United News of Bangladesh

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.

Bangladesh Waqf Administrator Safiz Uddin Ahmed met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday morning. The meeting was held at his Cabinet Division office in the Secretariat, according to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), MP Shamim Kaiser Lincoln and Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad were present at the meeting. The Bangladesh Waqf Administration works on the management and welfare-oriented use of waqf properties across the country.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held a meeting with officials concerned to discuss the reopening of closed factories under the Textiles and Jute Ministry. The meeting was held in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. “The Prime Minister sat in a meeting with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute to discuss how closed factories can be reopened and to review their current condition,” he said. During a workers’ rally at Nayapaltan on May Day, the Prime Minister announced that closed factories would be reopened and employment opportunities for workers would be created, he added. “Detailed discussions on the issue were held at today’s meeting,” the press secretary said. Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, the Prime Minister’s Political and Industry Affairs Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, and Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority(BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, among others, were present. Officials concerned from the relevant ministries and agencies also attended the meeting. Various issues related to the reopening of the closed mills were discussed at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his government is committed to ensuring that people of all faiths can live in peace and security and enjoy equal rights, stressing that it does not want to use religion for political gain. “The current government does not want to do politics in the name of religion. We do not want to exploit religion for political interests, and we have not done so in the past either,” he said while exchanging greetings with leaders of the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The programme was held at the Public Administration Hall of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat around 10:00am. The Prime Minister said the government’s foremost responsibility and commitment is to build a state and society where every citizen can freely practise, observe and enjoy their respective religious beliefs, customs and rights without any obstruction. “The government is committed to ensuring an environment where every person, regardless of party affiliation, religion or caste, can live in peace and security,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the government’s guiding principle is that religion is a personal matter, but the right to security belongs to everyone. “Regardless of religion, ethnicity or belief – Bengali or non-Bengali, believer or non-believer – everyone will enjoy equal rights in all spheres, which remains the policy of the current government.” He also said the freedom fighters achieved the independence of Bangladesh with the aspiration of building a safe country for all, irrespective of religion or belief. The Prime Minister noted that Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians fought together and sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. “During the Liberation War, no one asked who belonged to which religion, or who was a believer or a non-believer. So, this independent Bangladesh belongs to you, to me, and to all of us.” He said one of the government’s political philosophies is “Bangladeshi nationalism”, which has repeatedly proven to be the most effective way of ensuring peaceful coexistence among people of all religions, ethnicities and communities. Tarique Rahman urged everyone not to consider themselves as minorities, adding that the identity of the state belongs equally to all citizens and that every citizen shares the common identity of being Bangladeshi. He said there are many religions in the world, each with a large number of followers. “Every religion guides people towards welfare and has its own set of rules and principles.” The Prime Minister said the great religious leader of Buddhism – Gautama Buddha – gave his followers the Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla) which include abstaining from killing living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. He also mentioned that love, non-violence, and compassion for all living beings are key teachings of Buddhism and these principles are important for every human being to follow. “I think alongside state laws, if every citizen properly follows the teachings of their respective religion, we can all together build a humane state and society,” Tarique Rahman said. He wished that the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima brings joy and significance to the Buddhist community. At the programme, he also extended his heartfelt greetings to Buddhists in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. On behalf of the Buddhist community, the leaders presented the Prime Minister with a commemorative crest and a replica of a statue of Gautama Buddha. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan and State Minister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Prime Minister’s Special Assistance on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, lawmaker from Bandarban Saching Prue, BNP-nominated MP candidate for reserved women’s seat from the hill region Madhabi Marma and BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council Member Dr Sukomal Barua, among others, were present at the programme

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government will provide assistance for the next three months to farmers affected by ongoing heavy rain in three haor districts and parts of Mymensingh. “We will try to support them (affected farmers) for the next three months,” he said while replying to a question from treasury bench MP Kalim Uddin Ahmed. The MP drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the worsening situation in his area, saying that continuous heavy rainfall has submerged haor areas, including Sunamganj. “Our farmers are struggling in the fields to harvest their paddy. I urge the government, especially the Honorable Prime Minister, to extend support.” In response, the Prime Minister said earlier in the morning, before the session began, he discussed the matter with the Disaster Management Minister. He said he instructed the minister to identify farmers in the three affected haor districts, as well as in some parts of Mymensingh who have suffered crop losses due to heavy rainfall so that assistance can be provided. He also noted that three days earlier, based on weather forecasts, he directed the local administration in the haor districts to make the necessary preparations to handle any situation arising from heavy downpours. The Prime Minister described the situation facing haor farmers and their losses as “painful”.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged the country’s people not to pamper those who are trying to create chaos and mislead people over the referendum and the July National Charter for their own political gains. “Some individuals and political parties are now trying to divert the referendum in a different direction and create confusion across the country,” he said while addressing a gathering on the bank of the historic Ulashi Canal after inaugurating its re-excavation work in Sharsha upazila of Jashore. The Prime Minister listed several government initiatives, including family cards for women, farmer cards, canal excavation, reopening of closed mills to create jobs for unemployed youth, expanding healthcare to rural areas and tree plantation drives. “We have seen that since independence, at different times, certain quarters have tried to create unrest, confusion and disorder in the country. Whenever BNP has taken programmes to improve people’s lives, we have seen how, in the name of movements, a 173-day hartal was enforced. Do you remember how those 173 days were used in an attempt to destroy the country’s economy?” he said. Tarique Rahman said the same ‘ghost’ has now possessed others again, urging people to remain alert against this quarter. “You must stay vigilant against those who want to divert the verdict of the referendum and present the July Charter in a misleading way to serve their own political interests,” he said. The Prime Minister warned that such elements were trying to create disorder in the country, which could obstruct the government’s development programmes and harm public welfare. “If they are pampered and they succeed in creating chaos, the programmes undertaken for the people’s welfare will be disrupted,” he said. Tarique Rahman stressed that people themselves must ensure that no one is allowed to undermine the nation’s progress. “If we remain united and alert, no one will be able to play with the destiny of Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister also recalled the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, saying people had already shown how they respond to attempts to ignore their will. “Just as the people gave a fitting reply on August 5, they will do so again in the future if anyone tries to play with their fate,” he added. Tarique Rahman also highlighted his government’s various development initiatives, expressing confidence that their successful implementation will bring meaningful changes to people’s lives across the country. “We, who follow Shaheed Zia and are soldiers of Begum Khaleda Zia, believe that this country is our first and last address. That is why we say – Bangladesh first, Bangladesh last,” he said. The Prime Minister reiterated that his government will gradually implement – word by word – the July Charter as signed by political parties at the South Plaza of Parliament. Using 40 crore hands to build the nation The Prime Minister called for mobilising the 40 crore hands of the country’s 20 crore people to build the nation. “Today, we must take a pledge. The 40 crore hands of 20 crore people cannot remain idle. These hands must be used to build the nation and change the fate of its people. Only then will the destiny of the people of this country change,” he said. Referring to the progress of different countries, Tarique Rahman said many nations have transformed their fortunes over the past 50 years. “We often talk about Singapore – its condition in 1971 was worse than ours. Just look where they are today, 50 years later. If they can do it, why can't we? Inshallah, we can. The people of this country can do it,” he said. Free education for girls up to degree level The Prime Minister also announced a plan to make education free for girls up to degree level. He said of Bangladesh’s nearly 20 crore population, half are women, and stressed the need to expand educational opportunities for them. Referring to past initiatives taken by his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman said education for girls had earlier been made free up to the school level during her first tenure and later extended to the intermediate level. “We want to take that programme further…we have decided that, Inshallah, girls’ education will be made free up to the degree level. Not only that, stipends will also be introduced for those who achieve good academic results,” he said. Inaugurating Ulashi Canal re-excavation work Earlier, the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the Ulashi Canal re-excavation project by digging soil with a spade and later planted trees along the bank of the canal. He said the canal had dried up due to siltation, encroachment and lack of maintenance, bringing no benefit to farmers or local residents. “Nearly 50 years ago, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman excavated this canal. If we can re-excavate about four kilometres of it, water will return to the area,” Tarique Rahman said. He said around 20,000 farmers will directly benefit from the project, with an estimated additional 1,400 tonnes of food grains to be produced. The Prime Minister also said about 72,000 people are expected to benefit overall if the canal is revived through re-excavation. He also announced the government’s plans to plant around 3,000 trees along both sides of the canal. “When there is water in the canal, local people benefit. Women, in particular, can earn extra income through duck rearing, which is now difficult due to a lack of water,” he added. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad and State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, among others, were present at the programme, with State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit in the chair.

A festive atmosphere has filled remote Ulashi village in Jashore's Sharsha upazila where residents have been eagerly waiting since morning for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Young and old alike have gathered along both banks of  Ulashi Canal. Many are carrying spades and traditional bamboo hats, while others are standing in rows along the roadside for a glimpse of the Prime Minister. Some people were seen waiting with marigold flowers to welcome the Prime Minister. Soon after arriving in Jashore, Tarique is set to begin his first programme of the day by inaugurating the re-excavation of Ulashi-Jadunathpur Canal. The nearly four-kilometre canal which connects with the Betna River was first excavated in 1976 under the initiative of former president Ziaur Rahman. Centenarian Barik Mondol, a resident of Ulashi, was present at the original canal excavation ceremony in 1976. He has come again today, recalling that historic occasion. "Ziaur Rahman arrived by helicopter and landed on the school field. He then walked to the canal, dug the soil himself with a spade and placed it in a basket," Barik said. "The President then lifted the basket onto the head of my brother, Karim Box Mondol, who was a union parishad member. He even wore my brother's traditional bamboo hat," he added. Barik also recalled the huge gathering that day. "Later, local people, along with members of different government agencies, joined the excavation work. Several hundred people worked voluntarily without any payment. They were given only bread and molasses for lunch. People joined the work simply out of their love for the President," he said. Octogenarian Shahdat Hossain also recalled that he had dug the canal alongside Ziaur Rahman 50 years ago. "I am here today to see Ziaur Rahman's son, Tarique Rahman, and witness the re-excavation of the canal, which has become almost dead," he said. Local shopkeeper Imran Ali said he had heard that Ziaur Rahman excavated the canal nearly five decades ago. "We're very happy that now his son is coming to re-excavate the canal. We're eagerly waiting to welcome the Prime Minister," he said. Local farmer Andur Rob said the canal has become almost useless due to years of neglect. "It has created serious irrigation problems. Re-excavation of the canal will greatly benefit the people of this area," he said. Rob said the villagers are overjoyed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is coming here to launch the project. The historic plaque marking Ziaur Rahman's inauguration of the project still stands at the site. It has been cleaned ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. Another plaque on the monument commemorates the formal inauguration of the project by President Ziaur Rahman on April 30, 1977.

The government has decided to distribute jute-made school bags and uniforms among students in primary educational institutions across the country in phases. The decision was taken at a meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Secretariat with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in chair, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “Today a meeting was held between the Prime Minister and the officials of ministries — Primary and Mass Education, Textiles and Jute, and Local Government. The meeting decided to provide jute-made bags and uniforms to students in two primary schools in each upazila. It will begin as a pilot project,” he said. Rumon said the initiative has been taken to protect the local jute industry and reduce environmental pollution. Following the meeting, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin told reporters that the programme will start from July in two schools in each upazila. He said the local administration will select the schools for the pilot project. “In the first month, around one lakh students will receive free school bags and uniforms. In the first phase, two schools in each upazila will be covered. Gradually, all primary level students will be brought under the programme,” Mahdi said. He said the initiative has been taken under the Prime Minister’s directive to encourage the use of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ products. “It will promote local industries as well as spread a message of equality and fairness among students, helping reduce social inequality.” State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the programme will be implemented jointly by the three ministries. Textiles and Jute State Minister Shariful Alam said the main goal of the government is to restore the lost heritage of the jute industry. “To reduce environmental pollution caused by polythene, this programme has been taken to provide students with eco-friendly products,” he added.

The National Executive Committee of Bangladesh Scouts paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s special conference room under the Cabinet Division at the Secretaiat, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the delegation was led by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani. During the meeting, Rumon said the Scouts leaders briefed the prime minister on their ongoing activities and future plans. The prime minister listened attentively and praised the role of the scouting movement in developing the younger generation into skilled, patriotic and humane citizens. The delegation also informed him about an international Scouts conference scheduled to be held in Dhaka in December. At the beginning of the meeting, the prime minister was presented with a Scout scarf. The Scouts representatives highlighted their various programmes and sought the government’s continued support for their activities. Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon,, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Haque were, among others, present.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday said access to justice is a constitutional right of every citizen and not a matter of charity or mercy, stressing that his government envisions a Bangladesh where all are equal before an independent and impartial judiciary. “We want to build a Bangladesh where there is no difference between the Prime Minister, ministers, police officers, public officials and ordinary citizens in the justice system. The judiciary will be fully independent and a strong pillar of justice,” he said while inaugurating the e-bail bond system at the Bogura District Court and six other district courts. He said the e-bail bond system would be a milestone in ensuring access to justice. “We believe in access to justice for all. Today’s digital initiative is a major breakthrough in ensuring that right,” Tarique said. Under the new system, he said a judge will verify bail orders and send them directly online to the prison authorities, enabling the immediate release of the person concerned once the order is received. “As a result, the e-bail bond or electronic bail system will put an end to unnecessary harassment and suffering in the judicial process,” Tarique said. He said the government also plans to integrate the e-bail system with Crime Data Management System (CDMS), court case management systems, and national ID verification, aiming to bring the entire process under a computerised system to modernise the judiciary and reduce public suffering. The Prime Minister alleged that in the past, thousands of people from opposition parties or with differing opinions were harassed through ghost and fake cases, false warrants, and delays in warrant withdrawal. He said the government will implement online systems for production warrants, release orders, and warrant recalls from police stations. If this is done, bail hearings will become easier when an accused arrested in one district is transferred to another through the rapid online transmission of documents, he said. Tarique said this would help eliminate the culture of police harassment and unlawful detention of general people through fake warrants. He also said that during previous authoritarian rule, the judiciary was turned into a partisan institution where justice was absent. The Prime Minister said in August 2024, freedom-loving people were liberated from that dark rule and the current government is committed to establishing justice and ensuring citizens’ right to justice. “Courts should not be places of harassment but safe spaces for justice,” he said adding that restoring public trust in the judiciary would also help reduce mob violence. Tarique said his government is working to establish a corruption-free, transparent, and independent judiciary. As part of this effort, he said the e-bail bond system has been introduced in seven districts: Bogura, Jhenaidah, Jashore, Magura, Rajshahi, Natore, and Kushtia. The Prime Minister expressed hope that nationwide implementation would reduce delays and inequality in justice delivery. “Delay in justice is equivalent to denial of justice.” He called upon the judiciary, prison authorities, and relevant institutions to work sincerely to advance the system. Tarique also shared his personal experience from his 18-month imprisonment during the one-eleven period. He said that around 30 per cent of prison inmates are poor people who often do not even understand why they are in jail. Many remain imprisoned simply because they cannot afford a good lawyer. He urged the Law Minister to find ways to address this issue and ensure legal aid for those who cannot afford proper legal representation, so that innocent or poor detainees can be freed from unjust imprisonment. Later, the Prime Minister inaugurated the e-bail bond system by pressing a button on a computer.