Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh has witnessed incredible progress solely because of the continuation of democratic trends and elected governments. “Bangladesh couldn’t have achieved this level of development without continued democratic trends,” she said while inaugurating 11 newly-completed projects under the Housing and Public Works Ministry. The premier joined a programme at Ramna Batamul (Ramna Park) through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban. The projects were implemented in the 2021-2022 fiscal year by the Public Works Department, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and the National Housing Authority. Sheikh Hasina said her government took Bangladesh forward as per its plans and the country gained the status of a developing country by 2021. “It has been possible only because democracy remained established continuously and elected public representatives were in power since 2009,” she said. Focusing on her government’s steps for the development of Bangladesh, the PM said, “We’ve been working for the overall development of the country and the people. It is possible (to accomplish such development work) only because today, a government elected by the people is in power.” She said the people voted Awami League to power in the 2014 and 2018 elections as the AL government worked for development. If there is a continuation of democratic trends, people will witness development, she said. “I hope you all notice the change Bangladesh witnessed in the last 14 years (2009-2023) and it has been possible only as AL is in power,” she added. The premier said her government has already developed the country as "Digital Bangladesh" and now its target is to transform the country into a "Smart Bangladesh" by 2041 where everything including people, governance, economy, education and health sectors will be Smart. “Inshallah, we’ll be able to do so (to accomplish the target of building Smart Bangladesh),” she added. Noting that the international organisations predicted that the global economic downturn might worsen in 2023, Hasina said the government has focused on raisinh food production and already asked all not to leave a single inch of land uncultivated in a bid to protect the country from the blow of the economic recession. She also asked the people to practice austerity in using electricity, water and other resources during the global crisis induced by the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and economic sanctions and counter-sanctions. The projects opened today include six from the Public Works Department, three of the National Housing Authority and two ones of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk). The six projects of Public Works Department are 20-storey Judges Quarters (90 flats) at Azimpur in Dhaka; nine 10-storey housing buildings (324 flats) for government officials and employees at Mirpur-6 in Dhaka; Renovation of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Library Bhaban, Annex Bhaban and Auditorium; Nine 10-storey housing buildings (324 flats) for government officials and employees at Noakhali Sadar; Infrastructural Development and overall beatification of Dhaka Ramna Park including Ramna Lake; and six 13-storey housing buildings (288 flats) for government officials and employees at Tejgaon in Dhaka. Three projects of National Housing Authority are 1040 residential flats (Swapnanagar-1) for middle-income people in Mirpur-9; one 14-storey housing building (100 flats) in Mirpur-15; and Site and Services Residential Plots in Sunamganj. Two Rajuk projects are Purbachal Water Supply Project Phase-I; and Progati High School Bhaban, Palkhan High School and Purbachal Adarsha College Bhaban in Purbachal new city project. Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Public Works Ministry Eng. Mosharraf Hossain, State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed spoke at the event, while Housing and Public Works Secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin delivered the welcome speech.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said that the process of natural gas exploration and extraction will be continued on priority basis. “It is must be expanded in natural gas exploration and extraction work with realistic projects,” he said this while witnessing an agreement signing ceremony virtually as chief guest. Nasrul Hamid said that the projects taken by the ministry will have to be implemented with the stipulated timeframe. Sylhet Gas Fields Company Limited signed the deal with Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation, China, for land development and construction of civil works, supply of exploration materials, provide third party engineering services and carrying out all digging activities on turn-key basis.  The project was taken by Gas Development Fund and Sylhet Gas Fields Company Limited with its own financing. The state minister said whatever quantity of gas comes from the walkover or exploration wells will contribute a lot to the national development. Authorities expected that around 10 million cubic feet of gas will be produced from the well per day, according to the project details. Among others, additional secretary of energy division SM Zakir Hossain, Petrobangla Chairman Nazmul Ahsan and Sylhet Gas Fields Limited Managing Director Md Mizanur Rahman were present at the signing ceremony. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said BNP has no right to speak about elections as they tainted the election process most during their tenures.    "My question is how BNP raises questions about the election now. The history of the BNP-era election was so much tainted that they have no right to speak about the election. How do they speak?" she said.     The premier made this remark while addressing a discussion meeting organised marking her homecoming day by Relief and Social Welfare Sub-committee of Awami League at its central party office in city's 23 Bangabandhu Avenue.     Joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban as chief guest, Sheikh Hasina said everybody can remember the election of Falu (Mosaddek Ali Falu) in Dhaka-10, and Magura election for which Khaleda Zia was ousted from power through movement.    The country also experienced "yes - no" vote in 1977, presidential election in 1978, general elections in 1979 and 1981 election and the February 15 election, she said, adding: "With such a tainted record, the question of election doers not befit their mouths," she said.     The Prime Minister added that the development of the election process such as making voter list with pictures, transparent ballot boxes and the use of EVM is the thinking and initiative of Awami League.     "Voting rights of the people is one of the main rights and we've established it. So, they (BNP) can't raise questions on it."    Mentioning that Awami League is elected with people's vote, she said they have returned the voting rights and democratic rights to the people and it is the "real truth".     "Awami League is in power by dint of the people's strength and that is why it is working for the welfare of the people," she added. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the development of today’s Bangladesh has only been possible as the democratic trend has been continuing for 13 consecutive years. “Today, you (people) have been seeing a changed Bangladesh for last 13 years which has only been possible because of continuation of democratic process in the country and Awami League was in power during the period,” she said. The premier made this remarks while addressing a civic reception accorded to her by expatriate Bangladeshis on Friday during her official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She joined the event virtually from her place of residence in Abu Dhabi, while Bangladeshi community people were connected from three venues -- Bangladesh Consulate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Theatre and Bangladesh English Private School and College in Ras Al Khaimah. Mentioning that Bangladesh is marching forward and none would be able to take it back anymore, Sheikh Hasina said, “There was a black chapter in the country after 1975...  But the dark cloud has gone. We’re taking Bangladesh forward following the ideology of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.” Noting that earlier a problem was created during the Covid-19 period, she said now there is another fresh problem arising due to a war situation between Ukraine and Russia. “So, we are passing through another abnormal situation. Fuel prices are going up and various problems are seen in the international arena. We’re also facing some problems. But I believe that we can be able to tackle it in Bangladesh,” she said. The Prime Minister asked the Bangladeshi expatriates to tell their families and relatives not to leave any piece of land uncultivated to have food autarky even in case of any global food crisis. She added that, “If we can do so, we will not face any difficulty, no matter how economic recession and food deficit is there across the world.” Highlighting the development of the country, Sheikh Hasina said there is no scope for anyone to stay unemployed in the country unless he/she wishes to remain. “If anyone takes a little initiative, the person would not remain unemployed,” she added. About her visit to the UAE, the head of the government said she had talks with UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and some MoUs were signed between the two countries. “I think my visit has been very fruitful,” she said. She urged the overseas job seekers never to go abroad through illegal channels, and take loans from Probashi Kallyan Bank to go abroad, not selling home and land. The premier called upon the Bangladesh expatriates to follow the rules and laws in the foreign lands to uphold the image of Bangladesh. “You have to protect your own dignity, ensure your own security, and uphold the dignity of both home and host countries,” she said. Talking about demands placed by the expatriates, she said the government has taken steps to ensure prompt passport services for them, and to strengthen surveillance by installing more CCTV cameras in the airport to ease their harassment there. Sheikh Hasina said when several flights land at a time, some problems over luggage delivery services are seen in the airport. Noting that the government is constructing the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, she said once the construction was completed, the luggage handling problems would be over. During the function, the Prime Minister virtually unveiled the foundation stone of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Building of Bangladesh English Private School and College. Expatriate's Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad also spoke at the event, while Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, and State Minister for Women Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira, among others, remained connected with the virtual event from the three venues. Three expatriates, including a college girl, also spoke at the event moderated by Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Mohammed Abu Zafar. Source: BSS AH

The process of performing Umrah in the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia resumed today (Wednesday) for the Bangladeshi pilgrims who have received two doses of coronavirus vaccine. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has received a letter from the Saudi Arabian government to this end. Bangladeshi Muslim pilgrims can perform Umrah through any Umrah agency approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs following the conditions imposed by the Saudi government, a ministry press release said. The list of approved Umrah agencies has been published on the Hajj website of the ministry (www.hajj.gov.bd), the release added. According to the Saudi Arabian government's conditions, Umrah pilgrims must take two doses of coronavirus vaccine and they should be 18 years old or above. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told the parliament that her government is going to establish an international vaccine institute in Bangladesh to produce vaccines of the Covid-19 and other viruses. “The government has already taken an initiative to set up an international vaccine institute in the country to prevent various viruses, including the coronavirus. To this end, an agreement between Bangladesh and South Korea is under ratification and accession process of the cabinet,” she said while replying to a tabled question from a treasury bench lawmaker Ahsanul Islam (Titu) from Tangail-6 constituency. The Prime Minister added that her government has been collecting vaccines from multiple sources alongside taking measures to produce those locally to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 as the importance of vaccination is well established across the globe as the vaccine helps protect from any infectious diseases as it creates necessary antibodies to effectively fight the viruses. She said that direct G2G (Government to Government) level discussions are currently going on with the vaccine producing countries relating to transfer of required technologies to produce vaccines. The Leader of the House also said that they have already conducted a feasibility study on eligibility of three firms – Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd – to produce vaccines. She, however, said that Globe Biotech Limited is currently conducting research on the Covid-19 vaccine, adding that the vaccine it invented is now at the trial stage. Mentioning that many countries of the world have been trying their best to conduct research on vaccine production as the world has been rattling due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she stressed the need for more local research on this issue. Replying to another question from Jatiya Party lawmaker Fakhrul Imam, the Prime Minister said her government has so far approved the emergency use of five vaccines – Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm (China), Sputnik-V (Russia), Pfizer-BioNTech (USA/Germany) and Crona Vac (China). She said that Bangladesh has so far collected 1.08 crore shots of Covid-19 vaccines from multiple sources. Of these, 1.02 crore shots of vaccines including the gifted ones came from India, while 5 lakh doses from Sinopharm and 1,0620 doses from Pfizer. The Prime Minister added that as of June 5 last, a total of 58,22,177 people were vaccinated for the first jab while 42,09,510 people were administered the second dose. Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury chaired the sitting of the 13th session of the 11th Jatiya Sangsad. Source: BSS AH

The form fill up process for the SSC examinees has been suspended due to coronavirus situation in the country. It was known from the inter education coordination board that the tenure of form fill up might be extended without charging late fee. The form fill up process began on April 1 and was scheduled to complete by April 7. As the government announced countrywide lockdown so the form fill up process has been suspended. Chairman of inter-education coordination board and Dhaka education board chairman Professor Nehal Ahmed said, the ongoing form fill up has been suspended due to lockdown. Coronavirus pandemic is a national problem and after completion of lockdown the time for form fill up will be extended. The candidates will be able to fill up their forms without late fee. About extending time he said, most of the forms have been filled up. But those who could not complete will be given 4 to 5 days time to fill up the forms without late fee. As the routine for SSC examination is not finalized yet, so the time may be extended. AH    

Bangladesh hoped that democratic process and constitutional arrangements will be upheld in Myanmar as the neighboring country’s military declared a one-year state of emergency after reportedly arresting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior officials today. “As an immediate and friendly neighbour, we would like to see peace and stability in Myanmar,” said a Bangladesh foreign ministry statement after Myanmar military appointed a general as acting president this morning. The statement said Bangladesh firmly adheres to and promotes democratic ethos. The foreign ministry said Dhaka has been persistent in developing mutually beneficial relations with Naypyidaw and working with Myanmar for the voluntary, safe and sustained repatriation of the forcefully displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. “We expect these processes to continue in right earnest,” read the statement. Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million forcefully displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar district and most of them arrived there since August 25, 2017 after a military crackdown by Myanmar, which the UN called a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” and “genocide” by other rights groups. In last three years, Myanmar did not take back a single Rohingya while the attempts of repatriation failed twice due to trust deficit among the Rohingyas about their safety and security in the Rakhine state. Myanmar’s military seized power today in a coup against the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with Myanmar President Win Myint and other leaders of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party in early morning raids, media reports said. The detentions came after days of escalating tension between the civilian government and the military that stirred fears of a coup in the aftermath of the last November election. An announcement of military-owned Myanmar’s Myawaddy TV said the move was needed to preserve the “stability” of the state, accusing the country’s election commission of failing to address “huge irregularities” in the November election. Soldiers took up positions at city hall in Yangon and mobile internet data and phone services in the NLD stronghold were disrupted, residents said. Internet connectivity also had fallen dramatically, according to international media reports. Source: BSS AH

Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni said, the curriculum modification activities are in process to improve the quality of education. The government is emphasizing on teachers training and infrastructural development as well as technical and ICT education. She said this while delivering her speech as the chief guest at the inaugural program of training for the master trainers of primary school teachers in English at a hotel in the capital on Sunday. The Education Minister said, students are studying English as compulsory basis. But many of them are weak in it. To overcome this weakness training for teachers is very important. The training program jointly organized by primary and mass education ministry and British Council is much praiseworthy. At the program State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md. Zakir Hossain said, in every district English version will be introduced in one particular government primary school. For this purpose two English teachers will be appointed in every school. The piloting to start English version will start soon. Later the summary will be sent to the Prime Minister. We will start the program after getting approval from the premier. High officials of British Council and British High Commission including Secretary of primary and mass education ministry Md. Hasibul Alam and Director General of primary education directorate Alamgir Mohammad Monsurul Alam were present in the program. Mentionable, with cooperation from British Council one thousand primary teachers will be given special training in English through nine Primary Training Institute. Additional one lakh 30 thousand teachers will be given training by phases. AH       

Why is it that one candidate can win the popular note but another wins the electoral vote and thus the presidency? That’s how the framers of the Constitution set it up. This unique system of electing presidents is a big reason why Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016. Four candidates in history have won the popular vote only to be denied the presidency by the Electoral College. The Electoral College was devised at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was a compromise between those who wanted direct popular elections for president and those who preferred to have Congress decide. At a time of little national identity and competition among the states, there were concerns that people would favor their regional candidates and that big states with denser populations would dominate the vote. The Electoral College has 538 members, with the number allocated to each state based on how many representatives it has in the House plus its two senators. (The District of Columbia gets three, despite the fact that the home to Congress has no vote in Congress.) To be elected president, the winner must get at least half plus one — or 270 electoral votes. This hybrid system means that more weight is given to a single vote in a small state than the vote of someone in a large state, leading to outcomes at times that have been at odds with the popular vote. In fact, part of a presidential candidate’s campaign strategy is drawing a map of states the candidate can and must win to gather 270 electoral votes. In 2016, for instance, Democrat Hillary Clinton received nearly 2.9 million more votes than Trump in the presidential election, after racking up more lopsided wins in big states like New York and California. But she lost the presidency due to Trump’s winning margin in the Electoral College, which came after he pulled out narrow victories in less populated Midwestern states like Michigan and Wisconsin. It would take a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College — an unlikely move because of how difficult it is to pass and ratify constitutional changes. But there’s a separate movement that calls for a compact of states to allocate all their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner, regardless of how those individual states opted in an election. That still faces an uphill climb, though. Source: UNB AH