United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin on Saturday said the opposition is creating obstacles to the country’s development initiatives instead of cooperating with the government’s ongoing reform and development activities. “We thought that in this short period, (the opposition) would extend overall cooperation with the positive steps taken by the government under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister,” Mahdi said, at a press conference held at the PMO to mark the completion of the first two months of the BNP government. “But we have seen that instead of doing that, they chose alternative paths, including creating ruckus in Parliament, threatening protests on the streets, and spreading rumors and propaganda, which are obstacles to the country's progress." Mahdi, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said such activities were undermining the government’s efforts to implement its development agenda. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives, including various welfare programmes, economic measures, and administrative reforms, taken over the last two months. Mahdi said it was a matter of “great pride” that the Prime Minister and "people’s leader" Tarique Rahman has been included in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world this year. He said the recognition reflects the prime minister's “visionary leadership, courage, and contribution towards restoring democracy,” and brings international recognition to his role. He said the government has begun implementing its election manifesto within two months of assuming office, outlining a wide range of policy actions aimed at economic stability, social protection and administrative reform. Mahdi also presented a list of 60 key initiatives taken over the last two months under what he described as the government’s 180-day action plan. He said the government, led by the Prime Minister, had moved at “fast pace” to begin delivering on electoral commitments across multiple sectors. Among the major measures highlighted were the rollout of a pilot “family card” programme aimed at women’s financial support, under which 37,567 families have already received monthly cash assistance of Tk 2,500. He said the initiative is intended to strengthen household-level economic security. The adviser also mentioned the introduction of a “farmer card” scheme, which has started in 10 districts covering over 22,000 small and marginal farmers, including those involved in fisheries and livestock. He added that interest on loans for around 12 lakh small farmers up to Tk 10,000 has been waived. In the agriculture and water sector, he said the government has taken up a plan to dredge and re-excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and water bodies, with work already started in 54 districts. The adviser also said the government has continued to keep fuel prices stable despite global energy pressures, while increasing subsidies and strengthening international procurement efforts. In the energy sector, he noted that 35 megawatts of electricity have been added to the national grid through rooftop solar and net metering initiatives, with a target of producing 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030. A pilot fuel card system has also been launched. On food and market stability, the adviser said inflation and commodity prices have been kept relatively stable through imports and supply management during Ramadan and beyond. Mahdi Amin said the overall goal of the government is to build a more stable, inclusive and growth-oriented economy, with a long-term target of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited Shishu Hospital in the capital's Shyamoli on Saturday to see children affected by measles. During the visit, he spoke with attending physicians and took updates on the condition of the patients, said Mujibul Alam, senior assistant publicity secretary of the party’s Central Publicity Department. Jamaat Ameer stressed the need for ensuring proper and necessary medical care for those affected by measles. Jamaat to back just causes, resist injustice: Ameer Rahman also visited a petrol pump near Asad Gate in the capital, where he reviewed the latest situation regarding fuel supply. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament for Dhaka-12 Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Committee Member Mobarak Hossain, and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Selim Uddin, among others.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced a 53-member central convening committee of its associate body, Jatiya Nari Shakti. The committee was announced on Saturday through a press release, approved under the directives of NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossen. Monira Sharmin has been appointed as convener of the new body, while Mahmuda Alam Mitu will serve as member secretary. NCP MP questions gap between fuel supply claim and reality at pumps Among other key posts, Sanzida Bushra Mishma has been made senior joint convener and Nusrat Tabassum appointed as chief organiser. The joint conveners include Hafsa Jahan, Nabila Tasnid, Khandakar Khaleda Akter, Ashrefa Khatun and Muna Hafsa. Manjila Jhuma has been named senior joint member secretary, while Dyuti Arannya Chowdhury Preeti, Nahida Bushra, Kazi Ayesha Ahmed, Neela Afroz, Mahmuda Rimi and Israt Jahan Bindu have been made joint member secretaries. Ishrat Jahan, Ursi Mahfila, Sadia Afrin, Jayanti Biswas, Sonia Lubna, Nafisa Mushtari and Nadia Islam Mim have been appointed as joint chief organisers. Besides, Rehnuma Ruma, Farzana Akter, Moni Mukta, Sejuti Akter and 30 others have been included as organisers in the committee.

A mass reception was accorded to National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram by Tazumuddin Upazila BNP in Bhola on Friday (17 April) afternoon. The reception ceremony was held at the Tazumuddin Upazila Parishad auditorium. Speaking as the chief guest, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, said that the example of the Awami League is now before everyone. “The consequences of committing injustice, corruption, looting and terrorism are visible. A six-time Member of Parliament was not even allowed to leave his house. They thought such practices would continue indefinitely, but Allah’s wrath has befallen them,” he said. Be attentive, Speaker tells MP amid bill confusion

Sylhet district BNP on Friday organised a doa mahfil seeking the recovery and safe return of disappeared BNP leader and former lawmaker M Ilias Ali. The programme was held at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Dargah Mosque after Jummah prayers, with participation of local BNP leaders and activists. Speaking as chief guest, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said M Ilias Ali was a dedicated, courageous and pro-democracy leader who had always raised his voice for people’s rights and fair elections. He said that leaders who spoke for the country and democracy often faced risks, adding that political developments in recent years had brought major changes in the country’s governance. Anee also said BNP had now come to power through the people’s mandate, with Tarique Rahman serving as Prime Minister, while noting that many party leaders and activists had faced repression over the years. Sylhet District BNP President and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kayyum Chowdhury said Ilias Ali played a key role in leading the party during difficult times and had become a symbol of public rights. He added that the circumstances of his disappearance remained a matter of deep concern even after 14 years, calling for clarity on the issue. Sylhet-6 MP and District BNP General Secretary Advocate Imran Ahmad Chowdhury described the disappearance of Ilias Ali as a “dark chapter” of the previous Awami League era. The event concluded with special prayers seeking the recovery of Ilias Ali as well as peace and welfare for the country and party leaders and activists.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is committed to collective efforts aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards. The LGRD Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Carnival-2026, held at the Pepper Tree BD Event Venue on Madani Avenue in the capital. Mirza Fakhrul, also ruling party BNP's secretary general, said the role of Junior Chamber International Bangladesh in fostering youth leadership and promoting community service is highly commendable, adding that the organisation should further expand its activities to contribute to national development. Widespread corruption committed in name of development: Mirza Fakhrul tells Parliament

A new house is being constructed for Golapi Begum, a homeless woman who had been living on the footpath in Shahbagh, following a directive from Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. The construction work for the new house was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Ratanpur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. Golapi Begum’s plight reportedly came to attention during a 2025 Jatiotabadi Chatrodal rally marking the first anniversary of the July uprising of 2024, when she was seen living in extreme hardship on the streets of Shahbagh. Following humanitarian considerations, the matter was brought to the attention of the party leadership. Subsequently, PM Tarique Rahman, who is also the chief patron of “Amra BNP Paribar”, reportedly instructed his additional press secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, to take necessary steps for her treatment and rehabilitation. Following the directive, arrangements were made for Golapi Begum’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. She was later provided accommodation in Dhaka for around eight months while receiving treatment, the sources said. Later, in view of ensuring her permanent rehabilitation, a decision was taken to construct a house for her. Acting on that decision, construction work for a new house was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Ratanpur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. A representative team led by Engineer Ashraf Uddin, adviser of “Amra BNP Paribar” and MP from Narsingdi-1, and Moksedul Momin Mithun, member secretary of the organisation, formally inaugurated the construction work. Others present on the occasion included Brahmanbaria-5 (Nabinagar) MP Advocate Abdul Mannan, members of “Amra BNP Paribar” and leaders of BNP and its associate bodies. Speaking to local media, the leaders said the organisation’s main objective is to stand beside underprivileged and helpless people in society. They added that humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation activities will continue in the future under the guidance of Tarique Rahman.

The BNP has started the final selection process for nominating candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, with aspirants appearing before the party’s nomination board. The nomination board began interviewing the aspirants on Friday afternoon at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters that interviews of those who collected and submitted nomination forms for the reserved seats started in the afternoon. “As per the party constitution, the nomination board is headed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, and its members are from the party’s standing committee,” he said. On the first day, candidates from Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur and Faridpur divisions are being interviewed. More than 400 aspirants are taking part in the interviews, Rizvi said. He said interviews for candidates from Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla and Mymensingh divisions will begin at 3:00pm on Saturday. Earlier, the Election Commission on April 8 announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. BNP has political track record of managing crises, achieving growth: Titumir Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. The EC said all preparations have been taken to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. According to seat distribution, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independents one seat. Since early afternoon, BNP aspirants and their supporters gathered in front of the party Chairman’s Gulshan office. Security personnel allowed only the candidates to enter the premises. Inside the office, a designated waiting area has been arranged for the aspirants. Highlighting the criteria for nomination, Rizvi said the party will consider the contributions of women leaders, especially their role during the last 15-16 years of political struggle. He mentioned that many women leaders faced harassment, including cases, attacks, and intimidation during that period. The BNP leader also said educational background, ability to speak in Parliament, and knowledge of lawmaking will be taken into account in selecting the final candidates. Rizvi expressed hope that the party will make proper evaluations in choosing the women members of parliament.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said his party will support the government on all just causes while firmly opposing injustice and any actions that undermine people’s rights. Speaking at the District and Metropolitan Ameer Conference of the party at Al-Falah Auditorium in the capital, he said Jamaat’s stance is “clear” on issues of public interest. “We will support the government on all just causes, but will stand as a barrier in case of injustice and any actions that deprive people of their rights, wherever they occur.” The Jamaat chief said his party rejects what he called “deception and fraud” surrounding the referendum. He urged the government to accept the verdict of the referendum, saying his party will extend full cooperation in its implementation. Shafiqur Rahman criticised the handling of the post-July political transition, alleging that the interim government failed to ensure a credible and acceptable transfer of power through the election. He also questioned the credibility of the latest parliamentary election, claiming it was “engineered” and failed to reflect public expectations. The Jamaat ameer voiced concerns over governance, alleging politicisation in key sectors, rising prices of essentials, energy shortages and increasing public hardship. He reiterated that Jamaat will continue to work with the people and raise public concerns both inside and outside parliament. Senior party leaders, including nayeb-e-ameers, the secretary general, assistant secretaries general, central executive council members and district and metropolitan leaders, were present at the conference.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday said there is “no alternative” to implementing the verdict delivered through a referendum, accusing the government of delaying its execution. Speaking at a press conference of an 11-party alliance held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, Parwar alleged that the government had taken a “U-turn” and was offering various excuses instead of implementing the referendum outcome. He also claimed that opposition voices were being suppressed in the National Parliament and criticized recent government statements on multiple issues. Referring to the energy sector, Parwar questioned the Energy Minister’s claim that there was no crisis, saying the country was facing fuel shortages, long queues at petrol stations, and difficulties even for lawmakers in accessing fuel. He further said the fuel situation was contributing to a fertilizer shortage, warning that it could affect agricultural activities, including the upcoming Boro season. On the health sector, he expressed concern over what he described as a worsening measles situation, claiming that hospitals were under severe strain and many patients were in critical condition. Parwar also alleged a deterioration in law and order, citing incidents of extortion, murder, and land grabbing, and claimed that banking sector stability had been undermined by large-scale loan defaults. He further accused the government of politicising public administration through transfers and forced resignations, saying there had been no qualitative improvement in governance.