Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today reiterated her firm conviction that the people of Bangladesh would cast vote independently in the next general elections.

"The election commission (EC) may announce the election date and time (election schedule) in one or two days---the people will cast their votes freely," she said.

The premier said this while virtually inaugurating and laying foundation stone of 10,041 structures under 157 development projects including Sheikh Hasina Swarani (Purbachal Expressway) and first elevated expressway in Chattogram with around one lac crore from her official Ganabhaban residence here.

Under the projects, 4644 are various development infrastructures and 5397 houses for the landless and homeless people under the Ashrayan-2 project across the country under 24 ministries and divisions.

The prime minister said, "The next election is approaching nearer. If the people cast vote for us, we will come to the power. In case of otherwise, we will have no regret for that".

She said the Awami League never comes to power by undemocratic way, referring to the assumption of power through 2014 and 2018 elections.

The premier also thanked the people for voting her party to power time and again and thus giving the chance to serve the nation.

She said the BNP-Jamaat alliance does not want to take part in the election rather to create an unstable situation in the country by carrying out arson violence to land people in sufferings.

She also said her government has taken all measures including enacting new law to make the election free and fair.

She said, "We have ensured the voting rights of the people through struggle."

Sheikh Hasina also said that the election commission introduced transparent ballot boxes and prepared voter list with photographs following the proposals of the Awami League.

"They (the BNP-Jamaat alliance) got only 30 seats (in 2008 general election which was accepted by all). Then, you say, will they be interested in participate in the next election," she said.

The prime minister said they have no intention to be in the next election rather they are out to foil the polls.

"They are trying to leave the people in suffering foiling the election by creating anarchic situation," she said.

She continued that the BNP-Jamaat have started unleashing arson terrorism by setting fire to vehicles when the people are living in peace and comfort and the country's development have been progressing at full speed.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Md. Tazul Islam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder were present on the dais.

Prime Minister's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the event.

A total of 101 centres across the country were connected virtually to the programme.

A video documentary on the overall development of Bangladesh under the current Awami League government was screened at the function.

Among the development schemes opened by the premier, 15 projects including the Purbachal Expressway, which was recently renamed as Sheikh Hasina Swarani, were completed under the housing and public works ministry while different agencies of the shipping ministries are implementing 15 projects.

The four projects are under the primary and mass education ministry.

Under one of the four projects, the authorities have constructed buildings for 2023 government primary schools across the country.

The premier also opened at least 1,259 buildings of different educational institutions under the education ministry across the country among the development projects.

The four day-care centres implemented under a project of the women and children affairs ministry and two technical training centres in Manikganj and Narayanganj built under a project of expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry were, as well, inaugurated.

In Dhaka, the long-awaited 12.5 km Purbachal expressway named after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (from Kuril flyover point in Dhaka to Kanchan Bridge in Narayanganj) was constructed at a cost of Taka 14,000 crore.

The expressway have no stopover points, traffic signals, or any other obstacles, so vehicles can ply the entire length between as little as six or seven minutes. It is expected to ease road communication between the capital, Chattogram, and Sylhet

The premier also opened 100 feet wide and 26km long canals in both sides of the Sheikh Hasina Swarani from Kuril to Balu River.

Constructions of 6.20km long eight lane expressway, four lanes service road, six lanes expressway from Balu river to Kanchan in Narayanganj and four lanes service road were completed.

Under the project, 184.79 acres of land was acquired.

Construction of five intersections over Sheikh Hasina Swarani, 12 bridges, six underpasses, 13 other bridges on the canals, 36.8 km walkways, 12.5km boundary wall, two sluice gates and 11 sub stations have been completed alongside installation of 1170 street lights under the project.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud had built 51 houses for the landless and homeless people in his locality with his own initiative.

In Chattogram, three development projects of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and one of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) involving Taka 6000 crore were opened.

The CDA projects are -16 km-long Chattogram elevated expressway, Foujderhat-Bayezid Link Road, Bakalia Express Road.

The CDA projects were named after former city mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Jane Alam Donash and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib.

The elevated expressway in Chattogram was constructed at a cost of Tk 4,298.95 crore.

The CPA constructed the Patenga Container Terminal at a cost of Taka 1230 crore with its own finance.

-          BSS

Dhaka has expressed deep concern over the attacks on Bangladeshi students amid a mob incident in Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek on Friday night, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said here today.

“There were attacks on our students … but so far no Bangladeshi students have been reported of  receiving serious injury,” he said at an event at the Jatiya Press Club here.

He said Bangladesh Ambassador stationed in Tashkent has been asked to visit Bishkek soon to inquire about the wellbeing of the Bangladeshi students.

“We are closely monitoring the situation through our embassy in Uzbekistan, concurrently accredited to Kyrgyz Republic,” the foreign ministry said in a press release meanwhile.

It said Bangladesh embassy in Uzbekistan is in constant communication with the Bangladeshi students who are currently studying in Kyrgyz Republic, as well as with the Kyrgyz government officials.

There are no reports of any serious injury or casualties among Bangladeshi students so far, said the release.

The Embassy already shared an emergency contact number in its official Facebook page to get in touch with the Bangladeshi students for any issues regarding this matter.

Through the embassy, the government is coordinating with the relevant authorities of Kyrgyz Republic, including the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs to ensure the safety and security of the students. “We are closely and constantly monitoring the developments,” said the foreign ministry.

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.