United News of Bangladesh

The Cabinet on Thursday gave the final approval to the draft of Bogura Development Authority Act, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a statutory authority to oversee the planned development of Bogura city and its adjoining areas. The approval came at the 14th meeting of the current Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat, said a press release. According to the proposed law, a statutory body named “Bogura Development Authority” will be established, comprised of a chairman, full-time members and representatives from various agencies. Its jurisdiction will cover Bogura City Corporation and adjacent areas. As per the draft law, the authority will work to maintain the ecological and environmental balance of the region, prevent unplanned urbanisation, ensure disaster-resilient urban management, promote the development of the information technology and tourism sectors, and improve the quality of urban life. It will prepare a phased planning framework ranging from a master plan to development projects and local area plans through statutory procedures, including public hearings and prior publication of proposals. No construction or development project will be allowed within its jurisdiction without obtaining clearance from the authority. The proposed law also includes strict environmental provisions to protect rivers, canals, water bodies, playgrounds and open spaces. It introduces modern land management mechanisms such as Land Readjustment, requiring the consent of at least 60 percent of landowners, and Land Redevelopment. The draft law includes provision for imprisonment and fines for offences like unauthorised construction and the illegal filling of water bodies. The proposed law also contains provisions for establishing the authority's own fund, imposing development fees, borrowing funds and conducting audits. The Cabinet approved the draft law subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.    

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called upon global investors to become long-term partners in Bangladesh's economic transformation, saying his government is committed to building a US$1 trillion economy by 2034 through investment-friendly reforms and private sector-led growth. He also invited local and foreign investors to expand their businesses in Bangladesh, pledging stronger legal protection, simpler regulations and a more business-friendly environment. “Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, when you invest in Bangladesh, our government will invest in you through our time, support, and policies. That is a commitment we will keep, InshaAllah,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the FICCI FDI Conference 2026: Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the capital. Addressing foreign investors, business leaders, diplomats and development partners, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh's future depends not only on attracting investment but also on building lasting partnerships. “I invite every business leader in this room to become part of that future. Together, we can build an economy that is stronger, equitable, and inclusive. I welcome all of you to invest and flourish in Bangladesh. Let us grow together, create jobs, and shape Bangladesh. Let us become partners in building a prosperous and globally connected Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government wants to build a rules-based, globally connected and private sector-driven economy and invited investors to become partners in implementing that vision. He said Bangladesh possesses significant strengths, including a large and rapidly growing domestic market, a young workforce, a strategic geographical location and an elected government with strong public support. “Together, these strengths position Bangladesh for sustained prosperity.” Recalling his own experience in business before entering politics, Tarique Rahman said successful businesses depend not only on entrepreneurship but also on supportive government policies. He thanked foreign investors for choosing Bangladesh and said their investments have created jobs, introduced new technologies, strengthened global supply chains and contributed significantly to the country's economic progress. “Our government has completed five months in office but our policy preparations began long before the election,” the Prime Minister said. He said the government consulted investors, entrepreneurs, economists, business associations and development partners before taking office.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday joined the FICCI FDI Conference 2026, underscoring the government's efforts to attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) to create jobs and accelerate Bangladesh's economic growth. The day-long international conference, titled "FICCI FDI Conference 2026: Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh," began in the morning at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the capital. Before the formal inauguration of the conference, the Prime Minister visited the Investors' Expo where he interacted with representatives of participating companies and organisations. The conference has been organised by the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and stepping up efforts to attract more foreign investment. According to the organisers, closer engagement between investors and policymakers has become increasingly important as the country seeks to strengthen its investment climate and sustain economic growth in the post-LDC graduation period. Around 600 delegates from Bangladesh and abroad including senior government officials, policymakers, regulators, diplomats, development partners, executives of multinational companies, foreign and local investors, business leaders and media representatives have attended the conference.

Newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim was adorned with the rank badge of Vice Admiral at a ceremony on Thursday morning. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and outgoing chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan adorned the new Navy chief with the Vice Admiral's rank badge at the Prime Minister's Office in the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment. Tarique Rahman congratulated the new Navy Chief on his appointment, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s press wing. Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy. Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Shamsul, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Quartermaster General of the Bangladesh Army Lt Gen Md Shahinur Rahman, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, Prime Minister's Military Secretary Maj Gen Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman attended the ceremony. Misbah ul Azim was appointed as the Chief of Bangladesh Navy for a three-year term, effective from July 23, 2026, until July 22, 2029. Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan took charge as the 17th Chief of Bangladesh Navy on July 24, 2023 for a three-year term. Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim joined the Bangladesh Navy on January 1, 1987 and was commissioned in the Executive Branch in 1989. He completed his initial naval training with distinction in the Royal Malaysian Navy and later received higher education and military training at home and abroad. He also earned a PhD in Maritime Governance.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government is committed to building a transparent, accountable and investment-friendly environment for sustainable, planned and corruption-free development of the housing sector. During a meeting with a delegation of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) at the Secretariat, he also said planned and sustainable urbanisation is essential for Bangladesh's long-term economic growth, said a release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The Prime Minister stressed that urban development should not remain Dhaka-centric, urging greater emphasis on balanced development across the country while protecting agricultural land. At the meeting, the REHAB delegation discussed the current state of the housing industry, challenges to planned urbanisation, practical difficulties arising from the implementation of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP), and measures needed for the sector's long-term development. The association proposed reducing land, plot and apartment registration fees to a reasonable level to encourage investment in the housing sector. The delegation also called for the complete digitalisation of government services related to the real estate sector to improve efficiency and transparency. The REHAB leaders urged the government to rationally increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and promote vertical urban development to ensure the best use of limited land, particularly in the capital. Addressing the delegation, Tarique Rahman described the housing sector as one of the key drivers of the national economy.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday assured the country's garment exporters of the government's full support for the growth of the sector and directed the authorities concerned to remove major bottlenecks as quickly as possible. “The government will do whatever is necessary for the growth of the garment industry. Solving the problems faced by businesses is also our responsibility, and we are committed to fulfilling that responsibility,” he said. The Prime Minister gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the Prime Minister's Office in the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat, said his Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. The delegation was led by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan. The BGMEA leaders briefed the Prime Minister on the challenges facing the ready-made garment industry, including the need for uninterrupted gas and electricity supply. They also placed a number of short- and long-term proposals aimed at strengthening the sector. Tarique Rahman listened to the business leaders and instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to take prompt steps to resolve the issues that can be addressed immediately. "We have already started working to solve your problems. Many of these are long-standing issues that have built up over the years. Those that can be resolved now will be addressed without any delay," he said.

Outgoing Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office at Secretariat in the afternoon, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. During the meeting, they discussed a range of issues related to safeguarding the country's sovereignty, maritime security, the modernisation of the Bangladesh Navy and other matters of national interest. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised Admiral Nazmul Hassan for his leadership and contributions to strengthening the Bangladesh Navy during his tenure. He commended the outgoing Navy chief's role in modernising the force, enhancing its operational capability and further developing it as a professional naval service. Admiral Nazmul Hassan, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his guidance, cooperation and support, the Deputy Press Secretary said.  

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) got underway on Wednesday morning with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The meeting began at 10:00am at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing.  

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday pledged to maintain unity among the political parties that had joined the simultaneous anti-fascist movement, saying his government will always put the interests of the people ahead of political considerations. "We have been together all these years. There is no reason that we will part ways now. We have stood together for so long, and, we will continue to stand together in the days ahead,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking at a courtesy meeting and dinner with leaders of parties that had taken part in the simultaneous anti-fascist movement alongside the BNP. Read More: PM hosts leaders of anti-fascist movement allies at courtesy meeting, dinner Acknowledging concerns expressed by several alliance leaders, Tarique Rahman said he fully understood their sentiments. "I do not disagree with what our senior colleagues have said. I understand their concerns and frustrations. They are my seniors, and as a younger brother I respect their views. I sincerely express my regret if there have been any shortcomings."

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to ensure easier access to better healthcare services for the marginalised people. During a meeting with senior officials at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the Secretariat in the afternoon, he also instructed for ensuring that doctors are more sincere and dedicated in providing treatment for patients. PM takes responsibility for treatment of child with rare congenital disease At the outset of the meeting, Tarique Rahman sought a detailed briefing from the health minister, state minister, secretary and other senior officials on the achievements made in the health sector during the five months since the current government assumed office. The officials of the ministry informed him that the previous governments brought the health sector to the brink of collapse, making access to proper healthcare services difficult for the marginalised people. The health ministry has been working relentlessly to overcome the situation, they said. Referring to frequent reports and complaints in the media and on social media that patients at the upazila level often fail to receive satisfactory treatment despite the presence of doctors, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to take punitive and other necessary actions against the negligence by physicians in performing their duties. He said the healthcare services must be made more accessible for rural people under any circumstances. "Satisfactory treatment and adequate medicines must be ensured for them. Everyone should be able to receive medical care at government hospitals easily without any suffering,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the public hospitals should become the primary and most reliable destination of healthcare services for them so that they need not to go anywhere to receive the medical treatment. About kidney diseases, he announced plans to establish 50-bed dialysis centres at the district level to reduce the suffering faced by kidney patients. The existing 10-bed district-level dialysis centres will be expanded to 50 beds, the Prime Minister said. He said the dialysis centres will be established in upazilas across the country in phases over the next three years. Tarique Rahman instructed the ministry to ensure the development of skilled manpower and provide the necessary logistic support for the successful implementation of the dialysis centre programme. During the meeting, the current government’s initiative to upgrade Upazila Health Complexes from 51 beds to 101-bed facilities and the manpower requirements and infrastructure needed for the expansion of the health complexes were also discussed. Engineers from the Public Works Department presented architectural designs and other technical aspects of the proposed programmes. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister Dr MA Muhit and top officials from the ministry, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and different other public hospitals in the capital were present.