Sheikh Hasina
Hasina places 4 suggestions to deal with climate challenge
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday put forward four suggestions to global leaders to fight climate change challenges with a strong collective response.
The Prime Minister made the suggestions in her prerecorded video statement screened in the opening session of the two-day ‘Leaders’ Summit on Climate’ hosted by US President Joe Biden.
Joe Biden invited 40 world leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, to join the virtual Summit to galvanise efforts by major economies to tackle the climate crisis.
Sheikh Hasina’s suggestions include announcing an immediate and ambitious action plan by developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions to keep the global temperature at 1.5 degrees Celsius with focus on mitigation measures; and ensuring the annual target of 100 billion US dollars which should be balanced 50:50 between adaptation and mitigation with a special attention to the vulnerable countries while pursuing losses and damages.
The other two suggestions are: Major economies, international financial institutions and private sectors should come forward with plans for concessional climate financing as well as innovation; and focusing on green economy and carbon neutral technologies with a provision of technology transfer among nations.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us that any global crisis can only be addressed through a strong collective response,” she said.
Also read: FM: Bangladesh’s points to be on agenda of Biden's Climate Summit
Hasina thanked US President Biden for convening the Summit and inviting her to speak at this gathering saying that Bangladesh deeply appreciates the United States’ return to the Paris Climate Agreement and its keen to engage with the international community.
“Despite being a climate vulnerable country with resource constraints, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader on adaptation and mitigation,” she said.
PM to highlight challenges, efforts on climate front at Leaders' Summit on Climate
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will deliver her speech virtually at the "Leaders Summit on Climate" on Thursday highlighting the climate-related challenges Bangladesh faces and the efforts it is undertaking.
Prime Minister Hasina, also President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), will address the inaugural session of the Summit titled "Raising Our Climate Ambition" with other global leaders, an official told UNB.
US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will open the inaugural session of the two-day Summit at 6pm (Bangladesh Time).
This session will underscore the urgent need for the world’s major economies to strengthen their climate ambition by the time of COP 26 to keep the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.
It will provide an opportunity for leaders to announce new steps to strengthen climate ambition.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will also join.
Also read: FM: Bangladesh’s points to be on agenda of Biden's Climate Summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Russian President Vladimir Puti, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among participants invited by the US President.
The second session will be on "Investing in Climate Solutions."
Over 1mn Covid-affected families to get PM’s Eid gift through bKash
bKash will distribute the cash aid of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10,50,000 low-income group families affected by COVID-19.
In a unique initiative of the Prime Minister to stand by families who have lost their livelihood, financial aid of Tk 2,500 will be provided to each of them before the Eid, bKash said in a media release on Wednesday.
The money is being disbursed digitally with transparency, swiftness and security to the real victims through verification of NID cards, it said.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: PM allocates Tk 10.50cr for affected poor
Through MFS, the cash aid of Tk 2,500 is going to be distributed to 3.4 million affected families.
The 10,50,000 low-income families will receive this cash aid through bKash.
During the month of Ramadan and the Eid festival, this money will bring relief to the families and help them greatly in case of emergency, bKash said.
Also read: bKash offers 1 pc cash bonus on receiving remittance
The beneficiary will not need to bear any Cash Out charge.
The government will pay Tk 15 from the total Cash Out charge, while the remaining Tk 31.25 will be borne by bKash.
bKash says it has taken all arrangements to enable the family members to Cash Out the money without any hassle.
Also read: Stipends from PM’s education fund disbursed through bKash
With the far-sighted decision of the government, bKash said, it is becoming possible to disburse financial aid conveniently among the affected families amid such a critical situation.
This is a significant step towards building Digital Bangladesh, it said.
Last year too, bKash successfully distributed the cash aid of the Prime Minister to nearly 1 million families.
Read Financial aid for all mosques, 7,000 more Qawmi Madrasas before Eid: PM
Covid vaccines should be declared as global public goods: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Bangladesh firmly believes that coronavirus vaccines should be declared as global public goods and called for a strong partnership to tackle COVID-19 challenges.
The pandemic, she noted, has brought mankind at a crossroad of human history confronting possibly the gravest global challenge of our times.
“The socio-economic impacts of the pandemic are massive and are still unfolding. It is, therefore, extremely important to strengthen the global and regional partnerships through coordinated efforts to address these challenges,” she said.
Prime Minister Hasina said this in her prerecorded video speech at the opening plenary of the four-day annual conference Boao Forum for Asia (BAF) titled “A world in change: Join hands to strengthen global governance and advance Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Cooperation”.
Partnership and Connectivity
Sheikh Hasina focused on three issues –
First, the need for strong partnership to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, and to make vaccines available to everyone by declaring it as global public goods;
Second, the need to work together for harnessing the power of technology as the future will be driven by the 4IR, which comes with opportunities and challenges, and
Govt’s focus on agriculture to tap its full potential: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the government gives immense importance to the development of agriculture as it can take Bangladesh forward.
"We’re giving a great importance to agriculture as our agro-based economy will take us forward,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this in a video message broadcast by state-run Bangladesh Television marking the founding anniversary of Bangladesh Krishak League.
She said the government is extending all-out cooperation to farmers through marketing their products and their export. “Bangladesh is an agricultural country, and agriculture is the driving force for our development.”
Sheikh Hasina also said the government has given a special attention to industrialisation alongside the development of agriculture.
She greeted the farmers on the occasion of the founding anniversary of Bangladesh Krishak League as they produce food grains working under the scorching sun, heavy rains, and after huge sweating. "We’re living on consuming the food they produce."
Hasina said the government always supported the farmers of the country. "We, especially Awami League, think it is our duty to do so," she said.
She mentioned that whenever Awami League comes to power farmers do not have to suffer.
Also read:Bangladesh's agro products: PM for further research to ...
"Because we take appropriate measurers for them."
The PM said the government has introduced a system through Krishi Bank so that the sharecroppers can avail of collateral-free loans.
She said the government has reduced the prices of fertilizer to Tk 12, which was Tk 90 during the BNP regime.
The Prime Minister said the government has given utmost importance to research to improve the crop production in Bangladesh.
1.25 crore families to receive food aid: Quader
Awami League general secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said 1.25 crore families will receive food aid.
He also said that 35 lakh will get Eid gift from the Prime Minister very soon.
Awami League General Secretary made the announcement while addressing a press briefing at his official residence.
Also read: Zero-tolerance against irregularities in relief activities: Obaidul Quader
Sheikh Hasina's government is sincerely trying to coordinate the lives and livelihoods of the people during this coronavirus pandemic. As part of it, food assistance will be provided to 1.25 crore families who were affected by the lockdown. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will operate the distribution campaign.
He also said the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will provide financial assistance to 35 lakh poor families as Eid gifts ahead of the Eid.
Also read: Prepare a list of instigators of terrorism: Quader
Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers were directed to make a list in this regard.
Meanwhile, he urged all private organisations and individuals alongside the government to help the affected people during the Coronavirus pandemic.
PM to provide cash support to families affected by Covid, natural disasters
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will provide financial assistance to some 36 lakh families who have been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and recent natural disasters.
The 36 families include 35 lakh low income ones engaged in different occupations but hit hard by the current coronavirus situation and the rest one lakh are farmers affected by recent natural disasters.
Tk 2,500 will be provided as cash support to 35 lakh families, while Tk 5,000 each will be given to one lakh farmer families, said PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
The government will spend total Tk 930 crore to disburse cash money among some 36 lakh families as the allocation for Covid-hit low-income families is Tk 880 crore and for disaster-affected farmers is Tk 50 crore.
Also read: COVID-19 Fallout: Govt’s response to ensure financial stability
Out of 30,94,249 hectares of crop land in 36 districts, 10,301 hectares of cropland was completely destroyed and 59,327 hectares of cropland was partially damaged due to strong winds, hailstorms and cyclones on April 4, 2021. Some 100,000 farmers were directly affected due to the recent disaster, according to the data of the Department of Agricultural Extension.
In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture has recommended to provide Tk 5,000 to each farmer as they are affected by double blows – natural calamity and Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry has already started enlisting the one lakh farmers incorporating their names, national identity card number and mobile number in the list. The actual allocation for the farmers can be more or less depending on the number of farmers in the final list.
In the 2019-20 fiscal year, the government disbursed Tk 2,500 as cash aid to each 35 lakh families scrutinizing a list of 50 lakh families hit hard by the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The allocation for providing cash support to the poor families was Tk 1257.50 crore.
Also read: PM provides financial support to families of N’ganj blast victims
The Prime Minister in May 2020 inaugurated the disbursement of cash support through G2P (Government-to-Person) through mobile financial services (MFSs).
In the wake of the 2nd wave of coronavirus, the government has been enforcing Covid-19 lockdown since April 14 last in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
In this context, the ministry concerned recommended providing Tk 2,500 as cash aid to each 35 lakh families this time.
Mujibnagar embodies pride of Bangalee nation in its struggle for freedom: Envoy
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has said Mujibnagar embodies the pride of the Bangalee nation in the struggle for freedom from the occupational forces.
He paid deep tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, three million martyrs and two lakh tortured mothers and sisters.
The Ambassador, while addressing a discussion meeting, said Bangladesh earned liberation not only by sacrifice but also by valor of the freedom fighters.
Also read: Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Seoul
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the historic Mujibnagar Day on Saturday with due solemnity and respect.
To mark the day, the Embassy organised the discussion meeting at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Chancery in the morning.
Messages issued by President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Mujibnagar Day were read out.
A documentary titled “Mujibnagar Sarker” was screened at the event.
Also read: Mujibnagar govt played historic role in freedom struggle of Bangladesh: Envoy
A special prayer was offered, seeking divine blessings and salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu, four national leaders, and all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war as well as for peace and progress of Bangladesh.
Later, Ambassador Shahidul Islam, along with the diplomats working in the Embassy, placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
PM urged to speak for “A Global Regime on Climate Displacement” at Leaders’ Summit on Climate
Climate change experts, policymakers and civil society members on Saturday urged the Prime Minister to speak for “A Global Regime on Climate Displacement” in the upcoming US president hosted Leaders’ Summit on Climate.
They also requested the PM to take a position on 1.5 degree Celsius increase as the target to limit global warming.
They made the plea while addressing a virtual seminar titled “Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change and Civil Society Expectations” jointly organized by COAST Foundation, CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), CLEAN-BD [Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network], BIPNet-CCBD [Bangladesh Indigenous People Network on Climate Change & Biodiversity] and CPRD [Centre for Participatory Research and Development].
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, the Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change took part as the Chief Guest in the virtual seminar cChaired by Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation). Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from COAST Foundation moderated the seminar.
Also read: UK lauds Hasina's leadership on climate front
Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, MP, of Gaibandha-1, Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director-BCAS, Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus BRAC University, Dr. Manjurul Hannan Khan former Additional Secretary, Ministry of EF & CC, Sharif Jamil, General Secretary- BAPA, Md Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive-CPRD, Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL, Mrinal Kanti Tripura, BIPNet-CCBD, Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN-BD and Kawser Rahman- BCJF have participated and spoke in the seminar.
In a keynote presentation, Syed Aminul Hoque of COAST, a national NGO, working in coastal belt, said that US indeed have to show the best example on climate action especially reducing GHG [Green House Gases] emission, financing to the MVCs [Most Vulnerable Countries] adaptation & mitigation effort to take global leadership.
He put some demands those are included that US [United State] will enhance their NDC up to 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching the “net zero” by 2050, declare own country share [03 billion] for US$ 100 billion in GCF and promise to facilitate the GCF 50% for adaptation and US self-declaration to relax and ensure IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] Flexibility for Technology transfer to MVCs adaptation & mitigation effort.
In his address, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said that as the CVF chair Bangladesh will address their climate vulnerabilities in upcoming Leaders’ Summit, apart we should claim finance & technologies for adaptation, removing GCF procrastination to channelize the fund for MVCs and oppose to include the L&D [Loss & Damage] issues in adaptation related negotiation process under Paris Agreement (PA).
Also read: Hasina's leadership to ‘amplify calls for decisive action’ on climate front
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, said the Biden-called summit is an acid test for USA to facilitate multilateralism in climate action. So that we should take position for 1.5 degree temperature cap for US and other big emitters and it should be under specific target of actions by 2030.
Saber Chowdhur also gives importance to set the peak year period to achieve the target.
Dr. Ainun Nishat opined that Bangladesh may not benefit from dealing with the market mechanism under PA. Rather give attention to finance and climate migration as the US has taken the migration issue seriously, he said.
Dr. Atiq Rahaman criticized US to forget their last four years role and carbon emission and now trying to make window dressing in the name of summit. Ziaul Hoque Mukta demand Separate Regime for Climate displacement. Shamsuddoha and Kawser Ahemed also urged PM role to make CVF as negotiation group in PA implementation process.
Also read: Bangladesh, US to work together to address challenges of climate change
Member of Parliament Barrister Shamim Patwary concerned for extinction due to climatic impact. These issues need to uphold in the Leaders’ Summit. Fund should be placed through multilateral negotiation to ensure our protection. Hasan Mehedi demand urgent action to stop US investors in carbon emitting project investment as they emitting GHG 117 fold higher globally comparing their domestic emission.
Manjurul Hannan opine the developed countries will implement their dirty projects by MVCs in the name emission trading that shouldn’t accepted. So that we should emphasis to enhance their NDCs.
Mujibnagar govt played historic role in freedom struggle of Bangladesh: Envoy
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran on Friday highlighted the significance of the historic Mujibnagar Day that falls on April 17 and said the Mujibnagar government played a historic role in the freedom struggle of Bangladesh.
"As an independent nation, we’re forever indebted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the greatest Bengali nation of all time," he said.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi observed the day in advance on Friday with due dignity.
To mark the Day, the High Commission organised a discussion meeting at Bangabandhu Hall of the Chancery in the afternoon with the High Commissioner in chair.
Also read: Historic Mujibnagar Day to be observed Saturday
High Commissioner Imran paid tributes to Bangabandhu, the greatest Bengali of all times, the four national leaders, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain Mansur Ali and AHM Kamruzzaman.