United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said time has come to move beyond protests and instead focus on rebuilding Bangladesh, while assuring people that his government is working relentlessly to resolve the ongoing gas and electricity crisis through both immediate and long-term measures. Speaking at a discussion marking the 2nd anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, he called on people to remain vigilant against conspiracies aimed at derailing the country's rebuilding efforts and reaffirmed his government's commitment to fulfilling the aspirations for which people had struggled and sacrificed. "There have been movements, struggles, discussions and debates. Now is the time to rebuild the country and move it forward. We must patiently and calmly remain alert to those who want to create conspiracies and make the people aware of such attempts," Tarique Rahman said. The BNP organised the discussion titled "Seventeen Years of Relentless Struggle for Democracy and the Blood-soaked July Awakening" at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair. The Prime Minister said the success of the July uprising belongs to the people of Bangladesh, not to any individual or political party. He said the government will gradually implement the plans it had placed before the people for rebuilding the country. "The people now want us to deliver on our promises. They want peace on the streets, education for their children, healthcare, security and employment or business opportunities according to their abilities. This is what the people expect," he said. Tarique Rahman said people also want to be able to exercise their political rights at the proper time. "We have seen many things in newspapers over the past few days. I do not think any citizen who believes in democracy wants such things to happen in the country. Let us devote ourselves to fulfilling the aspirations of the people," he said. The Prime Minister said various attempts were made to mislead people about the July movement. “We have made our position absolutely clear from the very beginning – the credit for the success of the July movement belongs to the people of this country from all walks of life. It is not the credit of any individual or any single political party,” he said. Recalling the movement, Tarique Rahman said people from all walks of life had united for change, making the movement successful. He said BNP and other democratic political parties remained on the streets throughout the past 17 years and never abandoned the people during the struggle against what he described as an authoritarian regime. "The July-August movement succeeded because the people wanted change. Just as Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 because the people wanted an independent and sovereign country, the July uprising succeeded because the people stood together," the Prime Minister said. He said the ultimate goal of every democratic movement in the country's history, from the Liberation War to the July uprising, had been to establish the people's political and economic rights. Tarique Rahman said those rights include the freedom to speak, express opinions and elect representatives through a free and fair voting process, alongside ensuring employment opportunities and economic security for citizens. He said BNP had first placed its reform proposals before the nation under the leadership of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, which later evolved into the party's 31-point state reform agenda following consultations with other political parties. The Prime Minister said the people endorsed the reform proposals by giving BNP a mandate in the last election. "This is no longer BNP's 31-point agenda. It has become the people's 31-point agenda," he said. He acknowledged the hardships people are facing due to ongoing gas and electricity shortages, saying the government is not trying to make excuses but is working continuously to resolve the problems through both immediate and long-term measures. Tarique Rahman also detailed a series of initiatives to increase gas supply and restore electricity generation disrupted by years of neglect in the sector. "We are not trying to evade our responsibility by making excuses. The problems exist. We know that, and we want to address them," he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged that people across the country are facing hardships due to shortages of gas, electricity and fuel, saying the crisis has affected households and industries because of the country's battered economy and years of mismanagement in the energy sector. He said rebuilding a sector that had been "devastated by years of looting" will naturally take time. Tarique Rahman alleged that the previous "fascist" government had treated the energy sector as a means of plundering, leaving it in a fragile state after years of corruption and mismanagement. Despite the challenges, he said, the government is making every effort, using its experience and expert advice, to bring the country out of the crisis. The Prime Minister said discussions have already begun with neighbouring Myanmar to import natural gas to help ease the shortage. He also said Bangladesh is in talks with Malaysia's state-owned energy company Petronas to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) through a container-based transportation system. Recalling his recent visit to Malaysia, Tarique Rahman said he discussed the issue with Petronas and recently spoke directly with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim seeking cooperation. He said Petronas held a virtual meeting with Bangladeshi officials on Monday evening and discussions have progressed well. Although the company already has a long-term commitment with Japan, it is trying to arrange LNG supplies for Bangladesh by October, the Prime Minister said. "If we can ensure gas supply to our industries, it will significantly improve the situation," he said. He said the government is also trying to arrange gas supplies for around eight power plants that are currently unable to operate because of fuel shortages. "If gas can be supplied to those plants, about 4,000 megawatts of electricity can be added to the national grid within three to four hours," Tarique Rahman said, describing the current problems as the result of years of neglect and poor planning. He aleged that the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX), responsible for exploring the country's oil and gas resources, had been virtually paralysed over the past 17 years, with exploration work left largely to foreign companies. To reverse the situation, the Prime Minister said the government has already decided to procure two drilling rigs for BAPEX so it can accelerate exploration in areas with potential gas and oil reserves. The exploration process is already underway and, although it will take some time, he expressed hope that the country will see positive results in the near future. Tarique Rahman said ensuring uninterrupted supplies of electricity and gas is among the expectations of people who struggled and sacrificed for the country over the years, including those who took part in the Liberation War, democratic movements and the July uprising. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring stability in the energy sector and reducing people's suffering through sustained reforms and investment. The Prime Minister said the government inherited a fragile economy, a weakened healthcare system, a divided administration and a severely damaged education sector after assuming office. He said the situation became even more difficult with the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East shortly after the new government took office. Tarique Rahman also stressed the need to invest in young people through sports, education, science and cultural activities to keep them away from drugs and other harmful activities. He said creating opportunities for the younger generation to develop their talents will be more effective than relying only on law enforcement or treatment programmes. Calling on party leaders and activists to focus on serving the people rather than seeking personal gains, the Prime Minister said the government's priority is to deliver on its commitments and fulfil the aspirations of the people. He also assured continued support for those injured and affected during the July movement, saying the government will provide treatment, rehabilitation and employment opportunities within its capacity. Tarique Rahman concluded by paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Liberation War, democratic movements over the years and the July uprising, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.      

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged people to remain vigilant against those conspiring to undermine the country's rebuilding efforts, saying the time has come to move beyond protests and focus on fulfilling people's aspirations. Speaking at a discussion marking the 2nd anniversary of the July Revolution, he also said the success of the July uprising belongs to the people of Bangladesh, not to any individual or political party, as he reaffirmed his government's commitment to rebuilding the country and protecting the democratic rights for which people had fought and sacrificed. "There have been movements, struggles, discussions and debates. Now is the time to rebuild the country and move it forward. We must patiently and calmly remain alert to those who want to create conspiracies and make the people aware of such attempts," Tarique Rahman said. BNP organised the discussion titled "Seventeen Years of Relentless Struggle for Democracy and the Blood-soaked July Awakening" at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital. The event was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The Prime Minister said the government will gradually implement the plans it had placed before the people for rebuilding the country. "The people now want us to deliver on our promises. They want peace on the streets, education for their children, healthcare, security and employment or business opportunities according to their abilities. This is what the people expect," he said. Tarique Rahman said people also want to be able to exercise their political rights at the proper time. "We have seen many things in newspapers over the past few days. I do not think any citizen who believes in democracy wants such things to happen in the country. Let us devote ourselves to fulfilling the aspirations of the people," he said. The Prime Minister said various attempts were made to mislead people about the July movement. “We have made our position absolutely clear from the very beginning – the credit for the success of the July movement belongs to the people of this country from all walks of life. It is not the credit of any individual or any single political party,” he said. Recalling the movement, Tarique Rahman said people from all walks of life had united for change, making the movement successful. He said BNP and other democratic political parties remained on the streets throughout the past 17 years and never abandoned the people during the struggle against what he described as an authoritarian regime. "The July-August movement succeeded because the people wanted change. Just as Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 because the people wanted an independent and sovereign country, the July uprising succeeded because the people stood together," the Prime Minister said. He said the ultimate goal of every democratic movement in the country's history, from the Liberation War to the July uprising, had been to establish the people's political and economic rights. Tarique Rahman said those rights include the freedom to speak, express opinions and elect representatives through a free and fair voting process, alongside ensuring employment opportunities and economic security for citizens. He said BNP had first placed its reform proposals before the nation under the leadership of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, which later evolved into the party's 31-point state reform agenda following consultations with other political parties. The Prime Minister said the people endorsed the reform proposals by giving BNP a mandate in the last election. "This is no longer BNP's 31-point agenda. It has become the people's 31-point agenda," he said. He said the government inherited a fragile economy, a weakened healthcare system, a divided administration and a severely damaged education sector after assuming office. Tarique Rahman said the situation became even more difficult with the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East shortly after the new government took office. Acknowledging public suffering over gas and electricity shortages, he said the government is working continuously to overcome the crisis. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has already started discussions with Myanmar on gas imports and is also negotiating with Malaysia's state-owned energy company Petronas to secure liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. He said Petronas has indicated it is trying to begin supplying LNG to Bangladesh by October despite its existing commitments. Tarique Rahman said the government is also working to supply gas to several power plants, which could quickly add around 4,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. He accused the previous government of neglecting the country's energy sector and weakening state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) by relying heavily on foreign companies instead of expanding domestic exploration. The Prime Minister said his government has already taken steps to strengthen BAPEX by procuring two drilling rigs to boost gas exploration inside the country. He also stressed the need to invest in young people through sports, education, science and cultural activities to keep them away from drugs and other harmful activities. Tarique Rahman said creating opportunities for the younger generation to develop their talents will be more effective than relying only on law enforcement or treatment programmes. Calling on party leaders and activists to focus on serving the people rather than seeking personal gains, he said the government's priority is to deliver on its commitments and fulfil the aspirations of the people. "The people have entrusted us with this responsibility. Our duty now is to deliver, rebuild the country and ensure peace, education, healthcare, employment, security and democratic rights for every citizen," the Prime Minister said. He also assured continued support for those injured and affected during the July movement, saying the government will provide treatment, rehabilitation and employment opportunities within its capacity. Tarique Rahman concluded by paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Liberation War, democratic movements over the years and the July uprising, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday said his government will not be deterred by any obstacle in its efforts to rebuild Bangladesh as long as it enjoys the support of the people. "We want to rebuild this country and take it forward. I always say that the source of the BNP's political strength is the people. As long as the people stand by the BNP, the government will not be deterred by any obstacle," he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks during an interaction with women Family Card beneficiaries at Batajor in Gournadi upazila of Barishal. He said the BNP government will continue to move the country forward with the people. "I seek support from people across Bangladesh, regardless of political affiliation, profession or religion, to rebuild the country and take it forward," he said. During the programme, Tarique Rahman invited several Family Card beneficiaries to share their experiences. One beneficiary, Parul Akter, said the card has brought positive changes to her family. "I have benefited greatly from receiving this card. It has helped ease my family's financial hardship," she said, expressing hope that the government will continue such support. Another beneficiary said the monthly support has helped her manage household expenses, buy medicines, continue her children's education and meet other essential needs. Referring to the beneficiaries' remarks, the Prime Minister said he was encouraged to hear that the programme has already made a difference in their lives. "Today we heard from our sisters that the Family Card has, at least to some extent, helped them manage their households better. That is our goal. We want our mothers to live a little better and the people of the country to enjoy a better life," he said. Tarique Rahman said the government's aim is to gradually extend the Family Card programme to every eligible woman across the country. He sought public support to expand the government's Family Card programme across the country as it has already started easing the hardships of low-income families and empowering women. "If the people, especially the women of this country, stand by the BNP government, we will gradually be able to extend the Family Card programme across Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said. He expressed confidence that the programme will bring significant social change by improving women's access to education and strengthening their economic position. Tarique Rahman also reiterated the government's commitment to building an inclusive society. "We want to move forward together in peace with people of all religions. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have lived together peacefully in this country for centuries. We want to preserve that tradition and rebuild the country without discrimination, treating everyone with humanity," he said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and local leaders were present at the programme. After the event, the Prime Minister left for Barishal city, where he is scheduled to inaugurate a tree plantation programme on the bank of the Sagardi Canal near the Thirty Godown Memorial in the City Corporation area.

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said she hopes to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh and understand the country better by connecting directly with people. She made the remarks in a personal Facebook post in which she shared reflections on her family, roots and journey ahead of her return to Bangladesh. In the post, Zaima recalled her childhood memories with her grandmother, fondly calling her ‘Dadu’, and described Khaleda Zia as a caring and proud family figure despite carrying the responsibilities of leading the nation. “One of my most cherished memories of my Dadu captures her fiercely loving and loyal matriarchal role in our family. When I was around eleven, our high school team won a football tournament. My mother took me straight to Dadu’s office so that I could show her my medal and tell her about it myself. As I animatedly recounted my goalkeeping ‘heroics’, I was keenly aware of how attentive and proud she was. So much so that she would share that childhood story with others,” Zaima said. Read more: Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes She wrote that while millions knew Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister, to her and her cousins she was first a loving grandmother who always made time for her family and celebrated their small achievements. Zaima said those moments became her first lessons in leadership, humility, sincerity and the importance of listening to others. 'Seventeen years away from Bangladesh have been transformative, but I never forgot to tend to and cultivate my roots. Why? Because we are shaped by what we anchor ourselves to our culture, community, and identity. Like many second and third generation Bangladeshis abroad, I have lived in more than one world. London grounded me and gave me a global perspective, but Bangladesh always remained my focus," she said. Zaima also shared her experience of studying and practising law, saying that working closely with people taught her empathy, integrity and the importance of understanding others, especially those who feel unheard by the justice system. Tarique’s only daughter said she never met her grandfather and late President Ziaur Rahman but grew up learning about his integrity and patriotism, which she said had been carried forward by her grandmother and father. Read more: Those opposed to election also stoking violence, instability: Amir Khosru Referring to the mass uprising and the period following August 5, she said she mostly remained in the background, offering support where she could and trying to ease the burden on her family through small but meaningful actions. Expressing her feelings about returning home, Zaima said she wants to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the current campaign period. "I hope to give back to my country in whatever ways I can. I want to see Bangladesh be rebuilt and thrive, as it should. I want to rediscover my homeland through my own eyes and lived experiences, to connect with people face to face, because that is the sincerest way to understand another’s perspective, just as I have been taught. Acknowledging public curiosity and expectations surrounding her family, Zaima said she feels that weight herself but sees it as part of her personal journey. “So, this is my journey, told in my own way,” she wrote, adding that if it resonates with others, she hopes they can walk that journey together. Read more: Attacks on institutions threaten restoration of democracy: Rizvi Zaima is scheduled to return to Bangladesh with her father Tarique Rahman on Thursday (December 25), ending their 17-year exile abroad, as they have been living in London since September 2008.