PM Hasina
Prepare youth to face the challenges of emerging world order: PM Hasina at World of Work summit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has put emphasis on international initiatives to help prepare the young generation to face the challenges of the coming world order.
“That is what we expect from international communities and organisations,” she said on Wednesday responding to a question before joining the plenary session of the two-day ‘World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All’ in the Swiss city of Geneva.
This is a high-level forum for global voices to address the need for increased, coordinated and coherent action in support of social justice.
"What I feel is that the international community needs to put social justice at the heart of the international development agenda like SDGs," she said.
PM Hasina thanks Prince Rahim, Aga Khan Development Network for contributions in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the PM said, her government has undertaken massive social safety net programmes.
“It is for labourers, farmers, elderly people and students. Even the working and lactating mothers and disabled people are covered by the programmes,” she said.
She mentioned that the government is giving them allowances too.
“We have created social safety net in our humble way. But I think that it should be in a massive way. And ILO can take an initiative in this regard and international community should come forward to assist people to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
PM Hasina urges Swiss businesses to boost investment in Bangladesh
The prime minister reiterated her call that there can be no lasting peace or sustainable development without social justice.
She said the world is changing, the new technology is coming, and the fourth industrial revolution is in the offing.
“What we want is that no one should lose job. So to create job opportunities what we need is education. Everybody must learn about digital devices and know how to use it,” she said.
For this purpose, she put emphasis on giving priority in providing training on new technology.
Invest in social justice to build just and inclusive societies worldwide: PM at World of Work summit
“The people should become skilled. That is what we are doing in our country,” she said.
She said that the government is giving education to them.
“We have introduced digital laboratories and computer laboratories from the school level. Then the training and incubation centres have been set up. Young generation get their training there. We are preparing our people,” she said.
China says PM Hasina's remarks against sanctions reflect a ‘large part of int'l community's mind’
China has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks against US sanctions were "not just the strong position of the Bangladeshi people, but also the mind of a large part of the international community, especially the developing world."
Read: Bangladesh, Denmark launch action plan to strengthen partnership on green transition
"We have noted the recent remarks by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Indeed, while turning a blind eye to its own racial discrimination, gun violence and drug proliferation problems, a certain country has long been interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh and many other developing countries under the pretext of democracy and human rights," said Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin, commenting on sanctions on Bangladesh.
Read: Record 108.4 mln people forcibly displaced by end of 2022: UNHCR
He said Bangladesh and China have been traditionally friendly neighbours.
"We firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, upholding independent domestic and foreign policies, and pursuing a development path that suits its national realities," said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.
Read: Japan provides critical funding to WFP’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingyas
He said they stand ready to work together with Bangladesh and other countries to oppose all forms of hegemony and power politics, uphold the UN-centred international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
PM Hasina leaves for Geneva to attend World of Work Summit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday (June 13, 2023) morning to attend the two-day "World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All" to be held in the Swiss city on June 14-15.
A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10.01 am. The flight is scheduled to land at Geneva International airport at 5:30 pm local time (9:30 pm Bangladesh Time).
On June 14, UNHCR chief Flippo Grandi will call on the prime minister at the bilateral room of Hotel President Wilson.
Later the PM will call on President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset at Palais de Nations. After the call-on there will be a possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Knowledge and Skills enhancement between Bangladesh and Switzerland.
Read: Work together to sustain national development: PM Hasina tells Awami League members
In the afternoon, the prime minister will address the Plenary of 'World of Work Summit 2023' at Palais de Nations.
On her arrival there, she will be greeted by ADG and Regional Director of ILO.
There will be a red carpet reception and Guard of Honour from the gate to the meeting venue.
She will also have a call on with President of Malta Dr. George Vella.
Read: PM Hasina wants greater cooperation between Bangladesh and Indian armies
In the evening, the PM will attend a dinner with high level dignitaries hosted by the DG ILO at its headquarters.
On June 15, she will attend the 'A talk at the WEF', followed by a meeting with founder of WEF Prof Klaus Schwab at WEF Office.
There, she will address at the event on "New Economy and Society in Smart Bangladesh" organised by the World Economic Forum.
In the evening, WTO DG Dr. Okonjo- Iweala will call on her at Hotel President Wilson. She will also attend a community event in the evening.
Read: Volatile global situation likely to worsen further: PM Hasina tells parliament
Hasina will leave Geneva at 11am on June 16 and she is expected to arrive in Dhaka in the early hours of June 17.
"The World of Work Summit 2023: Social Justice for All" is a high-level forum for global voices to address the need for increased, coordinated and coherent action in support of social justice, according to organisers.
It will provide an opportunity to discuss and inform the proposal to forge a Global Coalition for Social Justice, which was welcomed by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office at its 347th Session.
A number of high-level guests, including former President of France, Francois Hollande, former President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, as well as representatives of employers and workers, will address the conference.
Read: President Erdogan and PM Hasina vow to take Dhaka-Ankara ties to new height
PM accepts cow as gift from couple for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice
Bulbul Ahmed, a farmer of Charkauna village of Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj district, and his wife Israt Jahan, reared a cow as a gift to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for sacrifice in Eid-ul-Azha.
The Prime Minister has agreed to accept this cow as a gift out of respect for their love.
Read more: Bhaijan now coming to Jashore
On Friday (June 09) evening, Prime Minister's special assistant Moshiur Rahman Humayun informed the Prime Minister about the matter. At that time the Prime Minister agreed to accept the cow as a gift.
Bulbul Ahmed is the organising secretary of Kishoreganj District of Awami Matsyajibi League.
Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher confirmed the matter.
He said that the Prime Minister was happy and thanked Bulbul Ahmed and his wife for their rare love.
Also read: Muggers snatch Tk 2.5 lakh after killing cattle trader in Bogura
Tushar said that the prime minister's wish is that this cow will remain at Bulbul Ahmed's house and will be sacrificed there during Eid-ul-Azha.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested them to distribute the sacrificial beef among the local poor and helpless people.
Ahmed's cow is cross Brahma breed. He said that this cow can have approximately 800 kilogram of meat.
Ahmed said that he bought this cow from Netrakona district for Tk 2.5 lakh as a gift for the Prime Minister in 2020.
Also read" Eid ul Azha: Online cattle buying likely to reach new heights amid pandemic
After buying the cow, he also decided to donate Tk 5000 in the famous Pagla mosque of Kishoreganj district so that his cow would remain healthy.
Ahmed said that he and his wife Israt Jahan, who is working as a field worker at Pally Sanchay Bank, bought this cow for the prime minister by taking a small loan from the Awami League government's ‘One house, One farm’ project and with their own deposit. They took care of the cow closely for the last three years.
Ahmed said, out of passion and love for the Prime Minister, they bought and nurtured this cow.
Also read: 'Chita Bagh' of Khulna: An early entrant for King of the Haat this Eid ul Azha
Ahmed thanked and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for agreeing to accept his cow as a gift.
WB had brought false allegations against Bangladesh govt, PM tells JS
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (June 7, 2023) said that the World Bank has realised that they had brought false allegations against the government of Bangladesh regarding corruption in the Padma Bridge project.
“The World Bank has realised that they brought false allegations against us,” she said while responding to a tabled question from Jatiya Party MP elected from Dhaka Syed Abu Hossain.
With reference to her recent visit in the World Bank’s headquarters in Washington DC, Hasina said that during a discussion there, she once again expressed her resentment regarding the World Bank’s purposely bringing false allegations of corruption in the Padma Bridge construction project.
“ (In my speech) I firmly mentioned that I will never patronise any evil purpose, which will diminish the dignity of the people of Bangladesh,” she said.
Read more: External forces won’t put BNP in power, they would rather use it against govt: PM Hasina
In reply to a query of Awami League MP Kazim Uddin, the Prime Minister informed the House that the amount of foodgrains stocked in the country at present (as of May) in the country is 16.27 lakh tonnes.
“Of the total foodgrains, the amount of rice is 12.25 lakh tonnes, wheat is 3.96 lakh tonnes and paddy is 9,000 tonnes,” she said.
Hasina, also the Leader of the House, said in the current boro season, a total of 15.10 lakh tonnes of foodgrains including 4 lakh tonnes of rice and 12.50 lakh tonnes of rice have been set as a target to increase the food stock.
The domestic wheat procurement target has been set at 1 lakh tonnes for the financial year 2022-23.
Read more: PM Hasina remembers Bangabandhu on historic six-point day
The Prime Minister said that 6.34 lakh tonnes of rice and 6.80 lakh tonnes of wheat have been imported in the current financial year so far (as of 23 May, 2023) to ensure maximum food security in the country.
In response to a query from Awami League MP Ali Azam, Hasina said that ‘Geological Survey and Seismic Survey’ activities have been strengthened in new areas of the country.
While replying to a query of JP MP Mashiur Rahman Ranga, the Prime Minister said that Bangladesh will not get duty-free and quota-free benefits for exporting goods to India after 2026 as a result of its removal from the list of least developed countries.
“This may have a negative impact on the export of goods to India,” she added.
Read more: Electricity problem to end in 10-15 days: PM Hasina
Taking this into consideration, initiatives have been taken to execute the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India, the premier said.
“It is still in the negotiation stage. If CEPA is signed, Bangladesh's exports to India are likely to increase by 190 percent. It is expected to increase the GDP by 1.72 percent,” she hoped.
In response to a query of AL MP Momtaz Begum, the premier said that currently there are 1.20 crore expatriates working in 174 countries of the world.
Read more: PM mourns death of valiant freedom fighter Nurul Islam Khan
PM Hasina remembers Bangabandhu on historic six-point day
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic six-point day.
The premier placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in Dhaka.
After laying the wreath in the morning, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence.
Flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Hasina placed another wreath at the portrait as the party chief.
Also read: Bangabandhu Memorial Museum: Witness to History and Tragedy
Later, associate bodies of Awami League, including Dhaka city AL, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Sramik League, Krishak League, Mohila Awami League and Swechchhasebak League placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu marking the historic occasion.
On this day in 1966, Bangabandhu launched a massive movement against the misrule of the Pakistanis on the basis of the six- point demand, the Magna Carta of the Bangalees demanding autonomy for the then East Pakistan.
Also read: Mujibnagar Day: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu
The Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu called for a day-long hartal on June 7 in 1966 throughout then East Pakistan pressing the demand for autonomy to end the exploitation, deprivation, subjugation and tyranny of the then central government of Pakistan on the people here.
Ten people, including labour leader Manu Mian, Shafique and Shamsul Haque, were killed as the police and paramilitary East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) opened fire on the demonstrators on the day in Dhaka, Tongi and Narayanganj during the hartal.
The Pakistani atrocities intensified the movement for provincial autonomy turning it into the historic mass upsurge in 1969 that subsequently caused the downfall of the reign of Field Marshal Ayub Khan.
END/UNB/FF/F
AL govt has freed the country from lawlessness of BNP rule: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (June 5, 2023) said the Awami League government has established the rule of law in the country, ending the culture of lawlessness that existed during the rule of BNP.
The premier made these remarks when the newly elected leaders of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher briefed reporters after the meeting.
She congratulated the newly elected leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
She said BNP introduced the culture of forced disappearance, killings and lawlessness through the indemnity ordinance proclaimed after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.
Also Read: Plant trees to shield Bangladesh from climate change: PM Hasina
Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, said did not have right to seek and get justice after the assassination of the Father of the Nation. “It was a gross violation of human rights. Today, we’ve been able to free the country from the phenomenon of not getting justice. The Awami League government always believes in justice,” she said.
She said the AL government has made arrangements for people to get justice. “Our government has digitized the judicial system so that people can get justice in a short time without facing sufferings,” she said.
The PM said her government has made it (trial proceedings) virtual during the Corona pandemic so that people can get justice in a short time, staying at home.
Also Read: Volatile global situation likely to worsen further: PM Hasina tells parliament
Noting that the people are suffering due to electricity amid the ongoing heat wave, she said, “We’ve trying out best and taking necessary measures in this regard.”
Hasina said Bangladesh has witnessed impressive development thanks to the continuation of democracy for the last 14 and half years in the country.
She said Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country due to dedicated efforts of the Awami League government. “We’ve been working to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country,” the PM said.
Also Read: PM Hasina slams critics and vows to implement the budget for FY23-24
Law Minister Anisul Huq and AL advisory council member and senior lawyer Yusuf Hossain Humayun were present at the meeting.
Among the newly elected leaders of Supreme Court Bar Association, its President Advocate Md Momtaz Uddin Fakir, Secretary Abdun Noor Dulal, vice presidents Mohammad Ali Azzam and Jesmin Sultana, Treasurer Masud Alam Chowdhury, Sr. assistant secretaries A.B.M. Noor-A-Alam (Uzzal) and Mohammad Harun-ur-Rashid, members Mohiuddin Ahmed (Rudra), Shafique Raihan Shawon, Safayet Hossain (Sajeeb), Delowar Hossain, Mohammad Najmul Huda and Suvas Chandra Das were present.
In March last, pro-Awami League lawyers panel Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad won all the 14 posts of executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the annual election.
Plant trees to shield Bangladesh from climate change: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (June 5, 2023) urged the people to plant trees in a bid to protect Bangladesh from the adverse impacts of climate change.
“I would like to urge all to save the environment because it is our duty to offset the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh,” she said after three saplings on the Ganabhaban premises to mark the World Environment Day 2023.
She also inaugurated the Environment Fair-2023, National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2023 on the occasion.
Read: Thinking of lasting solutions to climate impacts: Finance Minister
“Since today is World Environment Day, I planted trees. I hope all (the people) of Bangladesh follow it (to plant trees),” she said.
The PM said they have been implementing the tree plantation programme on a massive scale so that Bangladesh would be more beautiful and developed.
Relations with US still 'excellent', insists Hasan Mahmud
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States remains excellent despite recent comment regarding US sanctions by PM Sheikh Hasina.
“We have taken several positive decisions in recent times to enhance our relations with the United States,” he said, while speaking at a press briefing in the Secretariat this afternoon.
Mahmud emphasized the government's desire to strengthen ties with the US.
Also Read: PM strikes defiant tone in face of US pressure
Highlighting the need to diversify trade opportunities, Mahmud mentioned that Bangladesh has not been able to increase trade with countries of South America.
He also stressed the importance of expanding trade with the Middle East beyond labour export, given the increased purchasing power and awareness in the region.
He also emphasized the trade potential in ASEAN countries and the Oceania region, citing the Prime Minister's interest in exploring these opportunities.
Also Read: New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
“Prime Minister's remarks regarding the US visa policy were intended to alleviate concerns and ease tension for those worried about obtaining US visas,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said it doesn't matter at all if someone goes to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey.
“There are other oceans and other continents in the world, we will make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she said firmly.
Also Read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
Hasan Mahmud also mentioned that Bangladesh's budget deficit stands at 5.2 percent, whereas in comparison, India's deficit is 5.9 percent, the United States' is 6 percent, and the United Kingdom's is 5.5 percent.
He referred to the proposed budget for 2023-24 as "people-friendly and poor-friendly," stating that the government aims to increase the number of direct beneficiaries and the number of allowances provided.
Also Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
He further said that around two crore people would directly receive various forms of government assistance, including financial aid.
In addition, he announced that a list containing the names of individuals involved in arson attacks, as well as their instigators and financiers, would be disseminated to relevant authorities.
Volatile global situation likely to worsen further: PM Hasina tells parliament
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday apprehended that the present volatile world situation might deteriorate further.
“…no one can say how long this unusual situation of the world will continue. Maybe the situation will worsen further,” she said.
The prime minister made the statement while participating in a condolence motion on ruling party lawmaker Afsarul Amin in parliament.
She said that food shortages, inflation, operating and transportation costs, electricity shortages have made everyone's life unbearable in the world.
Also Read: Govt to allow onion import from Monday: Agriculture Ministry
The leader of the House said that the government has provided electricity to people's homes as promised.
She mentioned that crisis of fuel oil, coal or gas is going on worldwide.
“Now it is very difficult to buy. It has become impossible to buy. Still our efforts will continue.”
Hasina said that the government has signed agreements with Qatar and Oman to purchase fuel.
Also Read: PM Hasina slams critics and vows to implement the budget for FY23-24
She also said that the government also have taken measures to import hydropower.
“Steps have already been taken to purchase coal. So that we can restart the power plants,” she said.
The PM said that the benefits of Independence are reaching people's door as the country is advancing socioeconomically.
She mentioned that Ukraine-Russia war, sanctions, counter-sanctions, global inflation and fuel oil crisis for which not only Bangladesh, but also developed countries are struggling.
“There is a shortage of fuel in various countries including Europe and America. There is load shedding or limiting power consumption. The price of everything from food has gone up. Many people are losing their jobs even in developed countries.”
She said that an unusual situation is persisting worldwide.
“I don't know if this has ever happened before. Maybe after World War I. After the Second World War, there was a famine,” she said
Hasina reiterated her call to maintain austerity in using electricity.
“We also need to increase food production. We have to try. No one can say how long this unusual situation in the world will last. But for the food safety of the people of our country, we are doing everything to ensure food security.”
She said that the food crisis, inflation, operating and transportation costs, electricity shortage in the whole world as a result of the corona virus epidemic and then the Ukraine-Russia war have made the life of every human being unbearable.
“We are doing our best in Bangladesh,” she added.
Remembering Afsarul Amin, the PM said that he was involved with BCL since his student life.
He played a role in every struggle. He was a devoted soul. His devotion and honesty towards the party was incomparable.
“He also showed great success as a minister.”
Awami League Lawmaker Tofail Ahmed, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Deputy Minister for Education Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury, ruling party MPs Waseqa Ayesha Khan , Motahar Hossain, Nurul Islam Nahid, Mujibul Haque Chunnu and Masiur Rahman Ranga spoke on the condolence motion.
Later, the House unanimously adopted the condolence motion expressing profound grief over the death of the ruling party lawmaker.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the condolence motion.
A minute of silence was observed and munajat was offered.