Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that necessary initiatives have been taken regarding the signing of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Treaty/Agreement with 10 countries in order to receive necessary information, evidence and other necessary assistance in a bid to recover the money smuggled from Bangladesh. Govt measures to tame inflation soon: PM tells Parliament The prime minister said this in Parliament while replying to a tabled question of opposition Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu during the question-answer session. She also said that a strategic paper on the recovery of laundered money has been prepared, which after approval by the National Coordinating Committee formed to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorist activities has been sent to all relevant ministries, departments and agencies to implement the recommendations of the said strategy paper. Women now empowered in Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina said that money laundering through hundi or any other means is investigated by the CID of Bangladesh Police. “In this regard, the law enforcement authorities of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) are increasingly communicating with their foreign counterparts for the purpose of mutual cooperation in order to recover money in cases of money laundering detected abroad,” she added. Bangladesh and BIMSTEC to work together: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said inflation in Bangladesh will come under control soon due to government’s various initiatives and a better outlook in the developed economies. “Inflation is expected to come down significantly in 2024 in key economies including the US and the European Union,” she told the parliament in reply to a tabled question from opposition Jatiya Party lawmaker Mujibul Haque Chunnu. Women now empowered in Bangladesh: PM She hoped that inflation will go down because of reduction in the prices of fuel, food products and fertilizers in the global market, adjustment of fuel oil prices and government initiatives to normalize the food supply situation. The prime minister’s comments came during her question-answer session. She said Bangladesh is experiencing various economic crises due to the adverse impact on the global economy triggered by Russia-Ukraine conflict and war-related sanctions that started soon after Covid-19 pandemic. Bangladesh and BIMSTEC to work together: PM Hasina “This has had a significant impact on inflation, subsidy expenditure, balance of trade, foreign exchange reserves and exchange rates,” she said. In reply to another query from Independent MP (from Dhaka-19) Saiful Islam, the Leader of the House said that the country is feeling the pressure of imported inflation due to the increase in the prices of some products in the world market such as fuel oil, edible oil, wheat, fertilisers, various food products, consumer goods and industrial raw materials. Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC “The government is currently continuing all kinds of activities to keep the prices of consumer goods normal,” she told the lawmaker.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of noted actor Ahmed Reza Rubel. Actor Ahmed Rubel no more She prayed for the peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members, according to press wing of the PMO. Rubel felt sick after arriving at the Star Cineplex in Dhaka’s Bashundhara City shopping complex for the premiere of his latest movie, "Peyarar Subash" this evening. Taposh condoles death of ex-Chandpur lawmaker Shamsul Haque Bhuiyan Later, he was taken to the city's Square Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 6:00 pm. Veteran journalist Abdul Wahed Khan passes away

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that some 1,241 people were sentenced to different terms as trial of 1,967 cases were completed so far filed in connection with the BNP-Jamaat’s subversive activities in between 2012 to 2015. She said this in reply to a question of ruling Awami League MP elected from Madaripur-2 Shajahan Khan during the PM’s question-answer session. Khan wanted to know what measures have been taken against those involved in the subversive activities of the BNP-Jamaat in the name of the so-called democratic movement from 2012 to 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 this year. The Prime Minister in her reply said a total of 188 people died while 4,973 others were injured in the hands of the BNP-Jamaat’s terrorists during their so-called democratic movement between 2012 and 2015 and from October 28, 2023 to January 7 national election. Biden’s letter to PM Hasina: ‘What will BNP say now?’ asks Quader “A total of 8,105 cases were filed against those involved in these acts of sabotage. Of these, trial of 1,967 cases have been completed and 1,241 people have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.” The premier also said investigation  is going on regarding the cases filed between October 28, 2023 and January 7 this year. Sheikh Hasina, who is also the leader of the House, said the BNP and its allies have indulged in the evil game of arson-terrorism, killing innocent people and members of the law enforcement agencies through irrational movement in the name of resisting the elections. Terrorism, fraud, anti-national propaganda key elements of BNP's politics: FM In response to a query of AL MP Md Abdullah elected from Laxmipur-4, the Prime Minister said that in the recent times, the BNP-Jamaat and their allies have been trying to disrupt the 12th national elections by destabilising the country in the name of arson attack, hartals and blockades. “They caused huge damage to people's lives and property by setting fire to trains and killing innocent people, uprooting train lines and damaging track plates, vandalising various public and private buildings and vehicles including the Chief Justice's residence and Razarbagh Central Police Hospital.” She said that from October 28, 2023, more than 600 vehicles were vandalised across the country through violent activities. Besides, 328 vehicles including 184 passenger buses, 48 trucks, 28 covered vans, 3 CNGs, 4 private cars, 11 pickups, 5 trains, 15 motorcycles, 3 lagunas, 1 ward councilor office, 1 auto rickshaw, 1 high school, 12 primary schools, 4 homes, 1 Buddhist temple and 1 boat were set on fire. Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader Sheikh Hasina also said many people including drivers, helpers, police, BGB, workers, freedom fighters were killed, injured or crippled during their blockades and hartals. “13 people were killed in those incidents. Among them, nine people were killed in train sabotage.” Pointing that the country has efficient law enforcement agencies, judicial system and existing laws to identify and punish those involved in crimes like arson, vandalism, subversive activities, the Prime Minister said legal process is going on to take proper measures against those involved in subversive activities under the existing law.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday credited her government’s democratic spirit for making last month’s parliamentary election free, fair and participatory. In reply to a question from Awami League’s Bhola-2 MP Ali Azam, during question-and-answer session in parliament the PM also praised the Election Commission of Bangladesh for playing an effective role in conducting the polls. “The 12th Parliamentary elections were fair, free and participatory due to the government's actions, liberal and democratic spirit and respect for the rule of law,” she told the House. Melinda Gates congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, lauds Bangladesh’s dev The EC, she said, has become an effective institution like its counterparts in other democratic countries of the world. As of January 28, she said, 48 heads of state/government have sent congratulatory messages to the prime minister of Bangladesh, she said. She also mentioned that representatives of 25 international organisations, government and non-governmental organisations congratulated Bangladesh on conducting fair and participatory elections. Hasina reiterated that there were so many obstacles and conspiracies surrounding the January 7 polls. “I express my gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and the voters of this country who went to the polling stations ignoring all the conspiracies,” she said adding. “They exercised their right to vote. They have given us an opportunity to serve the country by winning in the election.” This time the goal is to bring poverty down to zero level: PM Hasina tells non-resident envoys The Prime Minister said this while responding to a question of Awami League MP from Sirajganj-6 Chayan Islam. She thanked the Election Commission, law and order agencies, armed forces and the public administration for conducting free, fair and impartial elections. Hasina, also the leader of the House, also expressed gratitude to the people of her constituency, Kotalipara-Tungipara of Gopalganj for electing her again. “I didn't have to worry much about the election. Awami League leaders, workers and local people have ensured my victory by voting for me in the election,” she said. In a written reply to Chayan Islam's question, the prime minister said that Bangladesh has achieved success in all areas in the last 15 years as a result of the government's development plan, far-reaching vision and constructive steps. “The current government is determined to continue this progress of development in the next 5 years,” she said. PM opens Ekushey book fair She said there is strong support and unwavering confidence of the people of the country in the continuation of her government. “No evil force can block the way of this democratic process of development of Bangladesh,” she said. The leader of the House said that the government has upheld the dignity of the country's constitution, democracy and democratic institutions taking people of the country with them. “It will be kept that way in the future too inshallah,” she said.

China has invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to pay an official visit to Beijing as the country is "ready" to work with the new government of Bangladesh to further deepen mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all fields. Dhaka, Kathmandu to work together to address post-LDC challenges "China has invited our Prime Minister to visit. Discussion is underway to arrange it at a mutually convenient time," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The two sides had in-depth discussion on bilateral relations and regional and international affairs. It’s people’s government: Hasan Mahmud China said it firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and stability, and in opposing external interference. PM Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to China from 1-6 July 2019. She also participated at the 13th Summer Davos Forum in Dalian. FM hopeful of Rohingya repatriation soon During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday sounded a strong warning against illegal hoarders and market manipulators saying that they would face the music. “If anyone hoards any goods out of ill-motive, we’ll have to take instant action against them through mobile courts and if needed send them to jail,” she said. Bangladesh Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina said this while chairing a meeting of AL Central Working Committee in her residence Ganabhaban. Czech PM greets Hasina on re-election as prime minister She said the sudden price-hike (of essentials) after the election is a very abnormal matter. “It is very essential to find out who are manipulators behind it. Not only find them, but also take instant actions against them. We’ll do it in future,” she added. The premier urged the people of the country to stay vigilant so that none could play games with the (prices of) food items by hoarding and black marketeering.  “There is no meaning to playing games with the food of people,” she said. Coming down heavily on those who question the recently held 12th parliamentary election, Sheikh Hasina said the people accepted this election. PM re-appoints Sajeeb Wazed as her honourary ICT adviser: PMO “Attempts are being made to create unnecessary confusion. Not only that, all of a sudden, the prices of rice and (some other) commodities went high after the election,” she added.The AL chief said the people spontaneously exercised their franchise in the January 7 general election despite campaigns carried out asking voters not to cast votes. Noting that there are attempts to wage movements in the RMG sector alongside price-hike of essentials, she said having failed to thwart the election, they (BNP) now want to start again in an alternative way. “We’ll not allow them to play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of Bangladesh,” she said. The PM said the people are pleased and happy that the election was held and Awami League formed the government. “Insh'Allah, any abnormal situation won’t take place anymore in Bangladesh,” she said, adding that they established democracy and it would continue.The socioeconomic development of the people of this country would be ensured through the continuation of democracy, she added. Look for new markets for Bangladesh's products: PM Hasina at DITF opening Noting that her government will make further development of the country, she said they would keep arrangements to give a befitted reply to those who come to obstruct the development journey of Bangladesh.In the meeting, the upcoming countrywide upazila election was discussed. AL presidium members Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Kazi Zafarullah, AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, and AL central working committee member Abul Hasnat Abdullah were on the dais.

Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her reelection of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Belarus and on my own behalf, I sincerely congratulate You a confident victory in the general parliamentary elections and re-election to the post of Prime Minister of Bangladesh," he said in a letter written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. US urges to lower threshold while forming trade union: Law Minister Golovchenko said "This undoubtedly confirms the high trust of the Bangladeshi people, Your authority and the correctness of the strategy for the socio-economic development of the country." He said it is pleasant to note that the dialogue between our friendly States is carried out on the basis of mutual respect, trust and the interest of the parties in further successful strengthening of cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian fields. China to speed up release of dev assistance to Bangladesh: Finance Minister The Belarus PM said he is convinced that the supply of Belarusian passenger and road construction machinery, electric vehicles and tractors, as well as continuation cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, education, science and technology will contribute for building fruitful bilateral ties to increase the well-being of citizens of both countries. "I take this opportunity to renew invitation to You to visit Belarus at a convenient time," he added. UN Secretary General lauds Sheikh Hasina's leadership "Please accept, Your Excellency, wishes for good health, happiness and success in your responsible position, as well as the assurance of my highest consideration," Golovchenko ended.

Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed has been re-appointed as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adviser (without salary) to the Prime Minister.“A gazette notification signed by Director General (Administration) of Prime Minister’s Office Mohd Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui was issued today (Sunday) in this regard,” PM’s Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas told UNB. Look for new markets for Bangladesh's products: PM Hasina at DITF openingSajeeb Ahmed Wazed, popularly known as Sajeeb Wazed Joy, was also the PM’s ICT adviser earlier and he resigned from the post on November 29, 2023 ahead of the national election.Besides, another gazette notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain was issued bestowing the responsibilities on six other PM’s advisers who were appointed on January 11, 2024, the day Sheikh Hasina formed a 37-member cabinet. PM inaugurates month-long Dhaka International Trade FairAs per the gazette notification, Dr Mashiur Rahman is the PM’s economic adviser, Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury is the PM’s power, energy and mineral resources adviser, Dr Gowher Rizvi is the PM’s international affairs adviser, Salman Fazlur Rahman is the PM’s private industry and investment adviser, Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury is the PM’s education and cultural affairs adviser and Maj. Gen. (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique is the PM’s Security Affairs Adviser. EIB, CICA greet PM Sheikh Hasina on re-electionExcept Kamal Abdul Naser, five others were also advisers to the prime minister during her previous term.

Bangladesh’s friends and partners from across the world keep congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory as she is set to form her new cabinet on Thursday with a likely mix of new and old faces. They vowed to work together with the government and people of Bangladesh to strengthen their ties with the country. Even though the United States concluded that Sunday’s election was not “free or fair” it voiced commitment to work with Bangladesh. "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," said US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller a day after the voting. The European Union (EU) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme. Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practice: Foreign Ministry tells diplomats "The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," said High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles in a statement on behalf of the EU. It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU. The United Kingdom encouraged all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. "We will continue to support this process.” The UK, however, said the January 7 election did not provide the “fullest options” to the Bangladeshis. The Australian government has urged the Bangladesh government to "prioritise" the strengthening of its democratic institutions, which "underpin" the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the promotion of development. "As a close partner, Australia remains committed to working with Bangladesh to achieve our shared vision for an open, stable, prosperous and inclusive region," said the Australian government in a statement on Bangladesh elections. Earlier, India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Muslim world and other South Asian countries congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda extended a cordial invitation to Hasina to pay a visit to Nepal at a convenient time. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC also congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory. "My congratulations to you- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on your electoral victory," she said. The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to partner with Bangladesh to achieve national priorities and looks forward to working with the PM for the people of Bangladesh and all members of the Commonwealth Family, she said. Canada, however, expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh. “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government in a statement on January 9. Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation     On the other hand, Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory. “We look forward to further deepening the ties between Canada and Bangladesh and will continue working with you and your government to that end,” a message to PM Hasina reads. Chair of Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Brad Redekopp, MP; Vice Chair Salma Ataullahjan; Kevin Waugh, MP; Larry Brock, MP; and Ken Hardie, MP jointly sent the congratulatory message. Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, said he is confident that under her leadership, Bangladesh will be able to fully realize its economic potential and become a developed country by 2041. “The bold reforms taken forward under your leadership have helped raise Bangladesh’s economic and social standing,” Schwab said in a message to PM Hasina. “The World Economic Forum looks forward to working closely with you and your government to support in achieving its full growth potential,” he said. Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Director General Binayak Sen has said the United States is undeniably a strong influencer of development dynamics but it needs to rethink its role. He said the US needs to fund for new economic projects, duty free access, new FDI opportunities, and stopping global conflicts. In a separate message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said almost everyone agrees that the parliament lacks strong opposition. “AL needs to find a way out.” Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo The country’s challenges are huge, which need to be settled through open and sharp debates, the economist said. “I propose that Article 70 of the constitution be abrogated to allow dissents and differences,” he mentioned. By now, the government has said, Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments is ensured without any undemocratic arrangement. "Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a briefing note shared with the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday. Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, MoFA conveyed to the diplomats. In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision ultra vires and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy as a fundamental principle of our State Policy. The 12th Parliamentary elections of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters, MoFA said. The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said. “We look forward to seeing better partnership, better cooperation and better accommodation. This is essential to us,” said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. He said Bangladesh has made many achievements due to cooperation and collaboration.