Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave for Germany on a three-day official visit on Thursday morning to attend the Munich Security Conference, her first trip abroad since winning last month’s national election. A flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourage members is scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11 am, according to the official programme on the visit. She is scheduled to arrive at München Franz Josef Strauss Airport, München, Germany at 17:20 (Munich time). During her stay in Munich from February 16-18, Hasina will also hold meetings with German chancellor, prime ministers of Denmark and Netherlands on the sidelines of the security conference. Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar is also scheduled to pay a call on PM Hasina.. On the morning of February 16, Silvana Koch-Mehrin, President of Women Political Leaders (WPL) is likely to pay a courtesy call on the prime minister at the Bilateral Meeting Room of her Place of Residence. Sundarbans Day: World's largest mangrove forest draws growing number of tourists It will be followed by a courtesy call on the PM by Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of United Kingdom Rt Hon Lord Cameron at the same place. PM Hasina is scheduled to attend the event of opening and welcome remarks by the Conference Chair at Conference Hall, Hotel Bayerischer Hof. On the same day, Axel Van Trotsenburge, senior managing director, Development Policy and Partnership, World Bank will make a call on the prime minister at the meeting room, conference venue. Later, the prime minister will hold a meeting with Mette Frederiksen, prime minister of Denmark at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Sheikh Hasina will later attend a panel discussion titled "From Pocket to Planet:Scalling up Climate Finance" at Main Hall I, Hotel Bayerischer Hof. At night, the prime minister is likely to join a community reception of the Bangladeshi expatriates in Germany at Bürgerhaus Garching. On February 17, the Prime Minister will hold a meeting with Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany will meet the premier at the Conference Venue. A meeting between Sheikh Hasina with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be held àt Garden Salon, Conference Venue. The premier will later attend Ewald Von Kleist award ceremony and state dinner at Kisersaal Munich Residence. Women now empowered in Bangladesh: PM On February 18, the prime minister will depart München Franz Josef Strauss Airport, München, Germany for Dhaka by a Biman Bangladesh flight at 21:10 (Munich time) The Premier is scheduled to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka at 11 am on February 19.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that last month’s  parliamentary election that handed her the fourth consecutive term in office was the most free, fair and impartial vote in the country since 1975. “I think this time the election was the most free, fair and neutral of all the polls held after 1975,” she said about the January 7 election that was boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The premier made this remark while exchanging views with local leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies and local representatives from Tungipara Upazila of Gopalganj at her official residence Ganabhaban. She said there were many conspiracies and plots to thwart the election as a party (BNP) founded in the hands of a military dictator wanted to prevent this democratic process. “But the most important thing in this election was that people spontaneously went to the polling stations and cast their votes,” said Hasina, who is also the prrsident of the Awami League. The prime minister said the journey ahead for Bangladesh would not be so easy in the days to come. Many obstacles have to be overcome. Many conspiracies surround this Bangladesh, she warned. She said Bangladesh today has come a long way in soci0-economic development. “The people of Bangladesh are financially solvent today,” she said. Talking about commodity prices, Hasina said that the people with fixed income are facing some difficulty. “If we all cultivate the fallow lands then there will be no shortage of food. Rather, we can have surplus,” she said. The PM said all the fallow lands will have to be brought under cultivation and the government would extend assistance in this regard. She urged the local government representatives to ensure that the development projects are implemented properly. The PM asked them to gain public trust and confidence by their deeds.

Swiss President Viola Amherd and Denish Prime Minister Mete Federiksen have congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a greeting letter sent to Sheikh Hasina, the Swiss President said, "Given the global challenges that we face, I am convinced that our commitment to important values, such as respect for international law, rule of law, multilateralism and the universal principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter remain our best compass in striving towards a world of peace and prosperity." The Swiss President expressed confidence that the excellent relations between the two countries and the bonds of friendship that tie Switzerland and Bangladesh will continue to intensify in the future. In another message, Denish Prime Minister Mete Federiksen said that Denmark continues to stand by the people of Bangladesh and remains invested in the country's social, economic and democratic development. "I hope that your new tenure will usher in an era of progress, equality, a strong democracy and protection of fundamental freedoms." Mentioning that it was a pleasure meeting Sheikh Hasina in New York in September last, he said "I am very encouraged by our discussion on the green transition and your commitment to combat climate change." He reaffirmed that his government is committed to work with the government of Bangladesh to advance the mutual interest of our countries – and together achieve new heights of success in sustainable growth and beyond.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged the newly elected independent MPs to play their due role in Parliament to make its business meaningful. “Make this parliament meaningful. You can criticise the government. We don’t have any objection. But you have to keep it in mind that you would have to work in the interest and for the welfare of the people,” she told the independently elected lawmakers. The premier said this while addressing a meeting with independent MPs at her official residence Ganabhaban in the evening. A total of 62 independent lawmakers out of 300 were elected in the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024. The 12th parliament is set to go into its maiden session on Tuesday next (January 30). In this election the ruling Awami League allowed its leaders to contest as independents too even against the party's chosen candidates to make the vote participatory. Fifty-nine of such independents won the election triggering speculations on their status in the House.In today's meeting Hasina said the independent lawmakers should play a role in different parliamentary activities like passage of bills. “You will have to play a role in making parliament meaningful and taking democracy forward,” she said. The prime minister congratulated the independent MPs on winning the election. She, however, warned all to be careful so that Awami League men would not come under any sort of attack or be victims of violence. Hasina, also the Awami League president, said she would not spare anyone no matter who he is or which party he belongs to. “This conflict would be suicidal for us…. If there is any internal conflict among you, it will have to be solved. You will have to work together with all,” she said. Talking about the Annual Development Programme (ADP), Hasina asked the MPs to consider the returns or benefits of a project before taking the scheme. “Before taking any project, you have to consider what would be the return of the project or how much the people and the country would be benefited,” she said, adding that she won’t tolerate corruption. The premier said her government has controlled corruption and this is why it has successfully implemented mega projects like Padma Bridge. “I take the projects which would be meaningful for the people,” she said. Talking about the recent election, she said hadn’t Awami League won the election, the development in the country’s different indexes would have been affected. Pointing at BNP and some foreign quarters, she said they thought the election won’t be credible. Their target was to question the election and impose sanctions if the election would not be credible. “I opened the election for all to face their evil plots,” she said. PM Hasina called upon the newly elected MPs to implement the promises they made before the people during the election. She also asked them to be vigilant on those who are going to start violence again to thwart the outcome of the election. The AL chief suggested the first-time MPs know the history of Bangladesh and read the constitution, the rules of procedure of Parliament and use the parliament library.

First Bangladeshi origin Scottish MP Foysol Choudhury on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her being re-elected for the fourth straight term in the January 7 parliamentary polls. The NP also thanked all involved with the election process for making the 12th Parliamentary election fair, participatory and violence-free. No dialogue with those who burn people to death: Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud  He conveyed the thanks during a call on with PM Hasina at her office. PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Md. Noorelahi Mina briefed reporters after the call on. He said that the Scottish MP congratulated the prime minister from Cross Party Group of the Scottish Parliament. The deputy press secretary said that the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group wants to continue their bilateral development activities with the Bangladesh Parliament. Chinese Ambassador outlines vision for deeper ties ahead of 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations PM Hasina thanked the Scottish MP and his government for their greetings to her. Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.  

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following election victory. He also wished her success in carrying out the duties of the new mandate. Accidents edge up slightly, but fatalities decline 15% in 2023 The Algerian president renewed his invitation to the PM to make an official visit to Algeria. “I would like to express on this occasion my constant readiness to continue working towards consolidating our ties of friendship and solidarity, as well as raising the level of our relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation, so as to serve both countries’ interests,” he said in a congratulatory message to Sheikh Hasina. Speed up dev works in next 5yrs: PM directs admin

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the newly appointed ministers to take necessary steps to keep prices of essentials under control during coming holy Ramadan. “Holy Ramadan is coming and take necessary steps to ensure the prices of the essentials are not increased during this month,” she said. The prime minister said this while holding an informal meeting with the ministers who came here to pay homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The meeting was held at her own residence at Tungipara, her home district. Flyers on Indian flight stuck in Dhaka Airport for over 12 hours. Here’s why  Hasina arrived here early in the day for her first visit outside the capital since winning January 7 national election with an absolute majority. The massive win gave her the fourth straight term in office and the fifth overall. PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin briefed the reporters after the meeting. He said that this was an informal cabinet meeting. He mentioned that the prime ministers asked the ministers to take measurers during Ramadan, especially against the big hoarders so they can't create artificial crisis of commodities. She also asked the ministers to conduct anti-hoarding drives regularly in this connection. “Put the prices of essentials under control so that the common people could live in comfort,” she was quoted as saying. PMO secretary said that the prime minister gave directions to her first-time cabinet colleagues to know ins and outs about his or her ministry first. Salauddin said that PM Hasina asked the ministers to highly consider benefits of the country and its people while taking up any project. Flyers on Indian flight stuck in Dhaka Airport for over 12 hours. Here’s why

Bangladesh Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday declared from now on none can hinder the advancement of the country as her party is resuming power again following its landslide victory in the January-7 general election. “Since Awami League can come to power again, none can disrupt the current progress of Bangladesh anymore,” she said while addressing a rally at historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the city. President invites Sheikh Hasina to form her cabinet Bangladesh Awami League arranged the rally in observance of the historic homecoming day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after the 1971 Liberation War. Hasina, who presided over the programme, said many wanted to stop this election, but failed. People’s welfare is your highest responsibility:  Hasina told newly elected AL MPs “The voter turnout is 41.8 percent in this election even after there were attempts to prevent the voters from casting their votes, which is a very big matter,” she said, adding that a particular party was trying to resist the election when AL and its like-minded parties joined it. She said none can question the 12th parliamentary election as it was held in fair, free and neutral manners. Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win “None can say that the votes were cast at night instead of daytime in this election. None has the power to say anything that the votes were rigged because the election was held in very transparent, free and neutral manners,” she said. The prime minister said her government never interfered into the Election Commission, rather assisted it. She extended her sincere thanks to the administration and law enforcement agencies including the armed forces who assisted the EC wholeheartedly in holding a free, fair and neutral election. Reiterating her vision to make a Smart Bangladesh by 2041, Hasina said none can play ducks and drakes anymore with the fate of the people of Bangladesh. She said the power of the people of Bangladesh is a big power, which was proved once again. Coming down heavily on the critics, the PM said they kept mum when the military dictators had come to power by rigging votes. “But now they question our democracy and election when we established democracy and the voting rights of the people. “We’ve consolidated democracy,” she said, adding that the socioeconomic condition has improved, poverty rate declined and per capita income went up as the democratic trend has continued for a long time in the country. The AL president expressed her gratitude to the people of Bangladesh as they voted for her party spontaneously. Pointing at the BNP, she said they tried to prevent the voters from going to polling stations, but the government didn’t hinder their campaign. “But the people of Bangladesh participated in this election, voted for Awami League and accepted this election overcoming hundreds of obstructions and fears…… the people cast votes spontaneously also in the rural areas,” she said. Talking about Bangabandhu’s homecoming day, Hasina said his speech delivered on January 10, 1972 here in the erstwhile Race Course ground (Suhrawardy Udyan) is a historic document. “The Father of the Nation in his speech gave all the guidelines over how an independent Bangladesh would run in future,” she said. AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, its presidium members Mofazzel Hossain Chowdhury Maya and Qamrul Islam, among others, spoke at the rally. Obaidul Quader on AL’s behalf greeted Sheikh Hasina with flowers as she is going to be the five-time prime minister through AL’s landslide victory in the January-7 general election. On January 10, 1972 Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh returned to independent Bangladesh via London and New Delhi after 290 days of confinement in Pakistan jail during the country’s Liberation War.

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told her party’s newly elected MPs that their highest priority should be the welfare of the people. “Therefore, every MPs will have to work for the people in their respective constituencies. You [MPs] will have to ensure that balanced development is done in their areas,” she said. Myanmar says overwhelming support for AL reflects people’s trust in PM Hasina, her leadership Hasina was addressing at the maiden meeting of Awami League Parliamentary Party (ALPP) of the 12th Parliament at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. She spoke soon after she was elected the leader of the ALPP. The meeting started at around 12:00pm and continued for around one hour. “In her speech Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said democracy and people have won in the January 7 national election,” AL MP Tanvir Shakil Joy quoted Hasina as saying at the meeting. She, however, didn’t say anything about who is going to be the opposition party in Parliament, Joy told reporters emerging from the ALPP meeting. Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates PM Hasina on election victory In the ALPP meeting, AL MP Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was nominated as Speaker of the House, AL MP Matia Chowdhury was nominated as deputy leader of the House while Noor E Alam Chowdhury Liton was nominated as chief whip of parliament, Joy told reporters.

Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Palestine paid courtesy call on Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today. BNP has nothing to do now except waiting for another 5 yrs: Obaidul Quader They congratulated Sheikh Hasina on behalf of their respective countries as Awami League won the 12th National Parliamentary Election, according to a release from PM’s Press Wing. They envoys also conveyed the congratulatory messages of the heads of state and governments of their countries to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They expressed optimism that Bangladesh will become a developed and prosperous country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The envoys expressed their strong commitment to continue the cooperation of their respective countries with Bangladesh. Awami League president Sheikh Hasina to address nation this evening The Prime Minister thanked the ambassadors and high commissioners. She also thanked the heads of state and governments of all friendly countries for their continuous support to the people and government of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed hope that the cooperation of friendly countries will continue in the coming days in the development and progress of Bangladesh.