United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said the government’s mission is to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub and a gateway to the region, with electronics, pharmaceuticals, light engineering and green industries driving the country’s next phase of economic growth. Speaking at the signing ceremony of a US$1 billion financing agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the modernisation and expansion of Eastern Refinery Limited, he also said this deal is more than a financial transaction, calling it a “statement of confidence” in Bangladesh. “Garments built our first growth story. Now we want electronics, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, and green industry to build the next one. We want factories that create jobs and dignity,” Tarique said. He said the Eastern Refinery project is not merely an investment in the energy sector but an investment in Bangladesh’s energy security, economic resilience and long-term capacity to grow. Tarique said Bangladesh has a new government and a new direction, with a target of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. “This is not a slogan. It is a plan. We intend to double the size of our economy this decade through exports, investment, and financial discipline,” Tarique said. He said the government has also launched the Family Card and Farmers Card and is processing the Health Card to provide direct support to citizens.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to remain vigilant against rumours and attempts to provoke people through social media, saying that no communal provocation or hatred should be allowed to create instability in society. “Some people are spreading rumours in various ways to destabilise the country. Some are trying to incite people through social media,” he said while exchanging greetings with the Hindu community members marking Janmashtami at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Tarique assured that his government is committed to ensuring the security of every citizen, regardless of caste or creed. Janmashtami, one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community commemorating the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, will be celebrated across the country on Friday with due religious fervour and gaiety. Wishing the Hindu community on Janmashtami, the Prime Minister said that Bangladesh belongs to everyone and all citizens here enjoy equal rights. He said every citizen has the constitutional right to live according to their own religious beliefs and culture, stressing that the government and BNP believe that while religion is personal, the state belongs to everyone. “Religion is individual, but everyone has the right to security,” the Prime Minister said. He called upon all to further strengthen religious harmony, tolerance, mutual respect and the bonds of goodwill and communal harmony. “On the occasion of Janmashtami, I call upon everyone to strengthen further the bonds of religious harmony, tolerance, mutual respect and goodwill and harmony,” he said. Tarique also wished the Hindu community peace, comfort and security in celebrating all their religious festivals, and extended advance greetings for Durga Puja. “Following the Janmashtami festival, the religious and social festival of Durga Puja is ahead of you. Celebrate all the festivals peacefully, comfortably and safely. I once again extend my greetings on Janmashtami as well as advance greetings for Durga Puja,” he said. The Prime Minister said the presence of people of different religions and beliefs in a state and society is the beauty of a diverse society. The Prime Minister said people in Bangladesh had traditionally lived together with mutual respect, goodwill and harmony while practising their respective religions and cultures. However, at different times, he said people with the character of Kamsa, the tyrannical and wicked king of Mathura ,have tried to create and prolong divisions and conflicts in the state and society. Tarique called upon the country’s all citizens to remain alert so that anti-social forces could not raise their heads again or disrupt the existing environment of communal harmony. He said maintaining mutual goodwill and harmony in society is the responsibility of every citizen. Referring to the story of Lord Krishna, Tarique said Krishna was born in Mathura about 5,500 years ago when the city was ruled by the cruel and authoritarian King Kamsa. According to Hindu belief, Krishna's mission included the destruction of evil and protection of the righteous, he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s sustainable progress and development can be ensured through an effective and strong democratic system. “We believe that sustainable progress and development of the country can be ensured through an effective and strong democratic system,” he said during a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary Anda Filip at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh restored democracy after a long struggle and expressed optimism about strengthening the democratic system further, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin. “We are very happy that after a long struggle, we have been able to restore democracy in the country. We have struggled for democracy for a long time,” he said. The Prime Minister said many leaders and activists of his party were subjected to enforced disappearances and killings during the struggle for democracy while around 40 lakh party leaders and activists faced false cases. “Finally, through the February 12 election, we were able to pave the way for democratic practice in the country,” he said. Tarique said BNP restored not only multiparty democracy but also parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. “There are still some challenges ahead of us. But we are optimistic and firmly committed to democracy. People’s expectations from democracy are very high,” he said. The Prime Minister said his government is working to protect the constitutional rights of every citizen and ensure necessary services for people. Anda Filip praised Tarique’s leadership and his regular participation in parliamentary sessions, saying it sends a strong message of his commitment to parliamentary democracy. The IPU secretary said she had read BNP’s election manifesto and praised its initiatives in the education sector and community-based programmes. She also praised Bangladesh’s progress in parliamentary democracy, saying continued progress in this area would further strengthen public confidence in state institutions and the democratic system. Anda said the IPU is interested in further strengthening cooperation and exchanging experiences with the Bangladesh Parliament. She hoped the participation of the Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament in the 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania would further strengthen relations between the IPU and Bangladesh Parliament.

A meeting of the Cabinet began at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The meeting started around 5:30pm at the Cabinet Room of the Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. Ministers and senior officials concerned are attending the meeting. A number of important policy and administrative issues are expected to be discussed at the meeting. A press briefing on the decisions taken at the meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm in the Press Information Department conference room.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday directed the authorities to launch a pilot project in several districts as part of the government’s plan to introduce a National e-Health Platform to bring the country’s healthcare system under an integrated digital framework. The directive came at a meeting on integrated information technology systems in the health sector at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by the Prime Minister. The meeting discussed the proposed structure, management system and potential applications of the National e-Health Platform in healthcare, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said. Initially, the platform will be tested in several districts to assess its effectiveness, potential challenges, costs and feasibility. The government plans to expand the platform gradually after reviewing the experience and results of the pilot project. The Prime Minister instructed the authorities to ensure effective use of information technology in healthcare so that ordinary people can easily benefit from the system and access medical services more conveniently. He stressed ensuring secure storage of patients’ health information and making necessary data readily accessible to relevant doctors and healthcare institutions when required. Tarique Rahman also emphasised data security and privacy, while directing that the platform be user-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable in the long term. He instructed the authorities to properly evaluate the pilot project’s results before taking further steps. Engineer Zakaria Swapan made a presentation on different aspects of the proposed National e-Health Platform at the meeting. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister Dr MA Muhit, Prime Minister’s Special Assistants Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder and Dr Shakirul Islam Khan, Health Services Division Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, ICT Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for widening Bangladesh’s tax net rather than burdening existing taxpayers, stressing that a modern, digital data-driven and people-friendly revenue administration is essential for sustainable revenue growth. Addressing the Revenue Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital, he also said the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains low compared to its potential, while the tax base is still relatively narrow and a limited number of regular taxpayers bear much of the burden. “Repeatedly increasing the tax burden on the same taxpayers is not a sustainable policy for increasing revenue,” the Prime Minister said, stressing the need to identify people capable of paying taxes and bring them under the tax net through appropriate measures. For this purpose, he said, there is no alternative to building a modern, digital and data-based tax administration. Tarique Rahman said the government wants to transform the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the country’s overall revenue structure into a people-friendly system where taxpayers will not fear the institution but trust it. “After the period of fascism, it is now time for us to turn around — in other words, it is time for Bangladesh to turn around. The people of the country expect the NBR to be a reliable and trustworthy institution. Taxpayers, in particular, want to see the NBR as an institution they can trust,” he said. The Prime Minister said it is possible to earn public confidence through efficient and sustainable revenue management.  “You must take the necessary steps to meet the expectations of taxpayers. The present government wants to transform the NBR and the overall revenue structure into a people-friendly system.” He also called for building a “strong revenue system” in the country in the interest of a prosperous Bangladesh. “We all need patriotism and sincerity. Let us work together to build a strong revenue system…I wish success to this revenue conference with the expectation of a more prosperous, more investment-friendly and more business-friendly revenue management system,” Tarique Rahman said. Expressing his expectations from revenue officials, he said the country’s revenue collection showed a positive trend from the middle of February to the end of June. “I want to speak of a hope, a possibility and an expectation. Revenue collection remained positive from the middle of February until the end of June,” the Prime Minister said. “This proves that you can do it. You are the ones who can do it, and you certainly will be able to do it, Insha-Allah,” he said. The Revenue Conference-2026 was jointly organised by the Internal Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance and the NBR. At the conference, officials from the income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and customs wings presented their respective action plans. A presentation was also made on revenue and tax management. Customs and tax officials from the field level shared their experiences and challenges and placed their views on addressing the problems they face in revenue collection and tax administration. The Prime Minister listened attentively to their views and gave necessary directives. He said the success of the NBR’s activities is closely linked to the government’s ability to formulate and implement development plans. “This is why I do not see today’s conference as an ordinary conference,” Tarique Rahman said, expressing hope that it will provide direction for greater success in the future. He said Bangladesh has inherited a fragile economy and that, like other state institutions, the revenue administration has also been affected by the legacy of the past. Ignoring NBR rules and policies, favouring individuals or groups for personal or political interests, showing hostility towards others and arbitrary practices in revenue collection have raised questions about the institution and contributed to a loss of public confidence, the Prime Minister said. He said the time has now come for Bangladesh to rebuild and move forward. Tarique Rahman said the objective of a modern tax system should not be limited to collecting more revenue but should also focus on encouraging a larger number of people to pay taxes voluntarily. He said regular taxpayers should be respected by the state, while those who deliberately avoid paying taxes should be brought into the system and encouraged to comply. The tax administration and tax payment process, the Prime Minister said, must be simplified and freed from corruption and harassment so that people feel comfortable paying taxes voluntarily. He also stressed the need to strengthen trust between taxpayers and the revenue administration. “Customs, VAT or tax collection is not only a matter of enforcement,” Tarique Rahman said, adding that revenue mobilisation becomes easier when taxpayers have confidence in the system. He said rapid changes in the global economy, technological advancement and evolving patterns of international trade and business have created new opportunities as well as challenges for revenue administration. The Prime Minister said revenue officials now need to acquire multidimensional skills and have clear knowledge of areas such as the digital economy, e-commerce, transfer pricing, international taxation, trade finance, financial crime, money laundering and artificial intelligence. He said the NBR must adapt to these changes to effectively address the challenges and opportunities of the changing global economy. Tarique Rahman also said VAT is an important source of revenue in a modern economy, but its effectiveness depends on proper implementation. He urged the authorities to ensure that complexities in VAT administration do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade and business. Referring to a “regrettable incident” involving the department during the tenure of the interim government, the Prime Minister called on all concerned to avoid any form of disorder and work together to resolve problems through discussion. He said the government wants to move forward by taking everyone along and values the contribution of every individual to nation-building. “We want those who are working in government to be able to work safely and comfortably for building the country,” Tarique Rahman said. The government will take necessary measures, if required, to ensure a stable and comfortable working environment and prevent such incidents in the future, he added. Later, the Prime Minister visited various stalls showcasing revenue collection activities, tax administration and initiatives to expand the tax base. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, among others, addressed the programme.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the Revenue Conference 2026, the second such event in the country, aimed at strengthening revenue collection and expanding the tax net. The conference is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital and was organised by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The Prime Minister inaugurated the conference and later visited various stalls showcasing revenue collection activities, tax administration and initiatives to expand the tax base. A video documentary titled “We Will Pay Taxes and Build the Country” was screened at the opening session. The programme was chaired by acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, who also moderated an exchange of views between the Prime Minister and officials from different departments. During the discussion, officials shared their experiences and the challenges they face in revenue collection. Taking part in the discussion, Tarique Rahman called on NBR officials to put past differences behind them and work together with honesty, efficiency and dedication for the country’s progress. He stated that the government aims to move forward through collective efforts and is committed to creating an environment that fosters honest and capable officials to contribute more effectively. Acknowledging the challenges and needs of NBR officials, the Prime Minister said the government will give due consideration to their legitimate demands while also ensuring the prudent use of taxpayers’ money. He urged all concerned to properly perform their respective duties and work together to bring about positive change in the country. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, among others, addressed the programme. The conference is the second of its kind in Bangladesh. The NBR first organised a revenue conference in 2023, featuring seminars on income tax, value-added tax and customs, information booths and a revenue museum highlighting the history of the country’s revenue administration.   This year’s event is aimed at presenting the NBR’s activities, revenue collection procedures and reform initiatives to taxpayers and businesses, while also focusing on improving transparency and accountability in the revenue system. Officials said the conference will provide an opportunity to discuss strategies for increasing revenue mobilisation and broadening the tax net. Separate divisions dealing with income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and customs are expected to present their respective work plans and priorities. About 1,500 guests participated in the conference, including senior government officials and representatives from the economic, revenue and trade sectors, as well as experts. The event also marked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first direct engagement with NBR officials during his tenure, providing him an opportunity to learn about the revenue authority’s field-level operations, processes and challenges, according to officials.

An inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday decided to formulate guidelines for using vetiver grass, locally known as binna grass, to help prevent erosion of roads and embankments. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. During the meeting, Dr Mohammad Shariful Islam, a teacher and researcher at the Department of Civil Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), presented a proposal on the use of vetiver grass. The meeting discussed the benefits of vetiver grass and its potential use in road and embankment construction projects across the country. It also decided to form a technical committee, headed by Prime Minister’s Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, to conduct a detailed review and identify projects where vetiver grass could be used. Dr Mohammad Shariful Islam will be a member of the committee. The meeting further decided to formulate guidelines on the use of vetiver grass in coordination with the Ministry of Planning. Vetiver grass, also known as binna grass, is used in various countries to protect embankments from erosion. Its long, deep roots help bind soil and strengthen slopes, according to the proposal presented at the meeting. The grass can withstand a range of harsh environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, and is known for its tolerance to waterlogging and salinity.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured foreign investors interested in investing in Bangladesh of all necessary support from his government. “Bangladesh currently has a favourable environment for investment,” he said when a delegation of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) paid a courtesy call on him at the meeting room of the Cabinet Division at Bangladesh Secretariat. An eight-member AmCham delegation, led by its President and Mastercard Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal, attended the meeting.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday welcomed greater private-sector partnership in Bangladesh’s digital financial services and technology sectors as Visa expressed interest in expanding its investment and business operations in the country. Visa Asia-Pacific President Stephen Karpin paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat where they discussed investment, digital payments, technology and innovation.