Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been ranked 43rd on Forbes' list of the most powerful women in the world.

MacKenzie Scott, Kamala Harris and Christine Lagarde have been ranked first, second and third respectively.

Queen Elizabeth II is ranked 70th.

The American business magazine says Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh, is currently serving her fourth term.

She won the fourth term, which is also her third consecutive term, after her party, Bangladesh Awami League, won 288 of the 300 parliamentary seats.

"During what she believes will be her final term, Hasina plans to focus on issues such as food security and access to education and healthcare," the magazine adds.

It also mentions that an ongoing struggle for Hasina has been establishing a firm democracy in Bangladesh

Every year, Forbes releases a list of 100 powerful women of the world. This year, the 18th annual list of powerful women included 40 CEOs, the most since 2015, who, according to the magazine, "oversee a record $3.3 trillion in revenue." The list also included 19 world leaders, and an immunologist.

An old, wrecked car with children sitting on top, an old minivan crammed with ecstatic passengers, and children engrossed in watching movies in bioscopes. The rustic beauty of Bangladesh was captured in frames by British photographer Roger Gwynn, who arrived to Bangladesh as a volunteer, but fell in love with the country's simple and stunning landscape. He was so taken with Bangladesh, that he can still speak and write in Bangla flawlessly.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1972 at the Claridges Hotel in London photo Roger Gwynn

Roger Gwynn immortalised some of the most awe-inspiring images of the Birmingham protest against Pakistani brutality and genocide in Bangladesh in 1971. Additionally, he had the opportunity to meet the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1972 at the Claridges Hotel in London. He again came back to Bangladesh after the Independence to help reform the country after the disastrous Cyclone in 1974.

Roger Gwynn immortalized some of the most awe-inspiring images of the Birmingham protest against Pakistani brutality and genocide in Bangladesh in 1971.

In an interview with the Daily Star, the British photographer shared insights into his deep affection for Bangladesh and reflected on how his images continue to resonate in people's hearts, standing the test of time.

Edward Roger Gwynn, affectionately known among his Bangladeshi friends as Roger master, holds a special place as a close family friend of ours. My father narrated numerous stories about Roger, recounting his adventurous tales in our country. In the past, he used to send letters to my uncle in Bangla, inquiring about his whereabouts. As I went through these letters, I was genuinely struck by Roger's unwavering love for Bangladesh.

Roger Gwynn was at the Sir Salimullah Muslim Orphanage in Dhaka in 1965.

Feeling inspired by his enduring affection, I reached out to him via email and have a conversation with the man who fell in love with our country. In my emails, I addressed him as Roger uncle, and much to my delight, he responded affectionately, referring to me as his dear Bhatiji.

Children enjoying bioscope show in 1960.

Born in 1941 in London, Roger Gwynn saw the brutality of war-torn countries, the pouring of bombs, the scarcity of food and the insurgent of refugees from the Nazi regime pouring in Britain.

After finishing his college, he earned a degree from Cambridge University in Social Anthropology.

Although he was a good student, Roger was quite confused about his aim in life, but he knew one thing for sure -- he wanted to travel and explore the world. At that time, the only two reasonable ways to travel was to either hitchhike or join a work camp. Through hitchhiking, he could move around, but with work camp, he had to stay in a place and meet people of various cultures.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 1972 at the Claridges Hotel in London photo Roger Gwynn. Photos: Courtesy

Soon, the British photographer become part of long-term voluntary work and he was sent to East Pakistan to help out the people.

"From November 1964 to December 1965, I worked under Service Civil International and I was stationed in different locations of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Barisal districts. During my brief period in Bangladesh, I became friends with some of my Bangladeshi colleague and I got to adapt the Bangla language. After that I came to Bangladesh a few more times as I considered Bangladesh as my second motherland."

Roger Gwynn was not a professional photographer, neither did he studied the art of photography.

"During my initial visit to Bangladesh in 1964-1965, I found myself captivated by the surroundings, prompting me to start capturing moments through photography. This newfound passion led me to document the authentic essence of Bangladesh—its beautiful landscapes and the unfiltered beauty of its people—through the lens of my camera."

In 1971, Roger Gwynn, then working as a teacher in Birmingham, learned about the atrocities committed by the Pakistani regime against the people of Bangladesh. In response, he joined the Birmingham Action Community, mobilising British individuals to participate in protests against the brutal genocide. His active involvement included tasks such as drafting press releases, fundraising, and designing logos for the protests.

"I took pictures of the Birmingham protests and my pictures were showcased in an exhibition in 2017, called the 'London 1971: Unsung Heroes of Bangladesh's Liberation War' convened by Ujjal Das. The exhibition was showcased British Council Library."

Roger uncle became emotional while talking about his meeting with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1972, at the Claridges Hotel in London.

Roger Gwynn attending prayers with locals in Eidgah

"On December 16, 1971, I heard the news that Bangladesh finally gained victory against the Pakistani government through my radio. I was completely ecstatic, I started to shout "Joy Bangla! Joy Bangla!"

Later on, he heard the news that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was freed from the jail and that he was coming to London for a short visit. He, along with his friends from Birmingham Action community decided to meet the Father of the Nation.

Birmingham Action Communities press release to arrange protest in 1971.

"I couldn't believe it that I was able to hold his hand. I can still remember that Bangabandhu told me that I have heard that you guys have worked passionately to ensure that we can gain independence. Thank you for all your hard work. Meeting with the great leader remains one of my most cherished memories in my life."

In 1972, Roger Gwynn came back to Bangladesh, and stayed there for 3 years.

"During my brief stay in Bangladesh, I collaborated with Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury at his Ganashasthya Kendra and participated in 2-3 healthcare projects," mentioned the photographer.

Gwynn also created a documentary titled "The Year of the Killing," shedding light on the staggering death toll resulting from the 1974 famine in Bangladesh.

In 1975, Roger Gwynn returned to England and began working with the Birmingham Bangladeshi community. During this time, he translated Humayun Ahmed's "Jochona O Jononir Golpo," aiming to impart the true history of the liberation war to the next generation of the Bangladeshi community.

Currently, Roger Gwynn enjoys a retired life in a quaint location in Gloucestershire. His photos from the 1960s have gained widespread attention on social media, capturing the essence of Bangladesh during that era. Gwynn remains steadfast in his love for Bangladesh, believing that his passion for the country will endure as deep and fervent as it was when he first arrived.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted Emmanuel Macron on his re-election as the President of the French Republic.

In a message to Macron, she said, "It is indeed an immense pleasure to convey my warmest congratulations on your victory in the recently held Presidential Elections."

"Your re-election manifests the trust and confidence of the great French people that are reposed in you and your initiatives and commitments to ensure their welfare and prosperity," the Bangladesh premier said, adding: "The election, as you said, was a referendum for the European Union, secularism, and fraternity."

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Macron writes to Hasina on exhibit of Marc Riboud’s Liberation War photos

Sheikh Hasina told Macron that she firmly believes the French people have given him the mandate to carry on with his values and vision.

"I trust, under your able stewardship, France will continue to serve as an essential player on the global stage beyond its role within the European Union," she said.

The Bangladesh PM recalled the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and expressed commitments to deepen and strengthen cooperation in diverse areas of shared interest.

"We count on France being on our side in our efforts to enhance trade, connectivity, and security cooperation with the European Union," she said.

The prime minister added that she looks forward to working closely with him in advancing the countries' shared priorities of combating climate change, preventing violent extremism, promoting regular migration, and ensuring gender equality.

She fondly recalled her visit to France in November last year and expressed deep gratitude for extending the gracious hospitality to her and her delegation.

Sheikh Hasina renewed her invitation to the reelected President of France to Bangladesh at his early convenience.

"I take this opportunity to recall your promise to visit Bangladesh if re-elected. Our Hon'ble President and I look forward to receiving you and your lady wife in Dhaka at your earliest convenience," she wrote.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today (September 8, 2022) slammed the Indian government for not inviting her to be a part of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit.

Mamata also said she was curious to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government was "worried" about her meeting foreign dignitaries, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"I share an excellent relationship with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, but [the government] did not invite me to be a part of her visit," she said while addressing a special session of her party Trinamool Congress at the Netaji Subhash Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.

"I don't want to talk about external affairs or bilateral ties. But I have noticed that the Centre tries to stop me whenever I am invited to any foreign country. I want to know why is the union government so worried about me meeting foreign dignitaries," Mamata said.

Hasina, who wrapped her four-day state visit to India today, had during an interaction with the media at the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi on September 6, said Mamata was like her sister and expressed disappointment over not being able to meet the West Bengal chief minister in Delhi.

In July this year, Hasina had written a letter to Mamata expressing her interest to meet the chief minister during her September visit to Delhi.

On the other hand, a senior official of the Indian government stated that the central government does not invite chief ministers for such events.

"Sometimes, chief ministers are invited for state banquets or some other ceremonial events but there was no such occasion during the visit of Hasina this time," the official pointed out.

"In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in fact invited [West Bengal] Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Bangladesh where a ceremonial event was held for flagging-off a bus service between the two countries," the official recalled.