President
President urges members of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to perform duties more sincerely
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday called upon the members of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to perform their duties more actively and sincerely for the sake of humanity.
The President made this call when the newly elected committee members of the society headed by its chairman Professor Dr Ubaidul Kabir Chowdhury met the President at Bangabhaban today.
During the meeting, the Chairman informed the President about the overall activities of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
He also highlighted the progress of various ongoing projects of the society.
President Shahabuddin said that the role of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society is very important during various crises including natural disasters.
Appreciating the role of the society in socio-economic development since independence, he said that the volunteers of the society should be more active in dealing with any disaster.
The President cited his own experience of serving as General Secretary of the then Pabna District Red Cross from 1972 to 1975.
The president aslo asked them to strengthen coordination with the relevant departments, ministries and institutions in implementing the project of Red Crescent Society.
Secretaries to the President's office were present during the meeting.
NRB leaders should encourage Bangladeshis to send remittances through legitimate channels: President
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday said NRB leaders should encourage expatriate Bangladeshis so that all of them send remittances to the country through legitimate channels.
The president said this when a delegation of NRB World, an organization of non-resident Bangladeshis, met him at Bangabhaban this noon.
NRB World President Md Shahiduzzaman led the delegation.
President seeks Myanmar support in strengthening regional relationship
The delegation demanded the establishment of NRB Special Economic Zone for investment in various sectors in Bangladesh.
President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, they informed the president about the activities of the organization.
They said that they are working on the branding of various products and services of Bangladesh.
President Shahabuddin said that the expatriate Bangladeshis are playing an important role in the economic development of Bangladesh.
Referring to the existing investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh, the president said that the investment environment in Bangladesh is very good.
China keen to continue all possible co-operation for Bangladesh’s development: Minister Liu Jianchao
He also urged the leaders of organization to encourage foreign investors to invest in the promising sectors of the country.
Mentioning the expatriates as the ambassadors of Bangladesh abroad, the President said that necessary steps will be taken to ensure that they get proper recognition in the country.
Secretary Wahidul Islam Khan and other officials were present at the President's office.
President urges Guard Regiment to embrace latest IT skills
President Mohammed Shahabuddin emphasized the need for the President Guard Regiment (PGR) to enhance their knowledge and skills in the latest information technology, addressing the regiment during its 49th founding anniversary at the PGR headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment on Saturday.
President seeks Myanmar support in strengthening regional relationship
Security today has become a multi-dimensional issue in the contemporary global context, President Shahabuddin said. The invention and expansion of new information technologies have further expanded this multidimensionality. “You need to sharpen your knowledge and skills in this regard. This requires advanced equipment and training, which I know you take very seriously.”
He highlighted the importance of strengthening existing training programs to develop the regiment's professional standards to meet global benchmarks.
President Shahabuddin also spoke on the significance of historical knowledge for future success. “You have to learn from past history and events along with contemporary realities. We have to move towards a brighter future by stepping on the steps of the past and the present.”
Non-resident envoys of Lithuania, Greece and Malawi present credentials to president
He reminded the PGR members of their duty to perform with utmost devotion and maintain the ‘chain of command’. “Any self-sacrifice in fulfilling the great responsibility given by the country and the nation will make you memorable forever in history.”
President seeks Myanmar support in strengthening regional relationship
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday sought Myanmar's support and co-operation in strengthening regional relationship as Bangladeshis going to take over as chair of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in September.
He said while newly appointed Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe presented his credentials to the President.
A smart contingent of the President's Guard Regiment gave him a guard of honour when he reached there.
Welcoming the new ambassador of Myanmar, President Shahabuddin said that Myanmar is the closest neighbour of Bangladesh.
He said that Bangladesh prioritizes the development of relations with different countries of the world.
The President said that although the government has given shelter to the forcibly displaced people from Myanmar on humanitarian grounds, it is currently a big problem for Bangladesh.
He expressed hope that Myanmar will create the environment so that these forcibly displaced people can return to their motherland safely and with dignity.
President Sahabuddin urged the new ambassador to work to explore the existing trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Myanmar as well.
Mentioning that Bangladesh will take over as the chairman of BIMSTEC next September, the President said that Bangladesh will work closely with Myanmar to strengthen BIMSTEC.
The President also said that Bangladesh wants to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN. He sought Myanmar's support and co-operation in this regard.
During the meeting, the new ambassador of Myanmar sought the full co-operation of the President in discharging his duties.
He said his country is working to solve the problems caused by the displaced people from Myanmar.
The ambassador of Myanmar said that he will inform his government about Bangladesh's concern in this regard and will take initiatives to solve the problem.
Secretaries to the President's office were also present during the meeting.
Non-resident envoys of Lithuania, Greece and Malawi present credentials to president
Non-resident envoys of Lithuania, Greece and Malawi present credentials to president
Envoys of Lithuania, Greece and Malawi to Bangladesh separately presented their credentials separately to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday at Bangabhaban.
The three non-resident ambassadors-designate are : Diana Mickeviciene of the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic region of Europe, Alik Koutsomitopoulou of south-eastern European state Greece and Leonard Mengezi of south-eastern African country Malawi.
President 's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters after the presentations.
Welcoming the envoys, the president said Bangladesh's foreign policy attaches importance to bilateral and friendly relations with all.
Noting that Bangladesh has always given priority to expanding bilateral relations in trade, commerce and investment, Shahabuddin hoped that bilateral relations with these countries would be further enhanced during the new envoys tenures.
Terming Bangladesh as a country with huge potentials, the president urged the envoys to use all possibilities to boost trade and commercial ties between Bangladesh and their respective countries.
He emphasised the high level visit-exchange of both private and government representatives, including the business communities and trade delegations for promoting bilateral trade and investment among the countries.
President addresses 38th anniversary of SSF
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday directed to maintain good relations, close communication and coordination between all partner agencies in creating a security zone for VIPs.
He said this in a brief speech before the 38th anniversary celebration of the Special Security Force (SSF) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital today.
At the same time, he also instructed SSF to ensure public relations of VVIPs seriously.
“All the powers of the republic belong to the people. You should always keep a watchful eye so that people do not suffer in any of your behaviour,” he said.
However, the President admonished the SSF members to always exert their utmost morale, unquestioning loyalty and professionalism to meet the challenges and obstacles of the ever-changing security situation.
Mentioning that every area of SSF's duty is "very sensitive", the President said that the security of important persons is always very important and challenging due to the political context of Bangladesh, the conspiracy of anti-independence forces and above all international terrorism.
He said, VIPs are very popular and legendary among people and followers of different classes and professions. But they cannot always meet for security reasons.
He directed to consider very carefully so that no distance or misunderstanding is created between the leader and the people due to extreme strictness and extravagance.
“Security and public involvement should be given equal importance," he added.
He also said maximum security must be ensured not by creating distance from the people, but by showing professionalism while keeping the public involvement normal
The President said that apart from increasing professional skills through proper training, SSF members should also be given serious consideration to acquire character strength, improved discipline, honesty, responsibility and humane qualities.
Apart from this, President Sahabuddin urged the members of this special force to ensure the proper use of state resources as well as the maximum use of limited resources.
He hoped that through competent leadership, right direction and professionalism, patriotism and sincerity of the members, SSF will move forward on the path of prosperity and earn the trust of all as the 'ideal security providing force'.
The wife of the president Rebeka Sultana and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Security Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, senior civil and military officials were present.
Director General of SSF Major General AKM Nazmul Hasan delivered the welcome address on the occasion.
SSF has been formed as a smart force consisting of professional, skilled and specially trained officers of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Ansar forces to ensure the safety of important persons.
On 15 June 1986, the President's Security Force (PSF) was formed, later renamed a Special Security Force (SSF) after the restoration of parliamentary government in the country.
The President attended and enjoyed a wonderful cultural programme there.
China keen to continue all possible co-operation for Bangladesh’s development: Minister Liu Jianchao
Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao on Tuesday said that China is willing to continue all possible co-operation for the development of Bangladesh.
The visiting Chinese minister said this in a meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.
Welcoming the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Jianchao at Bangabhaban, President Shahabuddin said that China is one of the most important development partners of Bangladesh.
President lauds business cooperation amid global economic challenges
He said that China's co-operation in implementing various mega projects of Bangladesh including Padma Bridge Rail Link, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Elevated Expressway has accelerated the economic development of Bangladesh.
The President expressed hope that China's partnership with Bangladesh for development will be strengthened in the future.
Meanwhile, President Shahabuddin sought China's support for Bangladesh to become a partner member of BRICS.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's possible visit to China next month, the President expressed hope that the relationship between the two countries will reach new heights through her visit as the relationship between the two countries is very old.
Besides, the President emphasized the increasing people-to-people contact to expand the bilateral relations in various fields including trade and investment.
Mentioning that Rohingya is now a major problem for Bangladesh, he sought China's full co-operation in resolving this problem.
President Shahabuddin urges genuine efforts in aid work at Lions Clubs Convention
During the meeting, the Chinese minister said that his country attaches great importance to the development of relations with Bangladesh.
He appreciated the development of Bangladesh in various sectors including infrastructure development, information technology, communication, energy and tourism.
Referring to the recent visit of a delegation of associated bodies of Awami League to China, the minister said that at the political level, this visit will play a positive role in increasing understanding and cooperation between the Communist Party of China and Bangladesh Awami League and in the development of both countries.
Secretaries of the President's office were also present during the meeting.
President attends Eid-ul-Azha prayers at National Eidgah
President Mohammed Shahabuddin offered his Eid-ul-Azha prayers this morning, joining the main congregation at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises.
The President was accompanied by his family members and officials.
Upon his arrival, the President was received by Chief Justice Oabidul Hasan and other dignitaries.
Notable personalities, including cabinet members, Supreme Court judges, lawmakers, senior political leaders, and top civil and military officials, also joined the Eid prayers.
Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Hafez Maulana Mufti Ruhul Amin conducted the Eid prayers while a special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country and the welfare of the people as well as the Muslim Ummah.
After the prayers, President Shahabuddin exchanged greetings with fellow worshippers at the Eidgah.
Several secretaries to the President also participated in the prayers.
President extends Eid greetings to the nation
On the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, President Mohammed Shahabuddin conveyed his greetings to the nation.
Expressing his heartfelt wishes to the nation, the President stated that “Qurbani instills in us the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness, fosters a mindset of sharing joys and sorrows with relatives and neighbours, and teaches us tolerance, according to a press release on Sunday.
To ensure that no one is deprived of the joy of Eid, the President called on the affluent and capable members of society to come forward to share the joy of Eid with the underprivileged and deprived individuals and to stand by their side.
President lauds business cooperation amid global economic challenges
President Mohammed Shahabuddin praised the resilience of Bangladesh’s economy on Tuesday, attributing its stability to the government's decisive actions and the cooperation of the business community, despite global economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Israel’s war on Palestine.
Work with devotion, sincerity: President Shahabuddin asks govt officials
Speaking at the Pabna Circuit House during a meeting with representatives from the Pabna District Chamber of Commerce, President Shahabuddin highlighted the critical role of business leaders in navigating these challenges.
During the exchange, Pabna Chamber of Commerce President Saiful Alam Swapan Chowdhury outlined various issues related to local trade and business activities.
President Shahabuddin urges genuine efforts in aid work at Lions Clubs Convention
President Shahabuddin emphasized the government's commitment to considering businessmen's advice in forming trade and investment policies. He also expressed hope that business activities would continue to adhere to regulations, adding that people should not suffer due to the unethical practices of highly profitable businesses.
In discussing the recently proposed budget of approximately TK 8 lakh crore, President Shahabuddin called for full cooperation from the business community to ensure its successful implementation.
President stresses quality education and research in universities
Highlighting Pabna's rich traditions and commercial potential in sectors such as agriculture and industry, the President urged business leaders to capitalize on these opportunities. He also encouraged initiatives aimed at creating employment and fostering entrepreneurship.
The meeting was attended by secretaries of the President, who supported the discussions with local business leaders.