United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday joined a doa mahfil for Begum Jebunnesa, mother of Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, who died last week. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman attended the doa mahfil held after Asr prayers at Gulshan Azad Mosque in the capital. The Prime Minister also joined a munajat seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed soul of the minister’s mother, he said. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, along with relatives and well-wishers, also attended the doa mahfil. Begum Jebunnesa died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the capital on May 7 at the age of 83. In a condolence message issued on the day of her death, the Prime Minister expressed deep shock and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members, relatives and well-wishers.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is underway with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The meeting began on Wednesday morning at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a release from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, among other committee members, are present at the meeting. Officials concerned also have attended the meeting to place and discuss various development project proposals.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged universities to move beyond traditional academic teaching and place greater emphasis on research and innovation to remain competitive in the modern world. “If universities do not focus on research and innovation alongside textbook education, it will be difficult for us to survive in a competitive world,” he said while  speaking at the inaugural session of a workshop at Dhaka University. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s universities have yet to achieve the expected position in global rankings in education, research and knowledge excellence. “Global university rankings usually place greater importance on research publications, citations and innovation. Our academics should think more deeply about where we stand in these areas,” he said The University Grants Commission  (UGC) organised the daylong workshop, titled ‘Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence’ at at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. The workshop included five technical sessions on higher education reform and future challenges. Referring to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Prime Minister said technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, biotechnology, cybersecurity, quantum computing and big data are transforming both employment and society. He warned that while technology is reducing traditional job opportunities and it is also creating new forms of employment. “To face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and enter new employment markets, we must move away from a memorisation- and certificate-based education system,” Tarique said. He stressed the need to redesign the country’s conventional education system in line with modern technological demands. The Prime Minister also called for stronger collaboration between universities and industries and said industrial demands should be incorporated into curriculum development. He said the government has already started work to modernise the national curriculum from the primary level to higher education, focusing on practical and employment-oriented learning. Highlighting unemployment among graduates, Tarique said many educated youths remain jobless because they fail to acquire practical skills alongside academic qualifications. He said the government has taken steps to expand apprenticeship, internship and industry-academia collaboration to help students gain practical experience while studying. Initially, universities in divisional cities are being linked with local educational and business institutions under the initiative, the Prime Minister added. He also said the government has introduced plans for seed funding and innovation grants to commercialise innovative business ideas at colleges and universities. “The aim is to create entrepreneurs from campuses,” Tarique said, adding that skilled students may become job creators instead of job seekers. He said the government is also planning to establish innovation and entrepreneurship development institutes and science parks at higher educational institutions. Referring to global technology-based companies such as Uber, Facebook, Alibaba and Airbnb, the Prime Minister said innovative ideas and smart interfaces are reshaping the global economy. He also encouraged universities to involve alumni in supporting education, research and innovation activities. “Students are the life of a university, while alumni are its backbone,” Tariaue said. The Prime Minister said the government wants to build a knowledge- and merit-based society where education, research, creativity and competence receive the highest priority. “We want to build an education system where every student gets the opportunity to develop their potential,” he said. Tarique also urged all sections of society to remain vigilant so that technological advancement does not weaken the country’s long-standing religious, social and moral values. Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin, Education Secretary Abdul Khaleq and UGC Secretary Fakhrul Islam also spoke at the event, chaired by UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed. Prof Mamun Ahmed later presented a crest to the Prime Minister on behalf of the UGC.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated a national workshop aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s higher education system into a more modern, inclusive and sustainable one. The workshop, titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence,” began at 10 am at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University. The Prime Minister formally opened the workshp around 11am and deliverd a speech. The programme began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from other religious scriptures. A one-minute silence was also observed in honour of the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. Arranged by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the inaugural session was presided over by its Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed. Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed presented a crest to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on behalf of the UGC. Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon and the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin attended the event as special guests. Policymakers, UGC members, vice-chancellors of public and private universities, teachers, researchers, MPs, diplomats, industry representatives and other stakeholders have taken part in the workshop. Five technical sessions will be held following the inaugural ceremony.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged police members to take a vow so that no fascist or authoritarian force can further use them against the country and the freedom of its people. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Police Week-2026 at the Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital, he also asked them to put in their best efforts to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property. “Standing on this soil stained with the blood of police personnel at the very dawn of independence, let us pledge anew today so that no more fascist or authoritarian force can again use police members against the country and the freedom of its people,” the Prime Minister said. He said the current government, formed through the people’s mandate after the bloody mass uprising of students and the public in 2024 following more than one and a half decades of anti-fascist democratic movements, reflects the aspirations of the country’s freedom-loving and democracy-seeking people. Tarique Rahman said people who had long suffered from attacks, cases, repression and deprivation now expect peace and security under the present democratic government.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday inaugurated the Police Week-2026 at the Rajarbagh Police Lines here. The theme of this year's Police Week is “Amar Police, Amar Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh” (My Police, My Country, Bangladesh First). The Prime Minister inspected the parade of the Bangladesh Police by riding an open jeep and took the salute. Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar commanded this year’s parade.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said restoring public confidence in the police force and improving the law-and-order situation are now the government’s top priority. In a message marking Police Week-2026, the Prime Minister extended greetings and congratulations to all serving, former and retired members of the Bangladesh Police. “The current government has been implementing extensive programmes aimed at building a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic and humane state based on justice,” he said. “However, achieving that goal will become difficult if people do not feel safe and secure both at home and outside. That is why restoring people’s trust in the police and improving the law-and-order situation are our priorities at this moment,” Tarique Rahman added. He said stable law and order is essential to continue the country’s democratic progress. The Prime Minister also asked police to play a more effective role in preventing mob violence, juvenile gangs and the spread of drugs. Police Week-2026 is set to begin on Sunday. The Prime Minister will formally inaugurate the week-long programme through a ceremonial parade at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital. Highlighting the role of police, Tarique Rahman said a democratic government has been established in the country through a free, fair and neutral election after more than one and a half decades. “People now want a society and state free from enforced disappearance, abduction and the culture of fear, where there will be no fear for life and property, injustice or repression,” he said. The Prime Minister stated that the role of law enforcement agencies, especially the police, is crucial in maintaining such an environment. “There is no alternative to the police force in maintaining law and order, preventing crime and ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property. But if police can build trust and confidence with the public, their duties become much easier,” he said. Tarique Rahman described a professional and responsible police force as essential for maintaining state stability and public confidence. He expressed hope that Police Week would become “a moment to renew the commitment to becoming a trusted force for the people.” The Prime Minister also praised the force for carrying out duties with professionalism and dedication during national needs and crises. “The role of police in the recent parliamentary election proved that they are fully capable of performing their duties efficiently when provided with a suitable and supportive environment,” he said. Tarique Rahman also highlighted the international achievements of the Bangladesh Police, especially in UN peacekeeping missions, saying their contributions have enhanced the country’s image globally. He stressed the need for modernisation and capacity building of the police force in line with changing global realities. “Improvement of law and order, crime control and national progress are closely linked with the development of the police force. That is why the government considers investment in police development as an essential part of public security,” the Prime Minister said.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Thursday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussed measures needed to make the country free from corruption. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said. “The TIB Executive Director met the Prime Minister. They discussed steps needed to curb corruption and strengthen good governance,” he said. Rumon said the Prime Minister spoke about his government’s policy of maintaining a strong stance against corruption. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani was present during the meeting. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Iftekharuzzaman said they placed several specific recommendations before the Prime Minister regarding good governance and anti-corruption efforts. “The Prime Minister took the issues very positively and assured us of taking the necessary steps for implementation,” he said. The TIB chief said they also stressed the need for reform and restructuring of institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). In particular, he said, the restructuring of the ACC was discussed during the meeting. Iftekharuzzaman said the current government wants to send a strong message to the international community that it is committed to fighting corruption without compromise. As part of that effort, he said TIB proposed holding the 2028 International Anti-Corruption Conference in Bangladesh to help strengthen the country’s image globally. “We sought the Prime Minister’s support in organising the international conference in Bangladesh, and he assured us of taking the necessary steps in this regard,” the TIB chief said. He said the international conference is held every two years, and this year’s event will take place in the Dominican Republic. “Previously, only three Asian countries – Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea – have hosted the conference. We believe 2028 will be an appropriate time for Bangladesh to host it,” Iftekharuzzaman said. He said the Prime Minister agreed in principle and the government will move forward with the initiative, subject to the cabinet approval.      

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee said on Wednesday. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister at Secretariat. Replying to a question, the Water Resources Minister said canal excavation work is ongoing and the Prime Minister will inaugurate such programmes in Chandpur and Feni ahead of the monsoon season. “The Prime Minister will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25. Among various programmes, he will inaugurate canal excavation work there,” he said. Across the country, priority is being given to canal excavation in the districts the Prime Minister is visiting, Anee said. “The government has taken a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years. The Prime Minister has already inaugurated such programmes in several districts,” he said. The minister also said ministers and MPs are continuing similar work in their respective areas. “As the monsoon season is approaching, we may be able to continue this programme until May. After the monsoon, the canal excavation work will resume again around November, December and January,” he said. The hour-long meeting on water resource management was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at 10:00am. The minister also said the technical, survey and feasibility studies of the Padma Barrage project are almost complete and the government will soon take a decision in this regard.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday made way for an ambulance by halting his motorcade on the elevated expressway near Karwan Bazar, breaking the usual VVIP protocol. The move came shortly before 9:00am as the Prime Minister was travelling from his Gulshan residence to the Secretariat, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “While travelling from his Gulshan residence in the morning along the expressway near Karwan Bazar, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman suddenly noticed in his vehicle’s rear-view mirror that an ambulance was behind the convoy, appearing hesitant to pass the motorcade,” he said. Seeing this, Rumon said the Prime Minister instructed security officials to immediately allow the ambulance to pass. “Following the instruction, the convoy slowed down and made space, allowing the ambulance to move ahead without delay,” he said describing it as a “rare example.” A private insurance company official, Saleh Uddin, who was travelling to Motijheel in a private car near Karwan Bazar, said he was also behind the Prime Minister’s motorcade at the time. “All vehicles suddenly stopped. Then VIP security personnel allowed the ambulance to pass through the convoy,” he said. Saleh also said that by allowing an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient to pass, the Prime Minister had set another example. He said the Prime Minister’s move reflected a head of government’s sense of responsibility and compassion towards ordinary people, calling it a lesson for all. In Bangladesh, Saleh said traffic is often halted to allow VVIP motorcades to pass, forcing other vehicles to wait. The Prime Minister’s action reflects a shift from that practice, highlighting a people-first approach, he added.