Sheikh Hasina
Historic Mujibnagar Day to be observed Saturday
The historic Mujibnagar Day will be observed on Saturday, marking the oath-taking ceremony of the country’s first government on April 17, 1971, which led the Bangladesh War of Liberation.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, the President said the first government of the independent and sovereign Bangladesh formally took oath at a mango orchard in the erstwhile Baidyanathtala under Meherpur district on April 17, 1971.
With the formation of the Mujibnagar government, a constitutional government started its journey under the leadership of public representatives elected in the 1970 election to conduct the Liberation War, he said.
“On the Mujibnagar Day, I call upon the people of the country to perform their respective duties properly in building the country, being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War,” said President Hamid.
The President hoped that the present generation would be able to know the real history of the Liberation War and contribute towards building ‘Sonar Bangla’ dreamt by Bangabandhu.
Also read: Mujibnagar govt played historic role in freedom struggle of Bangladesh: Envoy
In a separate message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the April 17 is the historic Mujibnagar Day, which is a memorable day in the life of Bengali nation as the first provisional government of independent Bangladesh took oath at a mango orchard in Baidyanathtala under erstwhile Meherpur Mahakuma on the same day in 1971.
On the occasion of the 50 years of the Mujibnagar Day, the PM urged all to uphold the country’s independence that was earned in exchange for the supreme sacrifices of 30 lakh martyrs and the dignity of two lakh women.
Bangladesh committed to media freedoms 'in Commonwealth and beyond': Muna Tasneem
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, who also represents the country on the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth, has reaffirmed her government's commitment to upholding media freedoms within the Commonwealth and beyond. “The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will continue to work closely with the UK, Namibia and our Commonwealth fraternity to continually uphold and improve media freedom nationally, globally and within the Commonwealth," she said.
The High Commissioner made the remarks at a virtual event organised by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and High Commission of Namibia, on ‘Media Freedom in the Commonwealth’ on Wednesday in London.
The event was co-hosted by the UK and Namibia at the advent of the World Press Freedom Day Conference 2021 scheduled to be hosted in Windhoek, Namibia on April 29 to May 3 in collaboration with the UNESCO.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Information as a Public Good”, the High Commissioner paid her tributes to journalists all around the world including those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
She called upon the Commonwealth to support sustainability and economic viability of news and media houses across the Commonwealth especially in developing countries during the Covid crisis, enhanced transparency of internet companies, and greater media and information literacy among young people to ensure information is indeed delivered as ‘public good’.
High Commissioner Tasneem also briefed the Commonwealth meeting on wide-ranging initiatives and reforms undertaken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government towards rapid liberalization, privatization and expansion of Bangladesh’s print, electronic and digital media industry over the past decade.
The High Commissioner said apart from promoting an exponential growth in private electronic and digital media in Bangladesh, specially the internet-based news portals and TV channels leveraging media freedom and freedom of expression, the present government also created the country’s first journalists’ welfare trust to support special needs of journalists and their family members, and commissioned two wage boards to enhance their pay and salary packages by more than sixty percent since 2013.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland QC and High Commissioners of a number of Commonwealth countries, spoke on the occasion.
The meeting was co-chaired by Head of Media Freedom at the UK FCDO Mr Kanbar Hussein and High Commissioner of Namibia to the UK Linda Scott.
UK lauds Hasina's leadership on climate front
The United Kingdom has commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) during the lead up to the UNFCCC COP26 scheduled for November 2021 in Glasgow.
British State Minister for Foreign Affairs for South Asia, the Commonwealth and the UN Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon recalled the leadership of Hasina during a recent virtual meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.
Lord Ahmad took interest in hearing about Bangladesh’s priorities for COP26, including in its capacity as the representative for the climate vulnerable countries.
Also read: Bangladesh, US to work together to address challenges of climate change
He underscored the importance of protecting the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, from the adverse impacts of climate change.
State Minister Alam briefed his UK counterpart about the recent visit to Bangladesh by the US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate John Kerry.
He invited Lord Ahmad to visit Bangladesh during the Mujib Year, also in connection with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the UK.
Also read: Hasina's leadership to ‘amplify calls for decisive action’ on climate front
The two State Ministers discussed the latest international travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the renewed spike in corona virus infections, especially from the South African variant.
State Minister Alam urged the UK to take Bangladesh off the red list at the earliest based on factual evidence.
The two State Ministers exchanged views on the situation of the Rohingya in Bangladesh. They discussed the current impasse over their voluntary repatriation to Myanmar and their partial relocation to Bhashan Char.
Also read: Make no mistake; take action: Kerry on dealing with climate crisis together
Lord Ahmad assured his Bangladesh counterpart of the UK’s continued support on the question of the Rohingya’s safe and dignified return to Myanmar.
The two Ministers also discussed preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) expected to be held physically in June 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda.
At the outset, State Minister Alam expressed deep condolences at the demise of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and consort of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
People’s lives come first: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged everyone to follow health guidelines and celebrate Pahela Boishakh at home when the nation enters a strict weeklong lockdown to contain the upsurge of coronavirus transmission.
"We have to remember that the lives of the people come first. If (we) survive, we’ll be able to rearrange everything," she said while addressing the nation on the eve of Bengali New Year, Pahela Boishakh.
State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) simultaneously broadcasted her address. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the Prime Minister’s speech.
She also urged the countrymen not to be panicked at the second wave of covid-19 and assured that her government is always with them. She asked authorities concerned to take measures to provide necessary assistance to the poor and low-income people.
In her roughly 13-minute speech, the Prime Minister said that the government has imposed some restrictions on the movement of people due to the second wave of coronavirus last week.
She said the rise in cases compelled the government to take some tough measures following the advice of public health experts.
The prime minister acknowledged that the strict measures could cause some issues for the livelihoods of many people. She reminded everyone that protecting the people's lives was the top priority.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: 69 more die, 6,028 infected
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that last year everyone had to face various types of adverse situations after coronavirus hit. "As quarantine is one of the ways to resist this pandemic, for that we’ve to take some steps that had an impact on people's lives and livelihoods," she said.
The four principles
She said that last year the government imposed 62 days of general holiday. It is yet to open educational institutions. The Prime Minister said the situation was not unique to Bangladesh. “Such steps are being taken wherever the impact of this deadly virus is intensifying," she said.
Along with saving people's lives, the Prime Minister said the government is keeping watch so that country's economy, lives and livelihoods of the people do not fall apart.
“With cooperation from all we have taken some steps, as a result, last year we were able to face the coronavirus pandemic successfully,” she said.
She said the government fixed four key activities last year to face the possible adverse impact of coronavirus. They were—increasing public expenditure prioritising employment generation; formulating stimulus package for reviving economic activities, keeping labours and workers in their jobs and keeping the competitiveness of the entrepreneurs.
The other two are— expanding social safety net programmes for fulfilling the basic needs of people living under the poverty line, non-institutionally engaged and day labourers, and increasing money supply to overcome the adverse impact on the economy in a way there will be no inflation.
“Our activities are continuing based on these four principles. We’ve already announced 23 stimulus packages of Tk 1,24,053 crore,” she said.
Also read: Covid-19: Hasina for balancing livelihoods and public health
‘Don’t worry’
She also said that some 2.5 crore people have been brought under various government assistance programme apart from taking steps for uninterrupted production in mills and factories and increasing agricultural production.
“There’s no need to be worried, the government is always beside you. I’ve taken steps for the poor and lower-income group after the second wave hit,” she said.
In this regard, she said that the government allocated Tk 807.65 crore for employment generation in the rural areas and more than Tk 672 crore for Holy Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. This will benefit 1,24,42,000 lower income group families.
5.6mln people received first dose
Talking about the vaccine of coronavirus, Sheikh Hasina said that scientists have already invented some vaccines, Oxford-AstraZeneca is one of them.
She also said that it was a matter of good luck that Bangladesh has been able to bring a sizeable number of doses at the beginning of the vaccine production.
“In the meantime, more than 56 lakh people have been taken the first dose of the vaccine. Those who’ve taken the first dose are now taking the second dose. Gradually, we’ll bring everyone under the vaccine programme and we’ve the preparations,” she said.
But she mentioned that the health experts said that there is no assurance that one will be fully protected from the virus after receiving the vaccine. “So, after taking the vaccine, we’ll have to maintain health guidelines too,” she said.
Also read: Bangladesh begins second phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive
Covid treatment facilities being increased
The Prime Minister said that the area of coronavirus patient treatment has been further expanded in all districts including Dhaka. In the meantime, steps have been taken for uninterrupted oxygen supply in public specialised hospitals. Existing ICU facilities are being increased.
She urged everyone to be careful and ensure protection for themselves, family members and neighbours. “So, gatherings have to be avoided and everyone should wear a mask when going outside. After returning home, one should get cleaned and take hot water vapour,” she said.
“If everyone follows health guidelines, it’ll be possible to keep the pandemic under control, Inshallah,” she said.
‘Celebrate Pahela Boishakh digitally’
She also mentioned that era after era pandemic, storms, cyclones and calamities come, mankind has to survive facing all these.
“The path of life is not smooth. The path may be tough enough [but] we’ve to make our advancement conquering that,” she said.
Quoting some lines of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Prime Minister said that Bangalis are the victorious nation and they are surviving facing various adversities.
Also read: Bangladesh’s complete lockdown set to begin on Apr 14; notification issued
“Inshallah, we’ll face this coronavirus pandemic. In the new year our prayer to the Almighty is to save the world from this pandemic,” she said.
The Prime Minister greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Bengali New Year and Holy Ramadan that fell on the same day this year.
She also asked all to stay home. “Like the previous year, Bangalis will have to celebrate Pahela Boishakh festival through digital medium remaining at home,” she said.
PM to address nation this evening
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday will address the nation on Tuesday evening ahead of Pahela Boishakh 1428.
“The Prime Minister will address the nation at 7:15pm on the occasion of the Pahela Boishakh (Bangla New Year),” said PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) will simultaneously broadcast the Prime Minister’s address.
Also read: PM to address nation this evening
Private television channels and radio stations will also air the Prime Minister’s speech.
Also read: Coronavirus: PM to address nation March 25
Global peace turned more challenging amid pandemic: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said ensuring global peace has become far more challenging than in the past due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other threats.
“With the advent of invisible enemies like the coronavirus, the rapid spread of technology, and the advancement of time, new elements of threats have emerged,” she said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of ‘Exercise Front Runner of Peace-2021’ from her official residence Ganobhaban.
On the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Independence, a multinational exercise, organised by Bangladesh Army, was held at Bangabandhu Cantonment, Ghatail, Tangail from April 4-12.
Also read:Maintain Covid precautions: PM Hasina
Military members from India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka along with their Bangladesh counterpart participated in the exercise.
Currently, Sheikh Hasina said, peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions have to deal with multidimensional and complex situations. “So, the number of peacekeepers’ deaths has is rising at an alarming rate.”
So far, she mentioned, 158 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and 237 injured. “Time has come to equip peacekeepers with appropriate training and equipment to deal with the upcoming crises in UN peacekeeping operations.”
Hasina said the recent incidents that happened in UN peacekeeping missions were presented in ‘Exercise Front Runner of Peace’ so that the future peacekeepers may be trained well in making appropriate decisions to deal with such situations.
Also read:Curb food adulteration with an iron hand: PM Hasina
The Prime Minister said properly trained armed forces are essential to safeguard the national integrity and sovereignty of any country. “Similarly, there’s no alternative to regular exercise in proving the capabilities of the military members.”
Returning to power in 2009, she said, the Awami League government has formulated a long-term plan titled 'Forces Goal-2030', and it is being implemented with the aim of building a highly professional and trained military.
In 2016, she said, the government has established ‘Bangladesh Peacebuilding Centre (BPC)’. In the last 12 years, it has made significant progress in modernising the three forces.
“We’ve added sophisticated weapons and technology to our military. We’ve adopted a 'zero-tolerance policy' to eradicate terrorism and militancy,” she said.
So far, over 175,000 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 1,800 women ones, have participated in 54 missions in 40 countries of five continents while more than 7,000 Bangladeshi army and police personnel are currently deployed in 10 peacekeeping missions, the PM said.
“In every mission that our peacekeepers destined they have raised the flag of the United Nations high as well as brightened Bangladesh’s image. That’s why Bangladesh has become one of the highest peacekeeper-providing countries in the world today,” she said.
Talking about the socioeconomic development, the Prime Minister said even during the pandemic when the world economy got stalled, the government has tried to keep Bangladesh economy moving, enabling the country to achieve 5.4 percent GDP growth. “By the time we’ve been elevated to the developing nation status."
Visiting Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane also spoke at the programme while Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed delivered the welcome and thanksgiving speeches.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Army chief distributed certificates among the participants of the exercise.
Country needs more energy for development: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said the government wants to develop the country and for that reason it needs more energy.
“We want the development of our country. That’s why we need energy,” she said while visiting Special US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry called on her at her official residence.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim later briefed reporters.
He said the Prime Minister mentioned that as the source of clean energy, Bangladesh put emphasis on producing more energy from hydroelectric power plants.
“We’ve only one hydroelectric power generation plant. Now we’re in discussion with Nepal, Bhutan and India to set up hydroelectric plants through bilateral or trilateral initiatives on regional basis,” she said.
She also said that there are around 5.8 million solar connectivity in the country.
Also read: Make no mistake; take action: Kerry on dealing with climate crisis together
“Agriculture sector also needs solar energy for irrigation,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina deeply appreciated the decision of the US to return to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“This’ll create new momentum in climate change diplomacy,” she said.
US focuses on Myanmar issues; lauds Bangladesh's extraordinary generosity
John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, on Friday said the US remains very focused on helping all concerned in finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis and restoring democracy in Myanmar.
He appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership in demonstrating an "extraordinary active generosity" which, he thinks, is obviously “very expensive” for Bangladesh.
Kerry made the remarks while responding to a question at a joint briefing at State guesthouse Padma after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin, Saber Hossain Chowdhy, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Special Envoy for the Vulnerable Forum Presidency Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller were present.
Kerry said what is happening to the people of Myanmar now is one of the greatest challenges of the planet, and the Biden Administration is very grateful for the incredible spirit and helping hand that Bangladesh has given to the Rohingyas.
He said the global community needs to help and step up efforts as this is not a responsibility for Bangladesh alone.
Kerry said this is really one of those things under the UN but noted that individual countries are stepping up which is helpful.
Also read: Climate Change: Biden's administration urged to take genuine leadership role
“I know that we fought very hard and tried to see Myanmar moving in a different direction. We had high expectations. I personally visited Naypyidaw and met with the generals,” he said, recalling that they had tried very hard to ensure accountability but have not honored that.
DSA: Madrasa principal held for sharing 'distorted' photo of PMs
Police have arrested a madrasa teacher under the Digital Security Act (DSA) in Lalmonirhat for sharing a "distorted" photo of the prime ministers of Bangladesh and India on Facebook.
The 33-year-old, Zahidul Islam, was arrested from his house at Bhelabari union of Aditmari upazila of the district. He is the principal of Bhelabari Nurani Madrasa.
Also read: Ctg youth sued under DSA for uploading ‘distorted images’ of PM, Modi, Quader
Aditmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said, "Zahidul was arrested on Wednesday night from the madrasa as he shared a distorted photo of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his Facebook account."
Also read: Madrasa teacher held for posting PM’s ‘distorted’ photo on Facebook
"A case has been filed against him under the DSA in this connection," he added.
Intra-D-8 trade: Transport connectivity gets focus in Summit
The D-8 countries on Thursday agreed to explore the possibilities of developing and enhancing transport connectivity among D-8 Member States to facilitate trade and investment, including the intra-D-8 trade.
“There’s a lot of opportunities and possibilities. We’ll take initiatives to boost trade and investment and create jobs,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a virtual press conference after the 10th Summit.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present.
Dr Momen said they believe that trade and investment among the D-8 countries will be increased through cooperation.
The Summit adopted two documents – “Dhaka Declaration 2021”, and “D-8 Decennial Roadmap for 2020-2030.”
Dr Momen said the D-8 leaders commended and supported the idea of the government of Bangladesh to engage the youth and ensure their participation in the new reality of 4IR through hosting the first-ever D-8 Youth Summit.
Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together
If nurtured properly, the demographic asset of more than 50 percent of the D-8 populace under 24 years of age could become the fulcrum that boosts up economic growth of the Member States, according to Dhaka Declaration 2021.