Prime Minister and Awami League President

Sheikh Hasina today asked her party leaders and workers to make the party more strong at the grassroots as the national election is approaching.

“The election is approaching. So, we have to pay attention to make the Awami League (AL) more strong,” she said while presiding over the AL Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting at her official residence Ganabhaban here.

The Prime Minister said that it has been possible to handle the Covid-19 situation as AL is in power.

She reminded her party leaders and workers that her government has been able to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic single handedly as the AL appeared as a strong organization at the grassroots.

The AL chief continued that relentless supports from the leaders and activists of her party and its associate bodies alongside the efforts from   the government machinery have made possible to control the Covid-19 situation.

She, however, said though the AL leaders and activists have been standing beside the distressed people at the time when they have no work or are locked inside rooms due to Coronavirus by risking their lives, no other political party stands by them rather criticizes the government and gives speeches.

“We have seen no political parties to stand by the destitute people. They have no interest. They only give speeches and criticise the Awami League on
regular basis. They are doing nothing for the people,” she continued.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said some people have broken with hammer and shovel the houses, given by her to homeless people as the gift of Mujib Borsha under Asrayan-2 project, and published pictures of the broken homes in media.

“It’s totally unbelievable that they could crack the houses deliberately in this way…Their names have been traced out through investigation and I have the whole report,” she said while presiding over an Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting at her official residence Ganabhaban here.

Terming the attitude of some unscrupulous people as “disgusting”, Sheikh Hasina said, “The most unfortunate thing is that when we decided to give house to every person, I saw the houses to collapse in a few places. I surveyed different places after seeing such pictures.”

“Some people coming from different areas have broken the houses and published pictures of those in media. The names of those have been unearthed through investigation and I have the full report,” she said, mentioning that around one and a half lakh houses have been built in different areas.

“The houses were being constructed for the poor people. It is understood easily that the houses can be broken in this way by looking at the pictures. The media captured it and published it but they did not dig out how it happened (the houses were broken),” she added.

The premier said as many as 600 houses have been built in one place and a few of those have developed crack due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall. “And we found nine places where there were some allegations of corruption. That is only in nine places but elsewhere I have seen that everyone has worked sincerely,” she added.

The head of government said UNOs, DCs and other government employees had the responsibility of overseeing those and many of them came forward to help build the houses and many have provided bricks at a very little cost.

“In this journey, everyone’s cooperation and sincerity is more prominent. But there are some evil-intellect persons… that is the most painful thing,” she continued.

Sheikh Hasina said, “When it is the house of the poor, then how can they put hand on it. However, we’ve dealt with it but our leaders and activists need to be more vigilant.”

She also said that after seeing or knowing such incidents, the local Juba League and Awami League leaders visited the spots and they were supervising those and sending pictures, and that is how it is being done.

Bangladesh today reported 2,588 COVID-19 cases while the coronavirus claimed overnight 58 lives.

“The country reported 8.76 percent COVID-19 positive cases as 29,541 samples were tested in the past 24 hours, ” Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said in its routine daily statement.

In the past 24 hours, the combined figure of coronavirus in Dhaka city and upazilas of Dhaka district is 1,491 while eight COVID-19 deaths were reported during the same period.

The official tally showed the virus killed 26,794 people and infected 15,24,890 so far, it added.

The recovery count rose to 14,68,211 after another 3,617 patients were discharged from the hospitals during the past one day.

The DGHS statistics showed of the people infected from the beginning 96.28 percent recovered, while 1.76 percent died.

The DGHS said among the total 26,794 fatalities, 11,660 deaths occurred in Dhaka division, 5,410 in Chattogram, 1,983 in Rajshahi, 3,479 in Khulna, 918 in Barishal, 1,206 in Sylhet, 1,327 in Rangpur and 811 in Mymensingh division.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said the ruling party has decided to take preparation for the next general election.

“The Awami League has decided to start preparation for the next parliamentary election. To this end, the sub-committees of the party have been instructed to update its election manifesto,” he told reporters after a meeting of the AL executive committee this afternoon.

AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting held at Ganabhaban here.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the meeting was held during 10.30 am to 3 pm, focusing on organisational issues and election preparation.

He said the AL sub-committees have been instructed to update the election manifesto and the AL president also listened to the statements of some members of the sub-committees.

The AL general secretary said eight organisational secretaries of the party submitted their written reports at the meeting, while AL joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif also presented a report.

He said they also submitted their union parishad level reports, highlighting the ground reality, before the AL president and she gave necessary directives in this regard.

Quader said the rebel candidates, who participated in the Pabna municipality election, sent letters to the AL office seeking apology and they were forgiven.

In this context, he said, it was also warned that immediate action should be taken against those who were violating the party’s discipline in different places and they would not be spared.

“AL chief Sheikh Hasina also warned there are propaganda and conspiracy against the government. As the election is getting closer, the level of propaganda is on the rise. We have to respond to these propaganda and must get united against these plots,” the AL general secretary said.

During the meeting, he said, the prime minister expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the leaders of the AL affiliated bodies for standing by the country’s people amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh will take its foreign policy decision over Afghanistan independently, not be reflected by any other country.

“We’re yet to take any decision on the Afghanistan issue,’ he told reporters at a briefing at the foreign ministry here this afternoon after arriving from his tri-nation tour in Europe.

The Foreign Minister visited Britain, Switzerland and the Netherlands to join some meetings on the issue of LDC graduations and climate change while he had a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Dominic Raab.

During the visit in Europe, Dr Momen said, he was asked whether Bangladesh will follow the policy of other countries towards Afghanistan but he made it clear that the Dhaka’s decision would be independent in this regard.

Noting that Bangladesh has historic relations with Afghanistan, which is also a member state of SAARC, the foreign minister said Bangladesh policy will be depending on the attitudes and policies of the new Afghan government.

He said Dhaka believes in a people’s government that comes through a political and democratic process. “But we will in no way patronise any terrorists,” he added.

On Wednesday, State Minister for foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Dhaka didn’t reach a decision to ‘welcome’ or ‘not welcome’ the Afghan interim government rather it prefers to wait till seeing formation of a permanent government there.

“Dhaka is still observing the situation very closely. We don’t want to do anything hurriedly,” he said.

Alam said Dhaka’s focus still remains on to see restoration of peace and stability fully free from any war in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday, the Taliban announced their interim government weeks after they swept to power and toppled the previous government.

Despite previous Taliban’s promises that their rule would be inclusive, the government is drawn exclusively from loyalist ranks with established hardliners in all key posts and no women.

The government today approved a Taka 4,300
crore project to groom the country’s youth folk, women and disadvantageous section of people suitable for getting employed and thus build themselves as demand-based workforce of the country.

The approval came from a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) held today with its Chairperson and Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The Premier joined the meeting virtually from her official Ganobhaban residence while Ministers, State Ministers, Planning Commission Members and
Secretaries concerned attended the meeting from the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan said a total of eight projects were approved today involving an overall estimated
cost of Taka 7,589.72 crore.

“Of the total project cost, Taka 5,009.72 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion while the rest of Taka 2,580 crore as project assistance,” he added.

Of the approved eight projects, six are new while two others are revised projects.

State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, Planning Commission members and Secretaries concerned attended the briefing.

The Department of Technical Education under the Technical and Madrasah Education Division will implement the “Accelerating and Strengthening Skills for Economic Transformation (ASSET)” project with around Taka 4,300 crore by December 2026, the Planning Minister said.

Of the total project cost, around Taka 1,720 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion while the rest of around Taka 2,580 crore as project assistance from the World Bank.

Mannan said there is a lack of skills among the workforce in the country and to overcome that the government had implemented various projects.

Dr Shamsul Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has termed this project as very time befitting in order to properly utilize the demographic dividend
of the country.

The ASSET project will equip more than one million youth and workers with skills needed for the jobs of the future. The project will help youth, women and disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, learn skills and connect them to the labor market. The project will also help accelerate
recovery from the pandemic by supporting industries to retrain their workers.

The main project operations include construction of non residential building, 15 acres of land acquisition, imparting necessary training, holding
seminars, conferences, procuring ICT and computer equipments, providing support to technical and stipend education and thus creating awareness on the pandemic.

Planning Commission officials said the project will help modernize and build resilience of the technical vocational education and training sector in Bangladesh.

The project will benefit further the informal sector workers through expanding the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, the official added.

The day’s ECNEC meeting also approved a Taka 1,142.27 crore project to construct some 3,040 residential flats for the cleaning workers of 66 Pourasabhas of the country.

Dr Shamsul Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had earlier directed to ensure accommodation facilities for the cleaning workers.

Answering to a question, Planning Commission member Mamun-Al-Rashid said the government is committed to ensure civic facilities to the cleaning
workers.

He said although the Premier was initially fully against realizing rent from the cleaning workers, but following a request from the LGRD Minister Md
Tajul Islam to realize minimum rent for the maintenance of the flats, the Prime Minister agreed.

But, it was also the expectation of the Prime Minister that not so much amount will be collected from the cleaning workers, Mamun added.

The Planning Minister said that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed again that the industrial and household wastes are treated properly before
entering rivers.

In this regard, the premier asked the authorities concerned especially the industrial owners for ensuring to set up CETPs and ETPs for treating wastes and averting pollution.

She also suggested for installing goods scanner and body scanner machines at the Hilly, Burimari and Banglabandha LC stations.

Dr Alam said the Prime Minister stressed the need for taking necessary
measures so that the rivers in the entire city Corporation areas are not
polluted side by side suggested for building a circular alleviated walkway
around the capital in future.

Apart from stressing again on dredging of rivers, Dr Alam said the Premier
mentioned that shrimp farmers often cut embankments in Gabura and Shyamnagar
areas in the coastal areas to bring water.

Under the circumstances, the Prime Minister suggested for devising the
drainage system of water there in such way so that water could be drained in
and thus drained out as per the requirements, Alam added.

The other projects approved in the meeting are Construction of physical
infrastructures at Hily, Burimari and Banglabandha LC Stations with Taka
80.61 crore, Erection of pillars along the bank of Buriganga, Turag,
Shitalakhya and Balu Rivers, protection of embankments and construction of
walkway, jetty and ancillary infrastructures, second phase (first revised)
with an additional cost of Taka 332.55 crore, Construction of Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo theatre, Rangpur with Taka 417.65 crore,
Strengthening capacity of regional lentil research center in Madaripur and
boosting production of lentil production at greater Barishal and Faridpur
regions with Taka 168 crore, Development of reclaimed land from the River
Jamuna in Sirajganj and thus protecting proposed economic zone (first
revised) with an additional cost of Taka 128.22 crore and Rehabilitation of
Polder No 15 of Satkhira district with Taka 1020.43 crore.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today described BNP as the flag-bearer of politics of intolerance and vengeance and said that the people don’t believe BNP would establish democracy as the party itself does politics in undemocratic ways.

“BNP is the bearer of malevolent and intolerant politics. The people don’t believe any more that BNP will establish democracy in the country by running the party on undemocratic paths,” he said while speaking at a press conference at BRTA head office here.

Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said AL always talks about BNP’s practicing of ill-politics and now pro-BNP intellectuals have started talking about the party’s irregularities.

Though BNP always utters hollow words of democracy, a pro-BNP intellectual revealed BNP’s undemocratic practices inside the party as well as election process of the party’s leadership, he said.

He said BNP is suffering from jealousy as their evil-acts are being revealed.

Mentioning that BNP leaders are constantly spreading hatred against the government, the minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is tolerating these with its liberalism.

About BNP’s allegation that the country’s politics has been going through a crisis for the last one era, Quader said actually BNP’s politics is going through a deep crisis throughout the last era.

He said the people have no trust in BNP because of the party’s evil-politics. “BNP is suffering from frustration as the people have no trust and confidence in it. Their politics of falsehood is liable for that,” he said.

Earlier, the minister joined a view-exchange with officials of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder was present, among others.

Though international flights with different countries remained suspended during the Covid-19 crisis, now the resumption of flight operations with different countries helps reopen manpower exports, he said.

Under the circumstances, it has become essential to provide license to applicants who intend to go abroad, he added.

The minister said delay or sluggishness in providing license can damage the country’s all achievements, so anymore delay cannot be accepted by any means.

Quader also gave directives for preparing license in Bengali.

A total of 343 fresh dengue cases were
reported across the country in the last 24 hours.

Of them 286 were admitted in Dhaka and 57 out of the capital, a release of the Health Crisis Management and Control Room of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said here today.

A total of 1281 dengue patients are undergoing treatment at different hospitals and clinics across the country.

Among them, 1133 patients are taking treatment in Dhaka division and 148 are hospitalised outside the capital, the release added.

A total of 12434 patients have been admitted to different hospitals across the country since January this year. Of them, 11101 patients have returned home after recovery, DGHS said.

Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed 52 death due to dengue till now said the DGHS.

Bangladesh logged 56 deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, climbing the national toll to 26,684 across the country so far. Besides, some 2,639 new cases were reported during the same period. With this, the total number of infections stood at 15,19,805 in the country.A press release of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) revealed the development on Tuesday (September 7). Alongside, as many as 5,567 Covid-19 patients made recoveries in the last 24 hours, bringing the total recoveries to 14,60,754 the release said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, now in India on official visit, today met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur.

During the meeting with Anurag at his official residence, both the ministers discussed the progress of the biopic ‘Bangabandhu,’ a joint venture documentary film of Bangladesh and India. The film is being made based on life and works of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

They also discussed making a film on the Liberation of Bangladesh and joint initiatives marking the golden jubilee of independence of Bangladesh and the diamond jubilee of Indian independence.

Hasan informed his Indian counterpart about the implementation of the law on broadcasting ad-free (clean feed) foreign TV channels, said an official handout here.

He (Hasan) handed over the book ‘Bangabandhur Osomapto Attojiboni’ ( Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, The Unfinished Memoirs).

Later, Hasan Mahmud, also Awami League joint general secretary, met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at South Block.

During the meeting, they discussed about people to people contact, bilateral trade, investment and other mutual issues.

The meeting also focused on mutual cooperation in tackling the COVID-19.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran, Deputy High Commissioner Nural Alam and press minister Saban Mahmud were present during the meetings.

The minister is expected to return home on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked all
concerned to remain prepared to tackle the flood as the water of the rivers
is on rising trend.

She gave the directive at a weekly cabinet meeting chaired by her.

The Premier joined the meeting from her official Ganabhaban residence here
while other cabinet members got connected from the Cabinet Division at
Bangladesh Secretariat.

After coming out of the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam
told a news briefing that, “A discussion was held about the flood. The Prime
Minister asked all to be prepared as the water level is increasing in the
Padma and Jamuna river basins.”

The Prime Minister asked the agriculture minister to ensure stock of T-Aman
paddy as people in flood affected areas can plant the paddy if they face
difficulties due to prolong water logging.

Sixty five more people died from coronavirus in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 26,628.

During the period, 2,170 more people contracted the virus, raising the total infection to 15,17,166, the health directorate said in a press release on Monday.

The daily count came from a test of 27,842 samples in the past day.

Of the total patients, 14,55,187 recovered, with 4,124 made recovery in the last 24 hours.

Bangladesh first reported its COVID-19 cases on March 8 last year. Since then the country has been struggling to limit the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Coronavirus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year and then spread to newer countries and territories.

To date, the epidemic infected 221,644,581 people and killed 4,584,007 across the globe, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles the number of new coronavirus cases and deaths from it.

However, the total number of people who recovered from the coronavirus pandemic reached 198,169,140 across the world.

Some 315 people with dengue fever were admitted to different hospitals in and outside the capital in the last 24 hours until Sunday morning.

With this, a total of 1,280 patients diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease are taking treatment at different hospitals.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, a total of 11,861 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across the country as of today since January 1 this year.

Among them, 10,481 recovered from the disease.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said BNP is getting angered as Bangladesh is advancing in every socioeconomic index. He came up with the remark while addressing a press conference on contemporary issues at his Secretariat office in the capital. About the BNP leaders’ claim that a stable macro-economy was successfully implemented during the BNP’s regime, Quader said: “It is not true at all. Their demand is as untrue and baseless as their other statements.” He said there was extreme instability in the country’s economic development during the BNP’s reign, while the national budget was not self-dependent and there was no capacity to implement it. The development policy and strategy of the BNP were wrong and anti-people, he added. Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the BNP destroyed the country’s power system, the main driving force of production. On average, 10 to 12 hours of power shortfall daily was the so-called development of the BNP, he said, adding that the party’s arrogance is bound to be crushed by only comparison with the power sector.

“They (BNP leaders) may not forget that farmers had to give their lives for fertiliser during their era. Was this an example of stability?” he questioned.

Claiming that Bangladesh has turned around under the skilled and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the AL general secretary said a sustainable and stable economic development is moving forward here at an indomitable pace today while Bangladesh now becomes a wonder of the world economy.

He said Bangladesh has achieved a record of over US$ 48 billion foreign exchange reserve due to the development-friendly policies and strategies of the Sheikh Hasina government, while its per capita income stands at US$ 2,227.

Continuous increase in revenue and remittance, and progress in all indicators, including export growth, employment, poverty reduction, increase in domestic and foreign investment and inflation control, paved the way for macroeconomic stability and sustainable development in the country, Quader said.

He said Bangladesh is improving global competitiveness and human development indexes too.

The road transport minister said instead of economic progress, the BNP improved in many indexes like political persecution, graft, looting, terrorism, carrying out repression on minorities, money laundering and communal forces during its tenure.

The BNP had established the economy of looting in the country instead of the welfare-oriented economy, he said.

Quader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has elevated the country to the stair of prosperity from the economic darkness.

Under her leadership, he said, Bangladesh has become a developing economy and competing with the rich nations, while the country ranked first in hilsa production and second in outsourcing, second in readymade garment exports, eighth in remittance earning, fourth in rice production, first in jute export and second in jute production, and third in freshwater fish production.

The AL general secretary said the BNP leaders often spoke of corruption but their tenure was the most corrupt period in the history of Bangladesh. During the BNP’s tenure, Bangladesh became the world champion in graft five times in a row, he added.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today hoped that “Bangabandhu Media Centre” established at Press Club of India (PCI) would play a vital role for strengthening Bangladesh-India relations and increase people to people contact.

“Definitely, the media centre will help strengthen relations between the two countries and help know Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and about his struggle for the betterment of oppressed humanity,” he said.

The minister was inaugurating the much-desired “Bangabandhu Media Centre” at the Press Club of India (PCI) here this afternoon as the chief guest.

The media centre was set up at the first floor of the club building with support of Bangladesh New Delhi mission in honour of Father of the Bengali Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran, Joint Secretary (BD-Myanmar) to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Smita Pant, PCI President Umakant Lakhera, National Press Club of Bangladesh President Farida Yesmin and Former PCI President Gautam Lahiri spoke on the occasion when PCI Secretary General Vinay Kumar conducted the function.

The minister in his speech touched upon the bilateral relations existing between Bangladesh and India, India’s contribution to Bangladesh’s Great War of Independence and role of Indian journalists to spread the news of Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence across the globe that helped to gain world support to a great extent.

The minister said the bilateral relations between the two countries reached a newer height during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Although the relationship reached a newer-height, still we have to work for further increasing people to people and journalists to journalists contacts in greater interest of both the nations”, he added.

Paying glowing tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Muibur Rahman, he said Bangabandhu had sacrificed his life for the betterment of the people of Bangladesh. So, knowing Bangabandhu, one could know the struggle of the people of Bangladesh. he added.

In this connection, he gave a brief description of all the democratic struggles of Bangabandhu, his sacrifice for welfare of the oppressed people and his movement towards achieving an independent Bangladesh free from Pakistani occupation forces.

Regarding India’s support for Bangladesh’s independence movement, he said, “It will never be possible to liberate the country (Bangladesh) from Pakistan during the nine-month war without the help of India and its people.”

“It will never be possible to free Bangabandhu without the help of the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Because, Indira Gandhi travelled across the world to garner support from the world leaders in favour of Bangladesh’s independence struggle as well as to free Bangabandhu ,” he added.

Besides, he said along with the Indian government, the people of India had played a vital role for Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. They gave shelter to 10 million Bangladeshi refugees, he mentioned with gratitude.

In this regard, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Indian government and people of India for their whole-hearted support to Bangladesh’s Independence Struggle in 1971.

He also paid rich tribute to the martyrs especially those Indian army personnel, who laid their lives during the Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence. “I want to register my thanks, regards and respect to the martyrs of the Independence War, the Indian army personnel and people who shed their blood with ‘Muktibahini’ in 1971,” he added.

Regarding the role of Indian journalists in Bangladesh War of Independence, he said around 200 journalists including foreign journalists went to cover the news of formation of first government of Bangladesh in Meherpur and they spread the news all over the world. “The role of Indian journalists for Bangladesh Independence struggle is immense,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran referred to the role of Indian journalists to Bangladesh War of Independence saying that their roles were crucial to let the outer world know about the 1971 War in Bangladesh.

He said people to people contact between the two countries have increased

manifold in the recent years due to better connectivity and flexibility of visa procedure.

In this connection, he said a good number of Indian people have been working in Bangladesh’s manufactures and service sectors and contributing a lot to the country’s development endeavours.

Besides, over two million Bangladeshi people are visiting India every year for tourism and medical purposes, he added.

Therefore, he said, the high commission is planning to set up such more centres after the name of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in different places across India that would be used as recourse centres.

About the opening of “Bangabandhu Media Centre” at PCI, he hoped that the centre would be used as a resource centre and to know the legacy of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the recent development of Bangladesh.

“It (Bangabandhu Media Centre) will stand as a milestone of our journey towards our strong relations with Indian journalists,” the envoy added.

Later, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh High Commission and Press Club of India (PCI) was signed to this end.

Secretary General of the club Vinay Kumar and Minister (Press) of the mission Shaban Mahmood signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

Earlier, the minister paid tribute to Father of the India Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat by placing floral wreaths at the Samadhi of the Legendary leader in the Sub-Continent. He also visited Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra at Raj Ghat.

The “Bangabandhu Media Centre” set up at the Press Club of India (PCI) will have modern digital facilities including an exhibition hall and library.

A documentary on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened on the occasion.

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A married couple was strangled to death at the Subarnapur area of Cumilla Sadar Upazila on Sunday night.
The deceased were identified as Billal Hossain, a village doctor of Subarnapur and his wife Safura Begum.

Kotwali Model Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Kamal Krishna Dhar confirmed the matter.

According to sources, 7-8 miscreants entered the couple’s house at night when it was raining. Then they tied their hands and feet and searched for some necessary documents including stamps. Not finding these, the miscreants strangled the husband and wife to death and fled. The identities of the miscreants could not be ascertained.

Inspector Kamal Krishna said there were no signs of injuries on the bodies of the deceased. Initially, it is thought that they were strangled to death. The exact cause of death will be known after the autopsy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today laid emphasis on considering the competent officers for promotions in Bangladesh Navy and Air Force to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty in future.

“In future, those skilled in defending our independence and sovereignty should be promoted and given the responsibility of commanding the force and taking the country forward,” she said, addressing the first session of Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2021 at the Navy and the Air Force Headquarters.

Joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban, the premier said that Bangladesh is proud of its armed forces, adding, “The country will continue moving ahead with the ideology of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the spirit of the War of Liberation to become a developed and prosperous ‘Golden Bangladesh’ in the future”.

Sheikh Hasina said that she was happy to know that the promotions to Navy and Air officers are being given following the TRACE (Tabulated Record and Comparative Evaluation) method.

She continued, “I think it’s a modern method. On the basis of this method, with your (Navy and Air authorities) knowledge and wisdom, the Selection Board will select those who will efficiently manage the Navy and Air Force in the coming days.”

“Simultaneously, I would also like to say that in many cases, it is seen that many people can show a lot of skills in performing duties. So, you (Navy and Air authorities) will also consider that they should not be overlooked.”

The Prime Minister thanked all the organizations, including Bangladesh Navy and Air Force, for standing by the people with utmost sincerity during the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it is the responsibility of every human being to stand beside the people in the times of disaster.

She said armed forces always do this whenever there is a disaster and the mass people have received their services.

Sheikh Hasina said today Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have earned the esteem of highly disciplined, efficient and professional forces not only at home but also in the international arena. “Your self-sacrifice and conscientiousness have brought the rare honor and dignity to Bangladesh, which has also brightened the image of the country abroad,” she added.

Addressing the members of the Navy and Air Force, she said, “I am the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I am not just a ruler, but I am also a servant of the people of Bangladesh. I think serving the people and doing their welfare is my biggest job. I am working with this motto and I always seek your (Navy and Air) cooperation in making the country prosperous.”

In running the state, the armed forces would be beside the people whenever needed and would continue to serve the people like what they have been doing so far, she hoped.

The Prime Minister said her aim was always to make sure the armed forces of Bangladesh can run in parallel with the modern world and the forces of other countries while discharging duties in the UN peacekeeping missions.

She said ranks of the armed forces have also been changed so they can keep pace with the defense forces of other countries equipped with modern technology while working with them.

Mentioning that her government has formulated the “Forces Goal-2030” in light of the Defense Policy framed by the Father of the Nation in 1974 and also has started to implement it, the premier reminded everyone that “our foreign policy formulated by Bangabandhu is – friendship to all, malice to none”.

She said, “One thing I want to make clear is that we don’t want to fight with anyone,” adding, in light of the foreign policy of the Father of the Nation, “we are moving forward maintaining friendship with each country with utmost efficiency. In the overall development of the country, we are working in good faith with all those from whom we need to take cooperation or who will be our development partners”.

Noting that without peace, the development of any country is not possible, she said, “War brings destruction. We don’t want to go for war. But, if anyone attacks, we must have all the preparations to protect the country from the attack of that external enemy. That is why we have to be equipped with modern technology, knowledge through training and modernization of equipment.”

Mentioning that Bangabandhu formulated Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 1974, many years before the United Nations did, she said her government has been able to achieve huge maritime boundaries keeping friendly relations with Myanmar and India.

The premier also briefly highlighted the modernization initiative taken by her government for Navy and Air Force such as modern warships, submarine, helicopter, maritime patrol aircraft, specialized force and modern technology in Navy while introduced modern aircraft, F-7BGI, MIG-29, Yak 130, C-130 transport aircraft, MI 171 SH helicopters, modern maritime search and rescue helicopters, air defense radar, surface-to-air missile and modern training aircraft to the Air Force.

She said the present Awami League government has continued to implement the far-reaching dream of the father of the nation in building a well-organized modern Navy and Air Force.

She continued that her government procured modern frigates for Navy and MiG-29 for Air force, but the then BNP government had filed cases against her and also decommissioned the frigate.

Highlighting the difficult times of the global economies due to the coronavirus, the Prime Minister said her government has offered various incentives to keep the country’s economy afloat and move ahead with the mega projects like the Padma Bridge.

Sheikh Hasina said she was once given the perception that without the approval or money of the World Bank, it would not be possible to carry out any development work in the country.

But, when the World Bank raised a false allegation about the Padma Bridge, she said, she challenged it and took the initiative to build the bridge with own financing.

Sheikh Hasina said, “I can say that this single decision has upgraded the status of Bangladesh in all respect,” adding, “Because, we have shown that we may have limited resources but we have proved our will power, love and sincerity for the country and the people, and the work we can do through it.”

She reiterated her gratitude to the people of the country for all these and said, “We have been able to carry out these developments because the people have voted for us and we have been in power for a long time.”

At the outset of the Selection Board, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan delivered welcome addresses.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the countrymen to remain alert as the defeated forces have been still hatching conspiracy against Bangladesh with their foreign collaborators.
“Defeated forces always remained active. Still the war criminals, defeated forces and killers of the August 15 carnage, especially their descendants, have been intriguing against Bangladesh,” she said while addressing as the chief guest a discussion marking the National Morning Day on Tuesday.

Virtually joining from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital, the Premier said, “And they (local conspirators) are still getting shelter from some of the international forces which had opposed Bangladesh during its War of Liberation. So, the nation has to be alert about it (conspiracy).”

Mentioning the brutal killing that took place in Bangladesh on August 15, 1975, and the grenade attack on August 21, she said, attacks were perpetrated on me many times and also attack was carried out on Kamal (Sheikh Kamal) in 1974.

Sheikh Hasina continued “Attempts were also made to shoot and kill him (Kamal), but when they saw that he was alive, and then false accusations were spread in his name. That means the defeated forces were always active.”

Stating that students have played an enormous role in the history of Bangladesh’s achievements, she said students were the front runners in every movement such as language movement, anti-autocracy movement, military dictatorship or any injustice in the country.

“Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had once said that Bangladesh’s history is BCL’s history . . . So you (leaders and activists of BCL) have to keep it in mind and move forward,” she said.

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League (AL), organized the discussion to observe the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium.

Awami League Presidium Members Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman also spoke as the special guests reminiscing their days as former BCL leaders.

With Bangladesh Chhatra League President Al-Nahian Khan Joy in the chair, its General secretary Lekhak Bhattacharya moderated the discussion.

The Prime Minister also unveiled the cover of the BCL’s regular publication “Matribhumi” and its monthly mouthpiece .

Bangladesh on Tuesday (Aug 31) recorded 86 deaths from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours raising the number of total fatalities to 26,195.

Besides, 3,724 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 15,00,618.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) disclosed the update of the country’s coronavirus situation issuing a press release this afternoon.

Bangladesh reported its first Coronavirus case on March 8 in 2020 while first death on March 18 in that year.