PM Hasina
No special message from PM, no hidden agenda: Foreign Secretary says ahead of Delhi visit
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today (November 23, 2023) said he is not carrying any special message from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or there is "no hidden agenda" as he leaves for New Delhi tomorrow to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, scheduled for Friday.
He, however, said the Bangladesh side will definitely inform the Indian side if they have queries regarding the next national election.
Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Masud said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is multifaceted.
Read: AL’s main task is to prevent propaganda, sabotage ahead of polls: Obaidul Quader
Efforts to keep the relationship unhindered and smooth before, during and after the election may come up for discussions, he said.
The foreign secretary said he will brief diplomats from countries that do not have missions in Dhaka about the situation in Bangladesh and the government’s efforts to hold a free and fair election.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said no political issues will be discussed in the foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries.
Read: Way towards green, sustainable businesses in Asia and the Pacific pointed at UN forum in Hong Kong
"I don't think so. Political discussion has already been done. There will be no discussion about politics there," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know whether politics and the upcoming election will be discussed in the forthcoming meeting.
The foreign minister said it is a routine meeting between the two countries where various issues of mutual interest will be discussed.
"We do FOC (Foreign Office Consultations) with many countries. It is a routine matter," he added.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is scheduled to hold the regular bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Friday.
This is the second foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries this year. The first one was held in February in Dhaka.
At the Foreign Office Consultations, the two countries usually discuss all the major issues of mutual interests to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors.
Read: ‘Those threatening to foil polls had shown bias towards undemocratic change in power in the past’
Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the relationship between Bangladesh and India today stands out as a model in terms of shared benefits.
In an interaction in London, he said the two countries have settled the land boundary and maritime border issues.
Jaishankar highlighted connectivity cooperation, energy supply and use of ports and noted that Bangladesh-India ties stand as model ties.
PM Hasina urges G20 leaders to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensure humanitarian relief
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (November 22, 2023) urged the G20 leaders to call with one voice for an instant ceasefire in Gaza and for an immediate, unhindered flow of humanitarian relief to the suffering victims.
The prime minister made the call speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the virtual G20 leaders’ summit to deliberate on the implementation of the Delhi Declaration prior to concluding India’s presidency this month.
The G20 is a forum for international economic cooperation comprising 19 countries -Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US - and the European Union.
Spain was invited as a permanent guest at the forum, while India included Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates as guest countries during its presidency.
Hasina said that for over a month and a half, the world has been witnessing in Palestine a merciless, genocidal slaughter of thousands of men and women and tragically innocent children numbering over 10,000.
Read more: G20 agreement reflects sharp differences over Ukraine and the rising clout of the Global South
“All these monstrous acts have stunned the world, intensified global distress, and slowed worldwide economic progress,” she said.
She also mentioned that the current war in Europe with sanctions and counter-sanctions has taken a worldwide human and economic toll and continues to do so.
“In today’s globalized world, surely it would be easy to firmly say “NO” to all wars and conflicts to save human lives and humanity,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that a good beginning could be fostering good neighbourly relations and spreading their reach far around the globe.
“I am happy to draw your attention to Bangladesh and neighbour India’s excellent relations, which are recognised as a Role Model of Neighbourhood Diplomacy,” she said.
She said that neighbours can certainly resolve issues through friendly “Dialogue,” as Bangladesh and India have proven with their maritime and land boundaries.
The prime minister said that Bangladesh is committed to a peaceful and prosperous world.
“It has become our duty to ensure the wellbeing of everyone in our global family. In that spirit, I seek your earnest support for the repatriation of more than a million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (Rohingyas) from Bangladesh to Myanmar,” she said.
She hoped that the commitments that the nations have made at the G20 Summit will bear fruition and transform into concrete action.
“I also believe the Summit’s theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ will continue to inspire us to care for, protect, and make Planet Earth, our common home, a better place for our future generations,” she said.
PM Hasina said that she was heartened that the leaders agreed in New Delhi to strengthen Multilateral Development Banks to help Low-and Middle-Income countries address their development needs, particularly those related to Climate Action, Technological Transformation, Digital Public Infrastructure, and women-led development, which are imperative for a better future.
The meeting aims to provide an impetus to implement the Delhi Declaration unanimously agreed upon by all members at the 18th G20 leaders’ summit held in New Delhi in September.
During the closing session of the New Delhi summit on September 10, Modi had announced India would be hosting a virtual summit.
Leaders of the G20 nations, including the chair of the African Union, as well as nine guest countries, and heads of 11 international organisations have been invited to the meeting.
On December 1, India assumed the mantle of the G20 presidency.
India holds the G20 Presidency until November 30. The G20 troika during the Brazilian G20 presidency in 2024 will comprise India, Brazil and South Africa.
The new troika will be formed when Brazil assumes the presidency next month, with India as the past presidency and South Africa holding the presidency after Brazil.
The G20 members represent around 85 percent of the global GDP, over 75 percent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
Read more: India forges compromise among divided world powers at the G20 summit in a diplomatic win for Modi
Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh would be the 9th largest consumer market by 2030 with the government working with the goal of overtaking many established markets in the world.
“We’ve been working with a goal so Bangladesh could surpass established markets like the UK and Germany, and the current high-growth countries Vietnam and Thailand at that time. We’ve this effort,” she said.
The premier said this while inaugurating the 60 years’ celebration and Investment Expo, 2023 of Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Hotel Radisson Blu in the city.
“There are some 17 crore people in our Bangladesh. Besides, we’ve strengthened connectivity with our neighbouring countries. We think Bangladesh would become the world’s 9th largest consumer market by 2030,” she said.
Noting that Bangladesh has a large population, she said the government is developing them as skilled manpower for its better utilization.
Read: Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina
The PM said the number of growing middle class and rich people will be 3.40 crore by 2025 in Bangladesh and the estimated GDP per capita will be 5,880 US$ by 2040.
“Due to its strategic geographical location, Bangladesh can be the hub of the regional market of 3 billion people,” she said adding that her government has taken steps to strengthen the connectivity with this region.
Hasina said her government has successfully been able to bring a significant change in Bangladesh after assuming office in 2009. “Bangladesh has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the last 15 years,” she said.
Noting that Bangladesh is now considered as the 35th largest economy in the world, she said they have raised the GDP growth rate to 7.25 percent now due to strong macroeconomic fundamentals and trade consolidation.
The PM, however, said the growth rate was even higher during the pre-Covid period as the government raised it to 8:10pc before the pandemic.
Read: Only votes can change govt: PM Hasina
The government has successfully increased per capita income to US$2,793 from only US$ 543 and raised the GDP size to Tk 50.31 lakh crore now from Tk 4 lakh crore in 2006, she said.
During this period, they brought down the poverty rate to 18.7 percent from 41.1 percent, while extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent from over 25pc, she said adding that her government has given the most importance to the development of the rural economy.
In the last 15 years, the Awami League government took multifaceted measures for the development of the business sector of the country. So, the private sector has become stronger and more developed. Bangladesh is currently the second largest garment exporter in the world, she said.
“Bangladesh is expected to be the 20th largest economy in the world by 2037,” said Sheikh Hasina, adding that the country will be transformed into a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
Mentioning that the government is setting up some 100 economic zones and established 39 hi-tech parks throughout the country, she said those economic zones and parks are kept open for foreign investment.
If any country can want land singly, seek land under joint venture or public private partnership (PPP), the government would allow them and provide them with lands, she said.
Read: PM Hasina collects nomination form for national election
The premier said one stop service has been introduced in investment development agencies to facilitate investment. “We have undertaken plans to make all offices providing investment services fully online and digitized,” she said.
In Bangladesh, there is a scope to develop USD 350-billion infrastructures in the energy, water, logistics and transport sectors. “By 2025, the logistics sector alone is expected to become a US$90 billion market,” she said.
The prime minister said they want to raise private investment to 31.43 percent of GDP by 2031.She said Bangladesh has become an attractive destination to many countries around the world for investment, industrialisation and export due to various reasons including its economic growth, structural development programmes, investment-friendly policy, large domestic market, strategic location, high profitability and large workforce.
Talking about the FICCI’s celebration, she said the chamber has stepped into 60 years this year since the inception of its journey in 1936.
As a leading chamber, FICCI represents investors from 35 countries in more than 21 sectors of Bangladesh. “FICCI represents 90 percent of the country's inward FDI, which carries special importance to the overall development of our country,” she said.
The premier extended sincere thanks to all former and current members of FICCI on the occasion of the celebration of its 60 years.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, among others, spoke at the function, while FICCI President and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Naser Ezaz Bijoy delivered the welcome speech.
The premier also unveiled a research book titled ‘Catalyzing Greater FDI for Vision 2041’, which was published by FICCI.
PM Hasina collects nomination form for national election
Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the selling of party nomination forms for the 12th parliamentary elections of Bangladesh on Saturday (November 18, 2023) after collecting her nomination form.
According to the party sources, the AL chief opened the nomination paper selling from party’s central office at 23, Bangabandhu Avenue at 10:30am.
AL advisory council member Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed collected PM’s nomination form for Gopalganj-3 constituency.
PM Hasina to inaugurate AL's selling of nomination forms Saturday
Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the national election will be held on January 7.
Those seeking party nominations will be able to collect and submit nomination papers from Saturday (November 18) to Tuesday (November 21) between 10am and 4pm daily.
Candidates seeking nominations will have to collect and submit the application forms from the specific booth according to the administrative division from the central office of Bangladesh Awami League at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue.
Nomination papers of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions will be distributed on the second floor of the central office. Meanwhile, candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions will be able to collect nomination forms from the third floor of the central office .
Nomination papers of all departments will be submitted on the ground floor of the central office, according to the press release.
Nomination seekers will have to collect and submit the application forms by themselves or through qualified representatives of the candidates without any additional public gathering, read the press release.
Seek public apology for killing people and arson violence: PM Hasina asks BNP, Jamaat
The candidate will have to bring a photocopy of their national ID card with them to collect nomination papers.
The deadline for submission of nomination papers is November 30, while December 1-4 was fixed for scrutinising nomination papers and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17.
The CEC announced the national election schedule of Bangladesh during a televised address to the nation.
Headless BNP wants to foil elections to create unusual situation: PM Hasina tells Khulna rally
Dismissing opposition BNP as headless Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the party seeks to create an unusual situation by foiling the upcoming national election.
“They know that they don't have any leadership. They are just a party without any head. One is absconding and another is in the jail. That party does not want to hold any election. They just want to create an unnatural situation,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a grand rally organised by ruling Awami League at Khulna Circuit House ground.
PM Hasina opens 24 dev projects, lays foundation for 5 others in Khulna
She said natiinal polls are upcoming and all have to remain vigilitant during the voting.
“BNP-Jamaat knows that in 2008 elections they have got only 30 seats,” she said.
She again warned that the hands that set fire to vehicles will be burnt in the same fire.
“Give them a good lesson so that no one dares harming any one of the country. That kind of incidents must not be allowed to happen again,” she said.
She asked the Awami League and its associate bodies to give protection to the people of the country along with the law enforcing agencies.
The PM said that whenever Awami League comes to power the country gets development and the people gets welfare.
20 special trains running ahead of PM’s Khulna rally
“It is very much regretful that BNP is the synonym of terrorism. The only task of BNP-Jamaat is to kill people through arson attacks,” she said.
In this connection she mentioned the incidents of October 28 last when, she said, BNP-Jamaat terrorists mercilessly beat a policeman to death.
She said that BNP-Jamaat terrorists injured 45 policemen and attacked journalists who went there to cover their programmes.
“They attacked hospitals like the Israeli forces in Gaza. They also vandalised ambulances. I do not think that they have a little bit of humanity,” she said.
She mentioned that the only virtue of BNP-Jamaat is to kill people.
She said that the government has already declared to award Tk 20,000 for nabbing arson terrorists and handing them to the law enforcing agencies.
Govt can’t be ousted thru secret attacks: PM Hasina
“We will not spare anyone who is involved in killing people through arson attacks,” she said.
She said that continuous democratic process is helping Bangladesh gain massive development, visible to all.
Bangladesh will surely overcome arson violence: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (November 12, 2023) urged the people to boldly face any situation saying that Bangladesh will surely overcome manmade disasters like arson violence.
“We will take Bangladesh forward, surely overcoming manmade disasters like arson violence as we face the natural disasters. I would like to tell the countrymen to boldly face any situation,” she said.
The premier was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory (GPUFF) – the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia - in Narsingdi.
She said Bangladesh will move forward commodity price hike has emerged due to external factors like wars, economic sanctions and global inflation.
She once again called upon the people not leave even a single inch of land uncultivated to ensure Bangladesh would never need to beg anyone for food.
Read: PM places 5 recommendations to end Israeli carnage in Palestine
She said Bangladesh today is a developing country, which would move forward further and be Smart Bangladesh, having a smart population, smart government, smart economy and smart society.
She said Bangladesh faced repeated obstacles in its development journey, but none could stop its progress. “None would be able to stop this progress of Bangladesh anymore,” she said.
She said the Awami League refused a foreign proposal to sell gas abroad before the 2001 generation election. That caused her party’s defeat in the election.
But BNP leader Khaleda Zia agreed to it and won the vote, she said.
The PM said had she yielded to the pressure that day Bangladesh would not have seem such an excellent fertilizer factory today.
Read: Vote for AL to help finish incomplete dev projects: PM Hasina
A number of farmers were killed during the BNP regime as they had agitated demanding fertilizers in different places including Gaibandha and Tangail, she added.
The PM said no shortage of urea fertilizer was seen anywhere in the country in the last 15 years thanks to its uninterrupted distribution and import of this fertilizer. “Now there is an enough stock of fertilizers in the country,” she said.
PM Hasina opens Southeast Asia’s largest urea fertiliser factory in Narsingdi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (November 12, 2023) opened newly built Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory (GPUFF), the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, which will reduce the country’s dependence on fertiliser imports and create jobs.
The annual production capacity of the environment friendly and modern fertiliser factory in Narsingdi is some 1 million metric tons, capable of producing 2,800 metric tons of urea daily.
the local demand for urea fertilizer is some 26 lakh metric tons annually. If this newly built plant goes in full swing production, some 20 lakh metric tons of urea will be produced yearly in the country.So, the factory will play a leading role in meeting the growing demand of urea fertiliser, ensuring supply of fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices, saving foreign currency by reducing imports and creating employment opportunities.
Bangladeshi farmers need to use fertilizer and water efficiently: Experts
Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) has implemented the 'Ghorashal Polash Urea Fertilizer Project' on 110 acres of land at a cost of around Tk 15,500 crore. The construction work for the project began on March 10, 2020.
Out of the total project cost, TK 4,580.21 crore came from the government exchequer while Tk 10,920 crore from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFG Limited (MUFG) and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) as commercial loan.
As per the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2014, the industries ministry took an initiative to set up a new granular urea fertiliser factory at the place of the existing two fertiliser factories - Urea Fertiliser Factory Limited (UFFL) and Polash Urea Fertilizer Factory Limited (PUFFL) at Ghorashal under Palash upazila in Narsingdi district.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI) and China National Chemical Engineering No 7 Construction Co Ltd (CC-7) jointly constructed the factory, which will have an annual production capacity of 9.24 lakh metric tons.
The daily production capacity of the new factory is about three times higher than that of the earlier two fertiliser factories.
GPUFF is the first fertiliser factory in Bangladesh where the environmental pollutant Carbon-Di-Oxide (CO2) will be captured from the primary reformer flue gas and the production of urea fertilizer will be increased (about 10pc ) by using the captured CO2.
The prime minister released a commemorative postage stamp, marking the inauguration of the factory.
Earlier, PM Sheikh Hasina inspected the factory.
Fertilizer price increased by 105% in Bangladesh since Russia-Ukraine war: Report
In another first, PM Hasina opens Ctg-Cox's Bazar railway line
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (November 11, 2023) inaugurated the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chattogram-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line setting yet another milestone in the country's communication network.
The southern region wore a festive look as she unveiled the new rail route (from Dohazari in Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar) for train movement at a ceremony at newly constructed Cox’s Bazar Railway Station.
The premier flagged off a train and then travelled by it from Cox’s Bazar Railway Station to Ramu Railway Station.
Read: Oyster-shaped railway station adds greater tourist attraction to Cox’s Bazar
She bought her own ticket from the counter of the railway station. She waved the green flag before boarding the train.
She also blew the whistle signalling the start of the train.
Addressing the inauguration programme, the prime minister said, “Today Cox's Bazar has been linked to the country's railway network. I am really very delighted for being able to attend the inaugural ceremony physically, " she said.
"I have kept my promise by inaugurating the railway. This was a longstanding demand of this region. This is a day of feeling proud," she said.
Read: Railway Minister to inspect Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line before inauguration
Talking to reporters during the train ride, the prime minister said that this train link will contribute a lot to country’s GDP and economy.
“Transportation of goods, people and tourists will be expedited resulting in increase the GDP and more vibrant economy,” she said.
She mentioned that Cox’s Bazar has the longest sandy sea beach in the world.
“But we could not build this tourist spot up to the mark. We have to make sure that tourists can come here comfortably,” she said.
PM Hasina said that apart of tourists conveyance the trade and commerce of this area have been given importance.
“We are building a deep seaport, power station, building an economic zone here,” she said.
She also mentioned that Bangladesh will be linked with trans Asian railway by this rail line.
“This rail line will go to Ghumdhum from Ramu, later from Ghumdhum it will be linked with South and South East countries.”
Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge
On her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and local MPs.
Local artists greeted her with traditional songs and dances.
The railways minister presided over the programme.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director for Bangladesh Ginting and Railways Ministry secretary Md Humayun Kabir also spoke at the event.
Bangladesh moves towards cashless society: PM Hasina on launching Taka Pay card
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (November 01, 2023) said her government seeks to build a cashless society in a bid to reduce corruption, expedite development and ease revenue collection.
“When we will be able to build the cashless society it will curtail corruption. The development of the country will be expedited and the revenue collection will be eased,” she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating local currency card ‘Taka Pay’, first of its kind in the country, from her official residence Ganabhaban. She was connected virtually with headquaters of Sonali Bank, City Bank and Brac Bank.
Sheikh Hasina said that as an independent and sovereign country, Bangladesh’s financial system has to be independent and sovereign for reducing dependency on others.
PM Hasina launches Taka Pay, first-ever local currency card, to save costly dollars
She put emphasis on data security of every holder of the newly introduced debit card.
“I hope that the security system of this network will be well-protected. We have to pay special attention to this. Foolproof firewall has to be there,” she said.
She said that this Taka Pay card will be a groundbreaking step for building the cashless society in Bangladesh.
“We will not be dependent on others. We will use our money in our country, we will try to connect this system with otheir countries. We must not be dependent on any single hard currency,” she said.
"Today I'm very happy," said the prime minister terming the own currency card as a landmark step for the country.
She mentioned that the cards which are being used by the people are operated by the foreign companies.
“No more foreign currency spending after introduction of Taka Pay card”," she said.
Hasina spoke about her government’s plan to introduce international transactions through Taka Pay in future.
She also underscored the importance of bringing everyone under banking services towards establishment of a cashless society.
PM Hasina to launch 'Taka Pay' card Tuesday: BB
The premier said every citizen of the country should be brought under the banking service.
Directing the Bangladesh Bank to focus on establishing good governance in the banking sector, the PM said, the role of central bank is very important in establishing a cashless society.
“So, special attention should be given to ensure that the service in the banking sector is more fair alongside good governance,” she added.
PM Hasina asked the officials concerned to provide training and up to date information to the people so that they can use this Taka Pay card easily without any hassle in their daily payment.
The card is be issued by state-owned Sonali Bank and privately-owned City Bank and BRAC Bank in collaboration with the central bank.
'Taka Pay' will provide the same service nationally through the use of 'The National Payment Switch of Bangladesh', an electronic payment platform operated by the BB.
Election will be on time, BNP can’t stop it, says PM Hasina at press conference
Hasina highlights AL’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh during discussion with European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh Awami League’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections during a discussion with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.
She also spoke about establishing an independent Election Commission, photo ID/biometric information-based voter list, and transparent ballot boxes.
The issues were discussed when the European Commissioner for International Partnerships called on the prime minister at her hotel suite in Brussels.
Also read: PM Hasina asks EU to extend GSP+ facilities for 6yrs to graduating LDCs like Bangladesh
Urpilainen hoped that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair environment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The European Commissioner lauded the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership and expressed EU’s commitment to further deepen this relationship.
Urpilainen also underscored potential areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development and decent work.
Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in green transition, education and skill development.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, among others, were present at the discussion.
Also read: Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President
In a separate meeting, PM Hasina sought support of the international community, including the European Union (EU), for an “early, safe and sustainable” repatriation of the forcibly-displaced Rohingyas.
The prime minister said the repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar, is required for the sake of “peace and stability” in the region.
The issue was discussed when European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic met Prime Minister Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels on October 25.
The PM thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s disaster management, particularly in earthquake preparedness.
During the meeting, the European Commissioner lauded Bangladesh’s outstanding socio-economic development under the leadership of Hasina.
Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’
He also lauded Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, including an early-warning system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
He commended Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the Rohingyas and announced an additional Euro 10.5 million assistance for the Rohingyas.
Efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines
On the other hand, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities.
He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation.
PM Hasina held a meeting with the European Investment Bank (EIB) president recently at her hotel suite in Brussels.
She referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh.
She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation.
PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.