United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday said the government is committed to transforming the armed forces into a modern, technology-driven, four-dimensional force to effectively address evolving challenges. The President said the government's "Bangladesh First" policy has been adopted to strengthen defence planning, preparedness, deterrence capability and the country's overall national security strategy, he said while addressing the 51st founding anniversary of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) at Dhaka Cantonment. "Implementation of these policies and initiatives will enhance the overall capability and efficiency of the armed forces. The country's defence system will become more efficient, modern and stronger. At the same time, the operational capability of the PGR as a specialised unit of the Bangladesh Army will also be strengthened," he said. The President said the security of the Head of State, the Head of Government and other important national and foreign dignitaries is closely linked to national security and the country's prestige. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies, intelligence organisations and relevant ministries to ensure an even more robust security system. "I know you are performing your duties in coordination with one another. I hope this understanding and cooperation will be further strengthened in the future," he said. The President also urged PGR personnel to give the highest priority to the protection of important personalities while ensuring that security arrangements do not hinder their normal interaction and communication with public. Highlighting emerging security challenges, Shahabuddin emphasised the need to enhance technology-based capabilities, intelligence analysis and inter-agency coordination to tackle cyberattacks, artificial intelligence (AI)-based risks and hybrid security threats. "The concept of security is changing rapidly around the world, and new threats have emerged alongside conventional security risks," he said. "There is no alternative to strengthening technology-driven capabilities, intelligence analysis, effective strategies and constant preparedness to address these challenges," the President added. He expressed hope that the President Guard Regiment would further enhance its capabilities through modern technology, international-standard training and professional excellence, while keeping pace with evolving global security strategies. The President paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, valiant freedom fighters and Biranganas. He also remembered martyred President Ziaur Rahman, saying the President Guard Regiment developed into its present form under his leadership. He also acknowledged the contribution of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to the expansion and professional development of the regiment. The President paid homage to the five PGR members who were killed during the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman on May 30, 1981, as well as all members who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He also prayed for the souls of those killed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising and expressed sympathy for those who were injured. Describing the PGR as one of the Bangladesh Army's most specialised, disciplined and professional units, Shahabuddin said it plays a vital role in ensuring the security of the President, the Prime Minister, foreign dignitaries and other important state personalities, while representing the country's dignity during state ceremonies. He said the regiment has evolved into a comprehensive and independent institution as its responsibilities have expanded over time. Addressing PGR officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and soldiers, the President said their duties are highly sensitive, prestigious and challenging, requiring vigilance, sound judgement, self-discipline, professional competence and the ability to make swift decisions at all times. He commended PGR personnel for carrying out their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism despite adverse weather, complex situations and long working hours, thereby upholding the proud traditions of both the regiment and the Bangladesh Army. The President said that alongside modern weapons and technology, discipline, loyalty to leadership, ethics and a strong sense of responsibility remain equally important for maintaining a professional force. At the same time, he said PGR members must remain sensitive to ensuring that security measures do not disrupt normal public access to and interaction with important personalities. Expressing confidence in the regiment's future, Shahabuddin said the President Guard Regiment would continue to earn public trust through integrity, discipline, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility while setting an example in the discharge of state duties. Army Chief, Military Secretary to the President, Secretary to the President and Press Secretary to the President were present at the darbar.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has issued a message on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, paying his deepest respect to his immortal memory. “On this solemn day, I respectfully and gratefully remember the outstanding contributions of this heroic commander of the Liberation War, proclaimer of independence, pioneer of multi-party democracy, architect of modern Bangladesh, and visionary statesman,” he said. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains an unforgettable name in the history of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic progress, Shahabuddin said. In the early hours of 26 March 1971, this brave soldier called upon the nation to engage in armed resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces, he said. “His call and declaration of independence showed a path of hope to a bewildered nation and inspired people from all walks of life to unite and actively participate in the Liberation War. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, military strategy, and contribution to the war, he was awarded the title of ‘Bir Uttam’.” The President said after independence, political instability, the curtailment of civil liberties and freedom of speech, widespread anarchy, corruption, and looting brought the state structure close to collapse. “At such a critical moment, against the backdrop of the joint revolution of soldiers and people, the responsibility of leading the country was entrusted to him. During various difficult periods in the nation’s history, he played the role of a saviour and rescuer. His unique contribution and successful leadership will continue to guide future generations,” he said. Assuming responsibility for state affairs, this wise statesman established multi-party democracy and ensured freedom of speech, expression, and the press, Shahabuddin said. “Regardless of religion, ethnicity, or whether people lived in the hills or plains, he united the entire nation under the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism.” He said for socio-economic development, boosting investment and export, attaining self-reliance, and improvements in living standards, Ziaur Rahman introduced multifaceted plans and groundbreaking programmes. “His 19-point programme served as a blueprint for building a productive and self-reliant Bangladesh.” The President said through initiatives in agricultural development, canal excavation, increased food production, family planning, village government, rural development, and mass education, he brought people into the mainstream of national development. “His contributions to youth development, women’s empowerment, child welfare, and the promotion of education and culture remain unforgettable.” To uphold Bangladesh’s interests on the international stage, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman adopted a balanced foreign policy, he said. “He established dignified, friendly, and cooperative relations with the Muslim world, Southeast Asia, China, and Western countries.” He was the first to institutionalise access for Bangladeshi workers to labour markets in the Middle East and other regions, Shahabuddin said. “As a result of his far-sighted initiatives, remittances sent by expatriates have become one of the principal driving forces of the national economy. It was also through his active efforts that the path was paved for the eventual establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).” He said Ziaur Rahman had only a short time to lead the country. “Yet within that brief period, the patriotism, integrity, dedication, and vision with which he advanced the nation remain a shining example to this day.” The President expressed his belief that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable honesty, and image as a pragmatic and energetic statesman will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people. “I hope that his active life, profound love for the country, firm stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant development, and ideals will continue to inspire future generations.” He also prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman the highest place in Jannatul Ferdous.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday called upon all to uphold the values of sacrifice, equality, compassion and social harmony on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Azha. In his Eid message, the President said Eid-ul-Azha is not only one of the major religious festivals for Muslims but also a universal call to sacrifice hatred, arrogance and the “animalistic instincts” within human beings. “We are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha today with the unparalleled glory of complete submission to Almighty Allah and the ideals of equality, harmony and sacrifice in Islam,” he said. Highlighting the significance of the festival, Shahabuddin said the teachings of Eid inspire people to strengthen fraternity, selflessness, mutual respect and social solidarity. The President also said Eid-ul-Azha plays an important role in meeting the nutritional needs of underprivileged people in society while contributing significantly to the development of the livestock sector and the country’s overall economy. Calling upon affluent members of society, he urged them to share the joy of Eid with the poor, orphans, deprived relatives and neighbours. “I call upon the well-off and affluent people of society to sincerely share the joy of Qurbani with deprived and poor people, orphans, needy relatives and neighbours,” he said, adding that everyone should come forward to ensure the rights of the underprivileged and dedicate themselves to the welfare of humanity. The President also made a special appeal to citizens to cooperate with the authorities in the quick and proper disposal of sacrificial waste to maintain environmental cleanliness and protect public health. He urged people to embrace the spirit of unity over division, compassion over violence, justice over selfishness and equality over discrimination to build a humane, democratic, non-communal and prosperous Bangladesh. “Let the glorious message of holy Eid-ul-Azha further strengthen the bonds of humanity and bring peace, harmony and prosperity to all,” the President said. Earlier, President Shahabuddin offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the country’s main congregation at the National Eidgah on Thursday morning. People from different classes, professions and age groups gathered at the National Eidgah on the Supreme Court premises and took part in the prayers with raised hands.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has returned home after completion of his follow-up treatment and health examinations in London. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the President landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:50am, said his press secretary Sarwar Alam. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, British High Commission Counsellor Alison J Cross, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office and the President’s Office received the President at the airport. Following doctors’ advice, President Shahabuddin left for London on May 9 for follow-up treatment and medical examinations. On May 12, an angiogram was conducted under the supervision of interventional cardiologist Dr. Stephen Hoole at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.  During the procedure, a serious blockage was detected in his heart, prompting immediate angioplasty and the successful placement of a stent. The President’s physical condition is currently stable and satisfactory, according to officials. Earlier, in October 2023, the President underwent cardiac bypass surgery in Singapore. During the visit, the President also held an informal courtesy meeting with Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris at the Hilton London.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to leave for the United Kingdom on Saturday for follow-up treatment and medical check-ups. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the President is scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London in the morning, said Bangabhaban sources. Family members, personal physicians and staff nurses, and relevant officials and employees of Bangabhaban will accompany the President during the visit. Shahabuddin underwent cardiac bypass surgery in Singapore in October 2023. As part of the post-operative follow-up, necessary health examinations will be conducted at a specialised hospital in the UK, as advised by physicians. He is expected to return home on May 18.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the main congregation at the National Eidgah at 8:30am. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam shared the information with reporters after visiting the venue to inspect preparations. “This year’s Eid congregation at the National Eidgah will be special. The President will offer prayers here and after a long time, both the President and the Prime Minister will join the same congregation,” he said. He said it will be the first Eid-ul-Fitr following the formation of the current government through a general election, making the occasion more significant. The main Eid congregation is being organised by Dhaka City Corporation. Mir Shahe Alam, along with Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, visited the venue to review preparations. Home Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury and Acting Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Md Sarwar were also present during the inspection. Main congregation at 8:30am Briefing reporters, Dhaka City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam said the main congregation will begin at 8:30am at the National Eidgah. “I am happy to say that the Prime Minister will offer prayers here. We also expect cabinet members and senior officials to join,” he said. Salam said the Eidgah can accommodate around 35,000 devotees, with separate arrangements for women. He said adequate facilities for ablution and other necessities have been ensured for both men and women. The administrator urged city residents to join the main congregation at the National Eidgah. Replying to a question, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said up to 40,000 people, including men and women, will be able to offer prayers at the venue. Eidgah gets festive look The Eidgah ground has been cleaned and decorated for the occasion. An arch at the main entrance carries the message: “After the fasting of Ramadan comes the joyous Eid. Eid Mubarak.” The ground has been covered with tarpaulin and carpets have been laid. Fans, lighting and backup power supply have been arranged. Separate ablution facilities, safe drinking water, medical services, and fire service support will be available at the venue. There are two main entry points, along with a separate gate through the Supreme Court premises for VVIPs. Separate entry and prayer arrangements have also been made for women.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday said sustainable development cannot be achieved without the political and economic empowerment of people and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring democratic rights in all aspects of state governance. Addressing Parliament, the President said the government, despite inheriting a fragile economic situation, is moving forward with determination to build a just, humane, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh. He acknowledged that the newly formed government faces major challenges, particularly in poverty alleviation, combating corruption and maintaining law and order. “The path ahead may be difficult, yet with genuine political will, no obstacle is insurmountable,” he said, urging all to work together with unity and a common purpose to build a secure Bangladesh for future generations. The President said the popular uprising of 2024 aimed to end fascism and establish a democratic state founded on justice and accountability where the government remains answerable to people through their direct vote. As part of rebuilding state institutions following the fall of the previous regime, the government formed 11 reform commissions to carry out reforms in sectors of critical national importance, he said. He noted that the government presented its electoral manifesto to the people under the slogan “We Will Work, and Will Build the Country Together, Bangladesh Before All,” placing priority on three key principles—democracy, accountability and good governance. However, he said the successful implementation of the government’s plans depends largely on firm control of corruption and improvement in law and order. Highlighting past initiatives to combat corruption, the President referred to the steps taken by the government led by Khaleda Zia, including the enactment of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 aimed at strengthening institutional mechanisms to prevent corruption. He said suppressing corruption and maintaining law and order will remain among the government’s top priorities. In formulating the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the 2025–26 fiscal year, the government has given priority to sustaining economic growth, reducing unemployment, creating jobs, alleviating poverty, advancing agriculture and industry, developing human resources and improving the quality of life of people, the President said. He said the government is also committed to democratising the economy by dismantling oligarchic structures and ensuring greater participation of citizens. “Our central objective is to transform a debt-dependent economy into one driven by investment,” he said, adding that the government has set a target of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Recalling the July–August 2024 mass uprising, the President said it will remain a defining chapter in the country’s democratic history. He said the movement, which began as a quota reform protest, gradually evolved into a broader national movement against authoritarianism. Students, farmers, workers, teachers, journalists, intellectuals, members of the diaspora and people from all walks of life joined the movement alongside pro-democracy political parties, he said. Their collective struggle ultimately led to the fall of the then government on August 5, 2024, he added. The President paid tribute to those who lost their lives and were injured during the uprising, noting that more than 1,000 people were killed and at least 30,000 others injured, many of whom suffered permanent disabilities. He also remembered the sacrifices of citizens who endured enforced disappearances, killings, extrajudicial executions and repression during years of authoritarian rule. The government remains committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the martyrs of the 2024 uprising as well as those who sacrificed their lives in the country’s democratic struggles, including the Bangladesh Liberation War, the President said. Shahabuddin said public confidence in the country’s constitutional institutions, particularly the Bangladesh Election Commission, had fallen to a near-zero level during what he described as 'a fascist regime', in reference to the fallen AL government that elected him as president. He went on to note that the situation has begun to improve following the Thirteenth National Election. Addressing Parliament, the President said the present government is committed to ensuring that future electoral processes further strengthen people’s trust in the Election Commission. He said the government will take necessary steps so that national institutions, including the Election Commission, can perform their responsibilities independently and strictly in accordance with the law. However, the President expressed optimism that with strong political will those challenges can be overcome. He emphasised the need for unity and collective efforts, saying that the nation must always come before party interests and the party must come before individual interests.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar to mark International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar exactly at 11:59pm on Friday and placed a wreath as the clock struck 12:01am. Dhaka University's vice chancellor and other university officials met and greeted the president.

A delegation of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Pay Commission met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday. Shabbir Ahmed Akunjee, Private Secretary to the Public Division Secretary at the President’s Office, shared the information with the media. Justice S M Emdadul Hoque, Chairman of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Pay Commission and a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court led the delegation. Read More: President Mohammed Shahabuddin returns home from Singapore During the meeting, the commission submitted its report to the President which includes recommendations on salaries, allowances, and other benefits for members of the Judicial Service. Senior officials of the President’s Office were present at the meeting.

Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury on Sunday (December 28, 2025) took oath as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at Bangabhaban at 10:30am on Sunday. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, among others, attended the oath-takig ceremony. Earlier, on December 23, President Shahabuddin appointed him as the new Chief Justice. On Saturday, Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed retired from his post.  Read more: 'No law can safeguard freedom if minds are corrupted': Chief Justice in farewell address Born on May 18, 1961, Justice Zubayer is the son of the late AFM Abdur Rahman Chowdhury, who also served as a judge of the Supreme Court. Obtaining LLB (Honours) and LLM degrees from the University of Dhaka, he did a master’s degree from the United Kingdom on international law. He started his career as a lawyer in the district judges’ court in 1985 and at the High Court (HC) in 1987. On August 27, 2003, he was appointed as an additional judge of the HC Division, with his position made permanent two years later. Read more: Justice Zubayer Rahman made Bangladesh's new Chief Justice President Shahabuddin appointed him as a justice of the Appellate Division on August 12, 2024, and he took oath the following day, on August 13.