Inside Bangladesh

Anti-drug operation in the capital, 51 arrested

Publish: 11:24 AM, 08 Feb, 2022


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Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) Crime and Intelligence Division has arrested 51 people in anti-drug operations in different areas of the capital. They were arrested on charges of selling and consuming drugs.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police raided various police stations in the capital as part of the regular anti-drug drives from 6 am on Monday to 6 am on Tuesday and recovered drugs. This information has been informed in a report of DMP News.

During the detention, 2,667 pieces of yaba, 127 grams 51 pieces of pure heroin, 41 kg, 139 grams of cannabis and 5.25 liters domestic liquer were seized during the operation. A total of 43 cases have been registered against them under the Narcotics Control Act.


Anti-drug operation   Dhaka   Bangladesh  


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Inside Bangladesh

Govt transforming Coast Guard into three-dimensional force: PM

Publish: 04:49 PM, 10 Mar, 2024


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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.


Coast Guard Bangladesh   Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina   Bangladesh  


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Inside Bangladesh

BGB being equipped with smart technology to protect frontiers: PM

Publish: 05:51 PM, 04 Mar, 2024


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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.


BGB   Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina   Bangladesh  


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Inside Bangladesh

PM asks police to serve people, control terrorism

Publish: 01:55 PM, 27 Feb, 2024


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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the police force to serve the people and play an active role in containing militancy, terrorism and corruption.

"I ask the police force to serve the countrymen. The main motto of the police is to prevent bad people and to protect good ones. We always want the police to earn confidence and trust of the people through their works," she said.

The premier made the remarks while inaugurating the Police Week-2024 in the capital's Rajarbagh Police Lines this morning.

She reminded the police force that people first look for shelter to the police if they fall into any danger.

"So, we expect police to work with profound patriotism and they will have more affection for the people," she said.

The prime minister reiterated her commitment to continue drive against the militancy, terrorism, drug abuse and corruption.

"Police force will have to play active role in pursuing the government policy," she said.

She also said it is mandatory to maintain peace and stability for development and prosperity of the country.

The prime minister said the people of Bangladesh will not live by begging to any country rather to move around the globe keeping their heads high with due dignity.

"So, we have to increase our food production and make our economy more developed," she said, reiterating her call to the countrymen to grow more food by cultivating every inch of land.

The premier said they are committed to transforming Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and smart one by 2041.

"The police force will have to play a special role in the journey of Bangladesh towards prosperity," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working to make police a smart, time befitting force equipped with modern technologies due to the new dimension of crimes.

Prior to opening the police week, the prime minister reviewed the parade of the Bangladesh Police riding on an open jeep and took the salute.

Different police contingents staged a spectacular parade to mark the police week.

The theme of this year's Police Week is 'Smart police, smart country, Bangladesh is of peace and progress'.

The premier awarded thirty-five policemen Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-bravery) and 60 others President Police Medal (PPM-bravery) in recognition of their courageous work.

In addition, 95 policemen got BPM service medal while 210 PPM service medal as well.

Earlier on her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Public Security Division Senior Secretary Md. Mustafizur Rahman and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. 

Cabinet members, parliament members and senior government officials were present. 

At the outset of the programme, the national anthem was played.


(BSS)



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Inside Bangladesh

PM attributes country's development to independent judiciary, strong parliament

Publish: 09:18 AM, 25 Feb, 2024


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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government has taken various initiatives to ensure justice for people, attributing any country's development to independent judiciary, strong parliament and administration.

"After assuming power, we've made the judiciary totally independent separating it from the administration, which was the vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said.

The premier said this while addressing the closing session of the two-day International Conference on "South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty-First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India" as the chief guest at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) here.

She said once judiciary was dependent on the government for financial ground. But, her government has separated the judiciary by allocating separate budget for it, she said.

The Awami League government, as well, has enacted a law for the formulation of Election Commission (EC) as it was earlier attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Sheikh Hasina said.

"We've also made the EC completely independent and allocated separate fund for it," she said, adding, "That means, we believe it, and for that purpose, the Awami League government could make it."

Apart from ensuring the independence of the judiciary, the government has made EC independent for the sake of election system so that it could ensure the rights of the people properly.

The prime minister said she wants the people of her country to get justice.

"Like us, they, as if, aren't to be subjected to injustice. So, the rights of getting justice and democratic, economic, social and cultural rights of the countrymen will have to be ensured," she said.

Highlighting initiatives taken by the Awami League government, she said since her government assumed office; they have started implementing different programs so that people get justice.

Referring to the government's announcement to transform Bangladesh into Smart Country by 2041, Sheikh Hasina said, "I want the judiciary to be Smart as well."

She said the government has included an article in the Constitution as per the High Court verdict declaring illegal grabbing of state power a punishable offence.

"By this inclusion, I can say that the basic democratic rights of the people are protected," she added.

She extended her gratitude to the Chief Justice of Bangladesh as she described his various initiatives to make the Judiciary smart.

Sheikh Hasina also thanked the Higher Court for delivering verdict that declared illegal the 5th and 7th amendments of the Constitution done by the military rulers to grab state power through proclaiming martial law.

"It has contributed to the country's socioeconomic advancement ensuring democratic consistency of the country since 2009. It also helped keep continuing stable situation in the country since then," she observed.

She added that this historic verdict of the higher court gave breathing space of the people of the country.

Sheikh Hasina said it is a proven truth that getting justice in people's life and socioeconomic development can only be done when the basic rights of the people are ensured and thus a country can move towards prosperity.

She continued: "By the 15th amendment of the Constitution we have strengthened the democracy."

The head of the government said that Bangladesh has achieved the recognition of developing country which will come to effect from 2026.

"Inshaallah by 2041, we will be able to make country as developed and prosperous Golden Bangladesh to materialise the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she added.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq spoke at the function as special guest while Indian Chief Justice Dr Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud spoke as guest of honour.

With Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan in the chair, Appellate Division Justice M. Enayetur Rahim delivered the welcome address.


(BSS)



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Inside Bangladesh

Bangladesh moves forward with ideals of Language Movement: PM

Publish: 08:50 PM, 22 Feb, 2024


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Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today said that Bangladesh is moving forward with the ideals taught by the great Language Movement of 1952.

“No country can progress without ideals. And the Great Ekush (February 21) has taught us this ideology . . . Bangladesh today is moving forward with the ideals, resulting in the change of fate of the people of the country,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing as the chair at a discussion meeting organised by Bangladesh Awami League (AL) on the occasion of Mohan Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day at the AL office in city’s Tejgaon area.

“The Great Ekush (February 21) taught us not to bow down, it also taught us to walk with our heads high, and to go forward with ideals,” she said.

Paying respect to all the martyrs of the Language Movement (February 21, 1952), the premier urged all to walk worldwide with their heads high.

“Today, we have got our independence only through the spirit that emerged from the Language Movement,” she said, adding, “We have to make this independence meaningful, and it must be carried forward.”

Sheikh Hasina noted that those who wanted to erase the history of the country’s independence distorting the truth will gradually go to hell.

“And the Bangalees will continue to hold their heads high in the world arena with their independent belief and this is the reality,” she added.

AL Presidium Members Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Dr Abdur Razzaque, Advisory Council Member and Cultural Affairs Sub-Committee Chairman Ataur Rahman, Dhaka South City AL President Abu Ahmed Mannafi, Dhaka North City AL President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman, Dhaka District AL President Benzir Ahmed and Bangla Academy Director General Poet Mohammad Nurul Huda also spoke.

AL publicity and publication secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap and his deputy Syed Abdul Awal Shameem moderated the discussion.

At the outset, one minute silence was also observed to pay deep tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement.

Mentioning that the government is doing every work in a planned way and properly, the Prime Minister said, “We want to give a better life to the people of this country, and Awami League works with the plan to change the fate of the people further.”

She said that Awami League has earned people's trust, love and confidence because it works for the people, adding, “as a result of which people have elected us again and again through vote”.

Sheikh Hasina said people of Bangladesh witnessed the uplifting of their socio-economic situation in the last 15 years. “All people up to the village-level have seen improvement. The development of any country can’t be possible without following an ideology. And this ideology we learnt from February 21,” she said.

She said the sacrifice in the 1952 Language Movement had taught the nation to move with an ideology without bowing down to anyone.

The premier firmly said none can pull Bangladesh back anymore, adding, “We’ve to go forward with this conviction.”

Pointing at BNP, Sheikh Hasina said now they wanted to remove AL from the power through waging movement and resist the election, but failed.

She said the most fair, free and impartial election was held on January 7, 2024 after 1975.

“Despite making thousands of attempts, spreading false accusation, and carrying out various lobbying at home and abroad, they could not resist the people as they spontaneously cast votes,” she said.

The Prime Minister said larger numbers of young and female voters cast their votes this time.

She said now again they (BNP) are making very big (hollow) remarks that they would topple the government through movement. “Jamaat and BNP are there. Okay, fine. But some leftist parties are also there who would wage movement and make revolution,” she added.   

Sheikh Hasina said that there have been many conspiracies to prevent her from assuming power, “but, I have come to power for fifth time”.

Referring to her announcement to build smart Bangladesh, she said that her government had framed Perspective Plan for 2010 to 2021, and formulated another Perspective Plan for 2021 to 2041 to determine how Bangladesh will move forward in the coming days.

“Our young people have to prepare themselves accordingly,” she added.

The Prime Minister said that the greatest joy and achievement prevail not in enjoyment but in sacrifice. “This should be remembered as millions of martyrs have taught us that.”

Mentioning that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also taught it, she said, “So, Bangladesh will move forward with his ideals. No one can pull Bangladesh back. We have to move forward with this motto.”



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