Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said there is no scope now for anyone to grab power illegally in Bangladesh and the violators have to face the music. “If anyone comes to power, creating trouble and violating the constitution, then s/he will face punishment. It should not be forgotten,” she said. The prime minister made the remarks while addressing a press conference at Bangladesh Permanent Mission in UN here. She is now in New York to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Will continue to promote democracy as per constitution: PM Hasina says in UNGA She said if anyone other than only elected representatives wants to come to power through an alternative way, they will have to face punishment. “It will have to be kept in mind. They will have to face the music,” she said. The PM said she has been in power facing many obstacles emerging from  inside of the country. If the people vote for Awami League, the party will come in power again. Don’t forget the Rohingyas: PM Hasina urges Int’l community Pointing to those who are saying that they would impose sanctions, if an attempt is made to thwart the election, she said, “I would like to say that this attempt to thwart the election should not be made from outside the country as well.” She said if it is spoiled (the election) from outside the country, the people of Bangladesh will also impose sanctions. “We would like to see that no attempt is made from outside the country as well,” she said. Noting that she introduced the slogan that ‘I cast my vote on my choice’ in the country, she said her party was able to establish it. The people are now conscious enough over their voting rights, she added. PM will address UNGA on Friday Focusing on the electoral reforms made by her government, the premier said now the ballot boxes are transparent and there is no scope for filling the boxes with fake votes. The electoral rolls are made including photographs. These (the electoral system) were reformed, she added. She said the law regarding constitution of the Election Commission was made by none other than Awami League. “We’ve made the electoral process transparent. We’ve given the Election Commission the absolute financial freedom,” she said. She said the EC was once under the control of the Prime Minister’s Office. “The Election Commission is now completely independent. It is the Awami League government that made it. It’ll have to be kept in mind,” she went on. Hasina said she would like to tell those who are becoming worried about the election of Bangladesh that the people are the source of power and the owners of the state as per the article-7 of its constitution. In reply to another question about the new visa policy announced by the USA in case of undermining the election in Bangladesh, the PM said the people voted spontaneously in many elections, by-elections and local body elections held during the regimes of Awami League. She said AL came in power, getting the mandate of the people in the election. “So, we also want the election to be free and transparent,” she added. Noting that opposition (parties) was also mentioned in today's announcement, she said it is good from one perspective that BNP can’t go for thwarting the election like they unleashed arson violence to obstruct the 2014 election and resorted to violence and attacked  police to spoil the 2018 election. The PM said they should impose sanctions, considering who starts undermining the election first. “If only the Awami League is targeted, I’ve nothing to say,” she said. Responding to a question if Saima Wazed would be picked for the next leadership position, Sheikh Hasina said, “The possibility is very slim. The people of Bangladesh and my party (Awami League) will decide who will come to the leadership or not in future.” In reply to a question over corruption, she said many people now try to tarnish the image of Bangladesh by publishing news exaggerating tiny things. This evil-attempt is very harmful for the image of the country, she added. She said her government doesn’t spare anyone in case of even any small corruption. She questioned how Bangladesh would have been able to witness such a huge development if such corruption had taken place. The PM asked the Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittance through legal channels and not pay heed to rumours.    

The Education Research and Development Forum of Bangladesh (ERDFB) has said that the open letter issued by more than 160 global leaders to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina calling for suspension of judicial trial against Prof Mohammad Yunus was an attempt to interfere with the judiciary of an independent country. Read : Open letter to PM over Yunus case is a threat to sovereignty of Bangladesh: say AUB, DUTA “The Education Research and Development Forum of Bangladesh (ERDFB) believes that the judiciary of Bangladesh is completely independent and everything is governed by the law. An independent judiciary makes decisions based on evidence and there is no scope for anyone to interfere,” the statement reads “According to Article 22 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the judiciary is completely separate and independent from the executive," it said. Read : Govt not harassing Prof Yunus; letter writers need to know facts: FM The ERDFB called the letter a “threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty.” “We firmly assert that the rule of law exists in the country and no one is above the law. Making statements or letters about pending cases without knowing the law and judiciary of Bangladesh, without proper review, is an unconstitutional interference in the independent judiciary and judiciary of independent Bangladesh,” it said. The organisation called on the signatories to withdraw the statement “out of respect for the independent judicial system of Bangladesh.” More than 160 global leaders, including over 100 Nobel laureates, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressing their deep concern about the safety and wellbeing of Prof Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s first and so far, the only Nobel laureate. Read : BNP starts ‘new game’ using Dr Yunus: Quader "We respectfully ask that you immediately suspend the current judicial proceedings against Prof Yunus, followed by a review of the charges by a panel of impartial judges drawn from within your nation, with some role for internationally recognised legal experts. We are confident that any thorough review of the anti-corruption and labour law cases against him will result in his acquittal,” the letter addressed to PM Hasina read

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday ( August 17, 2023) rolled out the much anticipated Universal Pension Scheme aiming to bring Bangladesh's all citizens aged above 18 under the pension coverage. She opened the pension scheme joining a virtual function from her official residence Ganabhaban. The participants and beneficiaries were connected from three districts –Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Rangpur-- and the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Four different packages– Pragati, Surokkha, Samata and Prabashi– out of a total of six planned ones were initially introduced under the universal pension scheme to ensure the lifetime pension facility for the participant citizens. Universal pension system to be rolled out from FY 2023-24 The Pragati package will cover private job holders, while the Surokkha is designed for self-employed persons, the Samata for the low-income people and the Prabashi package for the expatriate Bangladeshis. The two remaining packages will be launched later. Any citizen aged above 18 can participate in the universal pension scheme to get the pension facility during the retirement life, by paying installments till the person reaches the age of 60. An individual aged even above 50 can join the scheme but the person will need to pay installments for 10 consecutive years. Bill on the universal pension returns to the House after scrutiny Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, also spoke on the occasion. PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the function, while Senior Secretary of the Finance Division Fatima Yasmin delivered the welcome speech. In the event, a video documentary on the Universal Pension Scheme was screened. JS passes bill to introduce Universal Pension Scheme

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Eid-ul-Azha becomes meaningful through sacrificing pettiness, unkindness, pride, and self-centredness. “The meaning of qurbani is sacrifice. Eid-ul-Azha becomes meaningful through sacrificing pettiness, unkindness, pride, and self-centredness,” she said. National Eidgah ready to hold Eid Jammat even in case of heavy rain: Taposh Sheikh Hasina made the call through a video message on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha. She also urged all to be invigorated with the spirit of sacrifice, and be devoted to the welfare of mankind. Action to be taken if passengers are charged extra fare during Eid journey: DMP Commissioner “Let’s share the joy of Eid-ul-Azha, imbued with amicability and sense of brotherhood,” she said. Eid journey: Vehicles’ pressure increased on Gazipur highways

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday made it clear that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held under her Awami League government and it will be free and fair. “So under our government, definitely election will be free and fair,” she told a session titled "In conversation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina" of the Qatar Economic Forum at the Raffles Hotel here in Doha. Haslinda Amin, editor-at-large of Qatar Economic Forum anchored the session. The prime minister is now in Doha on a three-day official visit mainly to take part in the Qatar Economic Forum 2023.  Her assertion came as the opposition BNP and its allies have launched a renewed campaign of street protests asking her government to step down to pave the way for holding the next election under a neutral caretaker administration. Also Read: PM joins opening session of Qatar Economic Forum  Bangladesh is due to go to  polls by December this year or in the first week of next year.  Responding to a question, she said that after the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, military dictators jeopardised all election process.  “The election was just a game (then),” she said. She recalled that when the Awami League elected her as its president back in 1981 in her absence only then she could return to the country.  “Since then we started to struggle for restoring democracy and people’s right to vote. It was our struggle to ensure free and fair election. And we did it during our time in every election,” she said. Regarding the opposition BNP's demand, Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, said that in 2008 election nobody raised any question about it. “What was the result then? The party (BNP) which is raising the question now got only 29 out of 300 seats in the Parliament,” she said. Sounding firm the prime minister said that she is here to ensure people’s voting right, Because people should decide who will run the country.  “It is people’s power, I want to ensure people’s power. I am here not to grab power. Rather I want to empower our people that they should have their right to choose their government,” she said. Replying to a question, Hasina mentioned that now some parties said they will not participate. “How will they participate? Because during their time the country suffered a lot. Our people suffered. At their time terrorist activities increased. Everywhere there was corruption, nepotism and exploitation. They never bothered about the people. It was very difficult for our people to get one meal per day. That was the situation,” she said.   She said that after the Awami League came to power it has ensured everything for the people.   “It's the people’s right to vote in election. What we have done now the people understand that. If they vote for us I am here, if they don't, ok fine,” she said clearly. Also Read: PM reaches Doha for Qatar Economic Forum 2023 The PM said that during her tenure there had been many by-elections, local government elections, which were free and fair.  “You can see, who is creating problem. We are not. But in every election some incidents may take place,” she said. She also mentioned that the government has asked everybody to send election observers to Bangladesh for the next voting.  “So I can tell you I am here to ensure my people’s democratic right, voting right and it is our struggle," she stated. She said that she is here to serve the country and its people so they could live a better and prosperous life.  “Bangladesh should be a developed country, that is my aim. Why should I try to jeopardise people’s right that we have established. Definitely election will be free and fair.” She also termed BNP as a party of criminals and killers. “They (BNP) may not feel comfortable. But, there are other parties, those parties will participate in the election," she said.  Replying to a question IMF's recent loan to Bangladesh, PM Hasina said the IMF assists only the country that can repay the loan. In providing the loan, the IMF considered whether the country can pay it back or not, she said  "We'll definitely be able to pay it back," said the PM. The premier said Bangladesh has successfully  overcome the fallout of COVID-19 pandemic due to her government's pragmatic plans and steps.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka for Doha on Monday on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 to be held on May 23-25. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:00 pm. The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time). Also Read: PM Hasina to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25 The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment. The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. On May 23, Sheikh Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih. On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (at Amiri Diwan) and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school).   Sheikh Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25, leaving Doha the previous night.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to attend the Qatar Economic Forum, the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment, to be held in Doha on May 23-25. However, there is no official announcement yet regarding the visit.  Strategically located in Doha, the Forum draws on Qatar’s ability to link Asia with Africa and beyond, as well as its position as a key global diplomatic hub and a leader in LNG energy technologies. Also Read: Economic cooperation needed among countries in South and Southeast Asia: PM tells outgoing Korean envoy The forum features a curated group of global leaders and innovators exploring solutions for some of today’s more pertinent challenges as they draw up a blueprint for our shared future, said the organisers.  Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Akbar Al-Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, Also Read: PM Hasina: Election-time government can include opposition MPs in Parliament Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, State of Qatar, President & CEO of QatarEnergy are among the guests.  The organisers of the event put Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s name as one of the guests among Heads of State and Government. Qatar Economic Forum 2023 will focus on prominent global challenges that affect societies and economies around the world.  Also Read: PM Hasina: Climate-induced disasters may disrupt Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation The 2023 edition will revolve around global growth and establishing a new roadmap for global growth in this challenging economic environment.  Once finalised, the Prime Minister will be heading for Doha on May 22 and will return home on May 26, says a diplomatic source.   

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed VVIP terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. She opened the VVIP terminal in the morning before she flew for Tokyo on the first leg of her two-week tri-nation official visit to Japan, the USA and the UK. Also Read: PM Hasina reaches Tokyo to begin four-day official visit to Japan Unveiling the screen of the terminal’s plaque, the premier joined a munajat. Cabinet members and high government officials were present. Sheikh Hasina is now visiting Japan from April 25 to 28 at the invitation of Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio. Also Read: PM Hasina off to Tokyo on first leg of a two-week official visit to Japan, USA and UK She is expected to return home on May 9 after visiting the USA and the UK.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday paid rich tributes to August 15 martyrs at the Banani graveyard. The Prime Minister along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana went to the Banani graveyard and paid homage by placing wreath on Sunday morning. After laying the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time. Also read: Mujibnagar Day: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu They also spread flower petals on the graves. Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana also offered Fateha and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15. At the Banani graveyard, their mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 were laid to eternal rest. Bangabandhu, his spouse Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, their three sons– Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, and Sheikh Russel – and most of the family members of Bangabandhu and his three close relatives were assassinated on the fateful night of 15 August, 1975 by a group of disgruntled army men. Two daughters of Bangabandhu -- incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Rehana -- could escape the carnage as they stayed abroad at that time. Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam was present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country in the fourth phase joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. With the new ones, she has so far inaugurated 200 mosques out of 564 being built at a cost of Taka 9,435 crore all over the country. The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024 Earlier, she opened 50 mosques each in the first phase on June 10, 2021, in the second phase on January 16 this year and the third phase on March 16.  The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaj along with air-condition system. Also Read: Mujibnagar Day: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system 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. Being imbued with the spirit of Islam and following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prime minister has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country. The purpose of the project is to publicise Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminate the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those. Also Read: Protect overseas job seekers from frauds, middlemen: PM Hasina It would also put concentration on creating awareness against terrorism and violence against women along with disseminating development activities of the government. 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. Tungipara Upazila in Gopalganj district and Bishwanath  Upazila of Sylhet district were also connected to the programme where the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties' leaders, government officers, alem-ulama and common people were present. Also Read: US Congress introduces resolution commending Bangladesh, its socioeconomic progress A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function. With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme.