Sheikh Hasina
PM Hasina inaugurates 50 more model mosques
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday inaugurated 50 model mosques along with Islamic cultural centres in the third phase in parts of the country.She joined the inauguration event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
These model mosques include separate places for aju (ablution) and namaj along with air-conditioned system.
Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, rituals before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.
Earlier, on June 10, 2021 and January 16, 2023, the prime minister inaugurated 100 model mosques in the first and second phases simultaneously across the country, aimed at spreading the true messages of Islam for removing misconceptions about religion.
Also read: PM inaugurates 50 more model mosques to disseminate the essence of Islam
A total of 564 such mosques are being built in the country under the project.The purpose of the project is promotion of Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminating the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those.
Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques having the elevator facility and a floor space of 2,360.09 square metres each are being constructed in 64 districts and city corporation areas.
Under category B, 475 mosques are being built with a floor space of 1680.14 square metres each, while 16 mosques under C category in coastal areas will have a floor space of 2,052.12 square metres each.
Find ways to bring commodity prices to a normal level: PM tells business leaders
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (March 11, 2023) asked the business community leaders to find ways to bring commodity prices to a normal level.
“Considering public suffering, the business community leaders will have to find ways to bring prices of essentials to a normal level. Otherwise, you will lose your markets,” she said.
The premier said this while inaugurating Bangladesh Business Summit-2023 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), in partnership with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce Ministry and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), is arranging the three-day summit.
Read More: If people don’t buy in excess, there will be no price hike of essentials ahead of Ramadan: Tipu Munshi
Sheikh Hasina said people are going through a very difficult time due to high prices of essentials and inflationary pressure.
She said developing countries like Bangladesh as well as developed countries are facing severe problems due to price hike of essentials and high inflation caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ministers from seven countries including the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, China, Bhutan and the United Arab Emirates, CEOs of 12 multinational companies, and more than 200 foreign investors and business leaders from 17 countries are participating in the business summit.
Read more: 'Business Summit to help brand Bangladesh's identity, manufacturing prowess to foreign investors'
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, PM's Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-kassabi, Bhutanese Minister of Commerce and Employment Karma Dorjia and Deputy Director General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Xiangchen Zhang spoke at the opening function, while FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin delivered the welcome speech.
The Business Summit is being organized as a part of the FBCCI's 50th founding anniversary celebrations with the aim of creating new opportunities for trade and investment by showcasing the country's economic potential before a global audience.
The Business Summit will showcase dynamic investment opportunities and improvements to the local business climate while also giving insights into investment priorities of global investors to improve policymaking.
Read more: PM to inaugurate Bangladesh Business Summit on Saturday
Uphold country's image abroad, respect hosts' laws: PM Hasina tells expats
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked the Bangladeshi expatriates to strictly abide by the laws of the host countries and send remittances through legal channels.
“It won’t be tolerated anymore if any person commits offenses (in host country) and thus tarnishes the country's image,” she said while addressing a civic reception accorded to her at Bangladesh MHM School here in Doha.
The premier said her government has taken Bangladesh to a dignified position through round-the-clock hard work over the years and the image is being damaged due to criminal activities by a few people in foreign lands, which hampers the scope for sending more Bangladeshis abroad for overseas job.
Also Read: Set up special desks at airports to receive dead bodies of Bangladeshi expatriate workers: NHRC Chairman
“Bangladeshi expatriates must follow the existing laws and rules of the countries where they are staying…. I have made it clear that we will not try to save those who will be engaged in criminal activities,” she said.
PM Hasina also asked the overseas job seekers to use the legal channels. “We have lost the scope of sending more people abroad,” she added.
She said if any Bangladeshi expatriate commits crime abroad the government will not shoulder its responsibility.
About remittance, the PM said, “Send remittances through the legal channels. We are providing 2.5 percent incentive (for sending remittance through banking channels).”
Holy Shab-e-Barat to be observed tonight
The holy Shab-e-Barat -- the night of blessings and forgiveness -- will be observed in Bangladesh tonight with befitting religious fervour.
Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. Shab-e-Barat is regarded as a significant occasion during which Muslims pray to Allah and beg for forgiveness for their transgressions. It is thought to absolve them of their sins and bestow upon them good fortune for the entire year.
Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.
Read more: No fireworks during Shab-e-Barat: DMP
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on using firecrackers in areas under its jurisdiction in the capital ahead of the holy Shab-e-Barat.
The 12-hour restriction will come into effect from 6pm this evening and remain in force till 6am the next day, DMP Commissioner Khandker Gulam Faruk said.
The ban was imposed to maintain the law and order in the capital and ensure the sanctity of Shab-e-Barat, he added.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion on Monday. They greeted all Muslims in the country and elsewhere across the world on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat.
President Abdul Hamid in his message said the holy Shab-e-Barat comes to mark the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and good fortune.
“On this holy night of Shab-e-Barat, we pray for the continued progress, welfare, and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah, along with seeking eternal mercy and blessings from the Almighty Allah. May the full virtues of the holy Shab-e-Barat be upon us.”
Read more: 7 Exclusive Halwa Ideas, Recipes for holy Shab-e-Barat
He urged the affluent to come forward and help the distressed and the poor on this occasion, as the world is gripped by a multitude of crises due to the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the war in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “Inspired by the greatness of the holy Shab-e-Barat, I am calling upon all to devote themselves to the cause of human welfare and nation building.”
She also asked all to establish the spirit of Islam at personal, social, and national levels, putting off all kinds of injustice, violence, and superstition.
PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in Qatar to join UN conference on LDCs
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Doha, Qatar on Saturday to participate in the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) slated for March 5-9.
A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the prime minister and her entourage, which departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:15am (Dhaka time) landed at Hamad International Airport, Doha at 1:30pm local time (Doha time).
She is visiting Qatar at the invitation of the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Hasina will have separate meetings with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, UNGA President Csaba Korosi and UNDP administrator Achim Steiner at Qatar National Convention Centre (QCC) on Saturday.
ALso Read: PM Hasina holds meeting with former British PM Sir Tony Blair
During her stay in Qatar till March 08, the PM will lead a high-level delegation and will hold bilateral meeting with her Qatari counterpart apart from her participation at the LDC5 conference.
She will also have a meeting with the Emir of Qatar. Bilateral issues including cooperation in the areas of energy sector will come up for discussion.
On March 5, the PM will deliver a speech at the opening plenary meeting of the LDC5 Conference as a special guest at the QCC.
Then she will have separate meetings with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Secretary General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan and Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Doreen Bogdan-Martin there.
Besides, the Prime Minister will also deliver a speech at a side event titled “Sustainable and Smooth Transition for the Graduating Cohort of 2021,” which will be arranged jointly by Bangladesh, Laos and Nepal.
On March 6, Hasina will speak as the chief guest at a business summit, titled “The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Potential of Trade and Investment in Bangladesh” in the St. Regis Doha.
She will also have meeting with Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and participate in a side event tiled “Investment in Research and Development in LDCs for Smart and Innovative Societies” in the QCC, and join the Regional Envoy Conference at the place of residence.
On March 7, the Prime Minister will attend a high-level dialogue on “Enhancing the participation of LDCs in International Trade and Regional Integration.”
She will hold meeting with Denmark Minister for Development Cooperation Dan Jorgensen, attend event titled “Global Partnership for Smooth and Sustainable Graduation: Marching towards Smart Bangladesh” as the special guest in the QCC as well as join a civic reception to be hosted by Bangladeshi community living in Qatar.
Hasina is scheduled to leave Doha for Dhaka on March 8.
In the LDC5 Conference in Doha, world leaders will gather with the leaders from private sector and civil society, parliamentarians, and young people to advance new ideas, raise new pledges of support, and spur delivery on agreed commitments, through the Doha Programme of Action.
Go to people, Sheikh Hasina asks party leaders
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday directed the leaders and workers of local Awami League to further strengthen the party ahead of the next general election.
She gave the direction while exchanging views with the leaders of Kotalipara Upazila Awami League at Kotalipara.
Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon said that Sheikh Hasina also asked the party leaders and workers to remain united and highlight success stories of the Awami League-led government achieved over last 14 years.
Also Read: Step up vigilance against militancy, drugs and terrorism: PM Hasina
"Leaders and workers will have to go to the doors of the people and project before them the development taken place across the country since 2009," she said.
Step up vigilance against militancy, drugs and terrorism: PM Hasina
Asserting that her government will continue its drive against militancy, terrorism, drugs and corruption Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the people to remain vigilant against the evils.
“Our drive against militancy, terrorism, drugs and corruption will be continued. All of you must remain cautious regarding this matter,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a huge public rally at TT High School ground at Bhangar Haat in Kotalipara upazila here.
She also asked all guardians to remain alert so that their children don't get involved with drugs and militancy.
With Kotalipara upazila unit AL president Bhabendra Nath Biswas in the chair the rally was addressed among others by AL presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim And AL general secretary Obaidul Quader.
Kotalipara upazila unit AL Aynal Hossain conducted the rally.
Earlier, the PM inaugurated 43 development projects and laid foundation stones of another five in Kotalipara.
She came down heavily on a section of people who often compare Awami League and BNP on the same scale.
“Some people compare Awami League with BNP, some say two parties,” she said.
She mentioned that in 2008 election, BNP and its 20-party alliance got only 30 seats out of 300 while AL-led grand alliance won the rest.
“Then how can these two parties be same?” She questioned.
She said that during the BNP regime there were militancy, terrorism, grenade attacks, bomb blasts in 500 places, while it became champions in corruption for five times.
“They did not give anything to people, they just looted people’s ’ money," she asserted.
She said that BNP does not comply with their own party constitution.
Also Read: Boost research on agriculture to increase production: PM Hasina tells scientists
In this connection, she mentioned that as per the constitution of BNP the convicted criminals can not lead the party.
“Why does BNP fails to get some one who is not convicted to be their leader?,” she wondered.
She said that BNP is being led by Khaleda Zia and her son who both are convicted criminals.
“They do not obey their own party constitution, country’s law, and how that party can be compared with Awami League,” she said.
She said that those who often mention ‘two big parties’ are making mistakes.
She said that AL is the organisation of the people of Bangladesh.
“This party has been formed in the struggle to realise the rights of the people of this country, and that's why when AL comes to power the country sees development, “ she said.
On the other hand, she said, parties like BNP, Jatiya Party and Jamaat lack that credentials.
“Zia grabbed the power illegally through violating the constitution, there is a verdict of the higher court,” she said.
She recalled that BNP is the party that was formed by Gen Ziaur Rahman while staying in power by grabbing it illegally and bribing some people.
“They never wanted the good and welfare of the people,” she said.
In this regard, she mentioned that BNP set people on fire, play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people.
“So, there is no way to compare Awami League with them (BNP),” she said.
She said that Awami League is the organisation of this country’s land and people. It works for the welfare of the people.
“We (Awami League) have attained the independence under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The results of the independence is reaching every door and it will continue this way,” she said.
Hasina thanked the people of her constituency (Tungiara-Kotaliara) for always standing beside her though she can’t go to them regularly like other lawmakers as she has to oversee 300 parliamentary seats and their overall socioeconomic developments.
“I express my gratitude to you (Tungipara-Kotalipara people) as you always feel for me from your hearts. I get the love and affection of my father, mother and brothers from you people after losing them,” she said.
Briefly describing her government's measures for the development of Gopalganj, she said it used to take 24 hours to reach Kotalipara through waterways from Dhaka, but it now takes a few hours to reach here.
The premier said her government has built the Padma Bridge with its own funds after overcoming many challenges that include corruption allegations. She reiterated that they have come to power to improve the fate of the people instead of making their own fortunes through corruption.
Hasina said she is out to give the people a beautiful and improved life by transforming the country into a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh, free from hunger and poverty as envisioned by Bangabandhu.
Spelling out various measures taken by her government for ensuring overall development of the country, she said they have increased the education rate by establishing schools and colleges in every upazila alongside computer and digital labs, reached healthcare services to people's doorsteps by setting up community clinics, giving various allowances to the people under the social safety net programmes and giving houses to every landless and homeless people.
The prime minister said that the government is determined to maintain law and order to ensure safety and security of the citizens alongside carrying out the country’s socio-economic advancement.
She once again asked the people to bring every inch of fallow land under cultivation to grow their food as the ongoing global economic recession and food crisis can hit Bangladesh too.
PM Hasina satisfied with airport underpass project: Spokesperson
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the planned construction of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Pedestrian Underpass is going to be a landmark achievement of the country.
“This is reduce traffic jam and accident,” she said while witnessing the presentation on the project at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher Briefed the reporters.
The 1070-metre pedestrian underpass will connect the first, second and third terminals of the airport, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and metro rail station and Ashkona Haji Camp.
Hasina expressed her satisfaction with the design and overall aspects of the project.
Also Read: 60% work of Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal completed: State Minister
After seeing the presentation of the project, the prime minister said that it is very beautiful and everything she wanted is there.
She said that people will be able to get off the train and get on the plane, the environment will also be better.
She also said that this project should be unique, beautiful and sustainable keeping in mind that people can get services easily.
Army Headquarters 24 Engineer Construction Brigade will implement this project.
The cost of this underpass will be Tk 1183.87 crore.
The underpass will have escalators, elevators as well as airport-like buggies.
The underpass will have AC as well as natural light and ventilation. Ventilation will be provided for natural oxygen flow in case of power failure.
There will be eight exit and entry points. At the same time there will be fire fighting system. About 1.5 lakh liters of water will be kept in reserve.
The language movement, the great liberation war, the life and work of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the culture of Bangladesh will be highlighted in the underpass tunnel.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Md Mokammel Hossain and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, among others, were present.
Take service to people’s doorsteps, earn their confidence: PM to police
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked members of Bangladesh Police to take services to people’s doorsteps.
“The police services will have to reach the doorsteps of the masses, prioritizing the concept of ‘citizen services’ for modern times, so that police can earn public confidence,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing the parade of the 38th BCS Police Batch at Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi’s Sardah.
She said that police need to win public trust as cooperation from the people is essential when law enforcers go to tackle any disaster, or contain terrorism and for other work.
Sheikh Hasina asked the police to ensure that the people feel safe when seeking help during any danger. “Keeping that in mind, police should gain the confidence of the people with professionalism and sympathy,” she added.
Also read: PM to unveil 25 dev projects in Rajshahi on Sunday
The prime minister said that Bangladesh has graduated into a developing country and they would further turn it into a developed and prosperous country.
“We will develop this country further, upholding the spirit of the Liberation War, taking the benefits of independence to the doorsteps of people,” she said.
“You should perform your responsibilities accordingly. None would be able to drag Bangladesh back,” the PM added.
Noting that Bangladesh police have shown competency in containing drugs trade, corruption, cybercrimes and other organised crimes, the PM asked the young officers to work accordingly in order to take Bangladesh forward.
She extended her sincere thanks to the police for risking their lives to protect people and property from such violence and criminal activities.
“Bangladesh police have been playing a very commendable role in containing such bomb attacks, terrorism, militancy, and drugs trade with professionalism and competence,” she said.
The PM handed over awards to five assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) for their outstanding performance – achieving excellence in different fields in the one-year ASP Probationer training course.
Shakibul Alam Bhuiyan received the award of ‘Best Probationer’ while Jahangir Kabir got the award of ‘Best Academic Performer’. Russel Rana obtained the award of ‘Best shooter," Sajjadur Rahman won the award of the ‘Best Horsemanship’ and Shuvra Deb received the award of ‘Best In-Field Performer’ from the prime minister.
Earlier, Sheikh Hasina reviewed the parade, and received salute of the march-past of a smartly turned out contingents of the police from the saluting dais.
On her arrival at the police academy, the PM was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of Public Security Division Aminul Islam Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and Principal (Additional IG) of Bangladesh Police Academy Abu Hasan Muhammad Tarique.
Digital connectivity key to build Smart Bangladesh: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said digital connectivity would be the key to transform Bangladesh into a smart nation in every way.
“Digital connectivity will be the key tool to build Smart Bangladesh. Smart citizens, smart economy, smart government and smart society will be developed on the basis of digital connectivity,’’ she said in a video message aired at the inaugural ceremony of the Digital Bangladesh Fair-2023.
Posts and Telecommunications Ministry arranged the three-day Digital Bangladesh Fair at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) for showcasing the IT and ITES products and services in the country.
She also hoped that the digital goods would play a significant role in investments and exports.
Hasina said that Digital Bangladesh is now a reality and the next target is to build Smart Bangladesh and Smart Nation.
Also read: PM directs DCs to increase food production, exercise austerity
“There is no substitute for using ultra modern technology to achieve the target of building Smart Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister said her government wants Bangladesh to become prosperous economically, ensuring maximum use of the digital technology that includes artificial intelligence, internet, virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics and big-data.
In this connection, she said that 5G services will be ensured at the industrial regions.
She mentioned that a revolution has taken place in Bangladesh in terms of digitisation.
Also read: Next stop, Smart Bangladesh: PM lays out renewed vision at BASA meet
“Young generation is now seeing the dream of building Smart Bangladesh.”
The Prime Minister said that her government had launched Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in the orbit in 2018 which has brought a revolutionary change in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors.
She said that Bangladesh is earning a huge amount of foreign currency by using unused frequencies from satellites.
PM Hasina said that steps have been taken to install Bangabandhu Satellite-2 with multifaceted working capacity aiming to materialise the target of establishing Smart Bangladesh.
She said her government is going to set up a third submarine cable by 2024 as they have already installed the first and second submarine cables, adding that Bangladesh has so far achieved a bandwidth capacity of 3400 GBPS.
“The bandwidth capacity will be increased to 7200 GBPS in the middle of this year, while it will be 13200 GBPS after installation of the third submarine cable.”
She mentioned that Bangladesh is earning US$4.81 million every year through giving bandwidth leases to Saudi Arabia, France, Malaysia and India.
The PM said Bangladesh doesn’t need to depend on foreign satellites any more.
She noted that nearly 956298 kilometers optical fibre cables have been set up at union levels across the country while 10 Gigabyte capacity has been ensured in every union which help give high speed internet to the people and the government offices.
She said that a total of 8600 post offices across the country have been turned into digital ones using the infrastructure, she said, adding that nowadays 18 crore mobile SIMs are being used while the number of people using the internet is 12 crore.“The digital inequality and prices of broadband internet between the rural and urban areas has been erased due to it,” she added.
At the function, the newly introduced Posts and Telecommunication Award was distributed among 22 organisations and individuals in 14 categories in recognition of their praiseworthy works in the telecom sector to build Digital Bangladesh.
Education Minister Dipu Moni, Posts and Telecommunications Division Minister Mustafa Jabbar, Posts Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry's Parliamentary Standing Committee President AKM Rahmatullah, and Secretary of Posts and Telecommunications Division Abu Hena Morshed Zaman spoke at the function.