Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader reelected AL President, Gen Secretary
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader have been elected president and general secretary of Bangladesh Awami League once again.
The election commission of the party announced their names in the second session of the 22nd National Council at Engineers Institution in the capital today (December 24).
With this, Sheikh Hasina has been elected in the post for the 10th time and Obaidul Quader for the third consecutive term.
Read: AL’s struggles will end when it can ensure smiles on the faces of people: PM Hasina
Around 7000 councillors and delegates of the party reelected the president and general secretary of the party. The two leaders will form a full central committee.
The first session kicked off in Suhrawardy Udyan in the morning. In the second session, the names of the president and general secretary were proposed through the election commission formed to conduct the council.
AL advisory committee’s member Yousuf Hossain Humayun is leading a three-member election commission formed to oversee this year’s council election. Other members of the EC are prime minister’s adviser Moshiur Rahman and advisory committee member Sahabuddin Chuppu.
Awami League Advisory Council Member Amir Hossain Amu proposed Sheikh Hasina's name as the president in the council session. Dinajpur District Awami League President Mostafizur Rahman supported the proposal and it was accepted by the council.
Later, Obaidul Quader's name was proposed as the general secretary by the Naogaon district Awami League general secretary and it was also accepted by the council.
Read: AL will always stand by the nation no matter what: Quader
Earlier in the day, Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the council by hoisting the national flag at 10.30am at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader MP placed the report of the general secretary while Awami League Presidium Member and reception committee convener Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim MP delivered the address of welcome.
AL will always stand by the nation no matter what: Quader
General Secretary of Awami League and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that the party will always stand by the people of Bangladesh no matter what.
He was speaking at his party’s 22nd National Council at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday.
“Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders know that they won’t be able to unseat Sheikh Hasina’s government if they participate in the elections. That’s why they tried to kill Sheikh Hasina 20 times. BNP leaders think that the only way to hold onto power forever is by removing Awami League from there, which is impossible. BNP couldn’t do it on December 10, they won’t be able to do it ever,” Quader said.
Read: AL leaders, activists must remain united to resist conspiracies: PM at party’s nat’l council
Quader added that his party will face BNP’s “terrorism, vote rigging, corruption and plundering” with an iron hand through election and movement.
“For the last 47 years, Sheikh Hasina has been the most popular leader of the country. She has to remain in power if development and achievements have to continue,” Quader added.
Sheikh Hasina inaugurates 22nd National Council of Awami League
The 22nd National Council of Bangladesh's oldest political party Awami League kicked off this morning -- aiming to elect new leadership.
The theme of this year's council is “Development journey under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina with the determination to build a developed, prosperous, and smart Bangladesh of Bangabandhu’s dream”.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the council by hoisting the national flag and releasing pigeon, baloons at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader accompanied her at the time.
After hoisting the national and party flags, a cultural event was held.
Also read: 22nd Nat’l Council: Awami League councilors start thronging Suhrawardy Udyan
Obaidul Quader presented the report of general secretary while AL Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua presented the death references, which was followed by one-minute silence. AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr. Abdus Sobhan Golap conducted the programme.
AL presidium member and reception committee convener Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim delivered the welcome address.
As part of maintaining austerity due to the global economic crisis, the council was arranged in a simple manner. Previous councils were held over two days, but this time, the council go on for one day to minimise costs.
The 21st council of the party was held on December 20-21, 2019.
PM castigates section of intellectuals
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has come down heavily on a section of the country’s intellectuals, saying elections bring out their conspiratorial side.
"Whenever election comes, their conspiracies increase," the PM said.
The premier said this while giving her introductory speech at Thursday’s Awami League Central Working Committee meeting, held at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She said that the country’s development under her government will be seen by visionaries, while those who are blind will not see anything.
"We have some intellectuals who are intellectually handicapped - I am saying that the intellectuals are disabled because they don't see any development and always think about how to remove Awami League from power," she said.
She questioned why the intellectuals are busy with plotting against AL, before answering herself:
"The only reason is that when there is an unusual situation or martial law, these people get some attention," she said, before branding them ‘worthless’ when democratic government prevails.
That, she said, is why the said individuals feel ‘very disappointed’ when the country is governed democratically.
She advised such intellectuals to open their eyes and suggest ways to do better work to the government, and expend their knowledge and learning for the welfare of the country as a whole.
The prime minister struck a confident note, saying Awami League will retain power at the next general election with the trust and confidence of the people.
She mentioned that Awami League always does politics for the welfare of the people, and gains power by winning their hearts.
Bangabandhu’s daughter said her party never wants any undemocratic force to come to power in the country and hinder its democracy.
She questioned how BNP that got only 30 seats in the 2008 general elections, dreams of gaining power again with the people's vote.
"BNP is not doing anything better for the country through which it can return to power again," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said since its inception, the BNP had played ducks and drakes with the people's voting rights.
In this regard, she held up the party’s founder Ziaur Rahman's ‘farcical’ yes/no vote (referendum) and parliamentary election to cling to power, which she said he grabbed ‘illegally after violating the country's constitution’.
Referring to the 15 February 1996 election, the PM said Khaleda Zia also held a farcical election in which no political parties took part.
She mentioned that the people did not accept Khaleda Zia for rigging elections, and they compelled her to step down in just six weeks.
Pointing out killing, disappearance and arson terrorism, Sheikh Hasina said Zia had ‘introduced’ killings and disappearances in the country, while Khaleda Zia is the ‘pioneer of arson terrorism’.
Recalling the sufferers of such acts, Hasina questioned how any humane person in good conscience could support the perpetrators.
The PM in her speech also elaborated on success stories and achievements of her government, and said the country witnesses the desired level of development under AL only.
Read more: Bangladesh must not return to lawlessness again: PM Hasina
Thwart conspiracies to sustain national dev: PM asks the nation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the nation to tear the web of local and international conspiracies to continue the progress of Bangladesh further.
“On this Victory Day, being energized by the spirit of the Liberation War, let’s take a vow collectively that we will take the development journey of Bangladesh forward by breaking the web of all conspiracies,” she said.
The premier made the call in an address to the nation through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 7:30 pm on the eve of the Victory Day.
The V-Day, marking the victory in Bangladesh's nine-month War of Liberation against Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, will be celebrated on Friday.
She also called on the nation to fulfill the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by establishing a happy, prosperous non-communal Bangladesh.
Hasina said when the country is moving forward overcoming various adversities, a quarter that is against independence and development is trying to create anarchy. “See their past history. A part of them not only opposed the independence of Bangladesh, they killed people, being collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces. After independence, Bangabandhu banned their politics and brought war criminals to justice,” she said.
Read more: We uphold human rights in Bangladesh: PM Hasina
But BNP founder Ziaur Rahman rehabilitated them (anti-liberation elements) in politics after seizing the power illegally following the assassination of the Father of the Nation with his family on 15th August 1975. “Being rehabilitated, they again started the politics of killing and terrorism,” she added.
Pointing at BNP, the PM said another group born and bred from the cantonment in the pocket of a general and there are only blood stains on the hands of this party. Its founder Ziaur Rahman was directly involved in the assassination plot of the Father of the Nation.
Hasina warned that the descendants of the vultures of 1971 and the hyenas of 1975 are still active in this country.
“They hurt the country with teeth and claws whenever they get a chance,” she said, adding that they can’t accept that the common people remain in a good condition and the local and foreign conspirators become active.
“But, the people of Bangladesh have identified them. They (the people) can no longer be misled by conspiracies,” said the PM.
Had BNP-Jamaat been in power, such development won’t be possible:
Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League, said the anti-liberation forces were in power for 29 years after 1975 and they plundered the resources of the country.
She said the democratic trend has been continuing from 2009 to 2022 and the voting rights of people remain ensured. That is why today Bangladesh has got the status of a developing country.
“Had BNP-Jamaat alliance been in power (2009-2022), Bangladesh would never have made such progress. Could not be a developing country. Now, it is up to you, the people of the country, to choose what you want - a continuation of a dignified life or a life with the hardships to be inflicted by the mischief of BNP-Jamaat alliance?” she said.
The premier said the BNP top leader is convicted in orphanage money embezzlement case and another top leader is a fugitive and convicted in money laundering, 10-truck arms smuggling and the August 21 grenade attack cases. “Why would the general people go to vote for them?” she said.
“Losing faith in the people of the country, BNP-Jamaat has now hired some mercenaries to malign the country to foreigners. They are using smuggled money and defaming the country,” she said.
Focusing on the misrules of the BNP-Jamaat regime and the 2013-15 arson violence unleashed by them, Hasina said the people of Bangladesh rejected them in the 2008 election and the people did not vote for the BNP-Jamaat alliance in 2014 and 2018 elections as well. “Being rejected by the people, they are now engaged in conspiracies to come to power through an undemocratic way,” she said.
Read more: PM thanks JaPa for playing positive role in parliamentary democracy
Prices of daily essentials become normal:
Describing the government of Bangladesh Awami League as a people's government, Hasina said her government’s main aim is to work for the welfare of people and they never want people to suffer.
Due to economic reasons, the prices of daily necessities have increased. Now it largely started becoming normal. Inflation is also declining. “I want to assure you that we will adjust the price as soon as that of any commodity- including fuel-- drops in the world market,” she said.
She said the import-dependent countries fell in troubles with the rise of transport cost and the prices of commodities in the international markets, induced by the Ukraine-Russia war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions.
“Considering the interests of the common people, we are collecting and supplying the products we need – no matter wherever these are available in the world and whatever prices are,” she said.
The PM stressed the need for boosting agricultural production and renewed her call not to leave a single inch of arable land uncultivated in order to fight the ongoing crisis.
Citing that it is normal that a crisis may come, she said, “Do not be afraid of the crisis. With the help of people, we have successfully tackled the coronavirus pandemic. We will also deal with the current global recession, Inshallah. I want your cooperation for this.”
Reserve is sufficient for five-month import
Talking about the reserves of foreign currencies, the PM said now the country has a sufficient reserve of foreign currencies to meet the five-month import expenditures.
“Many people are making various fabricated comments about our foreign exchange reserves. It is enough if there is a reserve to cover only three-month import expenditure. But now we’ve a reserve that is sufficient to meet five-month import expenditure,” she said.
She also explained the reasons as to why the reserve has declined from US$ 48 billion after the Covid-19 period.
Don’t pay heed to rumours over bank money:
Sheikh Hasina said panic is being created by spreading rumours that there is no money in the banks.
“Don't pay heed to rumours unnecessarily. There is no shortage of money in banks. Don't invite your own danger by keeping your hard earned money at home. Everything of us --investment, remittance inflow and import-export situation-- remains normal,” she said.
Highlighting her government’s successes, Hasina said, “The country has reached a new height of socio-economic development in our last 14 years. Bangladesh has now graduated to the list of developing countries. The country now is self-sufficient in production of food grains.”
She said the poverty rate declined from 40 percent to 20 percent, and the per capita income increased from US$ 543 to US$ 2,824 and the literacy rate from 45 percent to 75 percent.
She said the government has recruited some 22,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses and other health workers since 2009.
The PM also focused on the development of other sectors including energy and connectivity, infrastructure, social safety net particularly food programmes for poor people, and agriculture.
On the occasion of Great Victory Day 2022, the prime minister extended her sincere greetings to all the citizens of Bangladesh living at home and abroad.
Bangladesh role model for development under PM Hasina's leadership: China
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said Bangladesh has become a role model for development studies across the globe under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an "extraordinary" female figure.
"As a gesture of cordial friendship, several megastructures built by China are named after Bangabandhu and Bangamata. Wherever I go, local people give me a thumbs-up for the Chinese contribution to Bangladesh's modernisation," he said.
Ambassador Jiming, who left Dhaka on Monday, in a farewell message said, "More than three years on, now I am filled with satisfaction by what my embassy and I have achieved with the assistance and support of all colleagues and friends."
He said their joint fight against the pandemic leaves the deepest impression as it touches the softest part of his heart.
Ambassador Jiming said both China and Bangladesh are fervent believers in development. "So, economic cooperation has become a major propeller of bilateral relations."
As of now, the stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to Bangladesh amounts to $2.93 billion, which has grown by nearly 40 percent over the past three years, he said.
Read more: Kishore Mahbubani in Dhaka: Geopolitical terrain gets trickier amid US-China contest
The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram is being built with sound progress, he added.
The envoy said Bangladesh is also at a crucial point in realising its dream of "Sonar Bangla."
"Though not easy, Team Bangladesh is taking the lead in the match. I feel so lucky to have witnessed this whole process as a top fan seated in the front row," he added.
"The final whistle has not yet been blown. Let's keep playing, cheer for each other, and win the game together."
Read more: China to work with IORA for global development: Envoy
Don’t allow arsonists, anti-liberation forces to assume power: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the people not to allow the arson terrorists and anti-liberation forces to return to power.
"The arson terrorists should not be allowed to come in power in the country anymore. The anti-liberation elements should not be allowed to come to office," she said.
The PM was addressing a joint meeting of Awami League and its associate bodies at the AL central office in the city's Bangabandhu Avenue through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Read more: 50 sued over torching, vandalizing vehicles in Ctg
Hasina, also the AL president, asked her party leaders to remain alert in every area so that they (BNP-Jamaat) cannot torture anyone.
Bitterly criticising BNP, she said that it does not suit BNP to talk about democracy as Ziaur Rahman had given curfew-democracy while Khaleda Zia gave a system of corruption in the country.
"We should not forget that Khaleda Zia has two virtues (skills) -- corruption and killing people," said Hasina.
Read more: Police kept the bombs in BNP office: Fakhrul
She said her government has transformed the country into a digital Bangladesh, but they (BNP-Jamaat) are carrying out propaganda against the government using the digital platforms.
Hasina said they would execute the sentences of convicted Tarique Rahman, bringing him back from the United Kingdom.
The PM asked her party men to remain alert so that the BNp and Jamaat cannot harm even a single person. The hand with which they come to set vehicles on fire will have to be burnt with the same fire, she said, adding that it is not the time to get tortured anymore.
Noting that AL men were tortured for 21 years from 1975 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2008,
She said that the hand with which they come to hit will have to be broken.
“The hand with which they come to set people on fire will have to be brunt with the same fire. It will have to make them feel about the pain of burn injuries,” she said.
She directed the AL men to depict the pictures of how the BNP-Jamaat had tortured the people.
We are promoting grassroots arts and culture: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the government is taking measures to develop and promote the grassroots arts and culture.
"We're taking steps to flourish and present the art thoughts, knowledge and capacity of the grassroots cultural-minded community before the people of the country by setting up Shilpakala academy throughout the country," she said.
The premier said this while opening the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the city.
She launched the month-long art extravaganza through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban.
The exhibition which is one of the grandest art extravaganzas in the world and the longest-running international art biennale event in Asia, would welcome its visitors till January 7, every day from 11 am to 8 pm.
Also read: Prosperous economy possible only when safe environment at sea can be ensured: PM
Hasina said her government has been promoting the country's languages, culture, artworks, drama, film and creativity.
Since the formation of the Bangladesh Awami League government in 1996, her government has prepared a master plan for the development of Shilpakala Academy, she said.
She said National Theatre, Experimental Theatre, Studio Theatre, Music and Dance Auditorium, Fine Arts Auditorium and Open Stage were built there. Construction of three more auditoriums is also underway.
The PM said the government has constructed new buildings of Shilpakala Academy in 64 districts. Shilpakala Academy has been set up in 493 upazilas, which means the government wants to take the services for raising cultural activities to the people at the grassroots level.
"We've been working for the socioeconomic development on the one hand and taking steps to develop their artistic minds," she said.
Also read: PM opens 19th Asian Art Biennale in Dhaka
PM Hasina said arrangements are being made to preserve and display local and foreign artworks in these places. Arts, music, dance, drama film, traditional folk music or folk culture festivals are also being organised.
"Because we've making endeavours to develop our own culture" she said.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the 19th edition of Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 includes 649 pieces of art created by 493 artists from 114 nations, including 149 Bangladeshi artists.
This month-long art extravaganza showcases two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks such as paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, performance arts, installations and new media arts, crafted and presented by the participating native and foreign artists who channelled their contemporary thoughts through these artworks.
The edition features a two-day international seminar titled ‘Home and Displacement’ with the participation of local and foreign artists, art critics, jury and observers. The seminar will be held on Friday and Saturday at the National Art Gallery Auditorium and Seminar Rooms of the National Theatre Building of the BSA.
In addition to the main exhibition at BSA, the Bangladesh National Museum displays 42 artworks of Bangladeshi legendary master artists from its collection as a part of the art extravaganza.
This 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 is dedicated to the country's founding President and the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who envisioned and established Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy which has been organizing the Asian Art Biennale, the largest art exhibition in Asia, for the past 40 years.
Six artists were conferred with honorary award, while three others with the grand award.
President of the jury board of the event artist Rafiqun Nabi announced the names of the awardees.
On behalf of the PM, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid handed over the awards to the recipients.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur, jury board member and noted Polish art critic Jaroslaw Suchan, BSA Director General and chief coordinator of 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 Liaquat Ali Lucky, among others, spoke at the inaugural session.
Earlier, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postage stamp, a first-day cover and a data card on the occasion of the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh.
PM greets Tigers for ODI series win against India
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday congratulated the Bangladesh cricket team for their ODI series win against India.
In a congratulatory message, the prime minister greeted the players, coaches and officials of the national cricket team.
Read more: Mehidy Miraz achieves 2 milestones with blazing century against India
Bangladesh pulled off thrilling five-run win over India to seal the three-match ODI series, with a match to spare, riding on the heroics of Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
PM Sheikh Hasina declared as ‘Global Ambassador for Diabetes’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named as the "Global Ambassador for Diabetes" by the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) at the opening ceremony of the World Diabetes Congress 2022 held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Portugal Tarik Ahsan on behalf of the Prime Minster, received the certificate of the honorary title for ‘Global Ambassador for Diabetes’ from IDF president-elect Prof. Akhtar Hussain at the opening function on December 05, said a press release of PM’s press wing on Tuesday.
The ceremony was attended by IDF outgoing President Prof Andrew Boulton, other office bearers of IDF and participant doctors, health professionals and medical personnel.
The honorary title of Global Ambassador for Diabetes was conferred as recognition of her contribution to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.
The Prime Minister will act as the Global Ambassador for Diabetes to represent the voice of people living with diabetes worldwide for two years.
In his speech on the occasion, Ambassador Tarik said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a champion of people-centric development. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has become a role model for developing countries by achieving impressive socio-economic development through human development of the population, particularly in the areas of health, education and women empowerment, he said.
As an important element of human development, the health sector always received special attention from Hasina, he said.
Read more: PM hands over 1st UNESCO-Bangabandhu prize to MoTIV of Uganda
Hasina had earlier received various international awards and recognitions, including MDG Award, South-South Award, Vaccine Hero Award for her prudent leadership and glorious contribution to reach healthcare services to people's doorsteps.
In a video message played at the event, the PM thanked the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for the honour and regretted not being able to be present at the event in person.
She said in Bangladesh, more than 8.5 million people, including children live with diabetes and related co-morbidities, while the number is around 422 million worldwide.
Emphasizing the importance of changing dietary habits and raising public awareness, she said Bangladesh is giving due importance to diabetes prevention and control through community awareness and implementation of the pro-people health policy. Bangladesh offers free treatment to diabetes patients in public sector hospitals and started offering insulin for free as well, she added.
Read more: Hasina receives SDGs Progress Award
“On behalf of all diabetes patients and caregivers, I call upon the world leaders to bring an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. We must stop the international arms race and use the much-needed resources for our peoples’ health and education,” the PM said advocating for world peace in her video message.