United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced a series of benefits including higher monthly salaries, increased retirement benefits, mobile phone allowances and more frequent bicycle supplies for members of the Village Police Force (Gram Police Force). Addressing the national gathering of village police members at the National Parade Ground in Tejgaon, he also announced that two more women would be recruited as village police members in every union to strengthen women's empowerment and employment. The Prime Minister said the monthly salary of a village police member has been raised from Tk 7,500 to Tk 10,500, while that of a village police chief has been increased from Tk 8,000 to Tk 11,000. He also announced an increase in retirement gratuity. The amount for a village police member has been raised from Tk 70,000 to Tk 80,000, while that for a village police chief has been increased from Tk 80,000 to Tk 1 lakh. Besides, each village police member will receive Tk 150 per month to cover mobile phone expenses. The weekly allowance for attending the local police station has been raised from Tk 300 to Tk 500 for members and from Tk 300 to Tk 600 for village police chief.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought China’s cooperation in resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis, citing the pressure on Bangladesh from hosting 1.3 million displaced people from Myanmar. He made the request during a meeting with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat. At the meeting, Tarique highlighted the economic, social, demographic and environmental pressures Bangladesh has been facing due to the prolonged presence of 1.3 million Rohingyas and sought China’s cooperation in resolving the crisis, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin. Liu said China  is aware of the Rohingya crisis and that he will convey the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s concerns to Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, Liu conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s greetings to the Prime Minister.  In response, Tarique extended his greetings to Xi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Liu said a joint declaration on a new era of future bilateral relations was issued during Tarique’s visit to Beijing, expressing hope that the two countries would expand areas of cooperation in line with the declaration. He reaffirmed China’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development and progress, saying Beijing’s commitment to Bangladesh remained unchanged. He also expressed confidence that bilateral relations would deepen further and voiced optimism about Bangladesh’s economic growth and development under Tarique’s leadership. Tarique said the foundation of Bangladesh-China relations was laid during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The relationship has long held a special place in the hearts of the people of both countries, he said. The Prime Minister said it is now their responsibility to preserve the historic ties and carry them forward for future generations, expressing hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries would grow further through the new generation. Recalling Ziaur Rahman’s visit to China, Tarique said the canal-digging programme was launched in Bangladesh following that visit and later gained widespread popularity, contributing to agricultural development. He said the present government has  also taken an initiative to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals, which would benefit farmers and ordinary people while helping protect biodiversity and maintain environmental balance.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo to expand its investment in Bangladesh’s garment sector, particularly in man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable apparel, pledging government support for the expansion. The call came during a meeting with a delegation led by Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Fast Retailing Co Ltd, the parent company of Uniqlo, at 10:30am local time in Tokyo, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. Tarique praised Uniqlo’s trust in Bangladesh and its parent company’s longstanding business engagement with the country. The meeting discussed opportunities to increase investment in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry, with particular emphasis on man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable clothing production. They also discussed expanding cooperation in technology transfer, skills development, product innovation, advanced manufacturing systems and environment-friendly production processes. The Prime Minister said his government is ready to provide the necessary support to help Uniqlo expand its operations in Bangladesh. He also highlighted the government’s willingness to facilitate land arrangements, investment approvals and other necessary administrative clearances to support the company’s expansion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to open an office in Dhaka to strengthen investment and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan. The proposal came during a meeting with JBIC Governor Kazuhiko Amakawa in Tokyo at 9:30am local time. Both sides discussed investment and economic cooperation in Bangladesh’s energy, information and communication technology (ICT) and infrastructure sectors. Tarique expressed gratitude to JBIC for its support for Bangladesh’s economic development and investment in various sectors. He said his government has taken initiatives to reform and simplify regulations to ensure a business-friendly environment and attract both local and foreign investment. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investment-friendly policies and improving the business environment, noting that JBIC’s priority projects are aligned with the government’s development priorities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for stronger cooperation with Japan in energy, technology, infrastructure and investment, proposing a Bangladesh-Japan tech park and seeking Japanese support for major transport projects to accelerate the country’s economic transformation. At a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at her office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo, Tarique urged the Japanese government and private sector to become more actively involved in Bangladesh’s economic development, technological advancement and industrialisation. The meeting also discussed plans to attract 1 trillion Japanese yen (US$6.3 billion) in private investment in Bangladesh’s energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors, with an emphasis on sending a Japanese team to Bangladesh soon to help implement the plan. Tarique said Bangladesh is working to become a regional hub for the economy, technology and manufacturing, expressing optimism that the country can become the world’s ninth-largest consumer economy by 2030 and surpass a $1 trillion gross domestic product by 2034, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. The two leaders discussed strengthening the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, expanding trade and investment, ensuring energy security, advancing technology and space research, developing infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues. The Prime Minister said Japan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh and recalled its early recognition of Bangladesh after independence in 1971 and its long-standing contribution to the country’s socioeconomic progress. He also recalled the visits to Japan by his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and the contributions of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to strengthening bilateral relations. He pledged to take the relationship to new heights. On energy security, Tarique Rahman stressed the need for reliable and affordable energy supplies to sustain economic growth. He thanked Japan for its long-standing support and referred to a recent 50 billion Japanese yen emergency support loan under the Partnership for Power Asia initiative. The Prime Minister called for greater Japanese investment and participation in liquefied natural gas infrastructure, efficient power generation and renewable energy in Bangladesh. Technology and infrastructure To develop a technology-driven economy, Tarique proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Tech Park to connect Japanese companies, universities and investors with young Bangladeshi talent, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. He identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and electronics manufacturing as priority sectors for the proposed park. He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Japan in space science, satellite engineering and related technologies. On infrastructure, the Prime Minister outlined plans to develop a modern, integrated transport network, including high-speed rail linking the country’s six major divisional cities and a nationwide network of elevated roads. He sought Japanese assistance in planning, technical support, investment and financing for these major infrastructure projects, saying Japan’s experience in infrastructure development and modern transport systems can help Bangladesh realise its ambitions. Trade and investment Welcoming new Japanese investment, Tarique said his government is committed to improving the investment climate by making regulations, tax policies, customs clearance and fund-transfer procedures more transparent, predictable and efficient. He also expressed hope for the early implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), stressing that both sides need to work together to ensure its benefits reach their people. Regional and international issues On international affairs, the Prime Minister highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and respect for international law. He thanked Japan for supporting the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and expressed hope for close cooperation in strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges. Reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific, Tarique Rahman called for greater cooperation in regional connectivity, the free flow of trade and economic growth. He also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the resulting Rohingya displacement crisis. He called for an end to all forms of violence, unhindered humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the parties concerned. Appreciating Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts to shelter forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the Prime Minister urged Tokyo to remain actively engaged with all parties to help restore peace and stability in Rakhine. He said a lasting solution to the crisis lies in Myanmar and stressed the need to ensure the Rohingyas’ early, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation. Proposal for joint commission In his concluding remarks, Tarique said the summit will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan relations, built on deeper trust, broader economic cooperation, stronger investment ties and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity. He proposed establishing a ministerial-level joint commission to identify priority areas, accelerate implementation and turn cooperation opportunities into practical initiatives. The Prime Minister also called for closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries. He invited Takaichi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, expressing hope that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to deepen through mutual trust, cooperation and shared prosperity. The bilateral summit between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began at 11:45am local time at the Kantei. The meeting followed a formal welcome at 11:30am, a guard of honour and the introduction of the two leaders’ respective delegations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh aims to turn its long-standing friendship with Japan into a powerful engine of economic opportunity and shared prosperity, inviting Japanese investors and businesses to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh. “Our ambition is clear: to turn this friendship between our two nations into a powerful engine of economic opportunity and shared prosperity. Together, let us build a partnership that serves our peoples today and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come,” he said at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, in Tokyo.  

In an oblique reference to his party’s poor electoral performance in the region, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said his government wants to serve all citizens, regardless of whether they voted for the BNP, and ensure balanced development across all areas. “The people of this country elected the current government. Our candidates may have been elected in some areas but not in others. But, the current government wants to be a government for everyone. We want to be the government of those who voted for us, as well as those who did not,” he said. Tarique said while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at the historic Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple in Rangpur on Maha Navami, the ninth day of the Sharadiya festival. He said the government wants to ensure equitable development across the country, taking into account the country's economic condition and distributing resources fairly among different regions. “We want to work for all areas and all people,” Tarique said adding that, Tk 1,800 crore was allocated for the development of Rangpur city at an ECNEC meeting about two weeks ago. He said the government would also gradually develop necessary infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, schools and colleges, in different upazilas, unions and villages of Rangpur district through local government institutions and the district council. “But to carry out this work, we must all work together. We must put aside our differences and move forward hand in hand,” the prime minister said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on people of all faiths to work together to build their desired Bangladesh, saying the country belongs to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians alike. “Just as people of all religions united to free the country in 1971, we want to build Bangladesh together, with people of all faiths,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paglapir point on his way to Rangpur to visit a Durga Puja mandap on Maha Navami. “From today, let us pledge that this country belongs to all of us — Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We will all work hard together to build the country into the Bangladesh we aspire to see,” the Prime Minister said. Tarique said people had entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of running the country following the February 12 Parliamentary election. Since taking office, the government has been trying to stand beside people from all walks of life, he said. As part of those efforts, the government has waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers, introduced the Family Card and the Farmers’ Card programme, he said. The government has also introduced monthly allowances for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths, Tarique added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday likened children to the strong pillars of a house, saying Bangladesh’s foundation will become stronger in the competitive world if every child is given the opportunity to develop their abilities properly. “Children are the pillars of their families. When children are given the right environment and opportunities to grow and flourish, families also become stronger,” he said while addressing a programme marking Children’s Rights Day, 2026 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy on the academy premises in the capital. In the same way, Tarique Rahman said, “If we can ensure opportunities for every child across Bangladesh to develop their full potential, the foundation of our country will become much stronger, enabling Bangladesh to emerge as a strong country in the competitive world.” He said the government wants to develop children in a way that strengthens their future, as the strength of today’s children will determine the strength of the nation’s future. “We want to develop our children in a way that makes their future strong. A strong future for today’s children means a strong future for the nation. And a strong future for the nation means we will be able to build a strong and powerful Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister said. He urged children to develop themselves not only through education but also through sports, Quran recitation, music and other cultural activities. “You have to become good human beings,” he said, urging children to properly develop the qualities and talents within them. Tarique Rahman also called on children to be kind to all living beings and caring towards nature and the environment. “People should show kindness not only to other people but also to nature and all of its creations.” He urged children to care for trees around their homes and schools and to be kind to birds and animals, describing them as national assets. The Prime Minister said people should understand that their own survival depends on nature and that they must help protect it. “If we are kind to nature, it will also be kind to us,” he said, urging people to live in harmony with the natural environment. Tarique Rahman said environmental pollution ultimately harms children and future generations. “If I, as a child today, am harmed, that means millions of children in Bangladesh are harmed,” he said. He said his government wants to build a humane Bangladesh and expressed hope that the younger generation will develop the compassion that, in his view, previous generations could not fully cultivate. The Prime Minister also urged parents and guardians to instil in children a sense of responsibility towards nature and living beings.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the fifth edition of the international forum ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026’, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, researchers and experts from over 100 countries. The three-day conference, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), is being held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka from October 3 to 5. The Prime Minister formally opened the three-day event around 10am with his address to the opening session. More than 200 speakers, over 300 delegates and more than 1,000 participants are expected to attend the forum, including former and current heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, military experts, academics, researchers, journalists, business and investment leaders, human rights defenders, technology specialists and representatives of international development organisations. Former Serbian President Boris Tadić and former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara are among the notable participants. The theme of this year’s conference is “Fragments, Frontiers and Futures”, with the tagline “Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten.” The discussions will focus on major regional and global issues, including geopolitics and security, technology, trade and connectivity, climate change, human security, democracy, governance, trust, spirituality and humanity. CGS President Zillur Rahman and Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi delivered the welcome remarks at the opening of the conference. Zillur Rahman said the Bay of Bengal is becoming increasingly important in the context of maritime security and regional geopolitics. “As a vital link between South Asia and Southeast Asia, one of the key objectives of this initiative is to explore effective solutions to the challenges and opportunities rooted in the Bay,” he said. He said this year’s discussions would focus on geopolitics, security, trust, climate change, spirituality and humanity. The programme includes public sessions such as plenaries, leadership forums and spotlight talks, as well as smaller invitation-only roundtables for in-depth discussions, according to the organisers.