Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the father of the nation started working with the aim of building an efficient, strong and modern navy in an independent country. On his advice, Narayanganj Drydock and Engineering built the first warship in 1972. He procured five modern warships from Yugoslavia and India. She said these things while participating in the winter presidential parade of Bangladesh Navy's 'Midshipman 2020 Alpha' and 'Direct Entry 2022 Bravo' batch on Thursday, December 22 in the morning. At this time, the Prime Minister mentioned the main motto of our foreign policy formulated by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, 'Friendship with all, enmity with none'. The Prime Minister said that on December 10, 1974, Father of the Nation was given the responsibility to the Bangladesh Navy. Commissioned three bases and three ships. On this day, Bangabandhu witnessed the first naval exercise at BNS Surma. His effort started the process of procuring warships from the UK. She also said, "We believe in peace. Bangladesh was born through war. We know the terrible consequences of war. We are strengthening our armed forces not for aggression but for peacekeeping. Since we took charge in 1996, there have been various initiatives to modernize the Navy. Develop various infrastructures, procure warships and increase the operational capabilities of existing ships. Khulna Shipyard and other shipyards were handed over to the Navy. Apart from building ships for themselves, they have now gained recognition as an independent companies by exporting ships."

The Indian Army remains prepared for all military contingencies emanating out of the "collusive threat" from the military modernisation and aggressive actions by India's adversaries, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday, in an apparent reference to China and its all-weather ally Pakistan. It also said the Army is primarily focused on maintaining its operational preparedness in sync with India's desire to ensure stability and dominance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Line of Control (LoC) while constantly monitoring and reviewing emerging threats to national security. The Defence Ministry mentioned this in a year-end review. Referring to the situation along the LoC (with Pakistan), it said the situation has been relatively peaceful with both Indian and Pakistani armies observing ceasefire understanding since February last year. "As compared to 4,645 ceasefire violations during its peak in 2020, only three minor incidents have been recorded since the understanding in February 2021 with only one incident during 2022," the ministry said. It said Pakistan continued to retain "proxy war infrastructure" and that the "functionality" of terrorist training camps, presence of terrorists in "launch pads" and continuing infiltration attempts vindicate that country's "persistent intent". It said Pakistan continues to exploit the "narco-terror nexus" to radicalise and motivate innocent youth undertake targeting of vulnerable civilians using pistols and grenades. On its brief on the Army, the ministry said it primarily focused on maintaining its operational preparedness in line with India's desire to ensure "stability and dominance along the Line of Actual Control, Line of Control". It said the Army carried out relentless counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations and maintained high training standards while constantly monitoring and reviewing emerging and future threats to national security. "The Indian Army remains prepared for all military contingencies emanating out of the collusive threat from the military modernisation and aggressive actions by the country's adversaries while, creating capacities to deal with emerging threats in cyber, space and info domains due to blurring of physical borders," it said. There have been concerns in the military establishment over possible challenges emanating from the "collusive threat" from China and Pakistan. On reforms in the military, the ministry said all formations of the Indian Army will be structured on an Integrated Battle Group (IBG) model in a phased manner to transform the force into a leaner and agile Army. "IBG-isation is progressing well and Phase 1 is near completion." Under the IBG initiative, the Army aims to integrate different components of the force into the new formation that will feature artillery guns, tanks, air defence and logistical elements. On the situation along the border with China, the ministry said Chinese PLA troops on December 9 tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang sector and unilaterally change the status quo. Referring to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament on the incident, it said he informed that the Chinese attempt was contested by Indian troops in a "firm and resolute manner". Mentioning the eastern Ladakh row, the ministry said talks are being scheduled to discuss disengagement in the "balance friction" areas in the region. "With diplomatic and military efforts, effective disengagement with PLA forces was achieved from the area of PP 15 (Eastern Ladakh) in September," it said. The ministry noted that this disengagement was carried out almost a year after the previous exercise which was effected from Gogra in August 2021. "As part of the engagement mechanism, a total of 16 rounds of Corps Commander Level Meetings and 12 related Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meetings have been held till date and subsequent talks are being scheduled to discuss disengagement in the balance friction areas in Eastern Ladakh," it said. About reform initiatives in the services, the ministry said that studies on the establishment of theatre commands were carried out at the service headquarters level for enhancing operational preparedness and synergising capability and combat potential of the armed Forces during war and peace. "A number of decisions taken on re-structuring are being implemented in a satisfactory manner," it said. On the situation along the LAC, the ministry said Pakistan's attempts this year to push in terrorists have resulted in 12 infiltration attempts being eliminated. It noted that 18 foreign terrorists were eliminated in these attempts and large quantities of arms and ammunition recovered. The ministry also listed the successful test firing of the extended range version of the Brahmos missile, the launch of the Prithvi-II missile, Agni-4 and Agni-3 missiles. It also mentioned the successful test of the submarine-launched ballistic missile INS Arihant as well as the indigenously-developed helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missile 'Helina'. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) asked Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders and activists to prepare themselves as skilled manpower to utilize their innovative power and avail themselves of the advantage of upcoming technology, keeping away from corruption, militancy, terrorism.        “The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) will come and in this technological era, the efficiency of people will also change. So, the BCL leaders and activists will have to be ready from now on in the befitting manner,” she said.        The Premier was addressing the 74th founding anniversary function of BCL at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh Auditorium, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.    Reminding the BCL leaders and activists Bangabandhu’s quote “Great achievement requires great sacrifice”, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of ruling Awami League, urged them not to be misguided.        “You should not be associated with terrorism, militancy and corruption. (You) have to keep (yourself) away from those and have to pay special attention so the country can move forward on the path of peace and development,” she told the BCL leaders and activists.          She said each BCL leader and activist should keep in mind that it is the job of a political leader to work for the people.         Referring to BCL’s main mantra - education, peace and progress, she said, “The world is moving forward and we have to go ahead in line with the latest innovations in science and technology.”           In this connection, the Prime Minister said her government has made computer education, technology education, internet use and mobile phone available to all.         As a result of being in power continuously since 2008, she said, today it has become possible to expand the use of technology to remote areas of Bangladesh. “So, there is no chance to deceive people anymore. People's eyes have opened because the world has come in the palm of their hand.”          Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Rahman also spoke while BCL President Al-Nahian Khan Joy was in the chair. BCL General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharya conducted the function.         At the outset of the event, one-minute silence was observed in respect to all the martyrs.        Besides, a video documentary on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened, while theme song of Chhatra League was also sung.          The premier also opened “Matribhumi Corner” at BCL’s headquarters in city’s Bangabandhu Avenue where collection of all books, documentaries and write-ups on Bangabandhu as well as books and write-ups of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina were accumulated.       Former presidents and general secretaries of BCL central executive committee as well as former leaders of other units were also present. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon the entrepreneurs to take preparation to face the challenges that Bangladesh is going to face immediate after it turns into a developing nation along with working to ensure economic solvency of the grassroots people for the country's overall development.    "Today, we're getting the status of a developing nation. We will get more scopes to march the country forward further. For that reason, we may have to face many challenges. We're (the Awami League government) always prepared to face the challenges. We have told the businessmen to take preparation likewise the government to face the challenges," she said.   The Prime Minister said this while opening virtually a 16-day celebration event of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) marking the country's Golden Jubilee of Independence from her official Ganabhaban residence.    Reminding the business community that they have got the scope of doing business in the country as it had became independent, she urged the businessmen to work for ensuring economic solvency side by side with rising purchasing capacity at the grassroots people and for overall development of Bangladesh.    "Always keep in mind that the country and the soil have given you the scope (of doing business). All including the businessmen and service holders have got the scope as Father of the Nation liberated the country," she said.   The premier asked the businessmen to work for giving Bangladeshi people relief from the curse of poverty and ensuring county's development by transforming it into a prosperous and developed one as envisioned by Father of the Nation.    The FBCCI with the help of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) organized the inaugural ceremony of the event titled "Fifty Years of Independence-Grand Festival of Red-Green" at the city's Hatirjheel amphitheatre. Beximco Ltd is the main patron of the programme. The Prime Minister later witnessed a colorful cultural programme.   Specials guests, PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP, and DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam spoke on the occasion while FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin chaired it and gave a welcome address.    A video documentary on improved Dhaka was also screened at the function.    The FBCCI is set to celebrate the 50 years of the country's independence through various cultural events that included Nazrul and Rabindra sangeet, regional based folk songs and dances performed by distinguished artistes.   Sheikh Hasina asked the entrepreneurs to take initiatives alongside the uplift programmes taken by the government for changing the lot of people at the grassroots belonging to their respective villages.      "You should take some programmes alongside the government ones so that the economic solvency and purchasing capacity of the rural people can increase. The more the buying capacity of the people will increase, the more your businesses will flourish as newer markets will be created for your goods. And thus the fate of the people at grassroots will be changed and your income will be increased," she said.      The premier said her government did not come to the power to do business rather to create all the possible facilities for boosting the businesses.      She added: "The Awami League government is a business friendly one which you people (businessmen) have already realized."      Highlighting various uplift schemes and programmes taken by her government, the premier said that they have already materialized the "Vision 2021" with making Bangladesh a developing nation and now her government has been working to materialize the "Vision 2041" to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country.      She said Bangladesh has reached today's position following the footprints of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he within only three and a half years after the independence started Bangladesh's marching forward towards a developed nation with 9 percent GDP growth.      Sheikh Hasina greeted the country's apex trade body, FBCCI, for arranging a 16-day celebration programme marking the country's 50 years of independence which helped people to know the real history of the liberation.      The Prime Minister said the history of Bangladesh's independence achieved through seeding bloods of hundreds of thousands of people under the leadership of Father of the Nation had been distorted after Bangabandhu's assassination in 1975.      Mentioning that the Awami League has brought the history after assuming power which had been erased before the people, saying, "Today, we can celebrate the victory. The freedom fighters now can say with keeping their heads high that they are the freedom fighters and liberated the country through the Liberation War. The family members of the Liberation War martyrs can say that they are the children of the martyrs' family."      The premier said they want that the people of the country to be inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War and uphold the ideals of the Father of the Nation while running the state. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) asked the Bangladesh Army to remain always prepared to make the supreme sacrifice in any need of the nation alongside protecting the country's sovereignty.    "I believe, Bangladesh army will always remain prepared to make the highest sacrifice in any need of the nation alongside protecting the sovereignty of Bangladesh," she said.   The Prime Minister was addressing as the chief guest a ceremony of handing over new flags to "Mujib Artillery Regiment" and "Rowshan Ara Artillery Regiment" and national flag (national standard) to 10 units of Bangladesh Army, joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital.   The function was arranged at the Artillery Centre and School at Halishahar Cantonment in Chattogram.    She said Bangladesh army has been playing a pivotal role in facing the natural and man-made disasters and the country's socio-economic, infrastructural and communicational development alongside guarding the country's sovereignty.    She added that the army personnel have also played crucial role in preventing the Coronavirus under the Operation Covid Shield.   The Prime Minister appreciated Bangladesh military personnel for earning global honour and dignity for the country by performing their duties with utmost professionalism.   She added: "Bangladesh Army by their sacrifice, dutifulness and professionalism in performing duties in establishing world peace and in foreign missions has achieved honour and dignity for the country, brightening its image in the international arena."    The Prime Minister said the "humanity of our military personnel" also impresses the commoners of those countries they are working for.    At the end of the programme, Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed gave a vote of thanks to the premier.   Earlier, on behalf of the Prime Minister, the army chief handed over the national flag (national standard) to the respective commandants of 4,12 and 20 fields, 5 air defence regiment artillery, 5 and 7 riverine engineer battalions, 1 and 2 signal battalion, Army Aviation Group and Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy and new flag to "Mujib Artillery Regiment" and "Rowshan Ara Artillery Regiment".    The premier virtually witnessed a smartly turned out parade of the members of the units. Mentioning her family relations with the army, Sheikh Hasina said, "My two brothers (Sheikh Kamal and Sheikh Jamal) were the members of army while my youngest brother (Sheikh Russel) had a dream to be an army man. But his dream was not materialized (as Russel along with father, mother and brothers were brutally killed on August 15 in 1975.)"    The Prime Minister said after the Liberation War, Bangabandhu only got three and a half years to build a province as a state and establish various organizations such as the armed forces.   She continued that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to build a powerful armed forces, for which, he established Bangladesh Military Academy in Cumilla Cantonment in 1972.   The premier quoted Bangabandhu as saying, "The military academy will be famous in the world and people across the globe will visit it."    She said following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, her government has carried out massive development in the armed forces in the last 13 years.   She also said in keeping pace with the developed world, the government has incorporated state-of-the-art weapons, military aircrafts and helicopters as well as modern infantry gadgets and engineering equipment.    On the basis of the defense policy of 1974 formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said her government has formulated the new "National Defense Policy, 2018" and the Force Goal-2030, which is now being implemented.   Sheikh Hasina briefly highlighted her government's development initiatives for the armed forces during 1996-2000 and 2009 to present.   She said they have established National Defense College (NDC), Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT), Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Bangladesh Peace Building Center (BPC), and new brigades, units and battalions.   She went on saying the government also procured a sufficient number of Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARV), battle tanks, helicopters and other necessary armaments and equipment in the army.   The government formulated the "Forces Goal-2030" and has been implementing it with the aim of building a state-of-the-art, trained and up-to-date military force, she added.   After handing over the national flags to the army units and new flags to two the new regiments, "Mujib Artillery Regiment" and "Rowshan Ara Artillery Regiment", the Prime Minister said, "It is the responsibility of you to maintain the dignity of the flag."    Regarding the inception of the "Mujib Artillery Regiment", Sheikh Hasina said that the regiment of artillery had started its glorious journey through firing gunshots at the battle field during the War of Liberation in 1971 and it started working in the name of one field regiment artillery after the war.    The unit had achieved "regiment colour" in 2019 and "national standard" in 2020 for its outstanding performance in various administrative and operational activities and training, she said.    She continued that the regiment which started its journey through the Liberation War, has been named "Mujib Regiment Artillery" after the name of the Father of the Nation.    The Prime Minister said that "Rowshan Ara Artillery Regiment" was named after a valiant freedom fighter and Dhaka University student Rowshan Ara which got "regiment colour" in 2019 and "national standard" in 2020 for its outstanding performance in various fields.    "I am very happy today to handover new flags to the "Mujib Artillery Regiment" and "Rowshan Ara Artillery Regiment", she said, expressing her heartiest greetings to the members of the regiments.    The premier said Bangladesh has been marching ahead defying hundreds of odds as they have set a target to turn Bangladesh into a hunger-poverty-free, developed and prosperous Bangladesh as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.    She vowed: "Bangladesh will continue to progress with the spirit of the Great Liberation War and we will move across the globe keeping our heads high as we are a victorious nation." Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Monday) 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 in the capital 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. Source: BSS AH

Putting emphasis on the registration of migrant workers, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) urged the job seekers to go abroad attaining required skills and having accurate information about their work, averting any allurement of middlemen. “To this end, the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry and especially the recruiting agents have to play a more responsible role,” she said. The premier was addressing the opening ceremony of International Migrants Day-2020 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) as chief guest, joining the event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. Sheikh Hasina emphasized on attaining skills and said the migrant workers could earn even more money and secure their jobs if they attain required skills through training before going abroad. “We’ve already taken sufficient initiatives across the country to prepare the overseas-bound people as skillful for foreign jobs . . . so don’t try to go abroad illegally,” she said. The Prime Minister said the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry and concerned organizations organize necessary trainings to make the migrant workers familiar with their overseas jobs. But, they (workers) do not take the training sincerely rather collect the certificate anyway which put them into trouble in abroad, she noted. She directed the concern ministries and organizations to strengthen their monitoring to ensure the proper and required training to the overseas-bound workers. Sheikh Hasina said the people who deal with migrant workers should keep in mind that they are the people of the country and they should be treated with dignity. “You (ministry and agencies) should ensure whether their jobs are being given properly or provided security, especially to the women . . . I request you all to perform your responsibilities properly for them,” she said. Asking the migrant workers not to get victimized running after the “golden deer”, the premier said the government has set up digital centers across the country where anyone can register themselves to be migrant workers. “But, you have to keep patience as the government would send all registered persons abroad whenever opportunities come.” The government maintains a policy to highlight the country’s migrant workers internationally, said the premier, adding that when she visits any country she tell the hosts that Bangladeshi migrant workers are contributing to their economy and development and that is why their importance is immeasurable. With Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment minister Imran Ahmad, MP in the chair, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment secretary Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen gave welcome speech. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud was also present at BICC. Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam and officials concerned were present at Ganabhanan. On behalf of the Prime Minister, Imran Ahmad handed over the cheque for education stipend to the children of migrant workers while crests and certificates to three non-resident Bangladeshis for sending highest remittance legally and making the highest investment. The Prime Minister urged the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) who have been living abroad since long to come up with investment in the country, as the government has created huge opportunities for them such as setting up three banks for NRBs. “We’ve eased the investment procedure and bringing the money home along with different facilities,” she said, adding “You (NRBs) can make investment to produce digital devices or other equipment here in the country as the government is facilitating you in many ways.” Sheikh Hasina requested the NRBs and migrant workers to send money to the country through legal channels, mentioning that the government has reduced remittance charge and introduced many options for sending remittance to the country along with giving 2 percent stimulation. She said the government since 2009 has honored a total of 155 NRBs as CIP for sending highest remittance and investment. The premier went on saying that her government has been opening labour-wing in the Bangladesh embassies abroad and setting up chancery buildings in the countries where more than 10,000 migrant people are working, for the wellbeing of migrant workers. Referring to the insurance scheme for overseas-bound workers introduced by her on December 19, 2019 on the occasion of International Migrants Day, she said the government is paying half of the insurance scheme and an initiative has been taken to make this scheme friendlier to the migrant workers. Earlier, Wage Earners’ Welfare Board (WEWB), as per its policy, used to compensate the families of registered migrant workers by paying Taka 3 lakh for their death, but considering the situation rendered by Covid-19 families of all migrant workers are receiving the compensation, she said. Sheikh Hasina said 40 technical training centers in upazila levels would be opened soon along with the existing 70 centers. In the Mujib Borsha, another project has been taken to construct100 more technical training centers at the upazila level and the private sector has also been attached to this process, she added. She said after the killing of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the then governments had tried to keep the country depended on others which was disrespectful for Bangladesh. But, the Awami League after coming to power has been trying to turn Bangladesh into a strong economy and a self-reliant and self-respectful country, she said. The premier said alongside different mega projects such as Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and many others the government is also setting up 100 economic zones across the country. “In our country, there would be no shortage of jobs, rather we will need more skilled labourers,” she said. Sheikh Hasina reiterated the government’s plan to provide house to every homeless person along with cent percent power connection to illuminate all houses in Mujib Borsha. Source: BSS AH

Noting that no nation can move forward without education, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Monday) asked the leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) to get involved in nation building preparing themselves with the organisation’s main principles. “BCL’s main principles are education, peace and progressiveness. Each BCL leader and activist has to move ahead bearing the ideology . . . We will move towards progressiveness following the path of peace and pull the country ahead and it should be our goal,” she said. The premier was addressing a discussion at Krishibid Institution auditorium marking the 73rd founding anniversary of BCL as the chief guest virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital. Mentioning that she has taught her children that education and knowledge are such a wealth which always helps everyone move ahead smoothly, Sheikh Hasina urged BCL leaders and activists to prepare themselves with this lesson. “…..You (BCL leaders and activists) can attain huge wealth but never contribute to people and the nation if you prepare yourself without ideology. Nobody can be a high-up without containing the ideology,” she noted. The premier went on saying the Covid-19 has shown the reality that wealth and properties have become failed when it was most required. “So, you (BCL) should put concentration on education.” On the occasion of the BCL’s founding anniversary, the Prime Minister cut a cake at Ganabhaban while present and former leaders of BCL also cut cake at Krishibid Institution auditorium. A short video on the evolution, journey and activities of BCL was screened at the discussion meeting. Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak and AL Central Working Committee Member Dr Mostofa Jalal Mohiuddin also spoke on the occasion. BCL President Al-Nahian Khan Joy chaired the discussion while General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharya conducted it. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked all concerned to take preparation right at the moment as the COVID-19 situation may worsen in the upcoming winter. “Winter is ahead and that’s why the COVID-19 situation may be worse to some extent. So, we have to remain prepared from right now,” she said while receiving donations for the PM’s Relief and Welfare Fund from various organizations including 34 commercial banks. The Prime Minister attended a donation handover ceremony through a video conference from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital. PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus received the cheques of donations on behalf of the premier at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the city. The premier expressed gratitude to the organizations for their generous contributions to the PM’s Relief and Welfare Fund to help the nation combat coronavirus. In this context, she said, “All have been working with utmost sincerity. That’s why we have been able to face it (the situation arising out of the coronavirus pandemic).” Referring to her government’s efforts including announcement of stimulus packages to offset the COVID-19 impact on the country’s economy, she said, “We are taking effective measures to keep running the country’s trade and commerce. We have declared stimulus packages. And we are giving whatever necessary (to keep functioning the country’s economy) as our target is to serve the people.” The premier thanked the Bangladesh Association of Bank (BAB) as they extended their hands whenever the country fell in any crisis. The Prime Minister requested the BAB to give special attention so that the banks could operate in a proper manner. “There are some banks which become very weak. In that case, merging (of banks) is required very often. But a proper scrutiny is necessary on which banks are functioning properly and which are not. Keep faith (in me), nothing would be done to this end without any assessment,” she said. The Prime Minister said her government first took the initiative to open banks in the private sector and they are giving permission to most of the private banks to operate for which huge employments were generated. Referring to opening bank accounts for farmers at Taka 10, she said that her government had also taken initiatives of making people habituated in using banks in case of transaction of money. “So, we want that the banks will operate their functions properly. We always consider all of your logical demands that you place (before me). I will consider if you have any problem in running the banks,” she continued. Of the organizations, 34 commercial banks such as AB Bank Ltd, Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd, Bank Asia Ltd, BRAC Bank Ltd, City Bank Ltd, Dhaka Bank Ltd, Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd, Eastern Bank Ltd, Exim Bank Ltd, First Security Islami Bank Ltd, Islami Bank (Bd) Ltd, Jamuna Bank Ltd, Mercantile Bank Ltd, Midland Bank Ltd, Modhumoti Bank Ltd, Mutual Trust Bank Ltd, National Bank Ltd, NCC Bank Ltd, NRB Bank Ltd, NRB Commercial Bank Ltd, NRB Global Bank Ltd, One Bank Ltd, Padma Bank Ltd, Prime Bank Ltd, Pubali Bank Ltd, SBAC Bank Ltd, Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd, Social Islami Bank Ltd, Southeast Bank Ltd, Standard Bank Ltd, Trust Bank Ltd, Union Bank Ltd, United Commercial Bank Ltd and Uttara Bank Ltd led by Bangladesh Association of Bank (BAB) made the major contributions to the PM’s Relief and Welfare Fund. While six other organizations like Ministry of Food, FOSA (Foreign Officers Spouse Association), Rajshahi Medical University, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), Bangladesh Judicial Employees Association and Minister Group also donated to the fund. Source: BSS AH

The paper book of August 21 grenade attack case has finally been prepared, paving way for holding hearing on jail appeals and death reference at the High Court. “The paper book has reached the Supreme Court,” Supreme Court spokesperson Md Saifur Rahman told BSS today. A Dhaka court on October 10, 2018, pronounced death sentence to 19 people including former state minister for home Lutfuzzaman Babar and life imprisonment to another 19 including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman for August 21 of 2004 grenade attack charge. The lower court on November 27, 2018, sent 37,385-page case documents including the judgment to the High Court for further proceedings. The High Court on January 13, 2019, accepted appeals filed by the convicts in two cases over the August 21 grenade attack for hearing. Judge Shahed Nuruddin of Dhaka’s Speedy Trial Tribunal pronounced judgment in the murder case filed over the incident, ordering Tarique to be exposed to prison for life term along with 18 others and sentenced 19 people including Lutfuzzaman Babar and ex-deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu and several former army intelligence officers to death penalty. The court found all the 49 guilty and sentenced to different jail terms for the attack that killed 24 people and wounded some 500 others, crippling some of them for life. The judge also made 12-point observations on the background, motive and consequences of the attack, mainly targeting incumbent Prime Minister and the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina, who narrowly escaped the assault sustaining wounds. The death penalty convicts are: Lutfuzzaman Babar, Salam Pintu, Mawlana Tajuddin, intelligence officials Major General (retd) Rezzakul Haider Chowdhury and Brigadier General Abdur Rahim, transport operator Md Hanif, militants Mowlana Sheikh Abdus Salam, Abdul Mazed Bhat, Abdul Malek, Shawkat Osman, Mohibullah, Abu Sayeed, Abul Kalam Azad, Jahangir Alam, Hafez Abu Taher, Hossain Ahammed Tamim, Moin Uddin Sheikh, Rafikul Islam and Md Uzzal. Other than Rahman, the political figures who were handed down life imprisonments are — ex-premier Khaleda Zia’s the then political adviser Haris Chowdhury and former BNP lawmaker Qazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad. The others to serve the life term prison are — militants Shahadat Ullah alias Jewel, Abdur Rouf, Sabbir Ahmed, Arif Hasan, Hafez Yahia, Abu Bokor, Ariful Islam, Mohibul Muttakin, Anisul Mursalin, Mohammad Khalil, Jahangir Alam Badar, Mohammad Iqbal, Liton, Shafikur Rahman, Abdul Hai and Ratul Ahmed Babu. They all were fined Taka 50 thousand each in the case lodged under Explosive Substances Act. The court also sentenced Lutfuzzaman Babar, Abdus Salam Pintu, Mowlana Tajuddin, Major General (retd) Rezzakul Haider Chowdhury, Brigadier General Abdur Rahim, Md Hanif Mowlana Sheikh Abdus Salam, Abdul Mazed Bhat, Abdul Malek, Mowlana Shawkat Osman, Mohibullah, Mowalana Abu Sayeed, Abul Kalam Azad, Md Jahangir Alam, Hafez Mowlana Abu Taher, Hossain Ahammed Tamim, Moin Uddin Sheikh, Md Rafikul Islam and Md Uzzal to 20-year imprisonment and fined Taka 50,000 each in case lodged under Explosive Substances Act. In the same case, the court sentenced Tarique Rahman, Haris Chowdhury, Qazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Kaikobad, Mufti Shafikur Rahman, Mufti Abdul Hai, Shahadat Ullah, Mowlana Abdur Rouf, Mowlana Sabbir Ahmed, Arif Hasan, Hafez Mowlana Yahia, Abu Bokor, Ariful Islam Arif, Mohibul Muttakin, Anisul Mursalin, Md Khalil, Jahangir Alam Badar, Md Iqbal, Mowlana Liton, and Ratul Ahmed Babu to 20-year imprisonment and fined Taka 50,000 each. Source: BSS AH