Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jasim Uddin said, we are looking forward to the coming year with 'hopes, expectations and aspirations' for a developed Bangladesh.

He said this at the annual 'FOSA International Charity Bazaar 2024' organized by the Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA) at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Saturday (December 7).

The Foreign Secretary said, let us work hard for a developed Bangladesh, developing Bangladesh will be a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives.

Noting that the outgoing year has witnessed a lot of sacrifice and bloodshed, Jasim said, many of our young people have lost their lives those who are no longer with us. But we remember and respect their heroism. 'Let us work for them'.

The Foreign Secretary said, there is chaos and chaos, death and destruction, absurdity and madness, injustice and injustice prevailing all over the world.

He said, "We cannot expect to see any miracles in the coming year, but a part of us sees hope even in times of despair and destruction. So, we hope to see good progress in the world and we have to work for it." Justice Zeenat Ara, Chairman of the Bangladesh Law Commission, spoke as the chief guest at the event. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, FOSA President Shaila Parveen and others were present.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed said that judicial proceedings are being made more accessible through maximum use of technology, procedural reforms and legal assistance.

He said this while delivering the chief guest speech at a conference titled ‘Judicial Independence and Efficiency’ on Saturday (December 7). The conference was held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

Presided over by Senior Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liler, Supreme Court judges, lower court judges participated in the conference.

Paying tribute to the memory of the martyrs of 1971, the Chief Justice said, whose sacrifice laid the foundation of our independent nation. This month of victory, December, serves as a powerful reminder of their unparalleled courage and dedication.

Also recalling the strong spirit of the student-led revolution in July-August 2024, the Chief Justice said, “The July Revolution is a struggle to overthrow oppression and restore justice, equality and humanity.”

The Chief Justice said, “These defining moments in our history remind us that the quest for justice is not a fleeting endeavor but a lifelong commitment that forms the foundation of our judicial mission.”

The Chief Justice said, “Recently, a litigant approached the Appellate Division bench. The litigant spoke in a trembling voice. He broke down in tears. The litigant narrated his plight due to the delayed trial. Seeing his distress, I assured him that his case would be heard next month. His heartfelt gratitude reminded me that reducing delays in trial is not a mere administrative goal, but a moral imperative.”

The Chief Justice said, “We must ensure that justice is not delayed.”

Syed Refaat Ahmed said that upon taking oath as the 25th Chief Justice of the country, I was acutely aware of the immense responsibility placed on my shoulders. He said, “The glorious trust in the judiciary, ensuring justice for all, is a matter of taking various steps to address the challenges.”

He said, “On September 21, in the presence of judges from across the country, I unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for judicial reforms. This initiative is a cornerstone of my vision to strengthen our judiciary and strengthen its ability to serve the people with integrity and efficiency.”

He further said, “The independence of the judiciary must be complemented by efficiency. We are keenly aware of the challenges posed by case backlogs, delays and procedural inefficiencies. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address these challenges, which combines innovation, diligence and foresight.”

He said, “We are working to streamline the case management process. We are using technology to make the functioning of the courts more efficient and transparent. Digitalization is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.” By integrating modern tools and technology, we are committed to reducing delays, increasing transparency and providing more seamless services to litigants.

The Chief Justice said, UNDP plays a crucial role as a catalyst in this regard. UNDP can further support capacity-building programs, technological advancements and policy development tailored to the unique needs of the judiciary.

He said, “By enhancing cooperation, providing innovative solutions and ensuring sustainable implementation, our development partners, including UNDP, can empower us to overcome challenges and build a justice system that stands as a beacon of fairness, accessibility and efficiency for all.”

Commenting that the basis of India-Bangladesh relations is people, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma said that the progress and prosperity of both countries are deeply intertwined with each other.

He said this at a function held at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka on Saturday (December 7) to mark the 53rd anniversary of ‘Friendship Day’.

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma described today as a milestone in India-Bangladesh relations and an eternal source of inspiration. He said that the progress and prosperity of both countries are deeply intertwined with each other and the foundation of this relationship is people.

The Indian High Commissioner particularly emphasized the important role that the youth have to play as the guardians of the future of India-Bangladesh relations. He expressed his hope to further strengthen the existing interdependence between the two countries through stronger ties in connectivity, culture and trade.

A large number of people, especially students and youth of Bangladesh, participated in the event. Also present were some heads of foreign missions, valiant freedom fighters, members of civil society and eminent personalities from the field of art and culture.

The event included a vibrant cultural program. Young and renowned artists presented emotional performances of traditional, folk and modern music, which enthralled the audience and filled the evening with the energy of youth.

Tangail: Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Quader Siddiqui Bir Uttam has commented that those who think that they will erase Bangabandhu are in a fool’s paradise.

He said these things at an extended meeting of the Krishak Sramik Janata League Upazila branch in front of his residence in Sakhipur, Tangail on Saturday (December 7) afternoon.

Quader Siddiqui said, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League will not work, the Awami League must be of Maulana Bhashani’s. The Awami League must be of Bangabandhu’s, not Sheikh Hasina’s.

He said, if anyone thinks they will erase Bangladesh’s independence, erase Bangabandhu, erase Quader Siddiqui, they are in a fool’s paradise because if we have independence, we will remain.

Criticizing India, Bangabir Quader Siddiqui said, what India is doing is not good. America is saying that it will put Sheikh Hasina in power, is her name Trump, Trump or her father can't do it. We are not America, Bangladesh. Kissinger could not do it during the liberation war. We have achieved victory.

The president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League said that the fault of the Awami League was that the proletariat was defeated, but after the fall of the government, BNP is blaming it. Jamaat did not occupy the baby-tempo stand, it did not occupy the market and collect donations, but BNP is doing this. Where the Awami League used to collect donations, now BNP collects donations from there. They may have increased the donation rate. They take whatever they take from the forest; they take whatever share they get from the police station. They take whatever share they get. But Jamaat did not take it.

Present at the meeting, chaired by Sakhipur Upazila Krishak Sramik Janata League President Alhaj Abdus Sabur Khan, were Abdullah Bir Pratik, Treasurer of the Central Committee of Krishak Sramik Janata League, Abu Saleh Hitlu, General Secretary of Tangail District Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bir Muktijoddha Md. Jasim Uddin, Chief Advisor of Krishak Sramik Janata League of Sakhipur Upazila Branch, Sanwar Hossain Sajeeb, General Secretary of Sakhipur Upazila Krishak Sramik Janata League, and others.