United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the elected government has set a unique example of humane and people-oriented politics during its first 100 days in office and ensured the empowerment of the people. “After a long period of misrule, the bloody July mass uprising and 16 years of democratic struggle and sacrifice, the country, under the visionary and people-friendly leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has overcome deep crises and ensured the empowerment of the people,” he said. Mahdi Amin made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at Tejgaon, marking the government’s “100 days in office.” Following the BNP’s landslide victory in the February 12 general election, its Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17. The government will complete its 100 days in office on May 27. The PMO spokesperson said the visible steps taken by the Prime Minister during the first 100 days have brought positive changes to people’s lives. The press conference was organised by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing at the PMO’s Karabi Hall, where he presented a review of the government’s first 100 days. Mahdi Amin said the BNP secured an absolute majority in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 this year and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17. He said the government began taking “quick, visible and effective” steps from the very first day to implement its election pledges. “All ministries were instructed to prepare sector-based 180-day action plans.” Highlighting various initiatives, the PMO spokesperson said the government has strengthened women-focused social safety programmes through the introduction of the “Family Card” scheme. He said honorarium programmes for imams, muezzins, khatibs and other religious leaders have also been launched in line with election commitments. Mahdi Amin said extra monthly charges on prepaid electricity meters have been withdrawn, while agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for small farmers have been waived, including interest. He also mentioned the introduction of “Farmers’ Card” scheme to bring agricultural management under a digital framework. The PMO spokesperson said the nationwide canal excavation programme is expected to bring long-term positive changes to irrigation, agriculture and water management. He said the government has taken initiatives to implement the Padma Barrage project to improve agriculture, water and environmental management in the south-western region. On media freedom, Mahdi Amin said the government is working to ensure “maximum freedom” for journalists and media outlets, though he warned against “propaganda, hatred and divisive politics in the name of free speech.” Mahdi Amin said the BNP government has attached the highest priority to freedom of expression and media freedom, following the tradition of previous BNP governments, led by late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He, however, alleged that some people are misusing freedom of expression through character assassination, offensive behaviour and misinformation. “Traditionally, every elected BNP government under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia ensured the highest level of freedom of speech. Following that tradition, the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has also given top priority to freedom of expression and media freedom,” the spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, many people are misusing that freedom. Offensive behaviour, sensitive misinformation campaigns or character assassination should never fall under freedom of speech,” he added. Mahdi Amin said the government wants to ensure justice as well as protect the dignity and honour of every citizen. He said many people have become victims of character assassination, misinformation and disinformation. The spokesperson also alleged that senior state figures are being targeted with “poisonous propaganda and abusive politics”, which he said contradicts the spirit of the mass uprising. “As part of a transparent and accountable state system, if we want to protect people’s rights and freedom, the government must ensure safety not only in physical life but also in cyberspace and online,” he said. Mahdi Amin said the government is working on the issue and future steps may be taken through a consultative process involving stakeholders. “Many people are aware of propaganda being spread in the name of freedom of speech. Naturally, some legal reforms may be needed,” he said, adding that any future legal measures will reflect public expectations as people are the governments’ strength. The spokesperson claimed BNP governments never imposed laws from above, but rather reflected the aspirations of different sections of society. Referring to online harassment and cyber abuse, he said many people, especially women, want protection of their dignity and respect in cyberspace. On the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, the spokesperson said the government considers the case a priority. “The Prime Minister has spoken about this issue for a long time. As part of ensuring media freedom and journalists’ safety, we see this as a major concern,” he said. “We believe the trial of the Sagar-Runi murder should take place. It is one of our priorities. We said this during the election and we are still saying it,” he added. Asked about road accidents during Eid travel, Mahdi Amin said every death is tragic and the government’s top priority is to ensure safe journeys for people travelling home for Eid. “We are hopeful that visible improvements will be seen in the coming days before Eid. Let us all work together to build a prosperous, self-reliant and developed Bangladesh,” he said. He said the government has coordinated with banks, factory owners and labour organisations to ensure workers receive salaries, allowances and Eid bonuses before Eid-ul-Azha. Special trains and launch services have been introduced to ease Eid travel, while separate train coaches for women and a special monitoring cell have also been arranged, the spokesperson said. He said the government has instructed authorities to remove sacrificial waste within eight hours during Eid and ensure fair prices and proper preservation of rawhide. Mahdi Amin also said airfare for Hajj pilgrims has been reduced. He mentioned that preparations have begun for implementing an economic corridor from Teknaf to Tetulia. The PMO spokesperson said work on the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing with a target to inaugurate it by December 16 this year. Among other initiatives, he mentioned expansion of bank guarantee facilities for higher studies abroad, launching of high-speed free Wi-Fi at airports and trains, and introduction of sports and cultural programmes for youths. In the health sector, Mahdi Amin said, nearly all eligible children have been brought under measles vaccination coverage and maternity leave has been increased. The government is also moving to gradually allocate 5 percent of GDP to the health sector, he said. Referring to the murder of child Ramisa Akter in the capital’s Pallabi area, the spokesperson said the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Law Minister visited the victim’s family and assured them of speedy justice. He noted that in a separate child rape case in Meherpur, a court awarded the death penalty within 29 working days, calling it a rare example of swift justice. “Now victims no longer go to the Prime Minister; rather, the Prime Minister is reaching out to the people,” he said. Mahdi Amin also said initiatives have been taken to restore the phrase “except Israel” in Bangladeshi passports. He also said the government has set a target to turn Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. The spokesperson said assets worth Tk 4,264 crore belonging to S Alam Group have been seized, while agreements have been signed with several countries to bring back laundered money. He also said Bangladesh recorded the highest remittance inflow in its history last month, reaching around $3.75 billion. Mahdi Amin said the government has also initiated a “Probashi Card” scheme and plans to provide state identity cards to around 200,000 freelancers. He also touched on a special Tk 60,000 crore fund to reopen closed factories and generate employment opportunities. The spokesperson said the Prime Minister is proving himself not as a distant powerful figure, but as a representative of the common people and an ordinary member of society. At the beginning of the press conference, PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon highlighted several tree plantation initiatives taken by the Prime Minister, saying the BNP government is “a tree-loving government.” Prime Minister’s Speechwriter SAM Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony, Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu), Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud) and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, and Assistant Press Secretaries Asrofa Emdad, Md Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were present at the press conference.

Three leaders of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (DU) have been relieved of their organisational duties over allegations of assaulting a physically challenged student at Jagannath Hall. In a press release issued on Monday, the organisation said disciplinary action were taken against the leaders for violating organisational discipline. The accused are Chandan Das, Jhalak Das and Ripon Chandra Sarkar, joint conveners of Jagannath Hall unit JCD. According to the allegations, the incident took place on Sunday evening at a tea stall beneath Rabindra Bhaban of the dormitory. A dispute reportedly began after Avoy Kumar Singh was found sitting with his legs raised on a bench. Avoy, who has a knee problem, had been sitting that way due to his physical condition. Later, after he returned to his room, the accused allegedly entered the room and physically assaulted him. The victim, a student of the Department of Bangla in the 2020-21 academic session, later made a Facebook post, where he described the incident and demanded justice. Regarding the matter, Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal said he was informed of the incident on the same night. A six-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by House Tutor Prof Dr Shimul Halder, to look into the incident and the committee has been instructed to submit its report within the next 2-3 days.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to take the country forward, drawing inspiration from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to move the country toward development. Nazrul is the inspiration behind his work,” Rizvi said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the poet’s grave at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of Nazrul’s 127th birth anniversary. He also said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a major source of inspiration in the struggle against fascism. “When we were tortured in remand, Nazrul’s songs, poems and literary works inspired us to survive and resist,” he said. He said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains relevant in both national and social life. The BNP leader said the poet carried the banner of rebellion, equality and humanity, and people drew inspiration from his songs and poems during every national movement. “Kazi Nazrul Islam was the principal inspiration in the struggle against fascism.” Rizvi said Nazrul continues to inspire the implementation of the government’s electoral pledges and national vision. He further said Nazrul would be remembered throughout the year during the Nazrul anniversary celebrations.

Speakers at a view-exchange meeting on Sunday urged the government to channel the newly announced Tk 60,000 crore stimulus package into capital-starved ready industries that are unable to start production, rather than sinking funds into chronically sick sectors. The observation was made at a pre-budget discussion with economic journalists organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) auditorium in the capital's Purana Paltan. Professor Dr. Waresul Karim, Dean of the School of Business and Economics at North South University, presented the keynote paper, detailing Jamaat's fiscal vision to restructure Bangladesh's socio-economic landscape. Referring to Bangladesh Bank’s recently announced Tk 60,000 crore recovery blueprint for 2026, Dr. Karim argued that utilizing the funds under the proposed structure would not yield fruitful job creation. Instead, he noted, it would be far more viable to finance operational and ready-to-produce industries that are currently stalled due to immediate capital shortfalls. The keynote speaker strongly urged the government to reduce its heavy reliance on indirect taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT), which currently accounts for 78.2 percent of total revenue collection in the budget. "Because of this structure, the poor and the ultra-poor are forced to pay the same rate of indirect tax as the wealthy, which is aggressively widening income inequality in society," Dr. Karim added. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar attended the function as the chief guest, while the party's Assistant Secretary General and former MP, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, presided over the meeting. In his speech, Mia Golam Parwar said, "As an opposition party, we want to constructively help the government strengthen the economy and reinforce the nation's financial drivers." He informed that Jamaat has already organized seven to eight pre-budget seminars, and the compiled recommendations from these sessions will be formally placed before parliament through the party's parliamentary group. "While it is difficult for an opposition party to alter decisions made by a ruling party that governs through a parliamentary majority, the nation has a right to know what kind of budget we envision in line with public aspirations. That is why we want to play an active role in the budget discourse," Parwar added. In his presidential address, AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad noted that the upcoming national budget will be placed by the first elected government following the July mass uprising. "Consequently, the people of the country expect to see the reflections and aspirations of the July uprising mirrored in this fiscal blueprint," he said, urging the government to move away from debt dependency and avoid burdening citizens with extra taxes to deliver a self-reliant, discrimination-free budget. Nurul Islam Bulbul, Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka City South unit, criticized the conventional budget-making process. "The way bureaucrats formulate the budget reflects only their own narrow perspectives, leaving no room for participation from the public or political parties. We must break away from this traditional mindset," he said. He further cautioned that unless institutional corruption is aggressively contained, a larger budget will only foster higher levels of graft and wastage, ultimately choking real development. Retired Senior Secretary Dr. AKM Kabirul Islam and Jamaat women MP Professor Nurunnisa Siddiqa and Sabikun Nahar also spoke in the event. Among others, Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Additional Research Director Towfiqul Islam Khan, Executive Editor of Daily Naya Digonta Masumur Rahman Khali, Outlook Bangla Editor-in-Chief Lutfun Kabir Saadi, Bangladesh Post Acting Editor Sadrul Hasan, former ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha and Former Vice president of ERF Shalahuddin Bablu spoke in the discussion.

The ruling party BNP remains confident that opposition lawmakers will eventually join the proposed special parliamentary committee on constitutional amendments, Chief Whip Nurul Islam said on Sunday. “We will work through discussions with them (the opposition). They will definitely join the special committee,” he told reporters after a meeting on renewable energy management at the Parliament. Asked about the source of his confidence despite the opposition’s current reluctance, the Chief Whip said his long parliamentary experience gave him assurance. “You may ask why I am so confident. I am confident because I have been in parliament four or five times before. I know that in the end they will join. Ultimately, this is what they will do. The issue will be resolved through dialogue,” he said. On April 29, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman proposed in parliament the formation of a 17-member special committee for constitutional reforms and requested the opposition to nominate five members. Responding to a question about the opposition’s delay in submitting names, Nurul Islam said the opposition MPs are first-time lawmakers and need time to understand parliamentary procedures. “Why are you asking whether they will give names or not? They certainly will. Most of the opposition MPs have never been members of parliament before. Since this is their first term, they need some timeto understand and adapt to the process. We should allow them that time,” he said. The Chief Whip also stressed that constitutional amendments are inevitable, noting that Bangladesh’s Constitution has already undergone multiple revisions. “There are 153 articles in the Constitution. Suppose we amend 50 of them — what will happen to the remaining 100? They will still remain in the Constitution. At the end of the day, amendments must be made. There is no alternative,” he said. He added that constitutional amendments are common around the world. “There is no example in the world where a constitution is simply discarded and replaced unless there is a revolution, a mass uprising, or independence. The constitutions of the United States and India have been amended many times. Bangladesh’s Constitution has also been amended 17 times, and this process will continue,” he said. Replying to another question, the Chief Whip said the current parliament would become “the best parliament in Bangladesh’s history.” On the repeal of 16 ordinances, including those related to enforced disappearances and human rights, issued during the tenure of the interim government, Nurul Islam said the ordinances would be revised and reintroduced in parliament. “The 16 ordinances will be brought back to parliament after further scrutiny and strengthening. Those that can be tabled during the current budget session will be presented now; otherwise they will be introduced in a later session,” he said. The Chief Whip also said discussions had taken place with the Prime Minister regarding the parliament’s sound system. “We will directly consult globally recognised suppliers so that a durable sound system can be installed. The arrangement will be made in a way that it can function effectively for at least 15 to 20 years,”he said, adding that the opposition leader would also be involved in the decision-making process. Highlighting the government’s renewable energy plans, Nurul Islam said the parliament complex had been selected as a pilot site for solar energy generation. “The Prime Minister has said parliament should become the centre of resolving all national problems. As a symbol of that commitment, we have chosen parliament as the pilot project for solar power generation by installing solar panels on its rooftop,” he said. He added that the government is increasingly focusing on renewable energy to achieve long-term energy self-sufficiency. “As part of this initiative, solar panels have already been installed at the parliament building. Gradually, solar panels will also be installed on all government buildings at district and upazila levels,” he said. The Chief Whip further said the government is considering limiting visitor access during parliamentary sessions due to security concerns. “It turns into a crowded marketplace here sometimes. Considering security issues, discussions are underway to limit the number of visitors during parliamentary sessions,” he said.

Police arrested National Citizen Party (NCP) Central Joint Member Secretary Tarek Reza in Jhenaidah on Sunday in connection with a case filed over alleged assault, vandalism and death threats. The case was filed by former Jhenaidah district Chhatra Dal vice-president Enamul Kabir. A protest press conference against what NCP leaders described as a “false case” was scheduled at the Family Zone auditorium near Jhenaidah Stadium at 6:30pm. 22 NCP leaders named in Chatra Dal case According to party sources, Tarek Reza arrived in Jhenaidah from Dhaka to attend the programme. Police arrested him after the vehicle carrying him stopped in front of the restaurant. Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Asaduzzaman, along with members of a special police team and plainclothes intelligence personnel, was present during the arrest. OC Asaduzzaman said a case had been filed on Saturday against Tarek Reza and 22 others on charges of assault, vandalism and issuing death threats. The NCP also alleged that Detective Branch (DB) police from Jashore arrested another youth named Ayan in connection with the same case. The development follows a clash involving local Chhatra Dal leaders and activists during a visit by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary to Jhenaidah on Friday. Following the incident, Tarek Reza filed a case with Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station against eight local Chhatra Dal leaders and activists. The next day, Enamul Kabir filed a counter-case against 22 people, including Tarek Reza. Police, however, have not arrested any Chhatra Dal activists in the case so far.

Delivering a stern message to the country’s engineers, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said people are no longer as simple as before and will not forgive mistakes made by those in authority. “People of the country now understand everything and are aware of everything. If we make mistakes today, the people will not forgive us either,” he said on Saturday. Strong social movement needed to prevent rape: Fakhrul He made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the 78th founding anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) and a reception for engineer members of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad at the IEB auditorium in Dhaka's Ramna area as the chief guest. Referring to the aftermath of the July mass uprising, Fakhrul said a new consciousness has emerged among the people, who now aspire to build a new and free Bangladesh. “They no longer want to see the old Bangladesh marked by corruption, enforced disappearances and repression,” he said. Alleging widespread corruption in development projects during the previous government’s tenure, he said, “We often see reports in newspapers about projects worth Tk 3500 crore in a district where no actual work has been done. These matters must be handled with utmost caution.” He said engineers are among the country’s most educated and privileged groups and therefore have a greater responsibility to meet public expectations. “The plans you formulate and the projects you implement must genuinely benefit the people,” he added. Mentioning the July movement and families affected by enforced disappearances, Fakhrul said there was a time when even speaking about disappearances was dangerous, yet some courageous individuals stood beside the victim families and raised the issue internationally. “The nation will never forget their courage and sacrifices,” he said. He also paid tribute to the youth who sacrificed their lives during the movement. “Our young people shed blood and gave their lives. They have created a new opportunity for Bangladesh. We must never betray that sacrifice,” he added. Mohammad Riazul Islam, president of the IEB and chairman of RAJUK presided over the discussion programme.

A case has been filed against leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Jhenaidah amid an ongoing political conflict between the party and Chhatra Dal. The case was filed on Saturday with Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station by former vice-president of Jhenaidah district Chatra Dal, Md Enamul Kabir. In the case, NCP central joint general secretary, Tarekul Islam Tarek Reza, was made the prime accused. Besides, 22 named accused and 50 to 60 unidentified persons were sued. Other accused include Mehedi Hasan Ashik, Siam Uddin Turjo, Tanaim, Asif, Ayon Rahman Khan, Tain, Joynal, Alamgir, Shahriar Abhik, Lababul Bashar Labu, Shihab Shah, Nayan, Sultan, Hridoy, Rubayet Hasan Turjo, Sheikh Sami, Rifat, Hakim, Kaiser and Imran, Hridoy Master along with 50 to 60 unidentified individuals. According to the case statement, Enamul Kabir alleged that Nasir Uddin Patwari made “offensive and defamatory remarks” in his speech in Jhenaidah, about BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jhenaidah district BNP president Advocate Abdul Majid and Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, allegedly at the instigation of prime accused Tarek Reza. Md Asaduzzaman, Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge(OC), said that a regular case had been filed under relevant sections of the Penal Code following the written complaint. Police operations are underway to investigate the incident properly and arrest the accused, he added. Earlier, the NCP had filed a case against 115 leaders and activists, including the president and general secretary of Jhenaidah district Chhatra Dal. Chhatra Dal filed the counter-case within 24 hours of that case.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Central General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir on Friday claimed that the armed men accompanying National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary in Jhenaidah were activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir. He also alleged that Nasiruddin Patwary had gone to Jhenaidah with the intention of creating mob violence. Nasir made the remarks in a Facebook status posted in the afternoon. Nasiruddin Patwary attacked in Jhenaidah “After the mass uprising, Nasiruddin Patwary has become one of the most controversial and criticised figures in Bangladesh politics for instigating mob violence and conflicts,” he wrote. He alleged that Patwary was targeted with egg throwing by local people in Jhenaidah on Friday and, at one stage, armed individuals accompanying him attempted to open fire on the crowd. Claiming that the armed men were Shibir activists, Nasir identified them as Siam Uddin Turzo, who was wearing a panjabi, and described him as the son of local Jamaat leader Soltu Master of Badrganj Madrasa and a resident of Master Para, Court Para in Jhenaidah, and Ashik, who was wearing a T-shirt and whom he identified as a Shibir leader from Kashtsagra village. He urged the local police administration to immediately arrest the two alleged armed individuals. Meanwhile, an egg-throwing incident targeting NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary in Jhenaidah on Friday afternoon triggered clashes that left at least six people injured, according to police and party sources. The incident took place around 2pm in front of the Old Collectorate Mosque in Jhenaidah town after Jumu’ah prayers.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 32 people in the capital’s Dhanmondi and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar areas while they were allegedly preparing to bring out “flash processions” in support of political activities banned Awami League on Friday, police said. The arrests were made by Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and Dhanmondi police stations during separate drives in the early morning and after Jumu’ah prayers. Awami League activists stage sudden protest in Barishal According to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, a group of activists gathered in front of the Agargaon metro rail station near the Flower Market area around 5:45am on Friday, reportedly to organise a procession linked to a banned organisation. After receiving information a team rushed to the spot and detained six people as others attempted to flee, police said. The arrested six include Shyamal Chandra (27), president of Open University Dhaka metropolitan south Chhatra League, Aiyatul Haque (29), Siam (22), Mehedi Hasan Miad Khan (21), Tareq Rahman (22) and Selim Pradhan Srabon (20). In a separate drive, Dhanmondi police arrested 26 more people from around Dhanmondi 32 area after intelligence reports suggested that members of banned organisation Awami League were preparing for a sudden procession after Friday prayers. Police said legal action is being taken against all 32 arrestees and organisers involved in the attempted gatherings. Further details were not immediately available.