United News of Bangladesh

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Sunday expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will emerge as the country’s unchallenged leader through his work. “If all of us can gain the people’s confidence, Tarique Rahman will become the unchallenged leader of Bangladesh through his work,” said the minister. Tuku, also a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks at a discussion meeting marking the 20th imprisonment day of Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Press Club organised by the Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum. He said BNP leaders and activists also must earn the trust of the people like thier party chief. “Today our leader Tarique Rahman is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has taken responsibility for running the country. In this short time, through his conduct and work, he has become a place of trust for people,” he said. He said their party believes Tarique Rahman will remain a guiding figure in the country’s politics for many years, just as Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia continue to inspire people. Fuel reserves rise with arrival of two ships, rationing to continue: Minister The minister urged everyone to pray during the holy month of Ramadan so that Tarique Rahman can continue to play a strong role in the country’s political journey. Recalling the events of the 1/11 political changeover, the BNP Standing Committee member said the period was created to weaken the nationalist forces. “During that time Tarique Rahman and many of us were arrested and subjected to various forms of pressure. But despite the pressure and temptations, they could not force Tarique Rahman to compromise,” he said. Tuku said the current government inherited a fragile and debt-ridden system from the previous administration but is trying to stabilise it through collective efforts. He also said the people of Bangladesh have shown their confidence in the leadership of Tarique Rahman by giving the party a strong mandate in the last election. Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon also spoke at the programme and recalled the circumstances of Tarique Rahman’s arrest in 2007, saying he was detained unjustly and subjected to severe torture while in custody. Tarique Rahman was arrested from his residence on Moinul Road in Dhaka Cantonment on March 7, 2007 by joint forces during the military-backed caretaker government. He remained in prison for nearly 18 months before being released on bail on September 3, 2008. Later, he went to London for advanced treatment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday said his government is committed to strengthening ties with countries around the world based on mutual respect, cooperation, and trust. “Bangladesh always gives high importance to both bilateral and multilateral relations,” he said while speaking at an Iftar hosted for diplomats at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The Prime Minister said the Iftar programme was more than a ceremonial gathering. “It reminds us of the importance of respect, empathy, and unity among people of different nations, religions, and cultures. These values are key to building a peaceful and tolerant society,” he added. Tarique Rahman highlighted his government’s efforts to safeguard independence, uphold human rights, combat corruption, strengthen law and order, empower women, and support new entrepreneurs to foster a strong and inclusive economy. He expressed hope that, through cooperation and understanding, Bangladesh and the international community would move forward together in peace, development, and prosperity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to open language training centres across the country to build a skilled workforce for overseas employment. The directive was given at a meeting of the committee formed to increase overseas employment and ensure the welfare of expatriates held at the Secretariat on Thursday, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister asked the ministries concerned to take swift measures to prepare unemployed youths for overseas jobs. “The Prime Minister instructed the authorities to establish language training centres with the involvement of both local and foreign teachers so that unemployed youths can learn different languages and secure job opportunities abroad,” Rumon said. He said the meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat, discussed ways to quickly expand overseas employment opportunities and various related issues. PM urges frugal electricity use after switching off half the lights at office Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister Nurul Haque Nur, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and secretaries and senior officials of the relevant ministries attended the meeting. The Additional Press Secretary said the Prime Minister also directed the authorities to introduce low-interest bank loans and simplify the loan process so that job seekers do not have to sell their property to go abroad for employment. Free WiFi at three international airports Rumon said the Prime Minister also asked the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister to introduce free WiFi at the terminals of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and MAG Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, similar to facilities available at airports in many developed countries. Renovation of temple in Dhaka-17 constituency The Additional Press Secretary said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also taken steps to fulfil a pledge made during the election campaign in his constituency, Dhaka-17. He said that during the campaign Tarique Rahman promised to renovate a temple belonging to the Hindu community located near the Mahakhali Cancer Hospital in the constituency. Education Minister orders introducing AI to stop lobbying in teacher transfers “The Prime Minister has instructed that renovation work of the temple begin on Saturday,” Rumon said. Administrators of the two Dhaka city corporations, Abdus Salam and Shafiqul Islam Milton, and Tarique Rahman’s election coordinator for Dhaka-17, Professor Farhad Halim Dona, will be present at the site at 11am on Saturday.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to introduce ‘e-Health’ card to ensure medical services for people across the country, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering healthcare at the doorstep. The directive came at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office at Secretariat with the Health Minister, State Minister, advisers and health experts, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister instructed the Health Minister to start work on launching the e-Health card without delay. PM Tarique praises role of Ansar-VDP; assures continued support for development “The government’s policy is to ensure healthcare services reach the people’s doorsteps. The Prime Minister asked the ministry to be more proactive in this regard,” he said. The meeting also discussed identifying abandoned buildings of different government ministries and agencies and converting them into health and family welfare centres under the Health Ministry. The Additional Press Secretary said there are 170 abandoned buildings under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) alone. “The Prime Minister directed that such unused government facilities be renovated and turned into clinics and healthcare centres.” Rumon said the issue of population growth also came up at the meeting. PM Tarique orders women-only bus service in Dhaka “Statistics show that around 3.4 million babies are born in the country every year. Concern was expressed over the annual number of newborns and the ministry was asked to intensify efforts to control population growth, “ he said. He said the meeting further discussed recruitment of 100,000 health workers in line with the BNP’s electoral pledge, with 80 per cent women and 20 per cent men. “Filling vacant posts of doctors and other health staff in the ministry was also reviewed.” Rumon said the Prime Minister asked the minister concerned to ensure that doctors are posted and remain present at health centres in remote areas. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, State Minister MA Muhith and senior officials were present. Tree plantation drive to be intensified Earlier in the morning, Rumon said a meeting of the cell formed to implement the plan to plant 25 crore trees in five years was held at the Cabinet Division conference room with the Prime Minister in the chair.

A delegation, on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, paid a courtesy call on former Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday as he was leaving the official residence, Jamuna. The three-member delegation was led by the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, said the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the delegation met Prof Yunus at 3:00pm at Jamuna on Minto Road in the capital, while he was bidding farewell. Tarique Rahman calls on PMO officials to transform lives of people Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and Military Secretary to the Prime Minister Maj Gen Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq were also present.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday presented the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 to nine distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to Bangla literature. This year’s recipients are Mohan Roy for poetry, Nasima Anis for fiction, Syed Azizul Haque for essays and prose, Hasan Hafiz for children’s literature, Ali Ahmad for translation, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammedy for science and Moidul Hasan for works on the Liberation War. The Prime Minister handed over the awards to the recipients at the inaugural function of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 on the Bangla Academy premises. PM distributes Ekushey Padak 2026 The ceremony, organised by Bangla Academy, began at 2pm with the national anthem and a recitation of religious scriptures. A one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement, the Liberation War and the July mass uprising. Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, Chairman of Bangla Academy, presided over the inaugural session.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 57 army officers were killed, was a sinister attempt to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “The Army is a symbol of our sovereignty. I believe the tragic incident at Pilkhana was an evil attempt to foil our sovereignty,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the family members of the 57 army officers killed in the BDR carnage. The programme was held at the Army Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka Cantonment, marking Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas (National Martyred Army Day). PM Tarique Rahman chairs meeting on airport’s third terminal Tarique said the Bangladesh Army has a glorious history in the War of Independence and in nation-building in the post-independence period. Referring to the Pilkhana incident, the Prime Minister said weaknesses in the country’s national security structure were exposed through it. “So, in line with the changing global context, our national security framework needs to be made more modern, time-befitting and stronger. Our government will certainly work towards this goal,” he said. At the same time, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to establishing long-term protection measures to ensure the education, healthcare and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families of the army. He prayed to Almighty Allah that He would grant peace to the souls of the martyrs, give patience and strength to their families, and guide the state and its institutions on the path of justice, discipline, and responsibility. PM Tarique paid deep tribute to the 74 brave martyrs, including 57 patriotic army officers, who embraced martyrdom in the brutal killings that took place at Pilkhana on February 25 and 26, 2009. Third day at Secretariat, PM Tarique Rahman focuses on discipline He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and strength and patience for their bereaved families, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The Prime Minister said February 25 is a blood-stained and sorrowful day in the nation’s history. “When this day returns, nature seems to fall silent again under the weight of memory and grief, and the cries of those horrific moments seem to drift through the air. Our hearts become heavy with deep sorrow. The brutal events of February 25 and 26, 2009 created a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which continues to flow even after the passage of time,” he said. Seventeen years after the incident, the Prime Minister said his voice became heavy as he stood before the family members of victims of the Pilkhana tragedy with the memories of the martyrs. “I have appeared before you not only as a public representative, but as a member of a military family, like the child of a fellow soldier. In that horrific incident of 2009, a total of 74 lives were lost, including 57 talented and patriotic army officers. Each name is the story of a family’s light being extinguished, a painful chapter of losing a loved one, the history of a child becoming fatherless, an unfinished epic of a dream,” he said. Tarique mentioned that soon after returning to the country, he visited the Banani Military Graveyard. “Standing beside the graves of the martyred army officers, I realised the depth of your unbearable struggle over the past 17 years — your immense sacrifice and the painful suffering of going from door to door in search of justice, yet not getting it.” He expressed his belief that commemorating the Pilkhana tragedy with state dignity is a national responsibility. “If the incidents of 25 and 26 February are not given state recognition in our history, future generations will not forgive us.” In consultation with the Army and the families, the Prime Minister said his government will work to preserve the memory of February 25 and 26 with due honour. Tarique said the elected government, formed through the people’s mandate after a long struggle, is committed to strengthening the country’s border force. “We will modernise and further consolidate the border guarding force, InshaAllah,” he said, adding that its members will continue to serve the nation with patriotism and professional dedication.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the people now understand the real reasons behind the Pilkhana carnage. In a message marking Shaheed Sena Day (Martyred Soldiers’ Day), he said, “The trial over the Pilkhana killings is ongoing. There is no scope to comment in detail on a matter that is under trial.” The Prime Minister, however, said he believes that it is important for all citizens to understand that activities against the country’s independence and sovereignty were involved behind this massacre. “After the killings, various attempts were made to mislead people through falsehoods and misinformation. But in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the real reasons behind the Pilkhana carnage are now understandable to the people,” he said. The Prime Minister paid tributes to the 57 army officers and 17 others who were killed in the tragic incident on February 25, 2009, at the Pilkhana BDR headquarters. He said the day was not observed with due importance in the years following the incident, but since 2024, after the country became free from fascism, February 25 has been observed as Shaheed Sena Day. Abducted schoolboy freed within an hour after PM Tarique’s intervention On the occasion, Tarique prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family members. Describing the armed forces as a symbol of the honour, bravery and pride of an independent nation, he called for a renewed commitment so that no one can conspire against the armed forces in future. “Today, we must once again reaffirm that pledge with determination.” The Prime Minister urged all to remain united against any conspiracy against the country and its people. “We will stand united against any conspiracy that goes against the interests of the country and its people—let this be the resolve of Shaheed Sena Day.”

Bangla Academy on Tuesday assured that this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held in a more organised, inclusive and secure manner from February 26, despite various challenges, with the participation of the highest number of publishers. Director General Dr Mohammad Azam made the remarks at a press conference outlining last-minute preparations for the fair. Dr Selim Reza, Secretary of Bangla Academy and Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, presented a detailed report on the preparations. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the fair as chief guest at 2pm. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Multidimensional Bangladesh’. Emphasising inclusivity, Dr Mohammad Azam said the fair would be ‘a place for all opinions and people’. “Additional security forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, as we believe in an inclusive book fair.” Regarding stall construction, he said publishers had assured him that work would be completed on time with extra effort. Stalls and Participation A total of 549 publishing houses are participating this year. Of them, 81 will be located on the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at Suhrawardy Udyan, with a combined total of 1,018 units. The Little Magazine Corner has been set up near the open stage area of Suhrawardy Udyan, where 87 little magazines have been allocated stalls. The Children’s Corner, featuring 63 institutions with 107 units, has been placed at the centre of Suhrawardy Udyan to ensure easy access and safe movement for children. Layout and Facilities While the overall layout remains similar to last year, several structural adjustments have been made. Due to the location of the metro rail station, the main exit has been shifted closer to the temple gate area. There will be four entry and exit points via TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT base plant and the Engineering Institute area. Food stalls have been arranged along the boundary of the Engineering Institute. Prayer spaces, washrooms and other essential services will be available. During Ramadan, arrangements will be made for Taraweeh prayers at the Suhrawardy Udyan section of the fair. Organisers said a mobile app has been updated to make it more user-friendly, enabling visitors to easily locate book stalls. Books will be sold at a 25% commission by Bangla Academy and participating publishers, while government institutions will follow their designated commission rates. Bangla Academy book stalls will be available in both sections of the fair. Events Daily thematic seminars will be held from 3pm to 4pm, followed by cultural performances on the main stage from 4pm to 5pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, children’s and adolescents’ programmes — including drawing, recitation and music competitions — will take place from 11am to 1pm. Security & Cleanliness Archways will be installed at entry and exit points. Overall security will be ensured by Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Bangladesh Ansar and intelligence agencies, supported by a comprehensive CCTV system. The fair will be a polythene- and smoke-free one. Authorities said sufficient lighting, regular cleaning, dust control and mosquito management measures have been arranged in and around the venue and adjoining areas. Awards Several awards will be presented, including the Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award for quality publishing, the Munier Chowdhury Memorial Award for artistic excellence, the Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award for children’s literature, and the Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award for best stall design. A new accolade — the Sardar Joyenuddin Memorial Award — has been introduced this year for new publishing houses, with first, second and third prizes. Green Initiative Organisers aim to make this year’s fair environmentally conscious and zero-waste, encouraging the use of reusable and eco-friendly materials such as jute, cloth and paper in stalls, stages, promotional materials and food outlets. The inauguration date was rescheduled for the third time, having previously been set for February 25 and February 20, 2026, and December 17 last year. The fair will run from February 26 to March 15. It will remain open from 2pm to 9pm on regular days and from 11am to 9pm on holidays. Entry will close at 8:30pm.

The government has assigned departments and responsibilities to 10 advisers of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman who hold the rank of ministers and state ministers. The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard on Tuesday. Among the five advisers with ministerial rank, three have been appointed as political advisers. They are Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed. Besides, Md Ismail Zabiullah has been made adviser to the Public Administration Ministry while Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir to the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Five advisers with state minister rank have been assigned various ministries and fields. Humayun Kabir has been assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Brigadier General (retd) Shamsul Islam has been assigned the Ministry of Defence while Dr Zahed Ur Rahman will oversee policy and strategy. Mahdi Amin has been made adviser to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Besides, Rehan Asif Asad has been appointed adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology.