PM Hasina
Govt’s efforts on to keep economy vibrant despite global recession: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) said that the government is making every effort to keep Bangladesh's economy alive despite the global economic recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war.
The prime minister said this while responding to a tabled question of Awami League MP elected from Chattogram MA Latif for PM’s question-answer session.
She said the government has been able to quickly bring the country's economy to the pre-Covid high growth trend dealing with the recession, inflation and instability in the global economy caused by the pandemic and the war.
Read more: President Erdogan and PM Hasina vow to take Dhaka-Ankara ties to new height
“Amid the crisis over Covid, our growth in the financial year 2019-20 was 3.45 percent which was one of the highest in the world for that period,” she claimed.
She said that due to the various steps taken by the government to boost the economy, the GDP growth in the financial year 2020-21 increased by 6.94 percent. “It further increased to 7.10 percent in FY 2021-22.”
Hasina also highlighted various measures taken by the government to keep the economy of the government alive.
Read more: PM calls for more Swedish investment as H&M boss calls on her
These included government expenditure rationalisation, social protection, subsidies in electricity, energy and agriculture sectors, export incentives, rise in remittance inflow, monetary policy etc, she said.
In response to the question of Jatiya Party MP elected from Dhaka Syed Abu Hossain, the prime minister highlighted the various steps taken by the government to control the prices of daily commodities and said as a result of the government's activities, it has been possible to control the prices of essentials and the poor people are benefiting from it.
In response to the question of Jatiya Party MP elected from Pirojpur Rustam Ali Farazi, the she said that it will be possible to start rail traffic on the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga section of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project by September 2023 and the Jessore section from June 2024.
Read more: Work together to regain lost glory in science and technology: PM Hasina to Muslim community
In response to reserved seat MP Kha Mamata Lovely's question, the prime minister said that 555,134 families have been rehabilitated through the Ashrayan project.
President Erdogan and PM Hasina vow to take Dhaka-Ankara ties to new height
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his stance for working with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Turkey to a new height.
The re-elected president of Turkey said this during a telephone call to PM Hasina at around 11:15 pm on Wednesday (May 31, 2023).
The two leaders exchanged greetings and spoke to each other for 10 minutes, according to a press release from PMO Press Wing.
Hasina congratulated Erdogan on securing victory at the second round election, where the voter turnout rate was above 86 percent.
Read more: What 5 more years of Erdogan's rule means for Turkey
She expressed her happiness over her confidence that the people of Turkey would make the right choice, which was proved after the runoff election.
PM Hasina reiterated that the People of Bangladesh would remain steadfast to stand by the brotherly people of Turkey at any time of need, as during the February 2023 earthquake.
President Erdogan expressed his gratitude that the brotherly people of Bangladesh mentally joined the jubilant people of Turkey at his victory in the second round election.
To this end, he thanked the people of Bangladesh and wished to further strengthen the ties between the two peoples.
Read more: Turkey's Erdogan retains power, now faces challenges over the economy and earthquake recovery
Hasina conveyed her best wishes to Erdogan and his family members and wished continued peace, progress, and prosperity through him to the people of Turkey.
PM calls for more Swedish investment as H&M boss calls on her
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) called for more Swedish investment in various sectors of Bangladesh, particularly in ICT and Economic Zones, and reap the benefits.
The Prime Minister made the call when a Swedish Delegation led by CEO and President of world-renowned clothing company H&M, Helena Helmersson, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde and Chief Financial Officer of H&M Adam Karlsson were also in the delegation.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters.
Read more: Saudi Arabia wants to make large-scale investment in Bangladesh: Saudi ministers tell PM Hasina
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh has its own economic policy and targeted plan on poverty reduction, food security, healthcare and on creating employment opportunities.
She mentioned that the government wants to expand the export basket to further strengthen the economy of the country.
During the meeting, Helena Helmersson mentioned that Sweden has had special relations with Bangladesh for the last three decades and said, they want to carry forward the business with Bangladesh.
The CEO and President of H&M highly appreciated the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and lauded the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Read more: More cooperation may attract more US investment in diversified segments, hopes AmCham President
In response, the Prime Minister also appreciated the Swedish Company as they did not cancel their orders during the pandemic.
As Helena Helmersson pointed out the climate change issue describing it as very important, Sheikh Hasina said, her government is carrying out mitigation programmes on its own fund.
In this regard, the Prime Minister noted that her government is aware about climate change and is working on this issue.
Sheikh Hasina also highlighted her government’s achievements in women empowerment and gender equality in the country.
Read more: Bangladesh has an amazing growth trajectory amid investment opportunities: German Diplomat
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.
Work together to regain lost glory in science and technology: PM Hasina to Muslim community
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the Muslim community to set aside their differences and work together to regain the glorious heritage the Islamic world once had in science, philosophy, medicine and other fields of enlightenment.
“Today, Muslims are in possession of a significant amount of wealth. We can bring back our lost heritage by using this resource for the development of science and modern technology. I believe it,” she said.
The premier was addressing as the chief guest at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Islamic University of Technology (IUT) held on its campus here. IUT Chancellor and also OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha presided over the function.
Hasina said Muslim scholars had reached the pinnacle of success in the fields of science, history, literature, philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, geography, and in many other branches during the golden age of the Islam.
She said Muslim scholars of that era dominated the world in culture, knowledge acquisition, scientific discoveries, and contemporary literature.
The PM stressed the need for analyzing the reasons behind the fall of the Muslims who once had the glorious heritage. Internal conflict, lack of mutual respect and harmony between Muslim countries, lack in knowledge and science and many other issues have factored in the collective fall of the Muslim Ummah, she said.
“To regain this lost glory, I think we the Muslim Ummah will have to work united, forgetting differences,” she said adding that the Muslim countries will particularly have to invest more in the education and science for the students of the Muslim countries and thus to develop science and modern technology.
In this modern era, three Nobel prizes have been awarded to Muslim recipients that sadly are the true reflection of the contribution of the Muslim Ummah in the fields of research and development, she said.
She said the Muslim nations need stronger endeavors in the fields of science and technology so that they can contribute more. The Muslim community should not fall behind in tackling the challenges presented by the 4th Industrial Revolution especially in the sectors of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things, Quantum Computing and others, she added.
Read more: Evil forces are using advanced technology to disrupt peace: PM Hasina
She said Bangladesh being a proud host of Islamic University of Technology, a subsidiary organ of OIC, will continue support for its smooth functioning. “I want to assure that we vow to keep on supporting IUT in future as well,” she said.
She said Bangladesh takes immense pride in being the host and being a part of every success story of such a prestigious institute like IUT. “I personally believe that education is a lifelong pursuance for achieving greatness,” she said.
Hasina said the IUT graduates are not only serving Bangladesh and OIC member states, they are also making contributions all across the globe.
She hoped that today's graduates will continue to grow their skills by working closely with technologists, innovators and scientific communities around the world in the days to come.
“I strongly believe that IUT will play a pivotal role in showcasing the caliber of Muslim Ummah ….by spreading her fame as a state-of-the-art institute,” she said.
Read more: 4 engineering universities sign MoUs with Walton to foster talent
The premier focused on AL government’s steps and success to promote and spread Islamic knowledge keeping the dreams and ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the guidelines.
“We have undertaken and implemented numerous initiatives in the past 14 years and a half for the promotion of Islam,” she said.
The initiatives include establishment of an Arabic university, implementation of a massive project of building 564 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in the country, launching the digital version of the Holy Quran, free distribution of the holy Quran among children, setting up the ‘Imam-Muajjin Welfare Trust,’ introduction of Mosque-based child education programs, launching honors course in different Madrasas, the enactment of a law for the recognition of Qaumi Madrasas, and declaration of the status of Dawrah Hadith Certificate as equivalent to a Masters’ Certificate.
The PM said her government has put special emphasis on education and research and is encouraging meritorious students by awarding scholarships abroad as incentives. “We are facilitating their way for conducting research in prestigious educational institutions at home and abroad,” she said.
Focusing on the development of Bangladesh during her government, Hasina said their efforts have culminated in reducing the poverty rate of 41.5% in 2006 to 18.6% in 2022 and the extreme poverty rate from 25.5% to 6.7% in the same period.
She said the size of the GDP in 2006 was only USD60 billion, whereas right now it has been elevated to USD465 billion. Meanwhile, the per capita income of USD543 in 2006 has increased to USD2824 in 2022.
The size of the national budget was only Tk 61,000 crore in 2006, which is now over Tk 600,000 crore. “We’re going to place the new budget on June 01. Inshallah we’ll be able to give a budget of Tk 700,000 crore,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina credited the stable situation and the continuation of economic development since 2008 behind this progress of Bangladesh.
“Even the Covid-19 pandemic or the Ukraine-Russia war couldn’t stop our progress. Though we are facing difficulties, we’ve been able to continue it (this progress),” she said, adding that her government wants to build a knowledge-based, developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh by 2041.
The PM congratulated the IUT graduates on their successful completion of the academic curriculum.
She opened a newly constructed female hall of IUT through a virtual platform from the convocation ceremony. The hall was constructed with the USD2 million grants of the government of Bangladesh. The premier announced the fund for the hall during her last visit to IUT.
In the convocation, Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddique was conferred with the OIC Gold Medal and four others with the IUT Gold Medals for their outstanding academic performance.
Education Minister Dipu Moni and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen spoke at the function, while IUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech.
Evil forces are using advanced technology to disrupt peace: PM Hasina
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (May 29, 2023) said maintaining peace in the world has now become more difficult than in the past as evil forces are using advanced technology against it.
“With the recent development and advancement of technology, new threats of evil forces are increasing,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a programme marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers-2023 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC).
She said that technology is giving people opportunities in all fields including socioeconomic development.
Read more: PM seeks strong commitment from int'l community for dignified repatriation of Rohingyas
“…but we also see that the evil forces are also using technology creating confusion among the people and is taking away the peace of people’s lives,” she said.
She said that peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions have to deal with complex multidimensional situation.
“Hence the need to enrich peacekeeping missions with advanced technology has increased manifold,” she stated.
Hasina mentioned that her government has always prepared Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the latest training to deal with complex situations in the world's most challenging and dangerous regions.
Read more: PM Hasina credits peaceful democratic atmosphere for country's massive progress
“We are ensuring the supply of clothing, other essential items, and modern military equipment compatible with the mission area's environment, weather, and terrain,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that the government incorporated added modern mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles to the Bangladesh contingents and state-of-the-art technology for peacekeeper communications.
“Incorporating modern technology and training are an ongoing process that we will continue in the future,” she added.
The prime minister reiterated that Bangladesh believes in peace and would do whatever is required for peace.
Read more: PM Hasina credits peaceful democratic atmosphere for country's massive progress
“We believe in peace, not in conflict. Bangladesh always believes in peace and it would do whatever is required to establish peace,” she said.
Hasina said that her government's efforts will continue so that the peacekeepers of Bangladesh can respond to the UN’s call with more confidence.
“I hope Bangladeshi peacekeepers will keep the country's honour and image bright by working with their skills, professionalism, courage, and dedication,” she added.
She said that peacekeepers of the country work tirelessly to prevent conflict, protect civilians, ensure human rights and establish peace.
Read more: PM mourns death of ex-Mohila League leader Taslima
“Because of your sincere work, the people of all those countries have given you unconditional love,” she said.
She mentioned that Local citizens of many countries associated with the Bangladeshi contingent have learned Bengali culture and language from them.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers have set an exemplary example in maintaining world peace and brighten the image of the country, she said.
Currently, 7,436 peacekeepers of Bangladesh are engaged in the UN peacekeeping missions and activities, and the number is about 9.8 percent of the total number of peacekeepers deployed worldwide. This includes 572 Bangladeshi women peacekeepers.
Read more: PM leaves Doha for home ending 3-day visit
“We continue our efforts to increase the number of women peacekeepers,” she said.
The UN secretary-general has requested to send more female peacekeepers, she said.
She said that Bangladesh’s peacekeepers have successfully completed 63 UN missions in 40 countries worldwide.
Currently, Bangladeshi peacekeepers are engaged in 14 UN missions and activities. 20 contingents of the Bangladesh Army, two of the Bangladesh Navy, four of the Bangladesh Air Force, and three of the Bangladesh Police are working in these missions.
Read more: Govt’s continuity needed to ensure sustainable development: Food Minister
The PM said that Bangladesh has deployed a Force Protection Battalion in Abyei of South Sudan, while added a mechanised infantry company as a Quick Reaction Force in Mali, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon in the Congo, and a Level-2 Hospital Contingent in the Central African Republic.
Besides, she said, deployment of a new Armed Utility Helicopter Unit of the Bangladesh Army, a new Mechanized Infantry Company as the Base Defense Contingent, and an Airfield Support Unit of the Bangladesh Air Force is underway in Mali.
She added that high-ranking officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are engaged in several missions as Force Commanders, Deputy Force Commanders, and Sector Commanders.
“Apart from peacekeeping missions, we actively participate and contribute to other international forums,” she said.
Read more: Dhaka, Beijing review Rohingya repatriation effort
“Today, Bangladesh is a responsible and reliable name in international efforts to maintain peace and security,” she added.
At the end of the function, the prime minister virtually talked with the members of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in different countries including South Sudan, Mali, Lebanon, Central African Republic and D R Congo.
BNP wants to portray AL as aggressor to foreigners: Quader
Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday (May 28, 2023) said that BNP wants to paint , as the aggressor to foreigners but Awami League will not do that under any circumstances.
At the same time, he also warned that no concession will be given if any attacks are made on them.
He gave this warning at a joint meeting at Awami League central office this afternoon.
Obaidul Quader said Awami League will hold peace rallies across the country till the next general election for peaceful voting. “If necessary, programs will be given down to the ward level.”
Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Responding to a question on the new US visa policy specific to Bangladesh, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister said there is no reason for the government to be unhappy over it.
“Bangladesh has no lord abroad, it has friends,” he said.
The minister said, “We don't have any headache about that. We have started the process of a free and fair election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made the Election Commission independent by law. We are preparing the ground for a free, fair and neutral election.”
Al Joint General Secretaries AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dr Dipu Moni, Organizing Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, among others, were present at the meeting.
Read more: Police, BNP clash in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi; One vehicle torched
PM Hasina credits peaceful democratic atmosphere for country's massive progress
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (May 28, 2023) said Bangladesh has been able to achieve remarkable socioeconomic development in the last 14 years due to a peaceful democratic environment prevailing in the country since 2008 elections.
She gave the credit for the success to her party Awami League which formed the government in 2009 after winning the 2008 election.
The prime minister was speaking at a programme celebrating the golden jubilee of the conferment of the Joliot-Curie Peace Medal to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Cabinet Division organised the programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) with the PM in the chair.
Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Hasina said after getting the people's mandate in 2008 her government has been working for the development of the country in a planned way.
“As a result we have been able to reduce the poverty rate and maternal mortality, increase literacy and life expectancy,” she said.
“So a peaceful sustainable environment is needed for the people to attain economic emancipation, and all have to remember that,” she said.
Denouncing global arms race she put emphasis on settling all disputes through dialogue as Bangladesh did with India and Myanmar.
“Why this arms race (going on) now, why will not the money that is being used for arms competition be used for hungry children and humans. For this arms competition thousands of children and women are leading inhuman lives around the globe,” she said.
Read more: Bangladesh's upcoming national polls will be under AL govt: PM Hasina
In this connection, she mentioned that Bangladesh has given shelter to more than one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas, who faced oppression her 1971. In this regard she recalled the genocide Bengalis suffered in 1971.
“We want that peace returns to the world. There shall be no types of unrest (in the world),” she said.
PM Hasina said that those who did not want the Independence of the country had killed Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“Every moment we have to overcome their (anti-Liberation forces) barriers,” she said.
The prime minister firmly said Bangladesh does not want any unrest and confrontation in the world.
Read more: How Bangladesh became a role model for dev: PM Hasina tells Qatar University students in Doha
“We want development in people’s lives, and we always want that for every one” she said.
She also announced introduction of ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Peace Prize’ to recognise those who are working for establishing peace at home and abroad.
“Because we want peace we will surely advance towards the path of peace,” she said.
Eminent researcher Monayem Sarker delivered his keynote speech at the programme.
Eminent novelist Anwara Syed Haq, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, former principal secretary and chief coordinator of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury took part in discussion on the keynote.
Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Rajshahi BNP leader sued for 'death threat against PM'
President of Bangladesh Peace Council Mozaffar Hossain Paltu and Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain also spoke.
The PM also released a first day cover and commemorative stamp and unveiled a souvenir publication on this occasion.
A documentary on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‘s JulioCurie Peace Prize award was screened at the programme.
Later, the prime minister witnessed a colourful cultural programme organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of the Bengali nation-state and the architect of independence, the forerunner of democracy and peace movement, was awarded the JulioCurie Peace Prize by the World Peace Council on May 23, 1973.
Read more: PM’s 2nd visit to Qatar in 3 months bears sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in int’l arena: Momen
To commemorate the contributions of world-renowned scientists Marie Curie and Pierre Curie to the struggle for world peace, the World Peace Council introduced Joliot-Curie Peace Prize for distinguished individuals and organisations in 1950 for outstanding contribution to the fight against fascism, anti-imperialism, humanitarian welfare and peace.
Among the award winners were World leaders like Fidel Castro, Ho Chi Minh, Yasser Arafat, Salvador Allende, Nelson Mandela, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, poet and politician Pablo Neruda, Jawaharlal Nehru, Martin Luther King and Leonid Brezhnev.
US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Awami League leader Mohammad A. Arafat has sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, hoping that the US new visa policy will apply to those BNP leaders who are making an open declaration to obstruct the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.
"I hope your Visa policy will apply to these people as well," he mentioned in his letter that he also shared from his verified Facebook page.
Read more: Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen
Arafat, a member of the AL central executive committee attached some video footages of some BNP leaders declaring they would obstruct the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.
The AL leader said according to the visa policy that Secretary Blinken announced recently (and the letter that he sent to the FM of Bangladesh), “This policy supports Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stated commitment to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh and allows the United State to act when Bangladeshi citizen or officials from all political parties undermine this critical pillar of democracy.”
Read more: New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
PM returns home from Doha after 3-day official visit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home Thursday (May 25, 2023) morning wrapping up her three-day official visit to Qatar.
A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:58am.
She went to Qatar on May 22 last to attend the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) at the invitation of Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
Also read: PM leaves Doha for home ending 3-day visit
During the visit, Hasina joined the Qatar Economic Forum, met with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Amiri Diwan, held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and held a meeting with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame.
Besides, Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met her as well as Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Falih and Saudi Minister Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim jointly called on her.
Sheikh Hasina also addressed the students of Qatar University and visited Awsaj Academy, a specialized school for the children with special needs, which runs under Qatar Foundation here in Doha.
Read more: PM joins opening session of Qatar Economic Forum
New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
The United States has indicated their new Bangladesh-specific visa policy will help Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government in its efforts to hold free and fair elections.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government have committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh. This policy is designed to support these efforts and the Bangladeshi people, so they may hold elections to choose their leaders," said the US Embassy in Dhaka, in a message to journalists just after the new policy was announced.
The United States said they support free and fair elections everywhere.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
The message also contained a set of FAQs with responses, through which it clarified certain points that may likely arise in people's minds.
To start with, the US Embassy said this policy applies to any individual responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. This includes current or former Bangladeshi officials, government supporters, and opposition members, among others. This would also include the immediate family members of such persons.
The United States said they are committed to building a strong partnership with the government of Bangladesh grounded in democracy and human rights.
"We welcome the Prime Minister’s expressed commitment to holding free and fair elections," said the US Embassy.
Also read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
The United States emphasised it does not support any particular political party, and that their handling of this policy would not favour anyone over another - except on the grounds of undermining electoral democracy.
"Restrictions under this new policy target individuals engaging in behavior that undermines the democratic election process, regardless of affiliation."
It also assured that it is a general practice to notify individuals whose visas are revoked or cancelled.
Given US' "close cooperation" with the government of Bangladesh, the US informed it of this policy decision on May 3.
Read more: New visa policy to be implemented fairly on govt & oppn: Donald Lu