PM Hasina
PM Hasina remembers Sheikh Russel on his birthday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday paid homage to Shaheed Sheikh Russell, the assassinated youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to mark his 60th birthday.
Russel, the youngest brother of Hasina, was brutally killed along with Bangabandhu and most of his family members in a carnage on August 15 in 1975. He was then only 10 years old and a grade four student at University Laboratory School.
Sheikh Russel Day to be observed Wednesday
October 18 is observed as Sheikh Russel Day as per a Cabinet Division decision taken in 2021.
On Wednesday morning, the prime minister along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana went to Banani graveyard and placed wreath on the grave of Russel. They also spread flower petals on the graves of all martyrs of Bangabandhu’s family.
Hasina and Rehana offered fateha and joined a special munahat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the Farher of the Nation Bangabandhu, Bangamata and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage.
The two daughters of Bangabandhu escaped the mayhem as they were travelling abroad at that time.
Sheikh Russel Rural Development Academy in Rangpur nodded in JS
Russell was born on October 18 in 1964 at the historic Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi road number 32 in the capital. He was named after Bangabandhu's favourite writer, renowned philosopher and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell, by Bangabandhu himself and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib.
To mark the day, government bodies, ruling Awami League, its associate bodies and different socio-cultural organisations have taken up various programmes at home and abroad.
Bangladesh mission in London marks Sheikh Russel Day
DMCH to be upgraded if AL returns to power in next election: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (October 16, 2023) pledged that the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital will be upgraded with ultra-modern facilities if her party wins the next general election to form the government.
“Inshallah if we get chance in the next time, we will upgrade Dhaka Medical College Hospital and all district and upazila hospitals,” she said while inaugurating various projects under the ministries of water resources and health.
She joined the programme from her official residence, Ganabhaban, through video link.
Dev projects must not damage rivers and canals: PM Hasina asks officials
The parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are due in the first week of next January.
Hasina said that the aim of her government is to establish one medical university in each division.
“We need doctors, nurses and skilled manpower; we have allocated separate funds for the research on medical science,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that the government has created specialised hospitals and institutes to create skilled manpower in the country.
“We have a plan to upgrade Dhaka Medical College Hospital to 4000-5000-bed ultra modern hospital,” she said.
PM hosts dinner for artists, crew of Bangabandhu biopic at Ganabhaban
She also said that the government could have done this during the current tenure.
“…but COVID-19 and expenditure for vaccine procurement and other related huge expenditures could not allow us to do that,” she said.
She also briefly described various expenditures of the government for bringing vaccines for immunisation programme to combat COVID-19.
"We had been able to save the lives of the people from the pandemic despite the fact that thousands of people died from it across the globe including many in rich ones. But, we had to spend plenty of money to this end."
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The prime minister said they have upgraded each of the 32-bed upazila hospitals to 50-bed ones and 100-bed district hospital to 250-bed ones while big district hospitals were upgraded to 500-bed hospitals.
She said they have appointed 40000 nurses and 22000 physicians alongside launching construction of houses for their accommodation.
"We are making arrangements to make sure that the healthcare services don’t suffer any negligence," she said.
The prime minister said they have built community hospitals across the country to reach primary healthcare services to every doorstep following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The community centres are distributing 30 types of medicines free of cost. She said the facilities are helping greatly to reduce the child and mother mortality rate in Bangladesh.
After assuming power, she said the BNP-Jamaat government had stopped the community based healthcare services on the plea that the people who are working and taking healthcare services from those will cast vote for the Awami League despite the fact that the clinics have been rendering healthcare services to all irrespective their political affiliation.
"The BNP-Jamaat alliance doesn't think about the welfare of the people rather busy making their own fortunes. Their mindset is narrow," she said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Water Resources Ministry Zaheed Farooque also spoke at the programme.
Two separate video documentaries on the activities of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry and Water Resources Ministry were screened on the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated "65 community eye centres" at 65 Upazila Health Complexes in 28 districts, in the fourth phase, as part of the move to set up the facility at every upazila across the country under Health and Family Welfare Ministry.
From the same programme, she also opened 80 developed schemes and re-digging of 430 small rivers, canals and water bodies and laid the foundation stone of 20 new development projects under the Water Resources Ministry.
Sharsha Upazila of Jashore, Sathià Upazila of Pabna and Shreemongol Upazila of Moulovibazar district were connected virtually to the programme.
The prime minister unveiled the cover of a book titled "Joyjatra" featuring the development schemes implemented in the last 15 years.
Later, she talked to different beneficiaries through videoconferencing.
Bangabandhu biopic: PM Hasina watches premiere show Thursday, release on Friday
‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’, the much-anticipated biopic of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, premiered on Thursday.
The film is all set to have the nationwide theatrical release on Friday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present in the premiere show held at the National Film Archieves to watch the film with actors, actress and others who were associated with the film.
Much-awaited ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’ to be released on October 13
After the show the PM said the nation will know many unknown facts and new chapters of history through the film ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’.
"The film will be screened in all movie houses across the country from tomorrow (Friday) and I have announced the release of the film,” she said.
She recalled how evil forces tried to distort history after Bangabandhu's assassination on August 15, 1975.
“.....but history speaks. History cannot be erased, and it’s proven,” she added.
Ministers, state ministers and other government high officials also were present at the show.
"Mujib: The Making of a Nation" premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
The film, a joint production of Bangladesh and India, has been directed by master filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
It is scheduled to be released across India on October 27.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Bangladesh & Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India are the producers and Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) & National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Limited, India the executive producers of the film.
The film received an clearance certificate on July 31 this year from censor boards of both countries.
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Dhallywood’s popular actor Arifin Shuvoo leads the ensemble cast as the title character of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in this film, while Nusrat Imrose Tisha plays Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, the lifelong better half of the Father of the Nation.
Actress Nusraat Faria portrayed Bangabandhu’s elder daughter and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The biopic also features popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury, Prarthana Dighi, Tauquir Ahmed and others in different characters, and the entire trailer showcases some of the powerful and majestic moments from Bangabandhu’s epic journey to the road of the country’s independence.
Music of the film is produced by acclaimed Indian music director Shantanu Moitra, and theBengali dialogues are penned by Sadhana Ahmed, Gias Uddin Selim, Shihab Shaheen and Anam Biswas from Bangladesh.
Shooting of the film started in Mumbai, India in January 2021 and concluded in December of the same year.
Nothing to worry about conspiraries being hatched ahead of upcoming national elections: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked the people not to worry about national and international conspiracies being hatched ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
"Next election is coming. National and international conspiracies are being hatched. But, we have nothing to worry as the people are always stand beside us with their votes," she said.
The prime minister said this while holding a view exchange meeting with Tungipara Upazila Awami League, it's associate and friendly organisations, local public representatives and civil personalities at the Tungipara Upazila Awami League office.
Bangladesh is due to hold the next national election in the first week of January next.
Next election in Bangladesh will be free and neutral: PM Hasina
Hasina, chief of the ruling Awami League, said that there had been several attempts on her life.
She mentioned that she has reached today's position confronting bullets and bombs.
"Allah has given task to every person and protects him or her till the work is accomplished. Allah is above and the leaders and activists of my party are on the ground to save me. The people belongs to my party always protect me whenever I am attacked," she said.
PM’s Padma Bridge train journey: 11 individuals of different professions to accompany her
Pointing at the grenade attacks on the Awami League rally on August 21, 2004 in which 22 people were killed, she said the leaders and activists had saved her forming human shield by giving their lives.
"This is the great thing that I have got the chance to serve the people," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that the government has been working to materialise the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to change the fate of the people by giving them a better life.
"I have been doing everything possible for the welfare of the people," she said.
She thanked the people of her Tungipara-Kotalipara constituency for electing her repeatedly through votes despite the fact that she has not been able to give adequate time to them as she has to look into the welfare of entire country.
Against the backdrop of the global economic recession and food crisis, the prime minister asked the people as well leaders and activists of her party to raise the production of food grains.
"Bring very inch of land under cultivation to increase food production. We have to grow our food," she said.
The prime minister reached Tungipara on Tuesday afternoon following opening of the Dhaka-Bhanga Rail Link at Mawa, Munshiganj end and addressing a grand rally at Dr Kazi Abu Yusuf Stadium at Bhanga in Faridpur.
Soon after the premier along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana reached Tungipara, she paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman by placing floral wreath at his mausoleum and offered prayers and fateha there.
She stayed overnight at Tungipara, her village home, and she is scheduled to leave for Dhaka this afternoon.
Sweden wants to see free, fair and inclusive election in Bangladesh: State Secretary tells PM
PM Hasina inaugurates Dhaka-Bhanga rail link over Padma Bridge
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (October 10, 2023) opened the Dhaka-Bhanga railway line, a part of which runs over Padma Bridge, in laying another milestone in the country’s infrastructure development.
The opening of the 82-kilometre railway track from Dhaka to Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila under “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project” fulfills the long-cherished dream of the people of the country’s southwestern districts.
Bangabandhu's youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana was present in the grand ceremony presided over by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan.
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and local MP (Munshiganj-2) Sagufta Yasmin Emily spoke on the occasion, while Railways Secretary Dr Md Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome speech.
Read more: Southwestern districts cheer as Dhaka-Bhanga rail link via Padma Bridge opens Tuesday
After formal unveiling of the newly built railway line over the country’s longest bridge, the prime minister boarded a special inauguration train to travel to Bhanga, where she was greeted by thousands of jubilant people.
The work on the construction of the railway line was launched by the prime minister on October 14 last year.
The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km.
The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.
Read more: Chinese-built Padma Bridge benefits people's livelihood, boosts transformation of economic landscape in Bangladesh
There will be 20 stations from Dhaka to Jashore, of which 14 are new and 6 are already there. The previous stations are also being modernised. Once completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 to 130 kilometres.
There will be no railway crossing anywhere on the Dhaka-Jashore railway line as underpasses are being constructed at each level crossing all the way from Dhaka to Jashore.
The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is about 82 kilometres. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka has been added to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to run from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Under the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been purchased. New trains will be introduced by decorating the rakes with them.
The Padma Bridge rail link project was approved on May 3, 2016. At that time, its construction cost was estimated to be around Tk 34,989 crore. When the project proposal was amended on May 22, 2018, the cost increased to Tk 39,247 crore. The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
The Padma Bridge rail link project is being constructed with Chinese funding, on the basis of G2G (government to government). Chinese contractor China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) is working on the project. China's Exim Bank is providing a loan of $ 266.79 crore to implement the project.
The rest of the cost is being financed by the government of Bangladesh.
Read more: PM’s Padma Bridge train journey: 11 individuals of different professions to accompany her
Bangladesh-origin Hindus in UK laud PM Hasina's exemplary steps to establish secular, democratic Bangladesh
Leaders of the Bangladesh Hindu Association, representing Bangladesh-origin Hindus in the UK, have praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership for the remarkable economic development as well as her exemplary steps to establish a secular and oppression-free democratic Bangladesh.
They called on Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in London on Saturday (September 30, 2023), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (October 01, 2023).
The Association raised their concerns over the welfare of their fellow members and relatives in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja and upcoming election.
The Foreign Minister assured them that strict precautionary measures and necessary steps would be taken during the Durga Puja and upcoming election to protect the Hindus.
Dr Momen emphasized the Bangladesh government’s commitment to ensure religious peace, harmony, and security.
Read: ‘Battle is between secular and non-secular forces, which one does UK choose?’: Bangladesh High Commissioner
The Bangladesh Hindu Association thanked and appreciated the Foreign Minister for his support and commitments to safeguard the values of the Hindus and other religious communities.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen also praised their role in connecting Bangladeshi-origin Hindus with the UK and urged them to represent Bangladesh’s religious harmonies as well as the nation's achievements.
The Hindu association handed over a petition to the Foreign Minister to ensure the protection and safety of their relatives. Mr. Proshanta Datta Purokayastha, BEM, Chairman of the association, led the group.
Read: British MPs, diplomats express solidarity with Bangabandhu’s secular, progressive values
Rabin Paul, Vice Chairman, Haradhan Bhowmik, Vice Chairman, Prasanta Kumar Dutta, Vice Chairman, Sujith Chowdhury, General Secretary, Biswajit Dey, Treasurer, Kankan Kanti Ghosh, Joint Treasurer, Bappy Dam, Women Organizing Secretary, Arjun Kumar Datta, Deputy Organizing Secretary, Sushanta Kumar Halder, Entertainment Secretary, and Dr Debabrata Chowdhury, Member, attended the meeting.
Read more: Bangabandhu's killing designed to destroy secular spirit of Liberation War: Speakers
Khaleda has to return to jail first before taking treatment abroad, PM Hasina tells VoA
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s jail term suspension will have to be revoked first and she needs to go to jail again if she wants to go abroad for treatment.
She said this during an interview with the Bangla service of Voice of America (VoA) aired on Saturday (September 30, 2023).
The prime minister, now on a visit to the US, responded to a number of questions on US Visa sanction, human rights, Khaleda’s treatment abroad, caretaker government, the constitution and other issues.
Khaleda Zia has been kept captive to remain in power: Fakhrul
When asked about the possibility of reconsidering the decision to send Khaleda abroad for improved medical care, she said, “My question is, which country in the world can send a convicted criminal abroad for better treatment? Will any country allow it?”
“If they want to apply, they have to go to the court and take court permission. We have no authority over work of the judiciary," she stated.
Khaleda Zia again moved to CCU from cabin at Evercare Hospital
“But yes, we have suspended her jail term, given permission to stay at home. And she is taking treatment now in the most expensive hospital in Bangladesh. If they need to go abroad, the permission to stay at home would first need to be revoked, she will need to return to prison again, and court. Only after obtaining court permission could she travel abroad,” she said.
Khaleda under close observation of medical board; no improvement, say doctors
Bangladesh will return to darkness unless AL remains in power: PM Hasina warns
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned that the country will again plunge into darkness unless the ruling Awami League remains in power.
“If the Awami League does not remain in power, the country will again return to the era of darkness,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a reception accorded to her by the US chapter of the Awami League in the Holiday Express Inn Hotel here on Wednesday.
But, she said, "I know that the people of Bangladesh will not want to go back to darkness."
Describing 29 years of the BNP-Jamaat governments as the era of darkness, the PM said they did nothing for the people during the period except making their own fortune.
“The BNP-Jamaat clique has erased 29 years from the life of Bangladeshi people. Somehow, the Awami League has bridged the gap of the years by conducting massive development across the country from 2009 to till the date,” she said.
Read more: Over 1100 video contents are published on govt’s achievements to mark PM Hasina’s birthday
Bangladesh has attained recognition as a developing country during the period as the AL is governing the country with specific plans alongside having continued democratic process and stability in the country since 2009 in line with her government’s Vision 2041 mentioned in 2008 election manifesto, she said.
The prime minister said her government has been preparing to start the country's journey as a developing nation from 2026 and for which they have formed a committee led by her principal secretary to find ways to ease the journey towards development and prosperity.
“I know, If the Awami League remains in power, Bangladesh’s journey as a developing country will face no difficulty,” she reiterated.
Hasina said the next general election is vital for Bangladesh for this reason and they have already formed a committee to formulate the election manifesto as part of the polls preparation.
“I have trust and confidence in the people of Bangladesh. The masses still believe that the Awami League only can change their fate and make the country’s development sustainable,” she said.
Read more: No one from outside should obstruct elections in Bangladesh: PM Hasina warns in New York
She said the people of the country are her only near and dear ones as she lost everything including her father, mother and brothers on August 15 in 1975.
“The people of Bangladesh are my strength. The countrymen are my family and I am running the state keeping that in my mind,” she said.
She said they have been giving the landless and homeless home free of cost, reaching healthcare services to every doorstep through community clinics, giving stipends to 2.5 crore students to make sure the countrymen won’t suffer anymore.
“We have been doing everything in a planned way to ensure the country’s march towards development and prosperity,” she said.
She said none of the people of the country of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will remain homeless and ultra poor.
The prime minister said they have built Digital Bangladesh and turned Bangladesh into a developing nation as per 2008 election manifesto and are now pursuing to transform the country into a “Smart Bangladesh” as the journey towards development will be continued.
“Stay alert so none can play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of the country,” she urged the people.
Terming the BNP-Jamaat as the terrorist political parties, the premier said their character has not yet been changed as they are hatching conspiracy at home and abroad to undermine the image of the country on the global stage.
“Their (BNP-Jamaat clique) character is yet to change. So, they are out to undermine the country through hatching conspiracies and spreading propaganda,” she said, adding: “We have to give them a good reply showcasing the huge development works conducted by the Awami League across the country at home and abroad."
The prime minister asked leaders and workers of the US chapter of the Awami League to make their communication stronger with congressmen, senate members and local government representatives of their localities in America and apprise them of Bangladesh’s development and the BNP-Jamaat clique’s falsehood and conspiracy to undermine Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the Awami said her party had started fighting for the rights of the people since its birth and these included the Language Movement, six-point demand and War of Liberation.
“The development of Bangladesh has been possible due to having the Awami League in power. Nobody else will work for the country’s development with such devotion and love. We want the advancement to be continued and none can hinder it,” she said.
The prime minister arrived in Washington DC on September 23 from New York after attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session and other high-level side and bilateral meetings from September 17-22.
Bangabandhu Tunnel awaits inauguration; toll rates finalised
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, running beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, is now awaiting inauguration, with the primary construction phase successfully concluded.
The main tunnel is fully equipped and prepared for vehicular movement. This historic project marks the country's first-ever underwater tunnel, and preparations for its grand inauguration are underway.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the tunnel in Chattogram on October 28. Marking the occasion, the prime minister will address a rally at the Anwara end of the tunnel.
Also read: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20
Commencing from the following day, the tunnel will be open for vehicular traffic, providing a significant transportation milestone for the region.
In this regard, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the primary construction phase of the tunnel has been successfully concluded.
“Presently, the focus is on resolving technical matters within the tunnel. The inauguration of this remarkable project heralds Bangladesh's entry into the era of underwater tunnels,” said Quader.
This ‘monumental achievement’ will usher in a new era of communication within the country, marking a source of immense national pride, he added.
Also read: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October
The Bridges Division Secretary Md. Manzur Hossain told UNB that the primary tunnel is fully ready for vehicular traffic.
“Ongoing efforts encompass various aspects, including the establishment of essential infrastructure such as fire service and police station buildings. The overall progress of the tunnel project stands at 98 percent,” he said.
"Our activities will continue even after the inauguration. It has been discussed to establish a police station, a dumping area, and a station, and the space is available for that. Those who are involved in the operation and those who will perform maintenance will have their own vehicles," he added.
The secretary said that the traffic division has devised a dedicated plan for managing the flow of traffic both within and around the tunnel area, aiming to ensure seamless transportation.
Inside the tunnel, vehicles will be able to run at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
It has been decided which vehicles will run in the tunnel. Tolls have also been fixed, said the Bridges secretary (see bolow).
Also read: HSIA Terminal 3: Final preparations on course for Oct 7 inauguration
“The concept of the tunnel is new to us. That's why it has some challenges. It is different from other bridges or roads. In that case, we have to make sure that the tunnel will be safe and those who use it will also be safe,” said Hossain, adding, “From that perspective, I don't think it's safe for two- or three-wheelers at the moment.”
Harun-ur-Rashid, project director of the tunnel, told UNB that the scope of Chittagong city will increase once the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel is opened.
"Chittagong city marks one end of the tunnel, while the other end leads to Anwara Upazila. The development of tunnels is transforming Anwara into a burgeoning city. Concurrently, the land prices in Anwara Upazila have seen a substantial increase."
Numerous industries, both large and small, are emerging on both sides of the road leading to the tunnel's terminus in Anwara Upazila.
When the tunnel becomes operational, it will reduce the Karnaphuli River crossing time to just three minutes.
As time is of the essence, the economy is expected to thrive. The tunnel is poised to bring about a transformative change in road connectivity between the capital, Dhaka, and Chittagong city, as well as the tourist destination of Cox's Bazar.
Also read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday
The main tunnel spans a length of 3.32 kilometres, with each of the two four-lane tubes measuring 2.45 kilometres.
Additionally, there will be a 5.35 km link road at both the west and east ends of the main tunnel, along with a 727-metre-long flyover at the Anwara end.
The tunnel is situated at a depth ranging from 18 to 31 metres beneath the Karnaphuli River.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina initiated the commencement of boring for the first or northern tunnel from Patenga to Anwara on February 24, 2019.
The loan agreement had been signed on June 30, 2015, following a feasibility study of the project in 2011 and a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014.
Construction work officially began on December 5, 2017, following the appointment of the contractor.
This project is jointly funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G), with a total cost of Tk 10,698 crore. The construction work for the tunnel is being carried out by the China Communication and Construction Company Limited (CCCC).
The Government of Bangladesh is executing this project with the aim of creating a 'One City Two Towns' concept, similar to Shanghai in China, on either side of the Karnaphuli River.
Also read: Elevated expressway marks first of 9 megaprojects to be inaugurated before election
A total of 12 types of vehicles will be subject to toll charges when using the 3.43 km long Bangabandhu Tunnel. The minimum toll fee has been set at Tk200, applicable to private cars. Pickup trucks will also be charged Tk200 for each crossing, while microbuses will be charged Tk250.
Buses with fewer than 31 seats will incur a toll of Tk300, while those with more than 32 seats will pay Tk400. Big buses with three axles will be charged a toll of Tk500.
The toll for trucks capable of carrying goods up to five tonnes has been fixed at Tk400. Eight-ton trucks will have to pay Tk500 and 11-ton trucks will have to pay Tk600. A three-axle container trailer will cost Tk800.
A four-axle trailer will cost Tk1,000. However, an additional Tk200 will have to be paid for each additional axle.
The toll rate will come into effect on the day the tunnel is opened for vehicular movement.
Read more: Toll rates fixed for Karnaphuli tunnel
No one from outside should obstruct elections in Bangladesh: PM Hasina warns in New York
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said there is no scope now for anyone to grab power illegally in Bangladesh and the violators have to face the music.
“If anyone comes to power, creating trouble and violating the constitution, then s/he will face punishment. It should not be forgotten,” she said.
The prime minister made the remarks while addressing a press conference at Bangladesh Permanent Mission in UN here. She is now in New York to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Will continue to promote democracy as per constitution: PM Hasina says in UNGA
She said if anyone other than only elected representatives wants to come to power through an alternative way, they will have to face punishment.
“It will have to be kept in mind. They will have to face the music,” she said.
The PM said she has been in power facing many obstacles emerging from inside of the country. If the people vote for Awami League, the party will come in power again.
Don’t forget the Rohingyas: PM Hasina urges Int’l community
Pointing to those who are saying that they would impose sanctions, if an attempt is made to thwart the election, she said, “I would like to say that this attempt to thwart the election should not be made from outside the country as well.”
She said if it is spoiled (the election) from outside the country, the people of Bangladesh will also impose sanctions. “We would like to see that no attempt is made from outside the country as well,” she said.
Noting that she introduced the slogan that ‘I cast my vote on my choice’ in the country, she said her party was able to establish it. The people are now conscious enough over their voting rights, she added.
PM will address UNGA on Friday
Focusing on the electoral reforms made by her government, the premier said now the ballot boxes are transparent and there is no scope for filling the boxes with fake votes. The electoral rolls are made including photographs. These (the electoral system) were reformed, she added.
She said the law regarding constitution of the Election Commission was made by none other than Awami League. “We’ve made the electoral process transparent. We’ve given the Election Commission the absolute financial freedom,” she said.
She said the EC was once under the control of the Prime Minister’s Office. “The Election Commission is now completely independent. It is the Awami League government that made it. It’ll have to be kept in mind,” she went on.
Hasina said she would like to tell those who are becoming worried about the election of Bangladesh that the people are the source of power and the owners of the state as per the article-7 of its constitution.
In reply to another question about the new visa policy announced by the USA in case of undermining the election in Bangladesh, the PM said the people voted spontaneously in many elections, by-elections and local body elections held during the regimes of Awami League.
She said AL came in power, getting the mandate of the people in the election. “So, we also want the election to be free and transparent,” she added.
Noting that opposition (parties) was also mentioned in today's announcement, she said it is good from one perspective that BNP can’t go for thwarting the election like they unleashed arson violence to obstruct the 2014 election and resorted to violence and attacked police to spoil the 2018 election.
The PM said they should impose sanctions, considering who starts undermining the election first. “If only the Awami League is targeted, I’ve nothing to say,” she said.
Responding to a question if Saima Wazed would be picked for the next leadership position, Sheikh Hasina said, “The possibility is very slim. The people of Bangladesh and my party (Awami League) will decide who will come to the leadership or not in future.”
In reply to a question over corruption, she said many people now try to tarnish the image of Bangladesh by publishing news exaggerating tiny things. This evil-attempt is very harmful for the image of the country, she added.
She said her government doesn’t spare anyone in case of even any small corruption.
She questioned how Bangladesh would have been able to witness such a huge development if such corruption had taken place.
The PM asked the Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittance through legal channels and not pay heed to rumours.