United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday assured the country’s people not to be worried over the global crisis caused by the Middle East war but urged them to exercise restraint and avoid extravagance in state functions and family spending. “Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices, including diesel, have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering,” he said. Addressing the ‘Independence Award-2026’ ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, Tarique said the government is spending hundreds of crores of taka every day in subsidies in the fuel and energy sector to maintain stability and keep the situation normal. He said the government is continuing all possible efforts to ensure public welfare as this is a government of people and accountable to them. He said the new BNP-led government has started its journey amid a fragile economy weakened by corruption and mismanagement along with a weak governance structure and a deteriorating law and order situation. Restoring peace and security in public life through improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is one of the government’s key priorities, Tarique observed. Stating that Bangladesh currently has a large working-age population, he said creating employment opportunities for this group is one of the major challenges at present. “Not only the economy, the education system also suffered a major setback during the fascist rule. Unfortunately, even during the interim government period order in the education system has not been restored,” the Prime Minister said. In today’s competitive world, the education system must be modernised and made job-oriented to ensure survival, he said, adding that work has already begun to make the education system more practical. Tarique said more than half of the country’s population are women and no initiative can succeed easily unless a safe Bangladesh is ensured for them. He said the government has identified each sector and started implementing its action plans. The Prime Minister said the government earlier presented its election manifesto to people and signed the ‘July Charter’ with a commitment to state reform. PM confers ‘Independence Award’ on Khaleda, others “ People have supported all our commitments. Now it is time for implementation. We have already started working on fulfilling our promises,” he said. Tarique said his government will implement the party manifesto and every clause and word of the signed July Charter. “Personally, I believe that change in mindset is more important than changes on paper. The BNP government has proved it repeatedly whenever it has had the opportunity to run the state,” he said. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh gained independence at the cost of many lives and has now completed 55 years as an independent nation.“We have both achievements and shortcomings. To build a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, we must avoid revenge, retaliation and unnecessary controversy,” he said. Quoting BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said, “National unity is our strength, division is our weakness.” Tarique said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy but they should not turn into hostility. “We must remain alert about the country’s interest as anti-Bangladesh forces are still waiting for opportunities.” He remembered the role and contributions of all national leaders of the country’s independence and Liberation War history including Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with deep respect and affection. “If we, for narrow partisan interests, fail to respectfully acknowledge the roles of our national leaders in history, then future history will not forgive us. I believe that hesitation in accepting historical truth reflects inferiority,” Tarique said. Earlier, the Prime Minister conferred the ‘Independence Award-2026’ on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and five institutions, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country. He recalled that BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman introduced the award. The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honour, given in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals and institutions to the nation. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the programme and presented brief profiles of all the award recipients. Prime Minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the programme organised by the Cabinet Division. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the programme. The Cabinet Division earlier announced the names of the nominees for this year’s Independence Award through a press release on March 5. The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honour introduced in 1977 and awarded annually on the occasion of Independence Day on March 26.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday conferred the ‘Independence Award-2026’ on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and five institutions in recognition of their glorious and outstanding contributions to the country. The awards were handed over at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Of the recipients, seven people were awarded posthumously. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the programme and presented brief profiles of all the award recipients. Khaleda Zia was awarded posthumously for her overall contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education and nation-building. On behalf of Khaleda Zia, her granddaughter and Prime Minister’s daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award. Among others, Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil was honoured posthumously for his contribution to the Liberation War, while Faujdarhat Cadet College was recognised for its role in the war as an institution. In science and technology category, Prof Dr Zahurul Karim received the award, while Dhaka Medical College Hospital was honoured for its contribution to medical science. The award for literature went posthumously to Dr Ashraf Siddiqui. In the cultural field, Hanif Sanket (AKM Hanif) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) were honoured. Jobera Rahman (Linu) received the award in sports. For contributions to rural development, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) was recognised. In the category of social service and public service, the recipients included Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, Md Saidul Haque, Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous). Kazi Fazlur Rahman was honoured posthumously for his contribution to public administration. In research and training, the recipients were Mohammad Abdul Baki, Prof Dr MA Rahim and Prof Dr Sukomal Barua. Abdul Mukit Majumder (Mukit Majumder Babu) received the award for his contribution to environmental conservation. Prime Minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the programme organised by the Cabinet Division. Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the programme. The Cabinet Division earlier announced the names of the nominees for this year’s Independence Award on March 5. The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian award, introduced in 1977 and awarded annually on the occasion of Independence Day that falls on March 26.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government has specific plans to explore alternative labour markets in the context of recent instability in Iran and across the Middle East. “Bangladesh missions abroad have been instructed to explore labour markets and assess profession-specific demand for Bangladeshi workers. In addition, local lobbyist firms are being appointed in different countries as needed based on recommendations from Bangladesh missions overseas,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to a question from BNP MP Ashraf Uddin (Narsingdi-5 MP) during the question-answer session. He said initiatives have been taken to sign bilateral agreements to expand alternative labour markets in new countries including Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Brazil and Russia. The Prime Minister said initiatives have been taken to arrange high-level visits to countries beyond the Middle East that recruit workers, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. Mentioning that efforts are underway to reopen the Malaysian labour market, he said steps have also been taken to sign agreements with Thailand to open up employment opportunities there. The Prime Minister also said, given the high demand for Bangladeshi workers in Japan, the scope of Japanese language and skills training has been expanded to increase manpower exports to the country. He said Japanese language training is now being provided at 53 Technical Training Centres (TTCs), while steps have been taken to recruit instructors for Japanese, Russian, Arabic, German and Italian languages. “So far, 41 instructors in various languages have been appointed.” Replying to another question from Faridpur-3 MP Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, Tarique said Bangladeshi missions have been asked to assess the potential for employing Bangladeshi professionals including doctors, bankers, engineers in the Middle East as professionals from different countries are leaving the region due to the war situation. He said the loan limit for language student visas has been increased from Tk 300,000 to Tk 10,00000 without collateral. The Prime Minister said steps have also been taken to retrain returning workers and improve their skills so they can go abroad again based on international job market needs. He also said their previous education and work experience are being recognised and certificates are being provided. The parliamentary session began in the morning with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair following a recess on April 10, with the Prime Minister’s question-answer session scheduled first on the day’s agenda. Members of Parliament took part in the scheduled question-answer session at the start of the sitting.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing Bangladesh’s tourism sector in a planned manner, with a particular focus on preserving the natural beauty of Kuakata and strengthening tourism infrastructure in coastal areas. “In order to develop Bangladesh’s tourism sector in a long-term, sustainable and planned manner, the present government has made specific commitments. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has already begun work to formulate a National Tourism Master Plan,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while replying to a starred question from MP ABM Mosharraf Hossain (Patuakhali-4) during the question-answer session in Parliament. In formulating this master plan, Tarique said special importance is being given to preserving the natural beauty of Kuakata and developing the tourism sector. “Besides this, a feasibility study is currently underway for a proposed project titled ‘Development of basic facilities at Patenga–Anwara Beach’ in Chattogram district.” The Prime Minister said he had once visited Kuakata with his father and late President Ziaur Rahman and that the memory created a personal emotional attachment and special interest in the region. He said a comprehensive development plan is being implemented to boost tourism and infrastructure in Kuakata and surrounding areas. Tarique said the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has prepared a plan titled “Payra–Kuakata Comprehensive Plan Focusing on Eco-Tourism”, covering seven upazilas including Kalapara, Galachipa, Rangabali, Barguna Sadar, Patharghata, Amtali and Taltali. He said an action area plan is currently being developed to implement the initiative while the tourism component will be executed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. “We hope that once this is finalised, it will accelerate the overall development of the tourism sector in Kuakata under Kalapara upazila,” the Prime Minister said. Responding to a question from a lawmaker, the Prime Minister said establishing an airport in Kuakata will depend on economic viability. “Air services can certainly be operated there, but if it runs at a loss, public money will be wasted. So commercially, it may not be very viable,” he said. Tarique, however, said that if a private company wishes to operate flights, the government would consider providing necessary infrastructure support after proper feasibility assessment. “But we must ensure that neither the government nor any private entrepreneur suffers losses due to an unviable project,” he said. Responding to a supplementary question from Shafiqul Islam (Patuakhali-2) on river erosion, the Prime Minister said the problem is not limited to one area but affects many parts of the country including regions such as Sariali Kandia in Bogura and several other northern and southern districts. He said river training is one possible solution although it is highly expensive and must be implemented as needed. Tarique also said that river erosion often intensifies during the monsoon season when water flow increases suddenly. In this context, he referred to past initiatives, including a canal excavation programme introduced during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman, aimed at addressing water management and river-related challenges. The Prime Minister said canal excavation remains an important tool for managing both flood and irrigation water needs especially in rural areas where farmers often face water shortages even during the rainy season. He further said that groundwater levels are gradually declining in many areas, making integrated water management essential. The Prime Minister said compared to costly river training projects, canal excavation remains a more practical and cost-effective solution for Bangladesh, and the government is placing strong emphasis on it. Earlier, the Prime Minister took part in a 30-minute question-and-answer session in Parliament where he answered four starred questions and several supplementary questions. He also responded to seven written questions.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government is actively considering establishing an institutional framework in the 2026–27 fiscal year to ensure the sustainable and long-term development of the blue economy. “We are actively considering, if necessary, establishing an institutional framework in the 2026–27 fiscal year to ensure balanced coordination among marine resources, fisheries, tourism and environmental protection and to promote the sustainable and long-term development of the blue economy,” he said. The government has already taken steps to formulate a Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) framework in view of the potential benefits and opportunities of the country’s maritime resources, the Prime Minister said while replying to a starred question from M Nurul Islam (Barguna-2) during the question-answer session in Parliament. He said the BNP’s election manifesto includes a plan for developing the blue economy through the science-based and sustainable use of the country’s vast maritime resources as well as the establishment of a National Blue Economy Authority. The Prime Minister said the then BNP government formulated the Coastal Zone Policy 2005, which marked an important milestone in the development and protection of coastal areas. In response to a supplementary question, he said the ruling party’s election manifesto also includes a fairly detailed plan on the blue economy. “A large population of Bangladesh lives in coastal and maritime areas including Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram among others. Naturally, if we can gradually develop the various components of the blue economy by assessing their economic potential, we will be able to improve the living standards of many people,” he said. Tarique also said an extensive economic zone will emerge around the coastal region which will further strengthen the country’s overall economy. “Taking all these factors into consideration, we have placed special importance on the blue economy in our election manifesto and various ministries have already started formulating plans in phases,” he said. The parliamentary session began in the morning with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair following a recess on April 10, with the Prime Minister’s question-answer session scheduled first on the day’s agenda. Members of Parliament took part in the scheduled question-answer session at the start of the sitting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the five-year ‘Fifth Primary Education Development Programme’ will begin on July 1, aiming to improve the quality of education and enhance teachers’ proficiency in English. “You will be happy to know that the five-year Fifth Primary Education Development Programme is set to begin on July 1, 2026. Under this programme, there are plans to provide English language training to more teachers,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while replying to a starred question from Hummam Quader Chowdhury (Chattogram-7) during the question-answer session in Parliament. He said the government’s election manifesto puts strong emphasis on bringing all primary school teachers under specialised training programmes to improve the quality and effectiveness of teaching. The Prime Minister informed the House that there are currently 376,489 teachers in primary schools across the country. Of them, around 130,000 have already received English language training under the ongoing ‘Fourth Primary Education Development Programme’. In response to a supplementary question from Hummam Quader Chowdhury, he said the government has a policy in place for the operation of private schools. The parliamentary session began in the morning with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair following a recess on April 10, with the Prime Minister’s question-answer session scheduled first on the day’s agenda. Members of Parliament took part in the scheduled question-answer session at the start of the sitting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a Baishakhi agricultural fair at the Tangail municipal park here on Tuesday. He opened the fair after attending the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot inauguration programme at the Shaheed Maruf Stadium earlier in the day. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman went to the fair venue adjacent to the stadium after completing the Farmers’ Card event and visited different stalls there. Govt aims to make farmers self-reliant, prosperous: PM He observed various agricultural products and activities being showcased at the fair and interacted with participants. During the visit, the Prime Minister also distributed fish fry among fish farmers and goats to some poor farmers. Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and senior government officials were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said the government has launched the Farmers’ Card scheme with the goal of making farmers self-reliant and prosperous. “The goal of the current elected government is to make farmers self-reliant and economically secure. That is why we have given this Farmers’ Card,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks after inaugurating the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme at the Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year. He said the government has taken initiative to bring meaningful changes to farmers’ lives by ensuring direct access to essential services. “You are aware that through this Farmers’ Card, we will try, Inshallah, to deliver 10 types of services directly to farmers. These services will help improve their overall condition in many ways,” Tarique Rahman said. Referring to his party’s election manifesto, the BNP chairman said agriculture remains central to Bangladesh’s economy and society. “Many of us here may not be directly involved in farming, but someone in our family is connected to agriculture. In Bangladesh, almost every family has some link to farming. Agriculture is the main occupation of this country,” he said. The Prime Minister said the well-being of farmers is directly linked to the well-being of the nation. “I personally believe, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party also believes, that if farmers are well-off, if they can survive and live well, then the whole of Bangladesh will do well and the people of the country will also live better,” he added. Tarique Rahman also announced that around 2.75 crore farmers will gradually receive the Farmers’ Cards over the next five years. Earlier, the Prime Minister pressed a button on a laptop and launched the pre-pilot programme of the Farmers’ Card nationwide around 12:22pm, saying Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.) As soon as the programme was launched, Tk 2,500 was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 22,067 farmers each across 11 upazilas through mobile banking. In Tangail alone, 1,453 farmers received the money.

The government on Tuesday launched the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme in Tangail on Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, marking another step towards fulfilling its election pledges. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the programme at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail. The Prime Minister pressed a button on a laptop and launched the pre-pilot programme nationwide around 12:22pm, saying Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.) MP demands ‘Child FF’ recognition for PM Tarique Rahman Later, he handed over Farmers’ Cards and tree saplings to 15 marginal farmers including Md Abu Kaysar, Md Roman, Shahnur Alam, Md Shah Alam, Zulekha Akhter, Nasima Khanam Sumona, Shilpi, Amena Begum, Nawab Ali, Mohammad Ali, Kabir Hossain, Monowara Akhter, Shamima Akhter, Laila Begum and Tahmina. As soon as the programme was launched, Tk 2,500 was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 22,067 farmers in 11 upazilas through mobile banking. In Tangail alone, 1,453 farmers received the money. The Prime Minister entered the stadium at around 11:20am. Upon arrival, he went straight to the stage and greeted farmers by waving at them. The programme organised by the Ministry of Agriculture began with recitations from the Holy Quran, Gita, Bible and Tripitaka. Several thousand farmers along with 
leaders and supporters gathered at the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere on the Bangla New Year. People filled both the ground and gallery areas. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid presided over the programme. Among others present were Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizbi, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and local MP Sultan Salauddin, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, and Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul Islam. The Farmers’ Card aims to directly support and empower farmers, who are considered the backbone of the country’s economy. The initiative is designed to bring modern technology into agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Under the programme, farmers will receive a debit card linked to a bank account opened in their names through Sonali Bank.  The card will allow them to access services such as fair-priced agricultural inputs, irrigation support, easy loans, subsidies, training, weather updates, crop advice and insurance. In the initial phase, about 22,067 landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers, as well as those involved in fisheries, livestock and salt production will receive Tk 2,500 annually through the card. Officials said the programme will first be implemented on a trial basis in 10 districts covering 11 upazilas, with around 30 lakh farmers expected to be included in phases. The project will be carried out in three stages — pre-pilot, pilot and nationwide rollout. The pre-pilot phase is expected to cost about Tk 8.34 crore. A wider pilot in 15 upazilas is planned by August, followed by a nationwide expansion over the next four years. Earlier, the Prime Minister left his residence in Dhaka at around 8:58am and travelled by road to Tangail. Since early morning, farmers from Tangail Sadar and nearby areas streamed into the stadium. Many, dressed in colourful attire, expressed excitement at seeing the Prime Minister and becoming part of the government’s new initiative. Local representatives described the launch as a historic moment for Tangail, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ living standards. Farmers attending the event expressed hope that the card would ease their struggles, especially in accessing seeds, irrigation and financial support.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reached Tangail on Tuesday to formally launch the ‘Farmers’ Card’ pre-piloting programme on Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year. He arrived at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in the district town at around 11:20am where several thousand people gathered to attend the launching ceremony. Since early morning, farmers from Tangail Sadar and nearby areas streamed into the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere marked by Bangla New Year celebrations. Many farmers, dressed in colourful attire, expressed excitement at seeing the Prime Minister and becoming part of the government’s new initiative. According to officials, the Prime Minister left his residence in Dhaka at around 8:58am and travelled by road directly to the venue to inaugurate the programme. A large stage was set up at the stadium for the event organised by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Farmers’ Card distribution marks the beginning of a pre-pilot initiative being launched simultaneously in 11 upazilas across the country. Local representatives described the day as historic for the people of Tangail, saying the programme reflects the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods, as pledged in its election manifesto. Under the initiative, farmers will receive a special debit card linked to a bank account, enabling them to access various services, including fair-priced agricultural inputs, irrigation support, easy loans, subsidies, training, weather forecasts, crop protection advice, insurance and improved market access. In the initial phase, more than 22,000 farmers have been registered, including landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers, as well as those involved in fisheries, livestock and salt production. Landless, marginal and small farmers will receive Tk 2,500 annually through the card. In Tangail, around 1,500 farmers are set to receive the card while the Prime Minister is expected to hand over cards to a small number of beneficiaries on stage. Farmers attending the event expressed hope that the card would ease their struggles, particularly in accessing seeds, irrigation and financial support. The Farmers’ Card programme will be implemented in three phases — pre-pilot, pilot and nationwide rollout — with plans to gradually bring all farmers in the country under its coverage.