insight

Feb 18, 2019 | Issue 210

NEWSLETTER

Bangladesh HPM Sheikh Hasina outlines agenda for future Bangladesh

Ina recent interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), the Germany's public international broadcaster, Honourable Prime Minister (HPM) Sheikh Hasina has stated that Bangladesh has made rapid economic progress under her watch in past ten years and is now moving toward being classified as a lower- to middle-income country. Over the past several years, the economy has been growing at an average of 6% to 7% annually, trade volume has multiplied and foreign investment has gone up. Responding to a question as regards to countering the threat of terrorism, the Bangladesh Premier said "Of course not. What I have done is done and it will continue.” On the sheltering of Rohingya refugees in her country, she said “We do not want to fight with Myanmar. We are also trying to cooperate with China and India. But the pressure is increasing on Bangladesh.” She has hinted that her present -- and third consecutive -- term could possibly be her last as prime minister, adding that she wanted to create room for younger leaders.



Bangladesh, India eye roadmap for ‘irreversible ties’

During his recent visit to India, AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister has taken the ties between the countries to a newer height. During a meeting with his Indian counterpart, both have asked their officials to develop a roadmap of bilateral cooperation that would make the partnership "irreversible". Three MoUs were signed during the meeting to enhance “multifaceted cooperation”, which includes an agreement on mid-career training for 1,800 Bangladeshi civil servants. Moreover, at another meeting Honourable Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that “India is always with Bangladesh and assured of India’s cooperation in this regard”. The Bangladeshi diplomat also highlighted Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress in the last few years during the Awami League government and elaborated the vision of the prime minister for future development of Bangladesh.

Malaysian, Armenian HPMs greet AL President Sheikh Hasina

More world leaders including the Honourable prime ministers of Malaysia and Armenia have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina on her assumption of office as the prime minister for the fourth time. "I wish to extend my warmest and sincere congratulations to Your Excellency on your reappointment as the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," Malaysian HPM Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in his message to HPM Sheikh Hasina. Dr Mahathir continued: "Your electoral victory in the 11th parliamentary elections was a resounding indication of support of the people of your country for your contribution to the development of Bangladesh's economy."

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee lauds HPM Sheikh Hasina for her pro-people leadership

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee opined that Bangladesh has emerged as a unique example to the world under the pro-people leadership of HPM Sheikh Hasina. Pranab appreciated the visionary statesmanship of the daughter of Bangabandhu when Bangladesh foreign Minister Abdul Momen called on him at the later’s residence in Delhi during his India visit recently. The former president also expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladeshi and HPM Sheikh Hasina as the people showed him heartiest love and respect. He also appreciated for sustainable and continuous growth of Bangladesh’s economy under the dynamic leadership of the Bangladesh Premier.

400MW power plant to be set up in Munshiganj

The government has decided to set up around 400MW super critical power plant under public sector in Munshiganj district. Power Division has taken the decision at a meeting recently. Under public sector, the government has already undertaken four projects of coal-fired power plants having a capacity of generating 5040MW electricity. This power plant will be the 5th coal-based state-owned power plants undertaken by Awami League government. The state-owned Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh (EGCB) will implement the project. The company has a capacity of generating over 1000MW electricity.PM for master plan to protect cultivable land.

Unicef, Bangladesh Scouts to enhance youth empowerment

Unicef Bangladesh has signed a programme cooperation agreement (PCA) with Bangladesh Scouts to empower and mobilise 1.68 million members of Bangladesh Scouts in the areas of community awareness and disaster risk reduction. Building on the experience of the Scouts and Unicef's approach in engaging with youths and adolescents, the project will focus on engaging adolescent boys and girls of Scouts in community development initiatives, awareness raising and campaigns on children's issues such as newborn health, menstrual hygiene management, handwashing and ending child marriage. The project will also focus on enhancing knowledge and increased participation of adolescent boys and girls on community-based disaster risk reduction.

Bangladesh summons Pakistan envoy over remarks about Bangabandhu

The foreign ministry has summoned the acting high commissioner of Pakistan in Dhaka to protest against objectionable comments on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on a Pakistani website. Acting High Commissioner Shah Faisal Kakar was handed a note verbale when he came to the ministry last week, according to media reports. The envoy told the ministry that he would convey Bangladesh’s sentiment to Islamabad. The objectionable comment on Bangabandhu was posted recently on a website run by the Pakistani government – defence.pk, according to officials.

Bangladeshi expert Prof Mahmudur Rahman to chair WHO committee

A Bangladeshi expert, Professor Mahmudur Rahman, has become the chair of the WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication (SEARCCPE). The primary objective of this commission is to guide member states through the certification process on polio eradication through impartial and transparent verification. Being the Chair of the Regional Commission, he has also become the member of the Global Certification Commission for Polio Eradication. Prof Rahman had served the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and National Influenza Center in Bangladesh for about 12 years before retiring in August 2016.

US envoy praises efforts to educate farmers over pest control

US Ambassador Earl R Miller has lauded Bangladesh government’s efforts to educate farmers and looking at ways to mitigate pest as he ended his four-day maiden visit to south western Khulna and Jashore districts. “I’m pleased, the Ministry of Agriculture and other bodies are working so hard to educate farmers and looking at ways to mitigate pest” he said after meeting with scientists of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Jashore. The US envoy discussed with the scientists about the preventive measures to raise awareness on the threat of Fall Armyworm in Bangladesh, a new pest that can damage various crops.

BANGLADESH AWAMI LEAGUE
23, Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka-1000. Bangladesh.

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