United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a three-month special nationwide campaign against dengue on Saturday, focusing on cleanliness and public awareness to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. The decision to launch the campaign was taken following the Prime Minister’s directive at a meeting on dengue prevention at Secretariat, said his Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. Tarique said the next three months should be treated as a high-risk period for dengue and stressed the need to focus on cleanliness and public awareness alongside mosquito-control measures. The Prime Minister said dengue cannot be effectively contained through mosquito-control measures alone and stressed the importance of raising public awareness and keeping homes and their surroundings clean. He directed the authorities to conduct coordinated field-level activities involving local administrations, voluntary organisations and students. Under the campaign, city corporations will coordinate activities in metropolitan areas,  deputy commissioners(DCs) will oversee the drives at the district level while upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) will coordinate activities at the upazila level. Volunteers from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, scouts, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), Girl Guides, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and school and college students will participate in the cleanliness and awareness drives. Every Saturday, volunteers and students will visit homes and other establishments to take part in cleaning activities. They will also identify potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and raise awareness among residents about keeping their homes and surroundings clean. Tarique also directed the authorities to conduct extensive dengue awareness campaigns through the mass media and social media, with particular emphasis on television advertisements and regular dissemination of dengue prevention messages online. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman Partha, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Health Affairs Special Assistant Dr SM Ziauddin Haider, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Dr Shakirul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam and Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, among senior officials, attended the meeting.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged everyone to play a responsible role from their respective positions to ensure pollution-free rivers and a clean, liveable environment for future generations. “We must try to ensure pollution-free rivers and a liveable environment not only for ourselves but also for future generations,” he said. The Prime Minister made the call at a review meeting on pollution control, waste removal, conservation and management of rivers around Dhaka, ensuring navigability and improving the circular waterways, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The meeting was held at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the morning. Tarique Rahman stressed that people should not simply wait for government directives but should also act out of a sense of personal responsibility to protect the environment, rivers and waterways. The meeting reviewed the overall activities concerning pollution control and waste removal from the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, Balu and Shitalakhya rivers and adjacent canals and drains. Those who attended the meeting also discussed measures to ensure navigability and the natural flow of water in the rivers and improve the existing circular waterways around Dhaka. The Prime Minister directed the authorities to take effective steps to quickly implement the plans already undertaken. He also stressed ensuring proper coordination among the ministries, divisions and agencies concerned to expedite the activities. Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Industries and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for LGRD and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Dr Saimum Parvez, among others, attended the meeting. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Commander Dhaka Naval Area Rear Admiral Abdullah-Al-Maksus, secretaries of the relevant ministries and divisions, administrators of Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur city corporations and other senior officials were also present.  

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday evening sat among the audience and enjoyed a cultural programme organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), marking the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary. Earlier, Tarique Rahman addressed a discussion organised by the BNP at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Farmgate, marking the party's anniversary. The discussion was held under the slogan “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh” (We will work, build the country, Bangladesh first).

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday accused some political parties and individuals of trying to create anarchy by exploiting the country’s ongoing power and gas crises inherited by his administration, saying everyone should act within their limits. “We are trying to resolve all the problems we have inherited, whether from the authoritarian regime or the interim government,” he said while speaking at a discussion meeting marking the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary. Tarique Rahman acknowledged that there are problems in various sectors that are causing suffering to the people. “But we are noticing that some political parties and individuals are trying in different ways to create confusion by exploiting these problems, and through this confusion they are trying to create anarchy in the country,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government will uphold the democratic process and make its utmost effort to maintain democratic principles and ethics. “But if anyone wants to create anarchy, the law of the country clearly sets out how to control such anarchy. Therefore, as a government—and not just as a government, but as a government elected by the people—I want to make it clear that everyone needs to remain within their respective limits,” he said. The discussion was held at the auditorium of the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Farmgate. At the beginning of the programme, participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and all those who sacrificed their lives for the country and the party. The event began with the national anthem, followed by the party anthem and a documentary on the BNP. President Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP on September 1, 1978. The five-day central programme marking the party’s 48th founding anniversary, which began on Tuesday, concluded with Saturday’s discussion. Tarique Rahman said the BNP inherited a fragile economy, as well as weak health, education and communication systems, after forming the government. He identified the energy crisis as the country’s biggest immediate problem, acknowledging that many people and industries are suffering from shortages of electricity and fuel. “I apologise on behalf of the party to all those who are suffering from the shortage of electricity and fuel,” the BNP chief said. He, however, said the government did not want to use the problems left behind by the previous regime or the interim government merely as excuses. “We do not want to simply cite these problems as excuses. Rather, we want to present the reality to the people and at the same time take measures so that people do not have to face such problems in the future,” the Prime Minister said. He said the BNP has already adopted an action plan to address the energy crisis and prepare the country to withstand possible future global disruptions. “An action plan requires time to formulate, and implementing it also requires some time,” Tarique Rahman said, adding that the government is taking its measures keeping possible future global crises in mind. He alleged that a political group operated in disguise during the previous authoritarian regime and that some of its members subsequently admitted their involvement. The Prime Minister also accused some political parties of attempting to spread confusion and said such activities could create an opportunity for forces associated with the ousted authoritarian regime to return to the political scene. “Could it be that those who remained hidden under the authoritarian regime are now, from within that hidden network, trying to incite this anarchy?” he asked. “If that is the case, then those who are hiding are actually working to bring that authoritarian regime back to the forefront,” Tarique Rahman said. Calling on all nationalist forces and BNP leaders and activists, he said: “Let us make the people more aware. Let us expose to the people who is taking responsibility for whom and who is trying to protect whom.” The Prime Minister alleged that certain political forces had protected or sheltered one another at different points in Bangladesh’s history. “This politics must be exposed before the people. We have to make it clear to the people..Because we have seen these forces, operating covertly, shielding and sheltering one another at different times over the years and decades—whether in 1971, 1986, 1996, over the past one and a half decades, or even today," he said. “So today, we have to expose their politics before the people. We have to make it clear to the people," Tarique Rahman said. He said the BNP had consistently sought to establish a democratic system and uphold the democratic rights of the people since the party’s inception. “We still firmly believe in this,” the Prime Minister said, adding that hundreds of thousands of BNP leaders and activists had sacrificed their lives for democracy. At the same time, he said, the BNP wants to build a humane state and a democracy where no one would face obstacles in exercising their rights. PM’s four directives to BNP leaders and activists Tarique Rahman urged party leaders and activists to help implement the government’s development programmes, including tree plantation, canal excavation and cleanliness drives. He also called upon BNP leaders and activists to play an active role in nation-building by undertaking four key tasks at the grassroots level. First, the Prime Minister asked party workers to participate in the government’s campaign to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, describing it as a continuation of the tree-planting initiatives of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Second, he urged them to actively participate in the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country, particularly when such work is undertaken in their respective areas. Third, the Prime Minister asked BNP’s main and affiliated organisations to work with local communities to remove garbage and keep villages, towns and cities clean, using the party’s extensive grassroots network. Fourth, Tarique Rahman urged every BNP leader and activist to remain vigilant against misuse of the party’s name, calling on them to ensure that no one carries out activities in the name of BNP that embarrass the party or cause suffering to ordinary people. The Prime Minister said the BNP’s role in Bangladesh’s independence and democratic politics could not be erased. “However hard anyone may try, even through the law and the courts, it cannot be erased,” he said. Tarique Rahman said Ziaur Rahman had declared Bangladesh’s independence and later restored multiparty democracy after the country gained independence. He also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s initiatives on multiparty democracy, a free-market economy and creating overseas employment opportunities, as well as former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s contributions to parliamentary democracy, sustainable democratic practices, women’s education, economic development and the system of transferring power through elections under a neutral, non-party government. “In every crisis—whether it concerns the country’s independence, democracy or economic emancipation—Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have taken the country forward and brought it out of crisis,” the Prime Minister said. Tarique Rahman said the BNP had remained on the streets during the movement against the previous authoritarian regime despite facing widespread repression. “For the past 17 years, the BNP was on the streets. The BNP did not take any other role; it did not do anything secretly or underground. Whatever it did for people’s rights, it did openly on the streets, standing firm and fighting for people’s demands,” he said. The Prime Minister said the people were the “masterminds” behind the success of the 2024 mass movement. “We have always said that the mastermind behind the success of the 2024 movement was the people of this country. The BNP, together with the people, made that movement successful,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the people had subsequently seen that the BNP was the political party that protected their interests and democratic rights. He acknowledged that the BNP government had limitations and could not fulfil all its aspirations for various reasons. “Despite that, after assessing everything, the people of Bangladesh have seen that if there is a political party that protects the interests of the people, that party is the BNP,” he said. Tarique said the BNP had received public support and formed governments in elections that were considered credible both by the people of Bangladesh and internationally. The discussion was chaired by BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and moderated by the party’s Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. Economist Mahbub Ullah, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Amanullah Aman, Farhad Halim and Ismail Zabiullah, Jubo Dal General Secretary M Moinam Munna, Krishak Dal General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Dhaka North BNP Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib also spoke at the programme. BNP Standing Committee members Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman and AZM Zahid Hossain, among other senior leaders, were present. The discussion was organised as part of a five-day programme marking the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary. The party was founded by President Ziaur Rahman on September 1, 1978.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday joined a discussion meeting organised by the BNP to mark its 48th founding anniversary. The discussion, titled “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh” (We will work, build the country, Bangladesh first), began at around 3:50pm at the auditorium of the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital’s Farmgate area. BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is presiding over the programme. Members of the BNP National Standing Committee and invited distinguished guests are taking part in the discussion.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Saturday said Bangladesh wants engagement and a good working relationship with India despite existing challenges, stressing that the door for dialogue will always remain open. "There might be thousands of problems and challenges with India, but the door of dialogue and discussion will always remain open. And that should be kept," he told reporters, noting that India is a neighbour of Bangladesh. The State Minister made the remarks during an exchange of views with leaders of the Electronic Media Journalists Association (EMJA) in Sylhet. Kobir said foreign, economic and security cooperation and policies are intertwined and interrelated for most countries around the world, not just for Bangladesh. "It cannot be isolated from each other. Particularly, for the foreign policy that we have undertaken, it has to be integrated and it must be complementary to each other. From that point of view, foreign policy is not about only foreign relations. There needs to be a strong area of engagement for economic cooperation," he said. Talking about the challenges with India, the State Minister said there are, of course, challenges, as "terrorists" who fled the country after killing people in Bangladesh are staying in India. "If space is given to them (by India), it will go against the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh. It would be pressure to address that. Our foreign policy engagement is based on national interests and driven by people's interests," Kobir said. The State Minister, who has met Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi twice so far, said India must understand the situation. "I met him (envoy)  twice. He is trying, but he gets stuck somewhere." Kobir laid emphasis on stopping former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stressing that it is irrelevant whether she is using private or public platforms in India. "Providing Hasina space creates a bad precedent," he said. Regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India, Kobir said the possibility of such a visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly session is very slim. "When the time is right, the Prime Minister will be visiting India, but the possibility is very slim before the UNGA as the Prime Minister will be attending the UNGA," he said. The 81st session of the General Assembly will formally open on September 8, with world leaders expected to gather at UN Headquarters in New York later in the month for the annual high-level general debate. India will soon host the BRICS Summit, and an Indian journalist wanted to know whether Bangladesh had communicated whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would participate and, if not, who would represent Bangladesh at the summit. "On the participation from Bangladesh side, I have no update to share with you," Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during a regular briefing in New Delhi on Friday. Although the date of the Prime Minister’s proposed India visit has not yet been finalised, bilateral discussions on the matter are underway, State Minister Kobir said. The meeting was arranged after journalists covering the State Minister’s programme on Friday were allegedly harassed. Television journalists in Sylhet on Friday decided to boycott news coverage of the State Minister and the local BNP after several media workers were allegedly harassed by political activists at the Hazrat Shahjalal Shrine. Kobir, visiting Sylhet for the first time since taking office as State Minister, offered prayers at the shrine after Jummah prayers. Responding to various questions, Kobir said the extent of corruption in the energy sector in the past could be understood by looking at the sector’s overall condition. He said the current government is giving the energy sector the highest priority. The State Minister also said discussions are underway on the Mecca Pact and that Bangladesh’s joining the agreement would not be unusual. “Many countries in the world are part of multiple security alliances. Bangladesh will join wherever necessary based on its national interests,” he said. On the purchase of Boeing aircraft, Kobir said no one was pressuring Bangladesh to buy Boeing planes. “Bangladesh is buying Boeing aircraft from the United States because there is a demand for them. More aircraft may be purchased if necessary,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday outlined a five-point comprehensive government plan to tackle the country’s ongoing energy crisis by boosting domestic gas production, intensifying exploration, strengthening BAPEX, expanding LNG infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported gas. Replying to a question from MP Selina Sultana (Women Seat-35) during the question-answer session in Parliament, Tarique said the energy sector was left “crippled” during the previous fascist rule, resulting in inadequate gas exploration and growing import dependence. He said the government has adopted an integrated action plan to bring the country out of the existing energy crisis and build a self-reliant and sustainable energy system. As part of efforts to increase domestic gas production, Tarique said 30 wells have already been drilled under a programme to drill or carry out workovers on 150 wells, adding 140 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to the national grid. “Once the seven wells currently under drilling are completed, another 85 mmcfd of gas will be added to the national grid,” he said, adding that projects are being taken up in phases to drill the remaining wells. The Prime Minister said the government has also planned 4,500 line-kilometre of 2D seismic surveys and 4,200 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys to explore domestic gas reserves. He said the government is  also taking steps to strengthen Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) including the procurement of two new rigs. On offshore and onshore exploration, Tarique said the Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC) 2026 has been approved and a bidding round invited, while the Onshore Model PSC was under the approval process. “Gas discoveries through offshore and onshore exploration will play a significant role in ensuring the country’s energy security,” he said. The Prime Minister said negotiations are underway with interested companies to establish a floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom in the deep sea off Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar. “We hope to be able to supply regasified LNG from the terminal by December 2028. As a result, LNG imports are expected to increase by another 600 mmcfd within the next two years,” he said. Tarique also said feasibility studies have also been initiated for setting up one or two additional floating LNG terminals on an urgent basis near Payra or Mongla ports or along the coastal areas of the southwestern region. Tarique said the proposed terminals would help strengthen the country’s overall energy security. PM rejects report on factory closures Replying to a supplementary question from MP Norul Hasan (Mymensingh-6) about reports that 92 or even 200-300 factories had closed due to electricity and gas shortages, Tarique rejected the figures. “Had you taken a little more information, you would have seen that those who used the reference you mentioned about 95 factories being closed apologised the following day and said their information was completely wrong,” he said. He said the report apparently cited an old news report or data, possibly from 2022, and was later retracted with an apology. The first 30 minutes of Wednesday’s parliamentary session were allocated for the Prime Minister’s question-answer session.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to introduce an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system at toll plazas on expressways and flyovers within four months as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka and modernise the city’s transport system. He gave the directive at a meeting at his Tejgaon office that reviewed the capital’s traffic situation, public transport management, bus terminals, parking facilities and traffic system modernisation. The meeting decided to develop an app to support the ETC system and complete the work within four months, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. The Prime Minister also asked Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to review its earlier report on congestion around the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover and submit recommendations within 15 days. The initiative will be implemented in coordination with the city corporations and traffic police. Fulbaria terminal to be shifted to Keraniganj The meeting decided to relocate the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj to reduce pressure from buses and inter-district vehicles in central Dhaka. The Local Government Ministry will acquire the required land for the permanent terminal. As construction of a permanent terminal will take time, the meeting decided to build a temporary bus terminal on 15 acres of land under the Jhilmil project within four months. The authorities were also instructed to expand the rear section of Gabtoli Bus Terminal to increase its capacity and improve vehicle management. Karwan Bazar kitchen market to move to Gabtoli The meeting also decided to relocate the kitchen market at Karwan Bazar to Gabtoli as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the capital. Relevant authorities were instructed to take necessary steps to implement the decision. The meeting also discussed improving parking facilities around the Secretariat. It decided to examine the feasibility of arranging parking at Osmani Memorial Auditorium and identify alternative parking spaces if necessary. Separate policy for auto-rickshaws The meeting decided to formulate a separate policy to regulate the movement of auto-rickshaws in Dhaka. The Prime Minister also ordered action against unauthorised double-decker sleeper buses operating on the roads. He stressed stronger coordination among the relevant agencies and urged officials to complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated deadlines. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, Pabna-5 MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and senior officials concerned attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday pledged that his government would make its utmost efforts to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries in the struggles for independence, democracy and people’s rights. “Despite various practical realities, we will make our utmost efforts to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives in 1971, those who were killed or suffered in different movements to establish democracy since independence, and those who were killed or injured in the July uprising,” he said. The Prime Minister was speaking at a programme held at the Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon to hand over job appointment letters to members of families affected by enforced disappearances and killings and the July uprising. He said the government would not retreat from its commitment despite the difficulties involved in implementing all expectations within the desired timeframe. “But we will not retreat from this path, InshaAllah,” Tarique said. He said some might view the government’s support for the affected families as an act of assistance, but he saw it differently. “It is because we have the support and cooperation of these people and their families that the government is working with full commitment, enthusiasm and determination to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives,” the Prime Minister said. “You are our source of inspiration, encouragement and strength,” he told the families. The Prime Minister said the government would continue to seek their support and fulfil their hopes and expectations as long as the people entrusted it with the responsibility of running the country. ‘We were, are and will remain with you’ Tarique said the government would try to stand beside individuals and families, irrespective of their political affiliation or background, who had contributed to the restoration of democracy. “Whatever limitations we may have, we will continue trying to stand beside these people and their families,” he said. Recognising that the losses suffered by the families could never be fully compensated, the Prime Minister said, “We were with you, we are with you and, InshaAllah, we will remain with you.” He urged the families to support and encourage the government so that it could work to fulfil the aspirations of the martyrs and all those who fought for democracy. ‘20 crore people freed from fascist rule’ Recalling the July uprising, Tarique said the programme was an emotional one as it brought together families of people who should have been present but were no longer among them. “The 20 crore people of Bangladesh have been freed from a fascist situation through the circumstances that led to their absence,” he said. Tarique prayed for those who remain missing, saying only Allah knows where they are and in what condition. The Prime Minister also became emotional while addressing the family members of the victims. “Naturally, seeing you before me today makes me emotional,” he said. Tarique said the sacrifices made by the families and their loved ones were for the country and its people, and the government would make its utmost efforts to realise the goals for which they had made those sacrifices. 74 receive appointment letters A total of 74 people received appointment letters at the programme. They included family members of victims of enforced disappearance and killing, injured fighters and family members of those killed during the July uprising. The Prime Minister handed over appointment letters to 10 of them and spoke with them individually, enquiring about their well-being. Among those receiving the letters were Ishfaq Ahmed, brother of enforced disappearance victim Iftekhar Ahmed Dinar; Shammi Sultana, wife of Khaled Hossain Sohel; visually impaired July uprising fighter Alal Ahmed; Momtaz Hossain, father of martyred Anvir; Jartaj Parvin, mother of martyred Ahnaf; and July fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj. The recipients expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and demanded justice for those involved in enforced disappearances and killings. The programme was conducted by Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Deputy Press Secretaries Zahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Suzauddaula, Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries AKM Nazmul Haque, Shahriar Pamir and Moksedul Momin Mithun of Amra BNP Poribar, among others, were present.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stepped in to support the treatment of Jasmin Akter, the sister of July uprising martyr Zubayer Hossain, who is suffering from a brain tumour. Jasmin, a Class XII student, is currently undergoing treatment for brain stem glioma at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in the capital, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. After learning about her condition, the Prime Minister directed his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon to take necessary steps to ensure support for her treatment.