Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday (Jan 14) said the new government is not feeling any external pressure as all countries irrespective of east and west have already showed their interest to work with Dhaka.  Hasan said the elections were free and fair and the ambassadors of the US, UK and all other countries have already congratulated the new government and expressed willingness to work with it. The foreign minister said he would follow the doctrine of Bangladesh' foreign policy -- friendship to all, malice towards none -- set by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they have taken the country forwards by further strengthening relations with both east and west.   Replying to a query, Hasan said now the world is being polarized and maintaining relations with all of them will be a major challenge. "I will lay emphasis on economic diplomacy as my major focus," the foreign minister added. During the time, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Maritime Affairs Unit Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam were present, among others.

Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal said he is happy to be back to the field although only for practice after a long gap of five months. Along with Tamim, all the national team players are busy in individual training programme which started before the Eid.  Tamim could not participate due to a stomachache. He went to London to see a doctor. Fortunately, the pain was not something serious. Before joining the individual training programme, Tamim was in quarantine for 14 days since he came back from London.  “The last three-four months were tough for us. Yes, we were with the family but there was a mental pressure. We couldn’t help but remain stuck at home. It’s good that we finally got back to what we love most - the game of cricket. This is very good for us,” Tamim told the media on Monday.  “I was afraid of my batting because I came to practice after a gap of four-five months. But surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad today. My batting is in good shape as well as my fitness. Still, it’s different from practising at home and outdoor under the sun. I think it’ll take another week to adapt to the new normal. We know when we’re going to play international cricket, so everyone is aware and preparing accordingly,” Tamim said. Bangladesh played their last international game in March this year. After that, all cricketing activities were put on hold in the country. Tigers’ Pakistan tour for a Test and ODI was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides, home series against Australia and New Zealand and away series against Ireland and Sri Lanka have also been adjourned.  Some of the cricketers started individual training programme before the Eid. More cricketers joined it after Eid holidays.  Now, the Tigers are preparing for a tour of Sri Lanka which was originally scheduled to be played in July-August. Both the boards agreed to play the series in October. Bangladesh will fly for the island nation in the last week of September.  Source: UNB AH

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda said, there is no example that any political party had confidence over Election Commission (EC) in the country. So, the ruling party’s speech will be one type. On the other hand, opposition party’s speech will be another. It has become the political culture in this country. He said these while visiting the election materials including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) distribution activities at Residential Model School and College in the capital on Friday. The CEC said, EC is trying to hold a fair, free and neutral election. We did not arrange any partisan election and will not do that. Political party’s confidence and non-confidence over EC depends on their mentality. He said, adequate law enforcement agency members are on field on the occasion of city election, there will be no problem over the security measures. I do not believe that voters are feeling insecure. KM Nurul Huda said, adequate training was offered to the presiding officers and other concerned over EVM. They will cooperate from their level. I urge that the voters will exercise their voting rights by casting their votes using the EVMs. AH    

BNP nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming general election Mirza Abbas has alleged that he is feeling insecure as law enforcement agencies are roaming in front of his house. He said these at a press conference at his Shahjahanpur residence in the capital on Tuesday. Mirza Abbas said, I am feeling insecure. Sometimes plain clothes people and sometimes uniformed police are roaming in front of my house from Monday. In this circumstance I am feeling acute insecure. Not only that I am panicked and mentally distressed. He said, nobody even my relatives and leaders-activists cannot come to my house. From yesterday to till at present 20 to 25 leaders and activists were arrested from my electoral area. Alleging his electoral campaigns are being hindered he said, my election competitor is campaigning openly but I am barred from that. In this situation I am feeling unsafe. Mirza Abbas alleged that BNP candidate in Dhaka-9 Afroza Abbas is also being barred from campaign in different way and said, same attitude is being shown to my wife. The BNP leader raised question, it is alright that we are politically competitors against somebody, but we are not opponents of anybody. Then why this attitude is being shown to us? Mirza Abbas said, the government does not want that BNP remains in voting. It was said by the Election Commission even by the government that there will be no case or arrest. But after declaring the election schedule 150 mysterious cases were filed against party leaders and activists in my area. Three thousand and five hundred leaders-activists were accused. Two hundred workers were arrested. At present three thousand leaders and activists of mine are in jail. Demanding release of the leaders-activists Mirza Abbas said, I do not understand why police are showing attitudes against me. The facilities that police were given during BNP rule, I gave those. I have managed the land of present police complex. At that time he requested police to become employees of people by not becoming employees of Awami League. AH       

Mehreen has taken her position in the hearts of people through her music. There are uncountable fans of her songs. Besides she is also seen in different social awareness programs. Zinat Ara Bhuiyan, mother of Mehreen is working as the president of ‘Women’s Federation for World Peace’ Bangladesh chapter- an international women NGO organization for the last 25 years. Mehreen is serving as Vice-president of the organization at the current moment. Recently Mehreen is taking part at a conference of Commission for Status of Women-‘CSW 62’ in New York of United States on behalf of her organization. The conference which started on March 12 will continue till March 23. Mehreen said, four thousand women personalities and one thousand NGO workers have taken part in the conference from different countries of the world. I am very glad and proud to take part in this program. I was among the four thousand women personalities who came from different parts of the world. This is a different feeling of gladness. This conference has provided excellent experience to me. The conference was organized to protect rights of women, ensuring facilities and for taking all necessary steps for women. Mehreen took part in the conference as a representative from ‘Women’s Federation for World Peace’. AH