Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (November 26, 2022) said Awami League always thinks of innovative ways to advance the nation at an unbeatable pace. “Awami League always thinks in line with the modern era, advancing the nation and developing the country with an unbeatable pace,” she said. The prime minister said this while joining an event marking the end to general work of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel’s south tube which goes beneath the river Karnaphuli. She officially announced completion of the tunnel’s south side. The PM joined the event, organised by the Bridges Division in Chattogram, virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. Read More: PM reaches Jashore, speaks at President Parade in BAF Academy She said that only Awami League has the innovative vision to construct a tunnel beneath the Karnaphuli river. She said that Zia, Ershad and Khaleda Zia never thought of constructing a tunnel under a river.  They lacked that vision, she said. Sheikh Hasina said that construction of the Karnaphuli Tunnel will brighten the image of the country as well as boost economic activities in the locality. Readd more: PM officially announces completion of Karnaphuli Tunnel’s south side “This (Karnaphuli Tunnel) will contribute significantly to the country's economy,” she said. Coming down heavily on a section of people who “do not see” development by the Awami League government, she advised them to have their eyes checked. “Many do not see our development initiatives… If they have difficulties in seeing, they can go to the doctor. We have established a very good Institute of Ophthalmology. They can go there for treatment; they might see everything,” she said. She also said that if anyone wants to remain blind, then nothing can be done. Read more: PM to join Karnaphuli Tunnel event Saturday “I think there are some people in our opposition parties who are blind, despite having functioning eyes. They pretend not to see anything… They do not have the ability to do anything… In future, they will not be able to do anything either. They will not be capable of giving anything to the country,” the PM said. She said that the opposition, with their pockets full when in power, smuggled ten trucks of arms and laundered money. “They never worked for the welfare of the people, and in future they will not do anything either, this is the reality,” she said. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam And Bridges Division Secretary Md Monjur Hossain also spoke at the programme. Read More: Bangladesh has changed a lot under Awami League govt: PM Hasina A documentary on the Karnaphuli Tunnel was screened at the programme. The Bangladesh Prime Minister also witnessed a cultural function at the Karnaphuli tunnel project's programme venue in Chattogram.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said Japan will keep working towards improving regional connectivity through infrastructure projects in the country. At the same time Tokyo will support Dhaka’s efforts at development and the stability, the ambassador said in a message marking two years as his country’s envoy in Bangladesh on Tuesday. "Japan will promote practical cooperation with Bangladesh to realize the vision of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region," he said. Terming Japan the largest development partner of Bangladesh, the envoy said large-scale infrastructure projects that symbolize the country’s rapid economic growth are steadily underway.  The flagship projects are Dhaka Metro, expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Jamuna Railway Bridge, and Matarbari Deep Sea Port.  A trial run of Dhaka Metro Line 6 began in August, which is expected to open by the end of 2022.  "At the same time, we will redouble our efforts to improve the investment climate for Japanese companies as they expand their investment and their business. We will continue to address customs clearance, overseas remittance, import transaction settlement, and taxation challenges," said the ambassador. Read: Japan-Bangladesh focusing on infrastructure, business ties: Ito Naoki Resolving the issue of the Rohingya refugees is also crucial from the perspective of realizing FOIP,  he said. "The recent situation in Myanmar since the coup last February has made the repatriation of refugees more difficult," said the envoy. As the crisis is protracted, he said, it is urgent to improve the condition of refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, including education, skill training, and livelihood.  The envoy said they welcome the MoU recently signed between the government of Bangladesh and UN refugee agency to cooperate in the relocation plan of the refugees to Bashan Char Island.  "Japan will work with the international community for humanitarian assistance and the repatriation of the displaced people," Naoki said. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations next year Japan’s new Prime Minister Kishida Fumio wrote a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stating that he would strive to deepen cooperation between the two countries.  Japan will work "vigorously" to deepen understanding of Japan further, expand people-to-people exchange and promote Japanese culture in Bangladesh, by holding the anniversary events in 2022, said the envoy. For the sake of the safety and security of Japanese people living in Bangladesh and visitors to Bangladesh, he said, the embassy will make every effort to build a better relationship between Japan and Bangladesh in all fields, while asking for your opinions and cooperation. Read: Ambassador Ito sees 5 challenges ahead to elevate Dhaka-Tokyo ties The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted economic activities and cultural and people’s exchanges between Japan and Bangladesh during the one and half years.  "Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a year of deepening friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries," said the ambassador. From July to August, Japan provided more than 3 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine with Bangladesh.  "The gift from the Japanese people was to meet the needs of the people of Bangladesh facing the threat of COVID-19 infection," said the ambassador adding that they will also continue their efforts to make the vaccination available further to Japanese citizens in Bangladesh.