific directions, and we’re moving ahead in a planned way for implementing the SDGs and included those in the [8th] Five Year Plan," Sheikh Hasina said.
She said this when Planning Minister MA Mannan, in the beginning of the weekly Ecnec meeting, informed the Prime Minister about Bangladesh's success in remaining there on top three positions in SDGs’ implementation.
Read: Live up to promises to ensure SDG benefits for marginalised: PM
Keeping the country’s development in mind, Hasina said, Awami League in its election manifesto stated various goal-oriented measures.
"We’ve been taking effective measures to implement those since assuming office and that’s why Bangladesh has been in the top three countries in implementing the SDGs,” she said.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh was in an advanced position in implementing the Million Development Goals (MDGs). “We’re approaching the SDGs the same way.”
Read: Report: Bangladesh among 3 top performers in sustainable development
Hasina gave all credits for the achievements to collective efforts of all that included the people of the country, party leaders and activists alongside civil and military officials and members of law enforcement agencies.
The Prime Minister thanked all concerned for accepting the decisions taken by her government and working sincerely for their execution.
On one side the government has to face the Coronavirus fallouts and keep the country’s economy moving on the other, she said, adding, “This has been possible due to the collective efforts of all."
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is also dealing with lots of problems, including the manmade ones, as it did in the past.
Pledging to take the country ahead facing all the odds and obstacles, she said, adding: “Bangladesh is marching ahead and will surely keep moving on.”
The Prime Minister also unveiled the cover of a memorial book titled “Durjog Jhuki Hrashe Bangabandhu” (Bangabandhu in Disaster Risk Reduction)” while joining virtually a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) from her official residence Ganobhaban while other concerned got connected with it from NEC conference room.
Unveiling the cover of the book, she said that measures taken by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in reducing the risks of disasters is exemplary for not only Bangladesh, but for any disaster-prone area in the world.
She said the people of Bangladesh could face any sort of storm, tidal surge, cyclone and natural disaster as Bangabandhu taught Bangladeshis in this regard.
Describing the measures taken by Bangabandhu in facing any disaster as a milestone for Bangladesh, Hasina said her government is taking every measure to face disasters following the footsteps of Bangabandhu.
“We have been able to protect the lives of the people (from natural disasters) and got confidence to face any natural calamity from the measures and plans taken by the Father of the Nation,” she added.
Attempt on Sheikh Hasina: Bail of 7 convicts to remain stayed
The full bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain has upheld the stay order on bail to seven convicts in a case filed over the attack on motorcade of the then opposition leader and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Satkhira in 2002.
The Bench passed the order on Monday after hearing the state's leave to appeal against the High Court's bail order.
Attorney General M Amin Uddin was in favour of the state while Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon was on the side of the accused.
The convicts are lawyers Abdus Sattar and Abdus Samad, Golan Rasul, Rakib, Zahirul, Shahabuddin and Monirul Islam.
READ: Humanity will overcome pandemic soon: Modi writes to Hasina
The High Court granted bail to the seven accused on May 25.
Following the hearing of the state's appeal against it, Chamber judge of the Appellate Division of the SC Justice Hasan Foez Siddique stayed the High Court order.
Besides, he sent the state's petition to its full bench.
On August 30, 2002, Sheikh Hasina's convoy was attacked on the Jessore-Satkhira road in front of the Kalaroa Upazila BNP office in Satkhira. After investigating the case, the police filed a chargesheet against 50 people, including former MP Habibul Islam, in 2015. According to the charges against the accused, the attack was carried out with the intention of killing Sheikh Hasina. Following the trial in this case, the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court of Satkhira sentenced all the accused (50 people) on February 4.
READ: Govt’s focus is both on life and livelihood: Hasina
The verdict sentenced Habibul Islam and three others to 10 years imprisonment in several sections. The remaining 48 were given different terms (less than 5 years). Habib and other accused appealed to the Satkhira District Sessions Judge's Court against the sentence. They failed to get bail there and sought bail in the High Court.
PM asks army personnel to stay ever prepared to safeguard national sovereignty
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked members of Bangladesh Army to stay ever-prepared to face any disaster alongside safeguarding country’s sovereignty like they did in the past.
She also directed them to attain professional excellence and discipline keeping pace with the changed world order.
The Prime Minister was addressing a function on inclusion of “Tiger Multiple Launch Rocket/Missile System (MLRS)” in Bangladesh Army at Savar Cantonment. She spoke from her official residence Ganobhaban through video conference.
Sheikh Hasina said the modern MLRS system can very quickly and effectively launch simultaneous attacks on multiple targets and it will add a new dimension in increasing the Army’s operational capability.
The MLRS system is included in the Army on the occasion of the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the Country’s independence.
The Prime Minister termed the day as memorable for the step taken in modernizing the country’s Armed Forces.
Also read: Hasina to Army: Help people improve their lifestyle
This new system will also increase mental strength and self confidence of the members of the Army alongside strengthening their institutional capability, she said.
Terming Bangladesh Army as pride of the nation, Sheikh Hasina said, members of the force are making highest sacrifices during any crisis moment as well as protecting independence and sovereignty of the country.
Humanity will overcome pandemic soon: Modi writes to Hasina
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina expressing his optimism that humanity will overcome the pandemic very soon.
"I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon," Modi said in his letter marking the International Day of Yoga that falls on June 21.
The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Wellness", which is particularly relevant in the current context.
Modi extended his deepest gratitude for the cooperation and efforts extended by one and all in making the International Day of Yoga celebrations a resounding success every year in Bangladesh.
"It was heartening to see our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh turning out in massive numbers in the last few years to perform Yoga at the Bangabandhu National Stadium," he said.
Also read: India will always stand by Bangladesh: Modi
The Indian Prime Minister said International Day of Yoga celebrations will continue to enjoy Sheikh Hasina government's support in the years ahead.
In 2014, the overwhelming response of the United Nations General Assembly to recognize June 21 as International Day of Yoga underlined the universal appeal of Yoga that transcends all barriers.
Since then, the International Day of Yoga has been marked globally with great fervour.
The world will mark the seventh International Day of Yoga.
"Like the year gone by, this year's International Day of Yoga will also be marked under the shadow of the Covid-19 global pandemic," Modi said.
In the midst of this monumental challenge, the Indian Prime Minister said the Covid-19 warriors have waged a remarkable fight against the pandemic. "While the threat of the pandemic remains, there have been positive developments since the last International Day of Yoga," he said.
In addition to various treatment protocols, scientific understanding about the virus, Modi said, they now also have several vaccines to protect people from the pandemic. "Vaccination drives are underway in several nations, including India. I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon," Modi said.
Also read: Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
Yoga has many benefits for the body as well as the mind. Despite all the efforts and precautions, Covid-19 may infect any person.
However, the Indian Prime Minister said, a strong immune system can aid in the fight against it.
"Yoga can help build that immunity, for instance, through breathing exercises that strengthen the lungs. At the same time, across the world, millions of people have been forced to stay indoors for months. This has taken a toll on their mental health as well. Regular practice of Yoga can also help them recover," he said.
The Indian Prime Minister said Yoga has an inherent power to connect. Yoga is good for community, immunity, and unity.
The theme of International Day of Yoga celebrations this year reflects the concern for the good health and wellbeing of people across the globe.
"It’s an endeavour to ensure that we focus on fitness as well as wellness," Modi said.