Category: Government Policy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that they are committed to uphold democracy in Bangladesh.

"We've fought for democracy and attained democracy. We're committed to uphold democracy," she said.

The premier made this remark when a 12-member delegation of International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission (PEAM) from the US paid a courtesy call on her at the latter's official residence Ganabhaban.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

Sheikh Hasina said the ideology of her party, Bangladesh Awami League (AL), is to uphold democracy and AL has been fighting for democracy.

She briefly apprised them of the history of Bangladesh's democracy.

Following the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, the military rulers grabbed state power through arms and formed political parties in Bangladesh, she added.

The Prime Minister said that she was obstructed to return home from the USA during the 2007-2008 military-back caretaker government. "She was threatened to be killed if she would return to the country. But, she returned home defying the death threat," she added.

Sheikh Hasina said that her government's main goal is to ensure basic rights of the people -- food, clothes, shelter, health and education -- as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She said that they have reduced the extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent.

Leading the delegation during the meeting, former Deputy USAID Administrator Bonnie Glick said Bangladesh has attained amazing economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

She said that they had talks with all stakeholders including diplomats, and their mission is to listen to all stakeholders.

Bonnie Glick said they don't represent the US government; rather they came here in their private capacity.

They want a peaceful transition of power, she added.

Former Assistant Secretary of US State for South Asian Affairs Karl F Inderfurth said democracy has some inherent problems and the problems are even in the USA.

They thanked the prime minister for giving them time despite her busy schedule.

PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP, Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen, PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, AL Information and Research Secretary Dr. Salim Mahmud were present.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said the commission would take necessary measure to prevent any communal tension in the country ahead of coming general election.

In this regard the commission would give all necessary directives to the law enforcing agencies, he said after a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP) today.

BHBCOP leaders led by its general secretary Rana Dasgupta submitted a memorandum to the CEC expressing concern over escalation of communal attack ahead of general elections in the past.

Talking to reporters after the meeting the CEC said the BHBCOP leaders are afraid of such communal violence this year, and they appealed to the EC to give highest attention to this matter.

“We will ask the government to take necessary steps so that none can create any communal disturbance in the country ahead of the poll,” he said.

CEC said, any communal violence before general election is very much unexpected and we won’t allow anybody to destroy communal harmony,” he said.

Rana Dasgupta said they informed the EC over their concern and worry ahead of the next general election.

“We clearly stated that we want to exercise our voting rights as the citizens of the country. On behalf of religious minority communities, I would like to say that we want a violence-free election. We want the end of communal electioneering,” he said.

He said all evil efforts to foil election environment by spreading communal hatred and rumors must be eradicate.

Rana Dasgupta said, in the past we had got assurance, but there was no application of the assurance in the field.

“This time the CEC also assured us and we want execution of the assurance,” he said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A meeting of Awami League's (AL) Parliamentary Nomination Board will be held at 6.30pm tomorrow at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official Ganabhaban residence.

AL Parliamentary Nomination Board President Sheikh Hasina will chair the meeting, a press release said here today.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader has requested all concerned to attend the meeting on time maintaining proper health rules.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said BNP is misusing their democratic rights to spread hatred against the government persistently.

In a statement he said all BNP leaders are continuously spreading falsehood against the government by holding rallies and other political programmes all over the country.

Terming BNP as a failed party of corrupt leaders, Quader said their talks of waging strong movement don’t suit to their action. Being failed to wage any meaningful movement BNP is now out to grasp power through conspiracy, steering from London, he said.

Tarique Rahman, a fugitive convict who was the mastermind of August 21 grenade attack, is the main kingpin of orchestrating the conspiracy, he added.

Quader said BNP leaders have no respect to the country’s democratic values and spirit. As much as BNP is losing its capacity to organize movement against the government, they are depending on propaganda to mislead the people, he said. Any subversive activities of BNP to create anarchy would be dealt with strongly, he warned.

Obaidul Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said, Awami League always wins the support of voters as the party sincerely works to implement its electoral pledges.

He said the prime and foremost goal of the politics of Awami League is to ensure peoples welfare and build a developed and prosperous nation for wellbeing of the next generation.

Awami League general secretary said his party is always respectful to the constitution and rule of law. Out of its commitment, Quader said, next general election will be held in due time following the constitution.

“There is no provision of caretaker government in the constitution. So in which method the next election would be held going beyond the constitution?” he asked in response to demand of BNP.

BNP wants such an election which would ensure their victory, Quader said adding that BNP would sell the country’s interest to their foreign overlords if they come to power.

“The people of this soil will never let it be happened again,” he said.

Ruling out BNP leaders’ claim of government’s negligence over the treatment of Khaleda Zia, Obaidul Quader said, BNP leaders should not forget that they failed to free their chairperson through movement. Rather Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina showed her generosity to keep her out of jail and ensure her proper treatment.

Despite being a convict, the BNP chief is enjoying the country’s most modern treatment facilities; he said, adding that BNP leader should be grateful to the government for this. Instead, BNP is doing ill-politics over Khaleda’s illness.

“As BNP leaders haven’t minimum respect to their party chief, they are making ill-attempts to use her health issues as a political weapon,” he said.

Quader urged BNP leaders to refrain from putting physical and mental pressure on Khaleda by doing politics over her illness.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal today said the Election Commission (EC) will lack no efforts to ensure a free and peaceful election with the participation of the people in a festive atmosphere.

He said this in his introductory speech at a meeting with the EC's field level officials at the city's Agargaon Election Bhaban this morning, ahead of the 12th parliamentary election, said a press release.

"We will be looking forward for the cooperation of the government. Together with the public administration, police and other law enforcement agencies, we will discuss and figure out how to make the process easier and effective, so that the citizens can exercise their voting rights freely" said the CEC.

"There was a view exchange meeting with the officials of 64 districts and 10 regional election offices regarding the national election. It was a preliminary meeting about the very basic matters like- instructions and queries regarding the voter list, polling station preparations etc," EC Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath told the newsmen at a press briefing after the meeting, the release added.

He added that the meeting did not discuss any political matter, rather it addressed the relevant issues of different regions and the possible difficulties they might face during the polls.

They EC officials sought everyone's cooperation so that the election code of conduct is maintained accordingly.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The possibility of a flash flood is gradually lessening alongside the Teesta as its water level marked fall at almost all monitoring points in Rangpur region today.

Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) officials said the Glacial Lhonak Lake outburst flood damaged the upstream Chungthang Dam in North Sikkim of India on Wednesday causing an atypical rise in Teesta water level and a sudden flood situation in the downstream Teesta basin.

"As a result, the Teesta crossed its danger mark (DM) at Dalia and Kawnia points on Wednesday inundating some low-lying and char areas in Rangpur region," Additional Chief Engineer for Rangpur Zone of BWDB Engineer Md. Mahbubur Rahman said.

Meanwhile, the Teesta was flowing below the DM by 63 cm at Dalia point in Nilphamari and 15 cm below the DM at Kawnia point in Rangpur at 6 pm today.

"Although some low-lying and char areas have been inundated alongside the Teesta river course in Nilphamari, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat Gaibandha and Kurigram districts, the situation might start to improve from tomorrow," he added.

However, water level of the Teesta marked rise and fall since last night and started flowing below the DM from today as the high pressure of the rushing water in upstream hilly Chungthang Dam area with very high slope continued to decline downstream.

"Pressure of flowing water is continuing to reduce in downstream plain land due to lower slope with no possibility of a long-term flood in the Teesta basin despite the chance of rise and fall in water level amid forecast of heavy rains upstream," he said.

"We have taken all measures and kept all 44 gates of the TBP on the Teesta at Dalia point in Nilphamari to control the water flow for safety and security of barrage, flood control embankment and devices," Rahman added.

According to a special bulletin of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), water level of the Teesta may remain steady in the next 24 hours and flow below the DM in the basin.

Quoting information received from the India Meteorological Department, the bulletin said there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in the country's northern region and adjoining upstream in India during the next 24 to 48 hours.

"As result, the water level of the Teesta might rise to some extent again. However, the risk of a flash flood has reduced, the situation might start improving and water level might remain around or below the DM in the next 24 hours," the bulletin said.

Like yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Mobasswer Hasan with District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Nirbahi Officers and other officials continued visiting the flood-prone areas in Gangachara, Pirgachha and Kawnia upazilas here today.

The upazila administrations with local public representatives informed common people of flood-prone areas using loudspeakers about a possible flash flood and shifted some of them to flood shelters as a precautionary measure.

Officials of the district and upazila administrations and BWDB and local public representatives are closely monitoring the developing situation on the grounds to take instant steps when and where necessary.

Divisional Commissioner Md. Habibur Rahman said the district and upazila administrations have taken extra-ordinary preparations to shift people living alongside the river Teesta to flood shelters and conduct relief and rescue operations, if necessary.

"The upazila administrations have ample stock of relief materials allocated earlier by the government through the district administrations to conduct relief operations when and where necessary," he added.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has summoned the meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) tomorrow, Thursday.

The meeting aimed at discussing the earthquake in Bajhang district, extent of damages incurred by the 6.3 magnitude quake on Tuesday noon, according to the Secretariat of PM Dahal.

Even the action plan on the part of the government for relief packages and rehabilitation of the quake-survivors among others will feature in the meeting, it was said.

A tremor with an epicenter in Bajhang district jolted the district and its vicinity at 2:43 pm.

PM Dahal on Wednesday called people's representatives of Bajhang district and political leaders to take stock of the quake, it was shared.

Source: National News Agency RSS

Ambassador of Nepal to the United Arab Emirates, Tej Bahadur Chhetri, presented credentials to President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, amidst a special ceremony organized at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

On the occasion, Ambassador Chhetri received an audience with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Ramchandra Paudel for the good health and happiness of the UAE President and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the friendly people of the UAE. It was shared by Nepali Embassy in UAE.

Ambassador Chhetri highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations subsisting between the two friendly countries ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1977. He shared that the UAE has been one of the most attractive destinations for Nepali nationals and thanked the UAE government for being a kind host to them and highlighted the possibilities of working together in many fields.

The Ambassador also praised the visionary leadership of the UAE President for the well-being of the Emirati people as well as for the whole of humanity.

Similarly, President Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Ambassador Chhetri as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal to the UAE and expressed best wishes for his successful tenure. He also asked Ambassador Chhetri to convey sincere greetings to the President Paudel for good health and happiness and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the friendly people of Nepal.

The UAE President expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations and emphasized the need to further strengthen in the days to come.

Source: National News Agency RSS

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the first priority of the government and home administration is to ensure good governance to the people. Addressing a province level interaction at Bardibas here Wednesday, DPM Shrestha directed the security officials and employees to stay aware against any activities that disturb general security.

"Ill efforts to disturb Nepalis' unity in diversity were being surfaced of late. So, it is essential to foster love and harmony among people from diverse communities. Unity among Nepalis must frustrate the evil attempts that intend to disrupt harmony and tolerance," DPM Shrestha underscored.

National unity and protection of constitution is must on the basis of territorial integrity, national security, social unity, he reminded, admitting that although country witnessed political change, social justice and economic prosperity were yet to be realized. The DPM further said the political parties working for democracy and general people must be united for protecting the constitution and federal democratic republic. Social and religious tolerance must be kept intact, he underscored.

Moreover, he urged the security officials and employees to curb criminal activities and exorbitant price hike and ensure safety to general public and their property.

He also drew the attention of concerned district officials on complaints relating to loan-sharking.

The programme was attended by chief district officers, chiefs of security bodies, civil society representatives, heads of political parties from eight districts of Madhes Province. DPM Shrestha also listened to the views from attendants.

Source: National News Agency RSS

Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Alice Albright made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' this morning.

According to the PM's secretariat, discussions were held on various aspects of the Nepal-US cooperation including the MCC projects.

On Monday, the MCC CEO met with Chairman of CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli, and Minister for Energy Shakti Bahadur Basnet and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation Prakash Jwala.

During the meetings, the leaders discussed the ways for the successful implementation of the MCC projects.

Currently, MCC CEO Alice is in Nepal to celebrate MCC's entry-into-force.

Source: National News Agency - Nepal

Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Alice Albright made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' this morning.

According to the PM's secretariat, discussions were held on various aspects of the Nepal-US cooperation including the MCC projects.

On Monday, the MCC CEO met with Chairman of CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli, and Minister for Energy Shakti Bahadur Basnet and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation Prakash Jwala.

During the meetings, the leaders discussed the ways for the successful implementation of the MCC projects.

Currently, MCC CEO Alice is in Nepal to celebrate MCC's entry-into-force.

Source: National News Agency - Nepal

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today put

emphasis on initiating a Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh-Nepal relations to

explore areas of cooperation in power, connectivity, tourism and agriculture.

She made the remark while a high-level parliamentary delegation from Nepal,

led by Dr Arzu Rana, Chair of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural

Resources Committee called on her at the Parliament, said a press release

here.

The delegation is visiting Bangladesh to learn about Bangladesh's success

stories in Agriculture especially achieving self-sufficiency in food and see

some agriculture projects in Bangladesh.

During the interaction, the speaker stressed early operationalization of the

BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement for greater sub-regional connectivity.

She hoped that once the construction of the Buddhist Monastery funded by

Bangladesh government will be completed, it will boost the religious tourism.

The delegation started their official programs in Bangladesh by paying their

tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the

Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32, Dhaka.

During the visit, they mentioned that Bangladesh is lucky to have such a

charismatic leader like Bangabandhu.

Following their visit to the memorial, the delegation met the Standing

Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture of Bangladesh Parliament.

The delegation was briefed about the tremendous success achieved in the

agriculture sector of Bangladesh. Both sides stressed on sharing and exchange

of the ideas and best practices in the agriculture sector.

In the afternoon, the parliamentary delegation called on State Minister for

Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam at the Ministry.

They discussed on various areas of cooperation to further strengthen the

bilateral relations.

The discussion focused on power, and connectivity, among others.

The visiting delegation appreciated the current government led by Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina for making phenomenal socio-economic progress during

last 14 (fourteen) years.

The delegation also called on Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, the Minister for

Agriculture. The two sides emphasized on scientific expertise sharing and

facilitating technology transfer for bolstering agricultural cooperation

between the two nations.

The delegation would visit places like Bangladesh Agricultural Research

Council (BARC), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), SAARC Agriculture

Center (SAC), Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) as well as various

agriculture projects in Bangladesh in next couple of days.

The delegation would depart Dhaka on October 7.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha