United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday expressed his determination to build a peaceful and secure Bangladesh through united efforts of people of all religions and warned against any attempt to create division among them. “Today people of all religions are sitting together in one row here. This has been a long-standing tradition of Bangladesh. No one should be allowed to create division among us. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians—we will all work together, Inshallah, to build a peaceful Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a pilot programme under the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium to provide monthly honourariums to imams, muazzins, khatibs and other religious leaders, including priests and Buddhist monastery principals. Tarique Rahman, also the Chairman of BNP, mentioned that the people of all religions in Bangladesh have always lived together in peace. “We want to build a safe state and a secure society for everyone—something that people from all classes and professions desire. Once again, through today’s programme, we take an oath to build our beloved Bangladesh into a country where people of every religion and every profession can live in peace. Together, we will build this country. Let this be our oath and our expectation,” he said. Tarique said he believes every religion carries positive messages for building a morally enriched human society and stressed that people with religious knowledge have a crucial role in promoting religious, social and moral values in society. He said economic prosperity may bring comfort, but virtues such as patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, loyalty, solidarity, tolerance, generosity, friendship, humility, responsibility and compassion can only be cultivated through moral and social values. “Religious leaders have a vital role in fostering this moral and social consciousness.” The Prime Minister said the government’s programme to provide honorariums to khatibs, imams and muazzins has reached its first phase under a pilot scheme. A total of 4,908 mosques, 990 temples, and 144 Buddhist monarchies are covered, benefiting 16,992 religious leaders with monthly honorariums. He promised that everyone will be gradually included under this programme. Tarique said the main goal of such economic initiatives for people of all professions is to help people become financially self-reliant. At the same time, he made a humble appeal to religious leaders, saying that if they wish to participate in other economic or social activities alongside their duties at mosques or places of worship, the government is ready to support those initiatives as well. The Prime Minister said his government will make its best efforts, within the capacity of the state to ensure financial and social security for every citizen regardless of religion or background. He, however, said citizens also have responsibilities towards the state and society. “If each of us performs our duties properly from our respective positions, I hope that within the next 10 years we will see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, Inshallah.” PM Tarique launches monthly honorariums for imams, muazzins, others The Prime Minister said the government wants mosques and other religious institutions to become centres of religious, social and moral education. He said during the tenure of the BNP founder and ex-president Ziaur Rahman, the first imam training academy was launched, and in 1993, under Begum Khaleda Zia’s government, mosque-based child and adult education programmes were introduced. Tarique Rahman said the current government has not only introduced honorariums for imams, muazzins and other religious leaders, but is also planning ways to enhance their leadership skills and utilise their talents for national development. He said the Home Ministry has decided to include one imam, one khatib, or religious leaders from any other faith as a member of the law-and-order committees in every district and upazila. The Prime Minister said the government wants to reduce financial inequality and ensure peaceful coexistence by providing allowances or financial support and creating employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged group. “We made these promises to people before the national elections, and after forming the government, we began implementing them even before the ink on the ballots had dried, Alhamdulillah,” he said. Tarique said the government has already introduced the Family Card for economically disadvantaged women and gradually, it would reach the female heads of four crore families across Bangladesh. He added a pilot project for the Farmers Card will be launched on April 14, and the canal-digging programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16. “By ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, we aim to build Bangladesh on a strong foundation, so that no fascist or anti-democratic force can deprive people of their freedom or right to speak. Religious leaders should be able to speak freely, and citizens should be politically and economically empowered to strengthen the nation,” the Prime Minister observed. During the programme, , the Prime Minister distributed cheques for the monthly among imams, muazzins, khatibs, priests and monastery principals and vice-principals from across the country. The payments were also sent directly to the recipients’ mobile accounts immediately after the Prime Minister pressed the iPass baton. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zobihullah, senior religious leaders from various faiths, and officials including the Religious Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, among others, spoke at the programme with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) in the chair.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated a programme to provide monthly allowances to imams, muazzins  and other religious leaders, fulfilling one of the key electoral pledges of BNP. The programme was inaugurated  at a ceremony held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning, according to BNP media cell.  The government also launched similar allowance programmes for priests and temple caretakers as well as for Buddhist monastery principals and vice-principals. On January 21, the government issued a gazette on the Mosque Management Policy 2025 introducing a structured pay scale, service benefits, recruitment rules and welfare provisions for mosque employees in the country. Under the new policy, a grade-based salary structure has been fixed for mosque employees excluding khatibs whose remuneration will be determined according to contract terms. However, financially insolvent and mosques where 5-time prayers held have been advised to fix salaries and allowances according to their capacity. Padma Bridge rail link: Narail commuters face long waits as only one train runs on key routes As per the new policy, senior pesh imams will receive salaries in Grade 5, pesh imams in Grade 6 and imams in Grade 9. The chief muezzin will be paid in Grade 10, muezzin in Grade 11, chief khadem in Grade 15 and khadem in Grade 16.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on people to adopt preventive measures against dengue and chikungunya, announcing that a nationwide cleanliness drive will start on March 14 to safeguard people from the deadly mosquito-borne diseases.  “Deadly diseases like dengue and chikungunya have caused loss of life. But, if we all become aware, it is possible to protect ourselves from dengue and chikungunya,” he said in a special video message to the nation. Referring to experts, the Prime Minister said people become infected with dengue or chikungunya through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. “So, it is necessary to take all preventive measures in advance to protect against dengue.” Although dengue usually spreads most during the monsoon from June to October, he said public health experts warn that the risk is not limited to any particular time of the year. The Prime Minister urged people to keep their homes and surrounding areas clean at least once a week. During the rainy season, he said Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water. “If water remains stagnant for three days, mosquitoes can start breeding there.” Quoting entomologists and public health experts, Tarique Rahman said the most effective way to control mosquito breeding is to keep places such as drains, ditches and sewers where stagnant dirty water can accumulate clean. BPP authorises PM Tarique to decide Speaker, Deputy Speaker “So, do not allow water to stagnate in flower pots, drums, buckets, discarded tyres, pits, or on the roofs of houses. Water tanks should be kept covered. Clean the inside and outside of your house at least once a week,” he said, urging people. Addressing the country’s people, the Prime Minister said everyone should remember that awareness and cleanliness are the most effective ways to prevent dengue. He said the government is going to start a nationwide cleanliness campaign every week from Saturday (March 14), ahead of the monsoon. The Prime Minister also said the local administration is taking effective initiatives as part of this campaign. BNP wants effective, vibrant parliament: Chief Whip Besides , he called upon all public representatives including the Members of Parliament from each area to conduct weekly cleanliness campaigns every Saturday in their residential areas and nearby places with the participation of local people. “If regular cleanliness campaigns continue, people will be able to protect themselves from deadly fevers like dengue and chikungunya in the coming days, Insha’Allah,” Tarique Rahman said. He said the main principle of the government’s national health policy is ‘Prevention is better than cure’. “So, do not allow dirty water to accumulate anywhere. Keep your houses and surroundings clean. Protect yourselves from dengue or chikungunya—protect yourselves and protect others.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday said his government is committed to strengthening ties with countries around the world based on mutual respect, cooperation, and trust. “Bangladesh always gives high importance to both bilateral and multilateral relations,” he said while speaking at an Iftar hosted for diplomats at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The Prime Minister said the Iftar programme was more than a ceremonial gathering. “It reminds us of the importance of respect, empathy, and unity among people of different nations, religions, and cultures. These values are key to building a peaceful and tolerant society,” he added. Tarique Rahman highlighted his government’s efforts to safeguard independence, uphold human rights, combat corruption, strengthen law and order, empower women, and support new entrepreneurs to foster a strong and inclusive economy. He expressed hope that, through cooperation and understanding, Bangladesh and the international community would move forward together in peace, development, and prosperity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to open language training centres across the country to build a skilled workforce for overseas employment. The directive was given at a meeting of the committee formed to increase overseas employment and ensure the welfare of expatriates held at the Secretariat on Thursday, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister asked the ministries concerned to take swift measures to prepare unemployed youths for overseas jobs. “The Prime Minister instructed the authorities to establish language training centres with the involvement of both local and foreign teachers so that unemployed youths can learn different languages and secure job opportunities abroad,” Rumon said. He said the meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat, discussed ways to quickly expand overseas employment opportunities and various related issues. PM urges frugal electricity use after switching off half the lights at office Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister Nurul Haque Nur, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and secretaries and senior officials of the relevant ministries attended the meeting. The Additional Press Secretary said the Prime Minister also directed the authorities to introduce low-interest bank loans and simplify the loan process so that job seekers do not have to sell their property to go abroad for employment. Free WiFi at three international airports Rumon said the Prime Minister also asked the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister to introduce free WiFi at the terminals of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and MAG Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, similar to facilities available at airports in many developed countries. Renovation of temple in Dhaka-17 constituency The Additional Press Secretary said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also taken steps to fulfil a pledge made during the election campaign in his constituency, Dhaka-17. He said that during the campaign Tarique Rahman promised to renovate a temple belonging to the Hindu community located near the Mahakhali Cancer Hospital in the constituency. Education Minister orders introducing AI to stop lobbying in teacher transfers “The Prime Minister has instructed that renovation work of the temple begin on Saturday,” Rumon said. Administrators of the two Dhaka city corporations, Abdus Salam and Shafiqul Islam Milton, and Tarique Rahman’s election coordinator for Dhaka-17, Professor Farhad Halim Dona, will be present at the site at 11am on Saturday.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the people now understand the real reasons behind the Pilkhana carnage. In a message marking Shaheed Sena Day (Martyred Soldiers’ Day), he said, “The trial over the Pilkhana killings is ongoing. There is no scope to comment in detail on a matter that is under trial.” The Prime Minister, however, said he believes that it is important for all citizens to understand that activities against the country’s independence and sovereignty were involved behind this massacre. “After the killings, various attempts were made to mislead people through falsehoods and misinformation. But in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the real reasons behind the Pilkhana carnage are now understandable to the people,” he said. The Prime Minister paid tributes to the 57 army officers and 17 others who were killed in the tragic incident on February 25, 2009, at the Pilkhana BDR headquarters. He said the day was not observed with due importance in the years following the incident, but since 2024, after the country became free from fascism, February 25 has been observed as Shaheed Sena Day. Abducted schoolboy freed within an hour after PM Tarique’s intervention On the occasion, Tarique prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family members. Describing the armed forces as a symbol of the honour, bravery and pride of an independent nation, he called for a renewed commitment so that no one can conspire against the armed forces in future. “Today, we must once again reaffirm that pledge with determination.” The Prime Minister urged all to remain united against any conspiracy against the country and its people. “We will stand united against any conspiracy that goes against the interests of the country and its people—let this be the resolve of Shaheed Sena Day.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday said democratic values, people’s rights and equality were the core spirit of Ekushey, adding that the government is committed to consolidating the country’s democratic progress. In a message marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day-2026, to be observed tomorrow, he also called for collective efforts to uphold and protect the dignity of languages worldwide. “The establishment of democratic values, people’s rights and equality was the core spirit of Ekushey. Upholding this spirit, democracy has now been restored in the country after a long struggle. The present government is committed to consolidating this democratic progress,” the Prime Minister said. On the occasion of the Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day, he extend sincere greetings and congratulations to people of all languages and ethnic groups across the world, including speakers of Bangla. The Prime Minister paid deep tribute to all martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement whose sacrifices established the dignity of Bangla as a mother language. Mentioning that February 21 an unforgettable chapter in the national life, the Prime Minister said Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed and Abdul Jabbar, among others, embraced martyrdom on this day in 1952 while fighting to protect the dignity of Bangla. Amar Ekushey: Nation to pay tribute to language martyrs at zero hour He said their sacrifices marked the first step towards the liberation of the then East Bengal from long oppression and domination, and strengthened the foundation of Bangalees’ rights, democracy and cultural identity. “The path of Ekushey eventually led to the Liberation War and the independence of Bangladesh.” Tarique said Bangla is the main carrier of national identity and that UNESCO recognised February 21 as International Mother Language Day in honour of the nation’s sacrifice and love for the mother tongue. “The spirit of Ekushey has now turned into a global movement to protect linguistic dignity.” He said the government wants to build a self-reliant, safe and humane democratic state by upholding the aspirations of language martyrs, the martyrs of 1971 and all those who sacrificed their lives in democratic movements over the years. The Prime Minister called for preserving the country’s language diversity and ensuring proper use and practice of Bangla at all levels while safeguarding culture and heritage. He prayed for the salvation of all language martyrs and wished success of all programmes taken marking the Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.