Today's students will be the golden people for building Bangabandhu's golden Bengal. Urging the parents and teachers to pay attention to develop them in this way, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Today is a very important day for every student." Newyear books are being given along with the announcement of results. The joy of getting a book is different, putting a new book cover and writing a name on it, it's a different feeling.

The Prime Minister said this while announcing the results of SSC and equivalent examinations and distributing free textbooks among students of different levels in the 2022 academic year on Thursday (December 30). She attended the event via Prime Minister video conferencing.

The Prime Minister said, "We are preparing books to suit the general students as well as the visually impaired so that they do not lag behind." We are making books in the language of small ethnic groups. So far we have got 5 of their languages. We have made books in that language.

She further said that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary Mass Education have jointly launched Virtual Education in Corona. Opportunity has been introduced for everyone to sit at home with books in hand and conduct educational activities. More than 34 crore books will be given to more than four crore students by January 1, 2022. We have been doing this activity since 2010. We have given a huge number of books.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said online education should be continued. Corona is sometimes decreasing, sometimes increasing. If the prevalence of corona increases in winter, then the online education curriculum should be continued. We will arrange whatever is required for this. They will always be able to use Parliament TV. ‘My school in my house’, everyone needs to cooperate in this activity.

"I gave the vaccine to the teachers first and now to the students," she said. Everyone should take care that all the students get vaccinated.

Addressing the parents and teachers at the time, the Prime Minister said, just making them read will not do. Parents will have to take care of the nutrition of the students. Teachers have also been trained. Two lakh teachers have also been trained on mental health. If they are inattentive, instead of beating them you must take good care of them. This is also a kind of disability. We need to pay more attention to this.

Highlighting the various crises of children in the city, she said, children nowadays spend more time with TV and mobile phones. Living alone in the city, parents often do not pay attention to the needs of their children. Kids want a good friend and parents need to be that friend. We have to teach them to grow mentally.

The Prime Minister said, I have recognized madrasa education. I am giving technical vocational training. No work should be underestimated. Doing one's own work, that teaching must also be given. When a farmer's son grows up, he should give more respect to his father. Even if you grow up with education, you should work in the field with your father.

She said that the citizens should be made suitable for the fourth industrial revolution. We have to keep pace with technology. My desire is to build a society in such a way that no one can order someone to work. Do your own thing.

Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossain, and Deputy Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Nawfel were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked all concerned to build waste management system while constructing industries for environment-friendly industrialisation to save the country and its people from the adverse impact of climate change.

"We have to construct industries. But all have to build industrial waste management system. I request you all that don't ruin the country and yourself to save few money of chemical (to be used in waste management system)," she said.

The prime minister made the appeal while opening the seven-day 11th National Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) at Agargaon here this morning.

She said they want industrialisation to be environment friendly and for that, the country's industrialisation must have to be planned and worthy for health.

"Wherever you build industry, you have to keep in mind that the waste of your industries doesn't go to the rivers and water. Keep a special eye to ensure that the waste doesn't pollute the water and the soil," she added.

Sheikh Hasina called upon all to pay attention so that the country isn't incurred losses by adverse impact of the climate change due to any negligence.

Apart from this, she asked the industrialists to ensure proper work environment and safety for workers alongside upgrading their livelihoods aimed at increasing industrial production.

The prime minister said they want mechanization of the industries with world class machines.

But, she asked all to be cautious that mechanization of industries doesn't decrease the number of labourers.

The premier asked all concerned to build labour intensive industries as they want to employ more workers.

She said Bangladesh is marching ahead so it requires more entrepreneurs.

"I call upon the youth-folk not to run after the jobs (only). ---prepare yourselves as entrepreneurs and give jobs to others," she said.

Sheikh Hasina asked all concerned to make more opportunities for the womenfolk to make them entrepreneurs in large numbers.

She said the men can take initiatives bringing their wives and sisters in the SME business by enjoying opportunities of SME facilities that include taking loan on four percent interest rate.

The premier expressed her satisfaction as 60 percent SME entrepreneurs are women.

She said it has been possible as additional facilities are now being given to the women entrepreneurs.

The prime minister said her government has been constructing 100 economic zones across Bangladesh, adding her government wants both foreign and local investments there.
 
She said lands have already been allocated for 80 economic zones from where the SME Foundation or entrepreneurs can get lands to build their industries.

The premier stressed the need for mechanization of agriculture to increase food production for ensuring food security.

She also asked all concerned to produce small and medium machines for agriculture as it has local and foreign demand.
The prime minister instructed all to build locality-based agro-processed industries across the country keeping in mind that where, which food grains are largely produced.

She called for increasing production of exportable products alongside creating local markets for produced products.

She also instructed Bangladesh missions abroad to find out the most demandable products of the respective countries as Bangladesh can export those products there.

The prime minister said she has already asked Bangladesh missions abroad to work for economic diplomacy alongside the politics to increase export, business and trades.

She said her government has established rights on a vast maritime area which have huge resources.

The SME entrepreneurs can also invest in the maritime resources to exploit its maximum benefits, she said.

The prime minister expressed her satisfaction over unveiling work plan for 2024-28 by the Industries Ministry and said if all the ministries can do it; the countries development will be quickened.

After opening the SME fair, Sheikh Hasina said the fair will encourage others to be entrepreneurs.

She described the SME entrepreneurs as driving forces of the country's development, saying, "We want to create more SME entrepreneurs to foster country's development".

The prime minister recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for taking measures for the first time for industrialisation in Bangladesh.

At the same function, she handed over National SME Award-2023 to seven small, medium and start-up entrepreneurs that includes crest and accreditation certificate.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, its Senior Secretary Zakia Sultana, President of FBCCI Mahbubul Alam and SME Foundation Chairperson Dr Md Masudur Rahman spoke at the function.

The fair will continue till May 25 under the aegis of the SME Foundation as it will be opened for visitors from 10 am to 9 pm daily.

More than 300 entrepreneurs are taking part in the fair as almost 60 percent participants are women entrepreneurs.

The SME fair will showcase 100 per cent local products. More than three hundred and fifty companies will participate in this year's fair.

This year's fair will see the largest number of 75 participants from the garment sector. Besides, 42 participants will showcase jute products, 38 to display handicrafts, 32 to showcase leather products and 27 to present processed agricultural products.

Moreover, 23 will display light engineering products, 14 to present food products, 13 to display IT-based services as 12 SME cluster entrepreneurs will take part in the fair from different parts of the country, 5 participants will showcase herbal industry products and 5 more will display jewellery products.

Four stalls will display plastic products, 3 to showcase electrical and electronics items, 3 to present furniture items and 19 others will display various government organizations products.

Besides, 30 banks, 15 public-private organizations, business clubs of 5 universities and about 50 other organizations will provide services to participants in the fair.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government has been turning Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) into a modern and three-dimensional force adding ultra-modern smart technologies, ships and helicopters to face the 21st century's challenges.

"None will lag behind. The coast guard will be made capable to face the 21st century's challenges with inclusion of modern technology based ships, helicopters and the force's communication system development," she said.

The premier said this while addressing a function marking 29th founding anniversary of the BCG and the BCG Day-2024 at the Coast Guard Headquarters in capital's Agargaon area.

She said her government is going to add high quality modern ship, maritime surveillance system-incorporated hovercraft and high speed boats to the coast guard fleet to make the force more modern and stronger.

At the same function, the premier also inaugurated Bangladesh Coast Guard Vsatnet Communication System and newly constructed six physical infrastructures at the BCG stations at Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Nidraskina and Shahpari Outpost.

The inclusion of the V-Satnet Communication System that will connect the coast guard with the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will enhance the force's communication and operational abilities, Sheikh Hasina said.

She said, "We have already given approval to purchase two helicopters and formed an aviation wing for the coast guard to make it a three-dimensional force."

The premier said her government has also consented to buy 4 more OPVs, 2 maritime version helicopters for patrolling and ensuring safety and security at the deep sea area.

She stressed securing the vast maritime boarders saying nowadays 90 percent business are being done by the marine ways.

She said her government has also nodded to construct nine replacement ships for the force.

The head of the government said already 16 ships and 138 boats were inducted to the force's fleet to strengthen its capacity.

The prime minister said they will increase the existing manpower of the force to 15000 in phases with its modernisation to enhance capability to ensure security in the vast sea areas and protect its resources.

Sheikh Hasina said a dockyard is being built at Gazaria in Munshiganj aimed at constructing, repairing and maintaining the vessels and ships.

The prime minister said her government is working to enrich the tourism sector alongside taking initiative to turn Bangladesh into an attraction hub of both the east and west.

She highly praised the coast guard personnel for standing beside the innocent and helpless people in the coastal belts by warding off many criminal acts.

She asked the BCG personnel to perform duties and responsibilities as the friend of the people.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her government's commitment to transform the country into developed, prosperous and smart Sonar Bangladesh by 2041.

"The coast guard will play a special role in building the smart Bangladesh," she hoped.

She said the coast guard had emerged as a force in 1994 in line with a bill brought in the Jatiya Sangsad by the then opposition party Awami League.

The prime minister said the AL government has always attached priorities to the development of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

Coming to power for the first time in 1996, she said her government took massive initiative for the force's development providing required logistic supports including giving lands for building its zones, adding different types of vessels and making infrastructure development.

Then, after coming to power for the second time, she said various infrastructures including coastal crisis management centre, accommodation of the officers and sailors of bases, officers' mess, sailors' quarters and administrative buildings have been built at the coast guard stations and outposts in coastal and remote areas.

The prime minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman enacted "The Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act" in 1974 to establish the legal rights of the countrymen over the sea and marine resources.

She said the United Nations (UN) formulated such a law in 1982.

She also said her government has established rights on a vast maritime area after winning legal battles with neighbouring India and Myanmar maintaining friendly relations following the path of Bangabandhu.

The prime minister conferred Bangladesh Coast Guard Medals, Bangladesh Coast Guard (Service) Medals, President Coast Guard Medals and President Coast Guard (Service) Medals on its former and current personnel for their contribution and bravery.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Public Security Division Secretary of the ministry Md Mustafizur Rahman and BCG Director General Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali were present at the function.

At the outset of the programme, a smartly turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Coast Guard also gave a state-salute and guard of honour to the prime minister. A short video documentary on Coast Guard Vsatnet System was screened. Later, the prime minister enjoyed a cultural programme.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government has been equipping BGB with state-of-the-art technology to ensure foolproof security at the frontiers and tackle transnational crimes.
 
"Smart digital surveillance and technical response system have been installed at borders aimed at ensuring foolproof security and facing inter-country terrorism," she said.

The premier was addressing as the chief guest a function marking the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2024 at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground at BGB headquarters in the city.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has set up a rudder at Shahparir Dweep in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar to enhance surveillance across the Bangladesh border with Myanmar.

"With installation of state-of-the-art, modern and time-befitting technologies, the operational capacities of the BGB to be enhanced while their eagerness for work and skill will be increased manifolds," she said.

Sheikh Hasina continued that they adopted the 'Border Guard Bangladesh Vision-2041' to turn it into a world standard and modern force.

"One day, the BGB will be built as world-class border protection force. And the BGB will always work at the frontiers being a symbol of trust of the people," she said.

The Prime Minister said her government has been pursuing the Vision 2041 to build Bangladesh as a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041 as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

"We will build BGB as a smart force," she assured.

Sheikh Hasina said her government had enacted Border Guard Bangladesh Act, 2010 to make the force more stronger.

"We have built the BGB as the three-dimensional force. The force now can conduct operation in air, road and water ways. We purchased two helicopters for the BGB," she said.

Apart from these, the BGB has divided into five regions and five additional director generals have been entrusted with those, the premier said.

She continued that new units, sectors and regions have been set up in the paramilitary force aimed at bringing balance to its organisational capacity.

The premier said her government has appointed 35,517 personnel in the BGB in the last 15 years and planned to recruit 15,000 more by 2041.

She said they have first recruited women in the BGB in 2015 while 996 women are now working in the force.

The Prime Minister said training is a must for any disciplined force to enhance their professional capacities.

So, she said that the government has already set up a Border Guard Training Centre and College at Satkania in Chattogram while a complete training centre is being set up at Chuadanga district.

Bangladesh has so far built 1036 kilometers of frontier roads with India while 317-km with Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina said.
 
The Premier went on saying that they have built 62 BOPs which have brought 402-km out of 539 unprotected frontiers under surveillance while 242 more BOPs will also be installed.

She said that four battalions with India and Myanmar borders were installed while two in Sundarbans.

"The BGB personnel have now been able to smoothly protect the frontiers, check crimes and ensure safety and security of the lives and properties of the frontier people due to the measures taken by the government," Sheikh Hasina said.

She said BGB have always been standing by the people to protect their lives and properties and tackle anarchies like arson violence alongside protecting the frontiers.

"BGB has achieved confidence and trust of the people by standing beside them in their need," Sheikh Hasina said.

The premier appreciated BGB performance in discharging their duties with dedication and professionalism in ensuring security on the borders.

She also praised the BGB personnel for their role in checking smuggling in contraband goods and drugs, women and children, cross-border crimes and ensuring security of life and property of the frontier people.

Sheikh Hasina noted as well BGB role in maintaining security and safety at Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar alongside with the armed forces, police and RAB.

The Prime Minister said they have given shelter over 10 lakh Rohingyas in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds and are now holding discussion with Myanmar to settle the problem by sending back their nationals.

"We're not going to engage in any altercation with them rather to hold talks to settle down the problem," she said.

To this end, the premier said they have set an example for the rest of the world to solve the land boundary problem with India by exchanging enclaves with each other in a peaceful manner following the Land Boundary Agreement enacted by the Father of the Nation.

She also said they also solved the marine boundary problems with neighboring India and Myanmar following the law enacted by the Father of the Nation in 1974 to pave the way of establishing rights on the marine resources.

The Prime Minister has asked the BGB personnel again to maintain discipline and chain of command of the force.

"Maintaining chain of command is crucial for any disciplined force. Keep it in mind, never breach the discipline and maintain the chain of command," she said.

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and attack in Gaza, the premier reiterated her call to bring every inch of fallow lands under cultivation to grow more food as Bangladesh doesn't need to seek help from anyone.

"Use every inch of your land at home and office premises for cultivation. Everyone has to contribute to this end," she said.

Sheikh Hasina described the 25-26 February, 2009 incident in the paramilitary force as very unfortunate in which 74 people including 57 personnel of the force were killed.

"They who committed the incident have already brought to the justice. So, no such incident will take place (in the force in the days to come)," she said.

The premier recalled those who were killed at that gruesome incident and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to their bereaved families.

The premier also unveiled a sculpture of Bangabandhu titled "Prerona" at the BGB headquarters in Pilkhana.

On her arrival at the BGB headquarters, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division Md. Mustafizur Rahman and Director General of the BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui received the premier.

At the outset of the programme, the Prime Minister reviewed the parade riding on an open jeep accompanied by the BGB DG and escorted by the parade commander.

She, later, witnessed the spectacular parade of the four contingents along with the national flag bearing party of the paramilitary force and took a state salute from the welcome dais.

The prime minister later distributed the BGB Medal, President BGB Medal, BGB Medal-Service, and President BGB Medal-Service among 72 selected BGB personnel for their operational and non-operational outstanding contribution.

She later joined a traditional interactive "darbar" of the BGB.