United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged people to engage in nation-building by embracing the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He made the call while addressing gatherings before distributing clothes and dry food items among poor people in the ECB and Kuril areas of the capital as part of programmes marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. “The main objective of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s politics was to serve the country and stand by the people. At the same time, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman taught us how to work for the country and how to build the nation,” the Prime Minister said. “As part of that philosophy, we are standing by disadvantaged people today with a helping hand,” he said, referring to the distribution programme. Tarique Rahman said the government had been entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people and rebuilding the country following the February 12 election.“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the blessings to properly fulfil the opportunity He has given us to build the country and stand by its people,” he said, adding: “Let this be our pledge today, let this be our commitment.” The Prime Minister later distributed clothes and dry food items among poor people. Earlier in the day, around 11:00am, Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary.Tarique Rahman first laid a wreath at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in his capacity as Prime Minister.He later placed another wreath as BNP chairman, accompanied by members of the party’s Standing Committee, including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Prof AZM Zahid Hossain.Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Tarique Rahman inaugurated the relief distribution programme on the Rajdhani High School premises on Manik Mia Avenue by distributing food among poor people. As part of the programmes to observe the death anniversary, clothes and dry food items are being distributed at 17 locations across Dhaka city.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday started distributing clothes and food items among poor and destitute people as part of programmes marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The distribution programme began around 11:30am on the Rajdhani High School premises on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. The event marked the start of day-long programmes featuring the distribution of clothes, essential goods and free healthcare services for poor and destitute people on the occasion of Ziaur Rahman’s death anniversary. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Safiqul Islam Khan and former councillor Anwaruzzaman, among others, were present.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending Eid-ul-Azha greetings to him and the people of Bangladesh. In a message posted on the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Facebook page in response to Modi’s greetings, Tarique Rahman said, “I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his very kind greetings to me and the people of Bangladesh on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.” “May the relations between the peoples of Bangladesh and India continue to be strengthened on the foundations of mutual respect, friendship and goodwill,” he added. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm Eid greetings to Tarique Rahman and the people of Bangladesh, saying the shared vision of the two countries, reflected in their national development goals, is aimed at the mutual benefit of their peoples. “The Government of India looks forward to working closely with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen people-centric cooperation in various domains,” Modi said in a letter sent to Tarique Rahman on the occasion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said it will be possible to gradually build the “desired Bangladesh” if people at every level carry out their responsibilities properly. “We all have specific duties and if each of us perform our responsibilities properly from our respective positions, then, InshaAllah, we will be able to gradually build the country we aspire to see,” he said. Tarique, also the Chairman of the ruling BNP, made the remarks while addressing a feast hosted for Army officers and soldiers at Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Army’s “Mrittunjoyee Potchis” East Bengal Regiment at the Zia Colony in the Dhaka Cantonment. He said the government is trying to build the country in line with the hopes and expectations of both soldiers and ordinary people. “We are trying to gradually shape the country the way soldiers and common people want and expect to see it,” the Prime Minister said. “I could not stay in Bangladesh for many years. I am not going into why I could not stay away from the country, though many of you know what happened during that period. We want to take the country to a better place,” he said. Tarique Rahman urged everyone to pray to Allah on Eid day so that all could fulfil their responsibilities properly. “We pray that through performing our duties, we can keep our families and the people of the country safe and gradually build the Bangladesh we expect,” he said. Highlighting the sacrifices of Army personnel, the Prime Minister thanked officers and soldiers who could not go on leave during Eid because of their duties. “People naturally want to stay with their families during Eid. I sincerely thank you for the sacrifice you have made. The country and the nation will always remember your sacrifices with gratitude,” he said. You too want your family members to remain safe when they go outside, just like any ordinary citizen. We are trying to ensure that safety for everyone.” Tarique Rahman said the government is aware of the issues related to the welfare and responsibilities of Army personnel. Referring to a video presentation made at the programme, he said it depicted both the achievements of the soldiers and their courageous role during a tragic incident in which the offices of two newspapers – The Daily Star and Prothom Alo – were set on fire in December last year. “We saw how nearly 18 journalists were rescued from the burning buildings by Army personnel. This is undoubtedly worthy of praise,” the Prime Minister said. He said soldiers sacrifice their lives when needed for the country and its people, and it is the responsibility of all to properly honour and value those sacrifices. “The first condition of honouring such sacrifices is that we all want to see our country prosper and move forward,” Tarique Rahman said. He said people from all walks of life dream of a beautiful country where children can receive proper education and family members, including parents, spouses, children and relatives, can access healthcare services. Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue accompanied by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam. He exchanged Eid greetings with officers, soldiers and their children standing in rows at the venue. Tarique Rahman also planted a neem sapling in front of the “Mrittunjoyee Potchis” building and signed the visitors’ book. At the beginning of his speech, the Prime Minister recalled many memories of his childhood spent in Dhaka Cantonment. He said while entering the cantonment through Staff Road, he suddenly felt as if he had gone back around 45 to 46 years in time. Tarique Rahman recalled visiting Combined Military Hospital during the mid-1970s and spoke about old buildings, cement benches and the then staff surgeon Major Anwar. He also remembered cycling around the cantonment with friends in the afternoons during his childhood. “This whole area is very old. At that time, it was almost like a jungle with foxes and monkeys around. There was hardly anything here. Now you see a beautiful place,” the Prime Minister said. He said the cantonment remains deeply connected with his life and memories of happiness, pain, struggle and joy. Calling the cantonment a place where he grew up from childhood, Tarique Rahman said visiting the area always creates “a different feeling.” After offering Zohr prayers at the mosque inside the Army Mess, he exchanged Eid greetings with the Army officers and soldiers present there. The Prime Minister also enquired after the living conditions and well-being of soldiers staying at the mess.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday extended Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims across the world. In a video message in the evening, the Prime Minister said holy Eid-ul-Azha has once again arrived at the doorsteps of the Muslim Ummah with the message of sacrifice, piety and self-purification. “I extend my greetings on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Azha to Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world. I also wish all people of the country, regardless of political belief, religion or ethnicity, a happy Eid. Eid Mubarak,” he said. The Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah for peace, security and stability for Bangladesh, the Muslim world and humanity as a whole. He also prayed for global peace, harmony and safety. Highlighting the significance of Qurbani, Tarique Rahman said sacrifice is not only about slaughtering animals, but also about overcoming greed, hatred and negativity within oneself. “This festival of surrendering ourselves to Almighty Allah and declaring His greatness should inspire us with the spirit of sacrifice and guide us towards truth and goodness,” he said. The Prime Minister urged those who could afford to offer Qurbani this year to share meat with people who were unable to do so. Referring to the preservation of sacrificial animal hides and waste management, he requested people to preserve hides properly and cooperate with conservancy workers in maintaining cleanliness. Tarique Rahman also urged citizens to take part in cleaning efforts so that sacrificial sites could be cleaned as much as possible on the same day of Eid.

The main Eid-ul-Azha congregation will be held at the National Eidgah at 7:30am, with the the participation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam announced this while briefing reporters on Monday morning after inspecting preparations at the National Eidgah. He said all preparations for the main congregation have already been completed. “If weather conditions remain favourable, the main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah at 7:30am. Otherwise, it will be shifted to the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram at 8:00am,” he said. The DSCC administrator said four entry points and seven exit points have been arranged at the Eidgah venue for devotees. A total of 121 prayer rows are being prepared at the Eidgah ground, while facilities have also been made for ablution where 140 worshippers will be able to perform ablution at the same time, he said. Salam said air-cooling arrangements, sufficient fans and lighting facilities, along with mobile toilets, have also been ensured at the venue. He urged city residents not to throw sacrificial waste into drains and sewers during Eid-ul-Azha. “Rain may occur at any time. If sacrificial waste is dumped into drains, water flow will be blocked and roads may go under water. Then people will blame the city corporation,” he said. Salam said the city corporation has cleaned drains and roads ahead of Eid and sought cooperation from residents to keep the city clean. The DSCC administrator also said all leave for city corporation officials and employees has been cancelled during Eid. “No official or employee of the city corporation will be allowed to enjoy Eid holidays. They have all been assigned area-based responsibilities to ensure a clean and enjoyable Eid for city residents,” he said. Salam expressed hope that coordinated efforts by city corporation officials, employees and residents would help build a “Clean City, Green City. “If we change ourselves, Dhaka will also change. Together, we can build a clean and green city.”  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the National Eidgah ground in the city. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare and also Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain and Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni will also offer Eid prayers in Dhaka. Bangladesh moving towards self-reliant energy system, green growth: PM BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will offer Eid prayers in Thakurgaon, while BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan will offer prayers at Palash in Narsingdi. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will offer prayers in Chattogram, Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku in Sirajganj, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram in Bhola and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in his parliamentary constituency in Netrokona. Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will offer Eid prayers at Dhanmondi in the capital. Besides, most ministers and lawmakers will offer Eid prayers in their respective constituencies. After the Eid prayers, homage will be paid and there’ll be recitation from the holy Quran at the graves of martyred president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan confirmed the Eid prayer venues of all the leaders on Sunday.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said Kazi Nazrul Islam is an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s identity and deplored that the national poet was not given due respect at the national level during the past two decades. “Bangladesh and Kazi Nazrul Islam are an inseparable entity. He is a true representative of our national identity, a symbol of our national consciousness, and a pioneer of our nationalism,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Trishal, Mymensingh. On the occasion of the poet's birth anniversary, he urged all to take inspiration to remove injustice, inequality, hunger, poverty and division, and to embrace Bangladesh first principle. Tarique Rahman also greeted the people on the birth anniversary, which will be observed on May 25, and expressed deep respect to his memory. He said the government feels proud to resume state-level celebration of Nazrul’s birth anniversary in Trishal after nearly two decades. The Prime Minister bemoaned that after 2006, such national observance had not been held in Trishal. “Since 2006, Nazrul Jayanti had not been celebrated at the national level in Trishal, which is closely associated with the immortal memory of the National Poet. After nearly two decades, the government feels proud to once again organise the National Poet’s birth anniversary at the state level,” he  said. In his speech, Tarique Rahman also recalled police officer Rafiz Ullah, saying he had brought young Nazrul to Trishal’s Kazir Shimla village and given him shelter in 1914. Referring to the respect shown to the national poet by former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, he said ignoring national figures reflects national weakness.  The Prime Minister ecalled that Ziaur Rahman took part in Nazrul-related programmes, including the poet’s funeral procession in 1976 and a rally in 1979 marking his birth anniversary. He also mentioned that Begum Khaleda Zia founded the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Trishal. “This reflects the highest level of respect and honour shown to the National Poet. It proves that showing respect to others does not diminish one’s own dignity; rather, modesty elevates a person,” Tarique Rahman said. He also said distancing from such timeless ideals is now reflected in the visible erosion of moral values in society. Describing Nazrul as a source of inspiration, the Prime Minister said the poet’s arrival in the national history was like a “light of hope” for a subjugated nation. He also said Nazrul’s writings reflect the nation’s dreams, struggles, literature, culture and heritage. Tarique Rahman said Nazrul’s work covers revolution, resistance, religious harmony, human values, patriotism, and love for humanity, making him a unique figure in Bengali literature. “His appearance marked a new dawn in Bengali literature and a revolution in literary taste,” he said, adding that Nazrul gave voice to freedom and resistance. The Prime Minister said the poet was a unique champion of women’s rights, the welfare of working people, and universal human values free from communalism. “The great poet remains and will continue to remain alive in the nation’s hearts as a symbol of the eternal spirit of Bangladesh’s age-old culture.” Tarique Rahman suggested that Trishal, which is closely associated with the poet’s childhood memories, could be developed as a “Nazrul City” after a feasibility study. Earlier, he formally inaugurated the three-day event at the Nazrul Mancha on the grounds of Darirampur Nazrul Academy in Trishal. The programme also includes a Nazrul book fair and rural fair. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury chaired the programme. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula, Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Executive Director of Kabi Nazrul Institute Latiful Islam Shibli, chairperson of the institute’s trustee board and the poet’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, Dhaka University Bangla Department teacher Prof Tariq Manzoor, Mymensingh-7 lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton and Deputy Commissioner Saifur Rahman, among others, spoke at the programme. On the occasion, the Prime Minister handed over the Nazrul Award and honours to two recipients for their contribution to Nazrul research and literature. He later launched a commemorative publication and attended a cultural programme in honour of the poet.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday vowed to ensure the highest punishment within the next one month for the killer of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, who was allegedly raped and murdered in the capital. “The government will ensure the highest punishment for Ramisa’s killer within the next one month, InshaAllah. That highest punishment is the death penalty,” he said. The Prime Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the three-day national programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Trishal upazila. Referring to the maximum punishment, Tarique Rahman said it will serve as a warning so that no one dares to commit such violence against children or women in future. “I want to make it clear before you all that the present government will in no way tolerate such abuse of children or violence against women,” he said. The Prime Minister said one of the greatest damages caused during the period of the ousted fascist regime was the severe destruction of humanity, compassion, and the country’s long-standing religious and social values. “The brutal killing of an innocent girl in Mirpur has exposed the extreme moral decay in society,” he said, referring to the murder of Ramisa in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. Tarique Rahman also stressed the need to establish the rule of law and bring change to the political culture to build a safe and humane society. “At the same time, we have to revive the country’s long-standing religious, social and cultural values in national life. In this regard, the life and works of Kazi Nazrul Islam remain highly relevant,” he said. Later, Tarique formally inaugurated the three-day event at the Nazrul Mancha on the grounds of Darirampur Nazrul Academy in Trishal. The programme also includes a Nazrul book fair and rural fair.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal, a dying canal, in Bailor Union of Trishal upazila in Mymensingh. After arriving in Trishal by road from Dhaka at around 2:20 pm amid rain, the Prime Minister formally opened the programme by unveiling a plaque at the site. Following the unveiling ceremony, he went down to the canal bank and cut soil with a spade to mark the beginning of the re-excavation work. He later planted a palm tree beside the canal. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, local lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton and Mymensingh Zilla Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince were present at the programme. The 3.1-kilometre canal was originally excavated by former President Ziaur Rahman on September 6, 1979. Over the years, the canal became almost dead. As part of the government’s canal restoration programme, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, son of late President Ziaur Rahman, inaugurated the re-excavation of the canal. After planting a sapling and inspecting the excavation site, the Prime Minister went onto a stage set up beside the canal to address local residents. Party leaders, activists and supporters welcomed him with loud applause. Women villagers, marginal farmers and children were also seen expressing excitement after seeing the Prime Minister from close distance and greeted him with repeated applause.