Some 6,935 landless and homeless families will get new
houses as gifts from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the Mujib Year in the
second installment under the third phase of Asrayan-2 project in Rangpur
division tomorrow.
“The selected families will get 6,935 new houses built
spending Taka 2,39,500 for each in all eight districts of the division,”
Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Md. Ibrahim Khan told BSS today.
Earlier, 8,244 newly constructed abodes, out of a
total of 15,438 allocated houses in the third phase, were handed over to
selected families in the first installment on April 26 last and 6,935 houses
will be distributed in the second installment tomorrow.
Besides, 259 more houses will be distributed soon
after completion of construction in the near future under the third phase of
Asrayan-2 project in the division.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will declare a total of nine
upazilas, including all five upazilas in Panchagarh district, in Rangpur
division free from homeless and landless families tomorrow.
“The Prime Minister is expected to launch handing over
ownership of 6,935 new houses through distributing keys and land registration
documents to homeless families through a videoconferencing from Ganabhaban
tomorrow,” Khan said.
The government has allocated Taka 368.97 crore for
construction of 15,438 houses in all eight districts of Rangpur division in the
third phase of Asrayan-2 project.
Earlier, the government had allocated Taka 224.18
crore for construction of 13,130 houses in the first phase and Taka 239.69
crore for construction of more 12,436 houses in the second phase in Rangpur
division.
On January 23 last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
distributed 9,431 new houses out of total 13,130 in the first phase to homeless
families of Rangpur division through a videoconferencing.
Later, the remaining 3,699 houses were distributed to
more 3,699 homeless families after completing construction works in the second
phase.
“Under the second phase, the Prime Minister
distributed 9,703 new houses out of total 12,436 to homeless families of the
division through a videoconferencing on June 20 last year,” he said.
Subsequently, the remaining 2,733 houses were distributed after completing
construction in the second phase.
“So far, a total of 33,810 homeless families have got
33,810 houses in Rangpur division in the first, second and third phases,” Khan
said.
On completion of distribution of 15,438 new abodes to
homeless families in the third phase, a total of 41,004 families will get
houses built at a total cost of Taka 832.84 crore in the division.
Meanwhile, the selected homeless families in the
third phase are eagerly waiting to get colourful houses with corrugated iron
sheets on roofs, two bedrooms, one kitchen, one hygienic sanitary latrine, one
utility space and veranda tomorrow.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ershad Uddin said
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to hand over 102 new houses with land
ownership under Asrayan-2 project in the second installment to 102 homeless
families in the upazila tomorrow.
“Earlier, 200 homeless families received 200 houses under
the first and second phases and more 100 families got 100 houses in the first
installment of the third phase of Asrayan project in Gangachara upazila,”
Ershad added.
Deputy Commissioner of Panchagarh Jahurul Islam said Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to hand over 1,413 new houses to 1,413
landladies and homeless families of 43 unions excluding three municipalities in
five upazilas of the district tomorrow.
With the distribution of 1,413 more houses in the second
installment under the third phase of Asrayan-2 project tomorrow, distribution
of 4,850 houses to all 4,850 homeless families will be completed in Panchagarh
district.
“After handing over 1,413 new houses with land registration
documents tomorrow, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to declare
Panchagarh as the first district along with Magura free from homeless and
landless families,” he added.
Talking to BSS, Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdul Wahhab
Bhuiyan said the climate-resilient colorful houses have been constructed under
a strict monitoring system ensuring high quality of works.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to inaugurate
distribution of newly built 6,935 houses to 6,935 landless and homeless
families with land ownership documents and keys in Rangpur division through a
videoconferencing tomorrow.
“Asrayan project aims at ensuring shelter for all homeless
people to assist them rebuild life, improve living standard, health care and
skill development on income generating activities,” Bhuiyan said.
- BSS
Comment
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Ganobhaban
Comment
Third Gender LDDP Project Department of Livestock
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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)
Comment
Khairun is a member of the third gender community. However, unlike many others, she doesn't wander the streets or engage in indecent behavior, nor does she beg for money. Instead, she spends her time cutting grass when needed and giving time to children. She prioritizes taking care of her family members, which consumes most of her time amidst her busy schedule. Her dreams revolve around her entire family, and she's steadily advancing towards fulfilling those dreams. And the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP) of the Department of Livestock has been a companion in fulfilling that dream.
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.