United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the government's 10 people-oriented initiatives around Eid-ul-Azha brought visible positive changes to Eid management and ensured the smooth celebration of the country’s second-largest religious festival. “Special emphasis was placed on 10 public-oriented issues in the government's activities centred around this year's Eid-ul-Azha,” he said while speaking at a press conference at the Karobi Hall of the PMO. Mahdi Amin said the 10 initiatives were taken as per Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s instructions to ensure smooth and hassle-free Eid celebrations. The initiatives included ensuring hassle-free Eid travel, payment of workers’ wages and allowances, protection of the domestic cattle market, swift waste removal, discipline in public transport, curbing extortion and syndicates, uninterrupted power supply, public safety, proper management of the rawhide sector and maintaining stability in the prices of essential commodities. “The coordinated implementation of these initiatives has brought visible positive changes to different aspects of Eid management and reflected the government’s efforts to make public services more people-oriented,” Mahdi Amin, also prime minister’s adviser, said. He said the government remains committed to addressing future challenges, strengthening the rule of law and democratic values, and institutionalising good governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The PMO spokesperson acknowledged that it is not possible to completely overcome the institutional decline and damage caused over the past 16 years within only three months of the new government. “Despite that reality, people experienced during this Eid that the state is responsive to their needs and that the administration is not merely a centre of power but a responsible and effective service provider,” he said. Mahdi Amin said all ministers, advisers, members of parliament and officials concerned worked with the highest level of sincerity and accountability to ensure smooth observance of the first Eid-ul-Azha under the elected government. He said the government will continue efforts to quickly address any shortcomings or coordination gaps identified in the course of implementation. The PMO spokesperson said extended public holidays, strengthened traffic monitoring, and coordinated transport management helped reduce long-standing congestion on highways, making Eid journeys comparatively smoother than in previous years, although several road accidents still claimed lives in different parts of the country. He also said most garment workers received wages and bonuses on time, contributing to a peaceful and festive atmosphere in industrial areas, with no major disruption reported ahead of the holiday. Mahdi Amin said strict measures were taken to prevent illegal cattle inflow through the border in order to protect the interests of local farmers. “Continuous monitoring was maintained at cattle markets across the country, ensuring adequate supply of sacrificial animals, including cows, goats, buffaloes and sheep.” He said the crackdown on illegal cattle smuggling and control over long-standing syndicates helped small and medium traders conduct business in a more stable environment. “The relocation of cattle markets from roadsides to open spaces also reduced traffic congestion and public inconvenience.” On waste management, the PMO spokesperson said most sacrificial waste in Dhaka was removed within 8-12 hours after Eid, describing it as a significant improvement compared to previous years. He also highlighted transport sector management and said efforts to curb overcharging, improve safety measures and introduce special facilities for passengers helped ensure more orderly movement during the holiday period. Mahdi Amin said coordinated action against extortion and syndicates in cattle transport helped keep market prices relatively stable, while uninterrupted electricity supply was largely maintained despite high demand. He said enhanced market monitoring helped keep essential commodity prices under control during the festive period, though challenges remained due to long-standing structural issues in the economy. The PMO spokesperson said the government is committed to further improving coordination among agencies and strengthening public service delivery in future national festivals. He said the coordinated implementation of these measures has demonstrated that the government's efforts are intended to make public services more responsive and citizen-centric. Mahdi Amin said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had issued clear directives to ministers, lawmakers and other public representatives to celebrate Eid in their respective constituencies and remain close to the people. He said the initiatives reflected a new culture of accountability, administrative coordination and public-oriented governance. The PMO spokesperson said though the effects of what he termed 16 years of “fascist misrule and lack of accountability” could not be removed overnight, people witnessed the government's sincerity and welfare-oriented administrative efforts during the Eid period.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday alleged that a quarter is trying to exploit the recent killing of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter to create unrest in the country, urging people to remain alert against any conspiracy aimed at disrupting development activities and the rule of law. Speaking at a gathering of local residents after inaugurating the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal in Trishal upazila, he said anyone found guilty would be punished through due legal process, as his government is committed to establishing the rule of law. “A few days ago, a very unjust and deeply heartbreaking incident took place in which a child was killed. You have all seen it. From the very beginning, we have said that anyone who commits a crime must face punishment under the law. We want to establish the rule of law,” he said. He also said his government would endeavour to ensure the execution of justice in this case within one month. He then clarified that justice in this case means the death penalty.    He said every activity in life follows a system and rules must be followed in governance and justice as well. Just as in any case of wrongdoing, Tarique said punishment must follow due process, and there are established rules and procedures within the government for ensuring justice. “But we have noticed in recent days, as you have seen in newspapers, radio and television, that some people are trying to create unrest by blocking roads, stopping vehicles, setting fire and creating tension in different places,” he said. The Prime Minister said such unruly activities are obstructing the rule of law. “Are they allowing the law to function properly as it should? No, they are not.” He said several untoward incidents took place when the interim government was in power. “When those incidents occurred, I personally spoke with the mothers of those children. Our party’s lawyers and doctors provided medical treatment and legal assistance at that time,” Tarique said. But, he said those who are now speaking loudly, staging blockades and making big statements were not seen in the field at that time. “They were not seen taking part in any protest or blockade then. So, should we assume that since the people of Bangladesh voted for BNP in the 12th election and gave them the mandate to form the government, some are now frustrated, and this frustration is the reason behind the current situation?” the Prime Minister said. He also claimed there are connections between those currently trying to create anarchy and  the evil forces ousted by the people through a mass uprising in 2024. “We must remain alert. Read newspapers, check social media and look into who is behind these activities.  Those who are now trying to create unrest have again quietly built ties with the people who were driven out on August 5. Just as they did in 1996 and in 1986, some new followers have also emerged alongside them,” Tarique said. Warning against unrest, he said such situations would ultimately harm farmers, workers, students and ordinary citizens across the country. The Prime Minister alleged that those trying to create unrest are not concerned about farmers, employment or welfare activities. “They do not talk about canal excavation for farmers, farmers’ cards, or how poor village children walk barefoot to school. They do not talk about providing new clothes for those children,” he said. Warning against instability, Tarique said unrest would disrupt many welfare and development programmes across the country. “If unrest is created, canal excavation work across Bangladesh will stop. Farmers will suffer. Distribution programmes will stop. Honorary allowances for imams, muezzins, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths will also be affected,” he said. He also said programmes to provide school uniforms and bags for village children would be disrupted if roads are blocked and instability continues. “We removed authoritarian rule from this country through united movements. The people and students of Bangladesh stood together on the streets and removed a regime that had taken away people’s voting rights, freedom of speech and halted development for ordinary rural people,” Tarique said. The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh now want to focus on nation-building and improving their livelihoods. He also said that to bring real change in people’s lives, the strength and labour of the country’s 20 crore population must be properly utilised, adding that only then could the nation’s future be transformed. Tarique also said that BNP’s plans are focused on the country and its people, but alleged that some groups were trying to obstruct those initiatives through conspiracies. “If we want to change people’s fate, we must put the 40 crore hands of our 20 crore people to work. We must build roads, bridges, schools, colleges and hospitals through collective effort,” he said. The Prime Minister urged people to remain vigilant against those spreading confusion and obstructing justice and public welfare programmes. “We must remember that the people are the owners of this country. A small group cannot be allowed to create confusion and play with the future of the people,” he said. “Those who stand beside the people and work for them will ultimately be protected by the people of Bangladesh against any conspiracy,” Tarique added. He also said the country’s independence, sovereignty and national interests must be protected by its own people. “Our country is our responsibility. We will protect our independence, sovereignty and people’s interests, and resist any conspiracy,” the Prime Minister said. Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and local leaders also addressed the programme with  Mymensingh-7 lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton in the chair. Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque at the canal site and later inaugurated the re-excavation work by cutting soil with a spade. He also planted a palm sapling beside the canal.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka by road for Mymensingh’s Trishal on Saturday morning to inaugurate the national-level programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. His motorcade started the journey from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon at around 11:06 am, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu told UNB. He said Tarique Rahman arrived at the PMO at around 10:05 am and visited a sports car and electric vehicle (EV) exhibition held there. During the visit, he inspected various modern technology-based vehicles and exchanged views with representatives concerned. Later, he attended another programme before starting his journey for Trishal, Shiplu added. According to the Prime Minister’s tour schedule, he will inaugurate the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal in Bailor Union of Trishal upazila. Later, he will inaugurate the national programme marking the poet’s 127th birth anniversary at Nazrul Mancha in Trishal at 3:00 pm. After the programme, he will attend an organisational meeting of Mymensingh North, South and city BNP units at Trishal Nazrul Auditorium. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Dhaka around 6:30pm.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged members of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP to carry out their duties with discipline and strict adherence to the chain of command, warning that even the slightest lapse in discipline could erode public confidence in the force. Addressing the 46th National Rally of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) at the Ansar-VDP Academy in Safipur of Kaliakair upazila, he also hoped that through dedication, discipline, professionalism and patriotism, the force will emerge in the future as a “technology-driven humanitarian social force.” “In any country, the essential and mandatory principles for any disciplined force are adherence to the ‘chain of command’ and ‘discipline’. Even the slightest negligence in these two areas prevents a force from becoming truly disciplined. You must keep this in mind. If a lack of discipline is observed within any force, it creates a crisis of confidence among the public regarding that force,” the Prime Minister said. He said the Ansar-VDP has become a multidimensional and people-oriented force through its professionalism, public engagement and contribution to grassroots security and social development. Tarique Rahman also highlighted the force’s contribution during different national crises, including the post-uprising situation on August 5, 2024, when Ansar-VDP members guarded police stations, managed traffic and helped ensure security at important installations. He said apart from maintaining law and order, the force is also playing an active role in social awareness campaigns, disaster management and technology-based services. The Prime Minister also appreciated various employment and skill development initiatives taken by the force, including freelancing, digital marketing, Japanese language and technical training programmes. He said the use of AVJOBS software and AI applications to create local and overseas employment opportunities is a timely initiative. Tarique Rahman said the Ansar-VDP has earned public trust as a reliable “first responder” volunteer force during floods, fires and other disasters through its courage and humanitarian role. He also praised the force’s environment-friendly initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, solar panels and biogas plants. The Prime Minister said 16 out of the 47 Ansar battalions are currently deployed in different areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, while around 52,000 integrated Ansar members are working to protect important infrastructures, government offices, financial institutions, industries and power plants across the country. PM joins 46th National Rally of Ansar-VDP He said more than 13,000 Hill Ansar and Hill VDP members are working to strengthen harmony and trust among different ethnic communities in the hill districts. Speaking about the force’s social role, Tarique Rahman said VDP platoons at union level are working against child marriage, violence against women and drug abuse, while Town Defence Party (TDP) members are helping strengthen urban security. Referring to the force’s sporting achievements, he said Ansar-VDP won the Independence Award in 2004 and became champions in the 5th, 6th and 7th Bangladesh Games consecutively. The Prime Minister said the government has also provided sports cards for 15 Ansar-VDP athletes under a special support programme for sportspersons. Remembering the force’s role in the Liberation War, he said around 40,000 Ansar members joined the war with rifles and 670 members embraced martyrdom. “I recall their contributions with gratitude and pray to Allah for the salvation of their souls.” Tarique Rahman praised the force’s human resource development initiatives, including training in Japanese language, freelancing, digital marketing, and advanced technical skills such as welding, calling them timely and forward-looking. Referring to the government’s development plans for the force, he said several key draft regulations are in the final stage, including the Ansar Battalion Rules 2026, VDP Regulations 2026, Auxiliary Ansar Rules 2026, and recruitment and promotion rules for battalion members. The Prime Minister also mentioned plans to further strengthen activities at the upazila level through the proposed Upazila Ansar Regulations 2026. During the visit, Tarique Rahman toured various training and production activities at the academy, including weaving and textile work, pottery, livestock farming, and a Japanese language training centre, and was briefed on the activities of the members. Earlier, the Prime Minister joined the 46th National Rally of the force as he arrived at the parade ground around 10:00am. He was received by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar-VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud and Senior Secretary of Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury. After the arrival, the Prime Minister placed a wreath at the martyrs’ memorial dedicated to the brave members of the force.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday joined the 46th National Rally of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party at the Ansar-VDP Academy in Safipur of Kaliakair upazila in Gazipur. The Prime Minister arrived at the parade ground of the academy around 10:00am. He was received there by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud and Senior Secretary of Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury. After the arrival, the Prime Minister placed a wreath at the martyrs’ memorial dedicated to the brave members of the force.

Calling upon the country’s people to take a vow to rebuild the nation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his government does not merely want to dream, but aims to formulate and implement plans to improve the lives of people. “From today, let our only mission be nation-building and state reconstruction. Let this be our commitment,” he said while addressing a rally after inaugurating the re-excavation of historic Khorddo Khal canal in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur. The Prime Minister said the government wants to take realistic and effective plans and called upon people from all walks of life to work together to move Bangladesh forward and rebuild the state through collective efforts. “Our goal is one and our purpose is one. We do not just want to dream; we want to implement plans that will benefit the country’s people, move the nation forward and change people’s fate,” he said. Referring to the canal re-excavation programme, Tarique said the initiative had originally been started 48 years ago by his late father and former president Ziaur Rahman. “Let us all pledge to move the country forward.” Quoting from the Holy Quran, the Prime Minister said Allah helps those who help themselves. “If this canal is not excavated, our farmer brothers will not get water. Once the canal is re-excavated, they will benefit,” he said. Tarique said Bangladesh could become a dignified nation in the world if the country’s 20 crore people work together hand in hand. “If 40 crore hands of 20 crore people work together, Insha’Allah, we will be able to build Bangladesh into a respected state in the world,” he said. The Prime Minister also said his government would gradually implement the promises made to people before the election. “BNP always tries to fulfil the commitments it makes to people whenever it is in office,” he said. Stating that the people of Bangladesh are the source of BNP’s strength, Tarique said, “As long as people stand beside us and support us, our work for the country will continue.”  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the re-excavation work of historic Khorddo Khal (canal) in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur, 48 years after his late father excavated it. After travelling by road from Dhaka, the Prime Minister reached the canal re-excavation site at Uyaruk Bazar in Tamta South Union around 2:40pm pm and formally launched the programme by unveiling a plaque. Later, Tarique stepped down beside the canal and cut soil with a spade to mark the beginning of the work. He later planted a tree on the bank of the canal. Khorddo Khal was originally excavated in 1978 under the initiative of former president Ziaur Rahman. After 48 years, the canal is being re-excavated under the initiative of his son, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. After inaugurating the canal work, the Prime Minister went to a nearby stage where thousands of leaders, activists and supporters standing on both sides of the canal welcomed him with loud applause. The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation work of the ‘Bishwo Khal’ (canal) near Ghosher Hat in Kumarduli village under Shahmahmudpur Union of Chandpur Sadar upazila. He is also scheduled to plant trees along the bank of the canal. Bishwo Khal is a long canal stretching from the Dakatia River through Ghosher Hat up to the border area of Matlab South. The Prime Minister will then take a break for Zohr prayers and lunch at the Circuit House. He will address a public rally at Chandpur Government College ground and distribute Family Cards. Tarique, also the Chairman of ruling BNP, is scheduled to attend an organisational views-exchange meeting with the party’s local leaders and activists at Chandpur Club at 5pm before returning to Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar ground in Barura upazila of Cumilla on Saturday while travelling to Chandpur on his first visit to the district as head of government. The Prime Minister arrived at the rally venue around 1:20 pm. As he stepped onto the stage, leaders and activists welcomed him with loud applause and cheers. Tarique waved to the crowd in response to their greetings. His Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is going to Chandpur. On the way, he is taking part in this roadside rally and will deliver a brief speech here.” Party leaders, activists and supporters started gathering at Lakshmipur Bazar ground from around 9am in small processions carrying banners and festoons. By 10:30am, the roadside rally turned into a large gathering with the presence of thousands of leaders and activists. Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Chandpur by road from his Gulshan residence at around 8:45am. During the Chandpur visit, he is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation work of two canals, address a public rally at Chandpur Government College ground, distribute Family Cards and attend an organisational meeting with local BNP leaders and activists. This is Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Chandpur as Prime Minister and his first trip to the district in 22 years. He last visited Chandpur in 2004 when he served as Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on Saturday to attend a series of programmes, including inauguration of canal re-excavation works and party events. According to the schedule shared by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, Tarique Rahman will leave his residence in Dhaka by road at 8:30am for the district. At around 11:30am, he will address a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar in Barura upazila of Cumilla. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the re-excavation work of the Khordda Canal at Waruk Bazar under Tamta South Union in Shahrashti upazila of Chandpur at 12:30pm. He is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation of another canal — Bishwo Canal — near Ghosher Haat in Kumardugi village under Shah Mahmudpur Union of Chandpur Sadar upazila at 1:45pm. Tarique Rahman will take a short break at the Chandpur Circuit House at around 2:30pm. After the break, he will attend a “Family Card” distribution programme at the Chandpur Government College ground at 3:30pm. Later, the Prime Minister will join an organisational meeting of the district BNP at Chandpur Club around 5pm. He is expected to return to Dhaka by road at 6:30pm after wrapping up the day-long visit. This will be his first visit to Chandpur since assuming office as Prime Minister.

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.