Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said BNP's recent activities reveal that the party's waist has broken while trying to push the government. "Their (BNP) conspiracy has not stopped and they are still hatching plots. And the waist of BNP has broken while pushing the government. BNP has claimed that they would topple the government within December," he added. The minister said BNP has realized that there is no benefit to push the government as the foundations of the government and the Awami League are deep-rooted. "I hope that BNP will remain in the democratic movement and walk on the path of democracy," he said. Hasan said to reporters while replying to a query after unwrapping the book 'Unnayaner Nobo Diganta' published by Press Information Department (PID) at its auditorium at Secretariat in the capital. Principal information officer (PIO) Md Shahenur Mia and senior deputy information officers Munsi Jalal Uddin and Khaleda Begum, among others, were present in the function. Hasan said BNP itself has fell down while pushing the government. After that, now they started walking.  He said BNP bagged about 30 seats in 2008's elections while they boycotted the 2014's polls. In 2018's polls, they got six seats and they know that they have no possibility in the next polls, he added. For this, the minister said, the BNP is making various statements to make elections questionable and controversial and to divert people from the polls.   Replying to another query over Ukil Abdus Sattar, he said not retaining Sattar is a big failure of BNP. "There was no candidate of Awami League in the constituency and, for this, the activists and supporters of the party could choose anyone. It is their own matter and there was no directive from the party to work for anyone. They worked for the victory of any candidate of choice," he added. He said Awami League nominated candidates only for three seats out of six constituencies' by-polls and the AL candidates have won through competitive elections. The polls were held in very peaceful, free and fair manner, he added. Hasan said the turnover of those polls was not so much lower as the next general elections will be held within a year. About 40 percent people in the USA enlist themselves as voters, he added. Earlier in the function, the minister unwrapped the book containing 45 features over the development activities of the government. Hasan extended thanks to the PID for publishing the book, saying a big change has taken place across the country in the last 14 years. "We couldn't feel the change as we are going through the change. But we can feel where we were and where are now," he added. He said just 40 percent people were under the facility of electricity while 41 percent people lived below under the poverty line before 14 years ago. But now, it (poverty) is 20 percent and 10 percent under extreme poverty, he added. Hasan said Bangladesh left behind Pakistan in all indexes many days ago while it also left behind India in many indexes. The country became 35th largest economy in the world after 14 years under the charismatic leadership of the Prime Minister from its 60th position just in 2009. The minister urged the mass media to present the issues of development before the countrymen along with criticisms.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) said that conspiracy is being intensified to topple her (Sheikh Hasina) from the power as the national election is approaching nearer.    "Conspiracy was hatched before the national polls in 2014 and 2018. The intriguers are becoming active again to remove Sheikh Hasina from the power as the national election nears," she said.    The premier made this remark while the newly elected board members of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.    Mentioning that she knows the conspirators are very much active to thwart the Awami League (AL) government, Sheikh Hasina said, "I know who are involved in this conspiracy and what they are doing. I know them very well and none is unknown to me."    She said the evil forces, involved in killing Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members including Sheikh Russel on August 15, 1975, are not liking the country's development under the leadership of a member of the Bangabandhu's family.    The Prime Minister said, "They even killed toddler Russel. I came from that family and formed a government, carried out the country's development, brought success and transformed the country into a developing nation. They (conspirators) don't like it and are out to oust my government."     She continued that she doesn't know what will be their benefit but people of Bangladesh would have to suffer if the AL government is not in power.    If the AL is not in power, no development will take place in the country, she added. The Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter-sanctions are responsible for the price spiral across the globe, the Prime Minister said and urged all not to spare a single inch of land without cultivation as calamities may come from all around and it is already coming.    She noted that there are both natural and man-made calamities in the world.     Sheikh Hasina said, "I don't know who is gaining what from the war, only the arms manufacturing companies are making profits. Mass people are dying. The children are leading severe inhumane lives. This is very much unfortunate."    She said earlier the Middle East and gulf countries had problems - now Russia and Europe.    Regarding the recent load-shedding, she said the government has introduced the system considering the future crisis as many developed countries across the globe have already suffered from power crisis.    "We've taken the decision as precautionary measures to avert the crisis in the coming days," she added.  The premier mentioned that the government is advancing the country defying the impacts of coronavirus pandemic.     "But, we have to go for personal savings and maintain austerity. We must not leave one inch land without cultivation. If we aren't dependent on others for food production, it will be our best advantage. We are doing our job considering that matter," she said.    Sheikh Hasina said it is now proven truth that without Awami League none worked for the welfare of the country and its people.   She said, "To me, power is the scope to serve the people and I always try to utilize the scope in the proper way."    Talking about the killing of August 15, she said, "Sometimes I think about how the Bangalees could kill Bangabandhu for whom he sacrificed his whole life and tolerated unbelievable pain.     How could they do that, I am unable to calculate this matter."    Sheikh Hasina said killers Noor, Dalim, Ziaur Rahman and Khandaker Mustaque used to come to the residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi-32 frequently.    "They killed my father, mother, most of my family members and other close relatives. By this killing, they couldn't do any welfare for the country and its people, rather the fate of the mass people plunged into the dark era," she observed.    During the meeting, the board members informed about the Red Crescent Society's activities during disasters, including flood, coronavirus and Rohingya influx.     They expressed their gratitude to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for establishing the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.    They also prayed for the peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who were killed in the August 15, 1975 carnage.    Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Major General (Retd) ATM Abdul Wahab led the delegation where Vice Chairman Noorur Rahman, Treasurer MA Salam, Secretary General Kazi Safiqul Azam, Arma Dutta, M Manjurul Islam and other board members were present.  Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) urged her party men to highlight the government's development activities before the people, saying many conspiracies are being hatched to disrupt the country's progress, but none can halt its indomitable journey towards development.    "I believe that, no matter, so many conspiracies (are there), none can impede the progress of Bangladesh. None can halt the country’s impeccable speed. Insha Allah we will move forward," she said.    The premier said this while addressing the 28th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Awami Swechasebak League (BASL) at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in city as the chief guest, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.    Mentioning that Bangladesh has to deal with many things due to the international situation, she said, "I have belief that we can move forward overcoming all the global crises as like we had been able to do facing natural disasters (in past)."    Sheikh Hasina, also the President of ruling Awami League, called upon the leaders and activists of BASL to further invigorate the organization and devote them to serve the people and humanity.    She reiterated her call to the party people to present the government's ongoing development works to the countrymen.    "The people will have to be informed about the development spree carried out by the government repeatedly visiting every area," she said.    About the critics, the Prime Minister asked the party men not to pay heed to their criticism, saying, "no matter what they say, no matter how much they bark, no need to listen to them, no need to respond to their words."    "Our answer will only be what we are doing. It will be the real response, if we highlight before the people, what we are doing," she opined.    Awami League Joint General Secretary and founding President of BASL AFM Bahauddin Nasim spoke at the occasion as the special guest.    With Bangladesh Awami Swechasebak League Acting President Gazi Mesbaul Hossain Shachchu in the chair, its General Secretary KM Afzalur Rahman Babu moderated the event.   The Prime Minister also unveiled the cover of a publication titled "Swechasebar Ek Basar" (One year of Volunteering) on the occasion. At the outset of the function, a video documentary on the activities of BASL in last year was screened.    Besides, another documentary on the life and works of BASL President Nirmal Ranjan Guha, who died on June 29 while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, was also played.    The founding anniversary of BASL coincides the birthday of the architect of Digital Bangladesh Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son and ICT Affairs Advisor of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as the grandson of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.    Sheikh Hasina also sought doa and blessing for Sajeeb Wazed Joy to the countrymen.    On this auspicious occasion, leaders and activists of the Swechasebak League cut a cake. The Prime Minister said the government is carrying out the development works in the country, with introducing different educational systems, training and technical education alongside the establishment of Digital Bangladesh.      She continued they have launched Bangabandhu Satellite-I into space, provided broadband services to the villages while employment opportunities have been created at people's doorsteps through digital management.   She also said freelancers have been made, employment has been created for unemployed people largely while communication systems were developed through the construction of roads and bridges.      She went on saying that her government provided electricity to every house, offered health services and education within the reach of the people and distributed housing to the homeless.     The Awami League chief directed the Swechasebak League to highlight all these development works before the people.      She asked the leaders and activists of BASL to find out homeless and landless families, if any, in their areas so the government can provide them with houses.     Mentioning that people from all walks of life such as Dalit, Hijra, Bede etc are included to this housing scheme, she said her government is doing this being inspired by their political thoughts and plans of economic development for all.      Sheikh Hasina said, "People's mind is changed and they forget as like the six seasons of the country are changed every two months. So, we will have to tell and explain to people what we have done so that it does not go far from people's mind."      She said there is a group in the country which wants to mislead people and that is why, let not anyone to be confused after hearing the words of these people.      The Prime Minister also expressed her hope that Swechasebak League will continue to work in the service of the people and stand by the people in times of trouble.      She also asked the leaders and activists of the organisation to dedicate their lives to build the "Sonar Bangla" as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Regarding the reserve, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh would be able to meet import expenditures of six to nine months with the existing foreign currency reserves.    "Why have we kept reserves? It is usually kept in our hands to import food grains and other (essential) items for at least three months during any emergency crisis. We'll be able to import the food for six to nine months, not only for three months, with the reserve that we have now," she said.    Despite having enough reserve, she said, the government will have to take steps to grow more crops in order to save the foreign currencies and keep the forex reserve for any emergency.    Noting that the reserve was only US$ 3.8 billion in 2006 during the BNP regime, Sheikh Hasina said her government was able to raise it to $ 48 billion from $ 7 billion in 2009.    She said Bangladesh had to spend huge amounts of foreign currencies from the reserve to import the materials for development works, capital machines for the industries as well as Covid-19 vaccines, testing kits, syringe and all other Covid-related materials.    The people of the country would be benefited when the industries developed with the imported capital machineries would go in operation, she noted.    Taking a swipe at the critics of the government over the foreign exchange reserve and energy management, the premier questioned why they don't see the development activities of the government.    She said the government continues providing a huge subsidy, placed such a big budget, raised the per capita income and has been able to keep up the GDP growth.    The Prime Minister said her government pledged to provide electricity to every house and also kept this promise, but now many developed countries are taking austerity measures over the use of energy amid the global economic recession.    "Also we've to take precautionary measures so that we do not fall in a great danger . . . we've taken steps for limited use of electricity. But, it doesn't mean that we don't have any energy or it is running out," she added.    Mentioning that it is true that Bangladesh needs to import diesel, she said it doesn't import petrol and octane as the country gets these as byproducts of gas extraction. "We've much more petrol and octane than the demands we have. We can even sell these sometimes," she added.    She observed, "We've some wise men who talk about many things at times. But I don't know whether they keep any knowledge over so many matters."    Saying that they forget small things due to their huge knowledge, Sheikh Hasina alleged that they want to mislead the people talking back and forth.    The premier said many intellectuals write many things here and an economist wrote an article about the construction of Padma Bridge, saying that the bridge was constructed unnecessarily as it would not be profitable.  She said the economist, in his article, questioned who would use the bridge and raised objection over the installation of rail tracks in the Padma Bridge as the people of the southern region travel through launches.    "It is the thought of some economists and they write articles . . . I doubt how much they know Bangladesh and I don't know whether they have ever visited the southern region," she added.    Not mentioning name, Sheikh Hasina said an organisation is there that finds everything bad. The 2007 caretaker government put something in their brain and for that they don't like a healthy democratic trend to continue in the country and they don't see that the country is progressing.    "If an unusual government is there, their values get increased. They think they are wise and they can do everything," she said.    Bangladesh Awami Swechasebak League, an associate body and the volunteer wing of Bangladesh Awami League, was founded on July 27 in 1994.    The Prime Minister thanked the leaders and activists of Swechasebak League for their volunteer works for the help of the people during the recent flood and vaccination campaign.    She praised late Nirmal Ranjan Guha for his hard work for the welfare of the people.   Source: BSS AH

The US State Department on Sunday reiterated its stance that there’s no truth to the claims that Washington was involved in a conspiracy to bring down the PTI government. The controversy resurfaced on Sunday with media reports that PTI’s secretary overseas Abdullah Riar “has contacted US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and asked him to forget the past and move forward”. In March, former prime minister Imran Khan, while he was still in office, claimed that the opposition’s no-confidence motion against him was the result of a “foreign conspiracy” because of his external policy and funds were channeled from abroad to oust him. Later, PTI leaders told journalists that they based their claim on a cable that former Pakistani ambassador in Washington sent to Islamabad on March 7, detailing the conspiracy. The cable included details of Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan’s meeting with Mr Lu at the Pakistan Embassy. Dawn learned from diplomatic sources that the conversation mentioned in the cable happened at a farewell lunch by the outgoing ambassador and that the cable did not say anything about a conspiracy. Mr Lu, however, did convey the Biden administration’s ‘unhappiness’ over former PM’s visit to Moscow on the day Russia invaded Ukraine. Mr Lu also said that this ‘unhappiness’ would continue as long as Imran Khan was in power. During the long conversation, Mr Lu also asked questions about the no-confidence movement against the PTI government as this was all over the media. When Dawn contacted the US State Department for comments on Mr Riar’s reported contact with Mr Lu, a spokesperson said: “As a standard practice, we do not comment on private diplomatic meetings.” On Imran Khan’s claim on the US involvement in toppling him, the spokesperson said: “As we have said before, there is no truth to these allegations.” PTI sources in the US also refused to discuss the reported contact, while Mr Riar did not return calls or respond to messages. Source: Dawn

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday 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 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. Virtually joining from her official residence Ganabhaban, 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), student wing of 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. AL Presidium Members Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman also spoke as the special guests reminiscing their days as former BCL leaders. With BCL 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 "Joy Bangla". Referring to the hectic efforts of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for building the war-torn Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the defeated forces staged the August 15 carnage when they saw Bangladesh cannot be pulled back from its economic growth.      She noted that the defeated forces took their revenge with the August-15 carnage (killing Bangabandhu) and distorted the history of Bangladesh, especially trying to wipe out the name of Bangabandhu and demolish the spirit of the Liberation War.      But, today it is not possible for anyone to erase the name of Bangabandhu as his 7 March speech has been accepted as a world documentary heritage, she said, adding, “It has been possible due to our forward march with an ideology and fixed goal.”       She requested all to keep strong vigilance as Bangladesh has many enemies and massive hurdles in every step of its development journey.      The premier went on saying: "Our path of progress is not smooth. It’s rather full of hurdles, but we’ve to move forward overcoming all the odds and obstacles, and we’re doing that."      Mentioning that Bangladesh has stood out on the world stage in the last 12 years and now became a developing nation which Awami League announced in its election manifesto, she said, "We’ve to move forward keeping that in our mind."      Turning towards the role of Ziaur Rahman and his engagement in the War of Liberation in 1971, the Prime Minister said there is no instance that Ziaur Rahman fired a single shot against the Pakistani forces.       "No one can prove it," she said.      Regarding Ziaur Rahman’s involvement with the killing of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina said Mustak, Rashid and Farooq during their interviews with the BBC admitted that Ziaur Rahman was always with them. "Zia was the source of all power (for them) . . .," she said.      The premier said that she sometimes thinks that these people, who had always visited Bangabandhu’s house for various purposes, including personal matters, killed the Father of the Nation. “How could they do that?”      Highlighting the sacrifice of her mother Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, she said her mother was beside Bangabandhu throughout her life.      "My father could fully engage in the service of the country as he got such a companion beside him . . . this is a rare instance," she said.      Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Awami League, directed the BCL activists and leaders to work for the country being imbued with patriotism and follow the ideals of the Father of the Nation.      She praised the BCL leaders and activists as they stood beside the people during the Covid-19 pandemic in different ways such as helping in paddy harvesting, providing oxygen cylinder, hospitalizing people, burial and supplying food.      Source: BSS AH

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, secret meeting and conspiracy are BNP’s alternative politics. There is no benefit by giving threat of movement isolated from people. Because, the soldiers of the ideology of Mujib do not scared of movement on roads. He said this at the regular briefing at his official residence on Monday.  The Awami League leader said, alternatives of BNP’s politics are arson attack, bad politics and creating rumors. People and the government will not accept these ill attempts of destroying state properties and loss of lives. Obaidul Quader said, those who failed to wage wave of movement need not to resist. BNP has failed to involve people in their movement. AH

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, the party leaders and activists should have to be alert so that no communal force can intrude into Awami League at any cost. The leaders who sacrifice in the bad time of the party have to be evaluated. He said these at a view exchange meeting held at the central office of Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Friday. The meeting was organized for marking 74th birth anniversary of party president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League general secretary said, intelligence agencies have revealed information of deep conspiracies to grab the state power. These were published in the media reports. The BNP-Jamaat alliance never wants to represent the will of people. They always go through politics of conspiracy. Their practice of politics is anti-people and anti-state. On the other hand, Awami League inherits politics of aspirations and sentiment of people. It reflects people’s will through its works. Awami League never does politics of conspiracy. It never tolerates politics of conspiracy. But Awami League falls victim of conspiracy time and again. He said, Begum Khaleda Zia is a convict in corruption cases. Showing humanity and generosity Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina managed her release in this corona contraction period. It would be a mistake for BNP if they think this humanity or generosity as weakness. Obaidul Quader said, BNP-Jamaat alliance is out to hatch conspiracies to grab the state power through clandestine alleyways instead of standing beside the people during the coronavirus pandemic. We want to warn BNP leaders saying that Awami League will give vivid answer if they hatch conspiracy which is anti-state and anti-people. AH     

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, we want to say clearly that no Bangladeshi went to India after the liberation war. Our neighbor country is threatening from Assam that Bangladeshis will be forcefully sent back to Bangladesh. Deep conspiracy has begun to put Bangladesh in danger again. He said these at a human-chain organized demanding release of Begum Khaleda Zia in front of National Press Club in the capital on Wednesday. Mirza Fakhrul said, the government cannot solve the Rohingya problem. Because, they have not the legitimacy and courage. The government cannot solve the Rohingya problem due to genuflected foreign policy. He said, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s diabetes and body ache have increased. She cannot move without help of others. She is moving on wheelchair. But the government and their officers, physicians are saying that she is well. But she is not well at all. She is sick and passing her days in the jail. We demand her release for better treatment. Mirza Fakhrul said, all have to be united to get back the rights of vote and speech. We have to stand against the government. We have to establish government of the people. AH    

Acting general secretary of Awami League Mahbubul Alam Hanif said, BNP and Jamaat axis will maintain attack on people as long as they remain. They will hinder development and progress. For this reason they need to be root out. No benefit will come after hatching conspiracy sitting in London. We will bring back the killer, terrorist and corrupt Tarique Rahman in the country and try him. We will execute the verdict. He said these at an extended meeting of seven districts of Chattogram held at International Convention Center in Chattogram on Saturday. Awami League presidium member Abdul Matin Khasru was the chief guest in the special extended meeting of Chattogram metropolitan, north, south, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban district Awami League. Criticizing BNP Secretary General’s speech Hanif said, Mirza Fakhrul said that there will be no benefit to people by constructing Karnaphuli tunnel and Padma bridge. Basically their mentality is anti development. They took the country backward while remaining in power. Now they are striking from outside. Their aim is how to turn the country into a failed state. Hanif also said, BNP leaders and activists are on the run even some are driving rickshaws as cases were filed against them. For this tears have come down from Fakhrul’s eye. Why the cases were filed? Cases were filed as they killed people by hurling petrol bombs. Where were your tears when grenade attack was originated on our party chief on August 21 by state patronization? Tears have only just begun to come out and you have to cry more. Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Deputy Minister for Education Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Jatiya Sangsad whip Shamsul Haque Chowdhury, acting president of metropolitan committee Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, general secretary AJM Nasir Uddin, acting president of north Fazle Karim Chowdhury, president of south Moslem Uddin Chowdhury and others were present at that time. AH  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, conspiracy has not stopped to turn the country into democracy less in a planned way and consciously. Those who were involved in the movement of protecting democracy are being taken far away and being made captive. The freedom of speech has been snatched away. He said these at a discussion demanding release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and withdrawal of cases filed against Tarique Rahman organized by current and former students of Jagannath University at the National Press Club on Monday. Mirza Fakhrul said, freedom of speech has been snatched away and there is no freedom in judiciary. Administration department are being used with own will. Those who talk about democracy are being made captive, politicians are being taken far from their role. State mechanism is being used in this purpose. He said, we have to be united. Students waged every movement and struggle. Now time has come to free the mother of democracy, to bring back Tarique Rahman in the country through movement-struggle. Condemning terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka Mirza Fakhrul said, terrorists are not from any party of religion. Condemnation will continue in such type of incident. The discussion presided over by former convener of Jagannath University unit Chhatra Dal Abdul Khaleque Hawlader where BNP vice chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Chairperson’s adviser Aman Ullah Aman, publicity secretary Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Annie among others delivered speeches. AH