United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday chaired a special meeting to determine necessary steps to tackle the fuel situation amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The meeting was held at the Secretariat in the morning with the Prime Minister in the chair, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at 9:02 am and attended to official duties before joining the meeting. He also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking Independence and National Day. The Prime Minister is scheduled to chair a Cabinet meeting at 4:00 pm at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat. Rumon said the Cabinet usually meets on Thursdays, but this week’s meeting was brought forward as Independence and National Day falls on Thursday.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the Independence and National Day. He unveiled the stamp at his office at the Secretariat around 9:30am, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. The Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at 9:02am and carried out some official work before unveiling the stamp, he said. Posts and Telecommunications Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Abdun Naser Khan and Director General of the Directorate of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam were present at the time. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to chair a Cabinet meeting at 4:00pm at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat. Rumon said the Cabinet usually meets on Thursdays but the meeting was brought forward as Independence and National Day falls on Thursday this week.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the nation to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War and remember the horrors of the March 25 genocide, calling for united efforts to build a just, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. In a message marking Genocide Day, he described March 25, 1971 as one of the darkest and most brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh. He also stressed the need to pass on the history and true meaning of independence to future generations. “Let us all strive to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs by upholding the spirit of the great Liberation War — equality, human dignity and social justice — in our state and society. Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister said. He said on that night, Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides under ‘Operation Searchlight’, targeting unarmed people across the country. The Prime Minister recalled that the occupation forces indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people. “The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. Why this organised killing spree could not be resisted remains a matter of historical research regarding the visible role of the political leadership of that time,” he said. However, on the night of 25 March, Tarique said the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance against the genocide by declaring ‘We Revolt’. “Through this resistance to genocide, the long nine-month armed Liberation War began.” He prayed for the salvation and eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs and wished success to all programmes organised to observe Genocide Day.

The government is set to launch the pre-piloting of Farmers’ Card scheme for around 21,500 farmers on Pahela Baishakh, marking another step in fulfilling its election pledge to support the country’s farmers. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the programme on April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year, by distributing the cards among farmers in Tangail Sadar upazila. The decision was taken at a meeting on Tuesday at the Secretariat presided over by the Prime Minister, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the programme will be launched simultaneously in 11 upazilas including Tangail Sadar. In the first phase, around 21,500 farmers will receive financial support through mobile banking, he added. “The card will be provided to farmers in the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors. It will work like a debit card. Each year, 2,500 taka will be given as an incentive to small, marginal and landless farmers to purchase agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and animal feed,” Rumon said. Apart from Tangail Sadar, the other upazilas selected for the pre-pilot phase are Panchagarh Sadar and Boda upazila, Shibganj (Bogra), Shailkupa (Jhinaidah), Nesarabad (Pirojpur), Teknaf (Cox’s Bazar), Adarsha Sadar (Comilla), Islampur (Jamalpur), Goalanda (Rajbari) and Juri (Moulvibazar).

Though a seven-day public holiday began on Tuesday to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended office at the Secretariat and continued his official work. The Prime Minister arrived at his office at around 11am, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “The Prime Minister came to his office at 11am. The Eid holidays have started but he is continuing his official work,” he said. He said the Prime Minister’s schedule for the day includes a cabinet meeting while several meetings were held earlier in the day. The Prime Minister had a meeting with the Farmers’ Card preparation cell, where a decision was taken to launch the pre-piloting of the Farmers’ Card scheme for around 21,500 farmers on Pahela Baishakh. Tarique Rahman is set to formally inaugurate the programme on April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year, by distributing the cards among farmers in Tangail Sadar upazila. Later, a cabinet meeting was held at the Cabinet Division, chaired by the Prime Minister. Earlier in the morning, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar received the Prime Minister upon his arrival at the Secretariat. Eid journey to be hassle free: Road Transport Minister The Eid holidays began on March 17 and will continue until March 23. The Ministry of Public Administration earlier fixed a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23. March 19 and 20 before Eid and March 22 and 23 after Eid were declared holidays by an executive order. To ease Eid travel, the government also declared March 18 a holiday, making it a continuous seven-day break along with the Shab-e-Qadr holiday on March 17. On Monday, the Prime Minister inaugurated a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme by cutting soil with a spade at the Sahapara canal in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first 28 days in office have seen a series of initiatives in key sectors including social protection, economy, administration, education, health and public safety, reflecting his focus on delivering on people’s expectations. In a Facebook post,Prime Minister’s adviser Mahdi Amin outlined what he described as “28 steps in 28 days”, highlighting the government’s early actions and priorities. The steps reflect the Prime Minister’s commitment to fulfilling his electoral pledges and ensuring accountability to the people, he wrote in the post. “Today is March 17. Exactly one month ago, the BNP government was formed under the leadership of the popularly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In just 28 days, he has worked tirelessly in every moment of state administration to fulfil his election pledges. These steps are not merely administrative actions as they are a clear reflection of his accountability to people,” the post reads. Among the major initiatives, the government introduced a family card programme, providing monthly financial assistance to thousands of families, and arranged allowances for imams, priests, monks and other religious leaders. It also mentioned relief distribution ahead of Eid and an initiative to introduce an institutional zakat system to strengthen social welfare. PM vows to work day and night to build Bangladesh, urges patience In the agriculture sector, the post highlighted plans to introduce farmer cards and waive small loans for marginal farmers, along with a nationwide canal excavation programme to improve irrigation, boost agricultural production, and create employment in rural areas. On administrative reforms, it noted steps to ensure discipline in offices, reduce VVIP protocols and cut special privileges for MPs, aiming to lower public expenditure and restore public trust. The post also referred to measures to stabilise markets during Ramadan and Eid, facilitate foreign investment, ensure timely payment of workers’ wages and bonuses, and revive closed industrial units. In education, it highlighted decisions to cancel re-admission fees, reform admission processes, support higher studies abroad and recruit teachers, alongside steps to promote sports and cultural activities. The post also mentioned the introduction of e-health cards, recruitment of health workers and a nationwide cleanliness drive to prevent dengue. Measures to strengthen law and order, including action against extortion and steps to enhance women’s safety such as introducing women-operated bus services, were also noted. It also mentioned steps aimed at promoting discipline and values, including limiting state-sponsored iftar events, saving electricity and removing illegal establishments in tourist areas. Other initiatives included declaring a national day in memory of martyred army personnel, efforts to expedite the opening of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and plans to introduce free internet services at all airports and important public places and establishments, it added. The post said the steps taken in the first 28 days of government formation reflect Tarique Rahman’s strong leadership, tireless efforts, and accountability to people. “Under his leadership, the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people are being addressed and turned into reality. This unprecedented journey will prepare the new generation for the future of the country, Inshallah. As he (PM) says, “Together we will work, together we will build the country, and Bangladesh comes first,” it concluded.

The launch of a canal re-excavation programme by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dinajpur on Monday stirred memories of a similar initiative taken nearly five decades ago by his father, former president Ziaur Rahman. Residents of Balrampur village in Kaharol upazila said Tarique Rahman appeared to be following the path of the BNP founder by personally joining the excavation work with a spade. About five decades ago, Ziaur Rahman took part in canal excavation work by cutting soil with a spade alongside hundreds of villagers of different ages. Accompanied by ministers and BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman personally began the re-excavation of the Sahapara canal by cutting soil with a spade at Balrampur Sahapara in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur around 12:27pm. By cutting the first soil from the canal, he formally launched the nationwide programme, marking the start of similar activities across the country. Several thousand local people enthusiastically watched as the head of government dug the canal himself, following in the footsteps of his late father. Sixty-five-year-old resident Halima Khatun of Balrampur village said the programme reminded many people of the earlier initiative led by Ziaur Rahman. “Just like his father, he is taking part in canal digging. President Ziaur Rahman used to join canal excavation programmes with ordinary people through voluntary work,” she added. Sahapara canal in Balrampur now looks more like uneven piles of soil than a flowing canal, as much of the water has dried up over the years. During the monsoon, water flow through the canal remains limited, often leading to waterlogging in nearby areas. A local resident, Amjad Hossain, said the canal has long been a source of hardship for people in the area.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket teamfor their thrilling victory over the Pakistan national cricket team and for winning the ODI series 2–1. In a message, the Prime Minister warmly greeted the players following Bangladesh’s historic 11-run win in the final match of the series held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “Bangladesh’s brave young cricketers have proved that victory can be achieved through determination and united effort by winning today’s thrilling match against Pakistan by 11 runs and clinching the ODI series 2–1,” he said. The Prime Minister said the team’s impressive performance has made the nation proud. He expressed hope that the young players will continue their journey of success in the days ahead. Bangladesh secured the three-match series 2–1 with an 11-run victory in the final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. The win marked Bangladesh’s second bilateral ODI series triumph over Pakistan national cricket team after 11 years.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday provided an Eid gift of Tk 5,000 to each cleaner employed by the country’s 12 city corporations. He handed over cheques to the Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation and administrators of other city corporations at his office at the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat at 3:30 pm, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon told UNB. “The Prime Minister handed over cheques of Tk5,000  to each cleaner employed by the country’s 12 city corporations through the respective mayors and administrators,” he said. Rumon said this financial support has been given to show respect and solidarity with sanitation workers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “Sanitation workers play a vital role in keeping the country’s cities clean and livable. This initiative recognises their tireless efforts.” He expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s support will bring extra joy to the families of the cleaners this Eid. Rumon also said the government will continue to carry out various humanitarian and welfare initiatives for all urban service workers in the future. Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and State Minister Mir Shah Alam, Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, along with administrators of 11 other city corporations, were present at the cheque handover ceremony.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured that his government will gradually implement all its election pledges ‘at any cost’ to change people’s fortunes and promote the development of the country. “We will fulfil the promises we have made to the people one by one. These are the commitments that will change the fate of people and transform the destiny of the country. We will try to implement them at any cost,” he said while addressing the formal launch of the Family Card Pilot Programme at T&T Playground in Banani in his constituency. The Prime Minister described the day of launching the Family Card as an emotional one, as it allowed him to fulfil a promise he had made to the people before the election. Tarique Rahman said his government understands that the people of the country have many expectations from the elected administration. At the same time, he said, taking into account the realities and the current global situation--including circumstances in the Middle East--it might take longer in some cases to implement certain pledges. The Prime Minister urged the people of the country to face the evolving situation following the Middle East crisis with patience and to build the country in a positive and constructive way. “We will not move away in the slightest from the promises we have made. It may take a little more time in some cases to implement the pledges due to the current global situation,” he said. Tarique Rahman expressed his firm belief that his government will gradually be able to deliver the Family Card to women heads of all four crore families in Bangladesh within the next five years. He highlighted the importance of empowering women, saying, “Women make up half of Bangladesh’s population. We firmly believe that if we leave this half behind and fail to empower them—socially, educationally, and economically—the country cannot move forward.” Recalling the efforts of previous BNP governments, Tarique said when former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was in office, she ensured free education for women from school up to intermediate level across Bangladesh. “We want now to economically empower this educated female population and build their financial stability. With this goal in mind, even before forming the government, we planned how to empower women and improve their economic wellbeing. As part of that plan, we have started the phased introduction of the Family Card across Bangladesh,” he said. Tarique, also the Chairman of BNP, said his government wants to play a play responsible role. “We want to play the role of a responsible government— an administration that works for the people and for the country. We want to remain accountable to our people.” He said his party BNP made a promise to the people of Bangladesh before the elections that if elected, they would launch the Family Card programme. “By Allah’s grace, with the support of the people, we began fulfilling this promise within less than a month of forming the government.” Farmers’ Card to be distributed next month  In addition to the Family Card, the Prime Minister said his party made several other promises, including one priority commitment--the Farmers’ Card. “Just as we were able to provide Family Cards to 37,000 women at today’s event, Inshallah, we will distribute Farmers’ Cards to our farmers next month,” he said. Tarique reminded the audience that his party also promised the country’s farmers that, if elected, they would waive agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, including interest. “By Allah’s grace, loans of up to Tk10,000 were waived with interest last week. These are the promises we made to people — promises that will change their lives and the country’s future,” he said. Earlier, he formally launched the government’s Family Card programme for women-led households, fulfilling his election pledge to support women’s empowerment, economic inclusion and social justice. Just three weeks after the formation of government following a massive election victory, the Prime Minister launched the Family Card at T&T playground in Banani (adjacent to Korail slum) in his constituency. Tarique Rahman first handed over a family card to Pervin Begum at around 11:19am. Later, 16 other women also received the cards from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister formally launched the Family Card programme by pressing a button on a laptop at 11:30am, after which the selected recipients automatically received the money in their accounts. The programme began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and readings from other religious scriptures at around 10:44am. BNP’s theme song, “Prothom Bangladesh Amar, Shesh Bangladesh” (“My First Bangladesh, My Last Bangladesh”), was also played. State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton, and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf spoke at the programme, with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain in the chair. Cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the function. The Prime Minister, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, arrived at the venue earlier at 10:32am and spoke with several women who had come to receive family cards. The program reflects the government’s pledge to advance national progress and fairness in society by strengthening women’s roles and formally acknowledging them as primary family representatives within social welfare initiatives. In its pilot stage, the programme is being rolled out in 15 wards across 13 city corporations and unions spanning 13 districts across the country, according to the Social Welfare Ministry. Under the pilot programme, each selected household will receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 through the Government-to-Person (G2P) digital payment system directly to the women’s mobile wallets or bank accounts.