United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called for ensuring transparency in tree plantation programmes, expressing concern over discrepancies between official claims and the actual number of trees planted in a government afforestation initiative. Speaking at the inauguration of the World Environment Day programme, the Environment Fair, and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, the Prime Minister said greater attention and seriousness are needed to ensure accountability in such programmes. Referring to the railway line built from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar through Dulahazara, he said a large number of trees had been felled during the implementation of the project and efforts were underway to compensate for the loss through fresh plantation. “Official records stated that around 700,000 trees had been planted there. To be honest, I sought a report from those responsible for the plantation a few weeks ago and asked them to show where the 700,000 trees had been planted,” he said. Tarique Rahman said he later verified the information himself and found that the actual number of trees on the ground was far lower than the reported figure. “After checking, I found that there were not 7,00,000 trees. There were hardly around 2,00,000. This is very unfortunate,” he said. The Prime Minister said such discrepancies highlighted the need for closer monitoring and greater transparency in plantation programmes. He also drew attention to environmental challenges facing the country, citing a report published on July 8 that ranked Dhaka as the world's third least liveable city. “Whether that news is unfortunate or not, I leave that judgement to you. But I believe the time has come for all of us to think very seriously about these issues,” he said. Tarique Rahman urged everyone attending the programme to help raise public awareness about environmental protection and the importance of tree plantation. “Environment and tree plantation are closely linked. Many people in our society are still unaware of these issues. Making them aware is our responsibility and, I believe, a sacred duty,” he said. Referring to conditions along highways and urban areas, the Prime Minister said environmental degradation is visible in many parts of the country. Recalling his recent visit to a military training facility in Savar, he said industrial development is important, but the overall condition of roadsides and surrounding areas requires attention. “I do not think such a situation is desirable in a civilised country. To some extent, we are all responsible for this condition,” Tarique Rahman said. He expressed optimism that collective efforts could bring positive change and urged citizens to take a pledge on World Environment Day to contribute to environmental protection. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo chaired the programme. State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Saimum Parvez and acting Secretary Fahmida Khanom, among others, spoke at the event. After the programme, the Prime Minister planted three saplings on the eastern side of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called for concerted efforts to make Bangladesh a safe habitat for all living beings, saying protecting wildlife and preserving the environment should be a shared responsibility of both the government and people. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the World Environment Day programme, Environment Fair 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026, he also urged people across the country to turn tree plantation and environmental protection into a nationwide social movement, saying Bangladesh can build a greener and healthier future only through united efforts. "I would like to share with you what I believe: Bangladesh should become a safe habitat for all animals and all forms of life," Tarique Rahman said. The programme was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre under the theme, "Let's Beautify the Country through Tree Plantation; Bangladesh First." The Prime Minister said biodiversity is under growing threat due to population growth, climate change, unplanned urbanisation, the filling of rivers and wetlands, deforestation and other human activities. He said the habitats of wildlife as well as aquatic plants and animals are also under threat because of these factors. Tarique Rahman said protecting ecosystems is essential to ensuring the safety of wildlife, domestic animals and birds, warning that no matter how many initiatives are taken, it will not be possible to ensure a safe environment for people without safeguarding all forms of life. "Do not be cruel to wild animals. Do not treat dogs and cats inhumanely. For the safety of human beings, protecting every animal and every form of life requires not only the government's efforts but also active participation from citizens," he said. Beginning his speech with a verse from the Holy Quran, the Prime Minister said Allah has created everything on earth for the benefit of humanity. He said rivers, trees, insects, wildlife, domestic animals and the entire natural environment are all beneficial to humanity, and stressed that people also have a responsibility to protect and care for all of Allah's creations. Referring to scientific evidence, Tarique Rahman said the relationship between human society and the ecosystem is inseparable and protecting ecosystems is closely linked to the well-being of people. He urged everyone to play their part in protecting birds, animals and insects, saying every species has a role in maintaining nature's balance. The Prime Minister said the Environment Fair and Tree Fair are an investment in ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for both present and future generations. He also called for a united national effort to protect the environment and tackle climate change, saying environmental conservation is no longer an option but a necessity for ensuring a safe and sustainable future for Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman said the government has adopted a long-term plan to increase forest coverage and restore ecological balance through large-scale tree plantation and proper care of saplings across the country. He urged people from all walks of life to take part in the campaign, saying tree plantation should become a social movement involving individuals, educational institutions, businesses and local communities. The Prime Minister said protecting forests, biodiversity and wildlife is essential to addressing the growing impacts of climate change, including floods, cyclones, salinity and rising temperatures. He urged the country’s people to make caring for nature a part of their daily lives. Recalling his time in London, Tarque Rahman shared how a neighbour had planted a rose tree for each of his three children when they were born. Inspired by that experience, he urged every family in Bangladesh to plant at least one tree whenever a child is born. "If we plant a tree to celebrate the birth of every child, both the child and the tree will grow together. In this way, tree plantation can become a successful social movement," he said. Tarique Rahman said the government has already launched several initiatives, including Green Volunteer programmes in educational institutions, the Climate Youth Fellowship and an Environment Startup Fund to encourage greater public participation in environmental protection. He said the government remains committed to its election pledge of planting 25 crore trees within five years, but stressed that the campaign must focus on suitable native species rather than simply planting large numbers of trees, calling for planting medicinal, fruit-bearing, bamboo, timber and endangered native species while avoiding plants that could harm the local environment. The Prime Minister said afforestation should not only increase greenery but also help create habitats for birds, wildlife and insects that are essential for maintaining ecological balance. He stressed that protecting existing mature trees is just as important as planting new ones and urged the Forest Department to ensure their preservation. Tarique Rahman also reiterated the government's commitment to protecting forests, preventing hill cutting, conserving mangroves and stopping wildlife destruction. Warning about the growing impact of climate change, he said Bangladesh is already experiencing rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, floods, cyclones, droughts, river erosion and salinity intrusion. "In this reality, the government considers the environment not as a separate sector but as one of the foundations of national development," the Prime Minister said. He said protecting rivers is equally important, warning that agriculture, food security and water security will all be at risk if rivers continued to be polluted and degraded. Tarique Rahman said the government's programme to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals will not only improve irrigation but also help the country adapt to climate change. He also stressed the need for a major improvement in waste management across cities and towns, saying tree plantation alone will not be enough to protect the environment. The Prime Minister said the government is working to reduce plastic waste, promote recycling, produce organic fertiliser and convert waste into energy under the "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" policy. However, he said proper waste management will only succeed if citizens change their behaviour. "I appeal to every citizen – please do not throw waste wherever you like. Let us encourage our friends, relatives and neighbours to do the same," he said. Tarique Rahman said the government remains committed to implementing environment-friendly policies and expanding green initiatives as part of its election manifesto. He stressed that economic development and environmental protection must go hand in hand, adding that sustainable development is impossible without preserving natural resources. The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to encourage younger generations to become more aware of environmental conservation and climate action. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo chaired the programme. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez and acting Secretary Fahmida Khanom also spoke at the programme. The programme began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from other holy scriptures. A documentary highlighting the government's achievements in environment, forestry and climate change was also screened. During the function, the Prime Minister presented the National Environment Award 2025, the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Award 2025. He also distributed dividend cheques among beneficiaries of the social forestry programme. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister planted tree saplings on the conference centre premises before visiting different stalls at the National Tree Fair.    

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government is stepping up efforts to reopen closed overseas labour markets and expand employment opportunities in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and Japan as part of its strategy to create more jobs for Bangladeshis. Responding to a starred question from Tangail-6 MP Md Robiul Awal during the Prime Minister’s question-answer session in Parliament, he said transforming the country's young population into a skilled workforce and increasing their participation in both local and international labour markets is one of the government's top priorities. The Prime Minister said the government is committed to ensuring balanced development across the country by creating sustainable employment and building skilled human resources. He said the government plans to establish Employment Exchange Centres in line with its election manifesto to provide local-level employment information, skills development and job placement services. Tarique Rahman said the centres will help make the domestic labour market more organised and efficient while creating new employment opportunities and improving the living standards of workers across the country. Highlighting overseas employment initiatives, he said the government has taken various steps to strengthen existing labour markets and explore new destinations. The Prime Minister said with instability continuing in the Middle East, the government has prioritised reopening the Malaysian labour market and expanding opportunities in Thailand, South Korea and Japan. "The final draft of a worker recruitment agreement has already been sent to the Thai government," he said. Tarique Rahman also said Bangladeshi missions abroad have been instructed to prepare country-specific plans to increase manpower exports based on labour demand. He added that diplomatic efforts are continuing to reopen labour markets in Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Referring to Qatar, the Prime Minister said the 7th Bangladesh-Qatar Joint Committee meeting was held in Dhaka on May 18, where Qatar expressed interest in recruiting more skilled workers from Bangladesh in various professions. He said the government is also planning to sign labour agreements with more Asian countries. Tarique Rahman said diplomatic efforts are underway to establish visa centres in Dhaka for North Macedonia, Serbia, Mauritius and Portugal to facilitate the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers in those countries. He also said Bangladesh has started sending seasonal workers to South Korea through Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), while memorandums of understanding with different local governments in South Korea are being finalised to expand the programme. To strengthen employment opportunities in Japan, the Prime Minister said a dedicated Japan Cell has been formed under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. The cell has brought together 96 recruitment agencies, more than 200 private Japanese language training centres and 60 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) under a coordinated framework. Tarique Rahman said the government also plans to introduce more demand-based language courses through Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) and increase the number of training institutions. At present, Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean language courses are being offered at 60 TTCs across the country, while recruitment of additional language instructors is underway, he added. The parliamentary sitting began at 3:00pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair. During the first 30 minutes, reserved for the Prime Minister's Question Time, Tarique Rahman answered four starred questions and nine supplementary questions from lawmakers.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his government will gradually increase the salaries of primary and secondary school teachers, saying better pay is essential to improve the quality of education. Replying to a supplementary question from Cumilla-4 MP Md Abul Hasnat – better known as Hasnat Abdullah – during the Prime Minister's question-answer session in Parliament, he said the previous government had focused on constructing buildings but neglected investment in human resources. "We found that during the authoritarian regime, buildings were constructed but there was no improvement in human resources. If we cannot properly train our primary and secondary school teachers and improve their allowances, we cannot expect them to deliver quality education," the Prime Minister said. He said the government already has plans to provide better training for teachers. "We have programmes and plans to improve training for both primary and secondary school teachers. At the same time, we believe their allowances (salaries) need to be increased gradually, and we will do so in phases, Insha-Allah," he said. Explaining why higher salaries are necessary, Tarique Rahman said many primary school teachers are forced to take second jobs because their current earnings are not enough to support their families. "We often see primary school teachers finishing classes quickly so they can go to another job or even agricultural work because it is difficult for them to run their families otherwise. Similar situations exist among secondary school teachers," he said. The Prime Minister said teachers should be able to devote their full time and talent to students instead of seeking additional sources of income. He also noted that the current budget allocates 2 percent of GDP to the education sector. The parliamentary sitting began at 3:00pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair. The first 30 minutes were allocated for the Prime Minister's Question Time, during which Tarique Rahman answered four starred questions and nine supplementary questions. School uniforms for primary students Replying to another supplementary question from MP Musammat Shammi Akther, the Prime Minister said the government plans to provide school uniforms and school bags for around 1.20 crore students of government primary schools across the country in phases. He said the programme will gradually cover students from Classes I to V in about 65,000 government primary schools nationwide. Jackfruit exports to China Responding to another supplementary question, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh signed an agreement with China during his recent visit to export jackfruits. He said jackfruit is very popular in Bangladesh and is also liked by Chinese consumers. Referring to his earlier visit to Malaysia, the Prime Minister said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told him that Malaysia earns around US$1 billion annually by exporting durian to China. "If Malaysia can do it, we can certainly export jackfruit to China and earn substantial foreign currency," he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has taken practical steps to modernise onion storage, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure fair prices for farmers. Responding to a question from Faridpur-4 MP Md Shohidul Islam during the Prime Minister's question-answer session in Parliament, he said a number of projects are being implemented to improve onion and garlic storage and marketing across the country. Govt committed to restoring investors’ confidence in capital market: PM "The government has taken practical measures to prevent wastage of onion and garlic, ensure fair prices for farmers and modernise the storage system," the Prime Minister said. He said 3,500 air-flow machines have already been distributed under a project aimed at improving onion storage in major hubs affected by climate change. Tarique Rahman said another ongoing project on modernising onion and garlic storage and improving marketing has already built 900 model storage houses in major producing districts, including Faridpur. “Each storage unit has a capacity of 10 to 12 tonnes and is helping farmers preserve their produce.” The project also provides farmers with technical knowledge, training and market linkages to reduce spoilage and improve marketing opportunities, he added. The Prime Minister said 19,000 farmers received air-flow machines during the 2025-26 fiscal year under a government incentive programme for onion storage. He also said a new project is being prepared to further modernise onion and garlic storage and marketing. “Once implemented, it will install 8,000 air-flow storage machines in major producing districts, including Faridpur.” Tarique Rahman said the modern technology will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enable farmers to store their produce and sell it later at fair prices.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his government is pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to secure an early and peaceful resolution to the Rohingya crisis. "The BNP government is carrying out strong diplomatic efforts on all bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts to resolve the Rohingya crisis at the earliest," he said while responding to a starred question from Sirajganj-1 lawmaker Md Selim Reza during the question-and-answer session in Parliament. Tarique also reiterated his government’s commitment to the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the displaced people to Myanmar. The Prime Minister said the government remains firmly committed to a peaceful and speedy solution to the Rohingya crisis. Recalling the role of former BNP governments, Tarique said the governments led by former President Ziaur Rahman in 1978 and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1992 successfully resolved earlier Rohingya crises through effective diplomatic initiatives, enabling displaced Rohingyas to return home within a short time. "We are following the same policy to find a sustainable, peaceful and swift solution," he said. The Prime Minister said the government is working actively to keep the Rohingya crisis at the centre of the global humanitarian agenda through regular engagement with the United Nations, foreign governments and international donor agencies. He said soon after the current government assumed office, high-level delegations from UNHCR, UN Women and the World Food Programme visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar and discussed ways to strengthen humanitarian assistance. Tarique also referred to the recent visit of the Turkish foreign minister to Bangladesh, including a visit to the Rohingya camps, expressing hope that it would lead to increased humanitarian support from Türkiye. He said Bangladesh also supported last September's high-level UN conference aimed at accelerating the safe repatriation of displaced Rohingyas and would continue efforts to mobilise international opinion through similar global initiatives. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh continues its moral support for the case filed by The Gambia at the International Court of Justice, stressing the importance of justice and accountability in addressing the root causes of the crisis. He reiterated that the only durable solution lies in Myanmar's Rakhine State and said Bangladesh has stepped up diplomatic efforts to increase international pressure on Myanmar to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas. Tarique said the government is maintaining contacts not only with Myanmar's military authorities but also with all relevant parties to facilitate repatriation. Confidence-building measures and the verification of Rohingya identities are also continuing, alongside third-country resettlement efforts. Describing the crisis as a complex and sensitive international issue, he said its resolution depends largely on the security situation in Rakhine, international pressure and the willingness of the Myanmar authorities. He also stressed the importance of creating a platform for dialogue between the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to help restore stability in Rakhine. On the domestic front, the Prime Minister said the government has adopted practical and coordinated measures to maintain security in the Rohingya camps, preserve harmony with host communities and improve humanitarian assistance. He said a high-level national committee, led by the home minister, is actively coordinating law enforcement and management of the camps, while a National Task Force comprising relevant ministries, the United Nations and other stakeholders is overseeing humanitarian operations and efforts to accelerate repatriation. Tarique said the government remains committed to ensuring the dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas through a realistic and lasting solution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government is committed to restoring stability in the capital market and rebuilding investors' confidence through reforms, greater transparency and stronger regulation, noting that the market is gradually improving. "The condition of the capital market is gradually improving and it is now doing well. The government is fully committed to restoring stability in the capital market and rebuilding investors' confidence," he told Parliament during the question-answer session. The issue was raised by Patuakhali-4 lawmaker Alhaj ABM Mosharraf Hossain on behalf of Khulna-4 MP SK Azizul Bari. The parliamentary sitting began at 3 pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad  in the chair. The first 30 minutes were allocated for the Prime Minister's Question Time, during which Tarique answered four starred questions and nine supplementary questions from lawmakers. Responding to the question of MP Mosharraf Hossain, the Prime Minister said the government has already taken a series of initiatives to develop a stronger and more sustainable capital market by ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability, increasing market depth through product diversification, and expanding investor education. The Prime Minister then outlined the government's 17 priority programmes for reforming the capital market. He said investigations conducted by experts, investor organisations and relevant agencies found that the prolonged decline in the stock market during the previous Awami League government's tenure was driven by market manipulation, artificial price movements, irregularities in IPOs and bond issues, weak regulatory oversight, poor corporate governance, lack of transparency, limited participation by institutional investors, a crisis of investor confidence, policy inconsistencies and the absence of investor-friendly tax policies. Tarique said the government plans to identify everyone responsible for the market collapse that left thousands of investors facing heavy losses and bring them to justice. He said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has already investigated stock market scandals, identified several individuals and initiated legal action against them, while investigations are continuing to determine whether more individuals or organisations were involved. The Prime Minister said the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has already imposed fines amounting to Tk 1,497 crore on individuals and institutions involved in market manipulation, irregularities and corruption. He said the reports of various investigation committees have also been sent to the ACC for necessary legal action. Listing the government's reform measures, Tarique said a new chairman and three commissioners with expertise in the capital market were appointed to the BSEC on June 4 this year. He said the new commission withdrew the floor price soon after assuming office and is working to encourage the direct listing of profitable state-owned enterprises, multinational companies and other large firms. The Prime Minister said the government is also planning to list more fundamentally strong and SME companies, strengthen whistleblower protection, reform audit practices, facilitate foreign portfolio investment, introduce capital market tribunals, establish reform and investigation commissions, expand the use of blockchain technology, introduce AI-based market surveillance, digitalise BO account services, adopt investor-friendly tax policies and strengthen investor protection through legal reforms. He expressed hope that these measures would help restore confidence among investors and ensure the long-term stability and sustainable growth of Bangladesh's capital market. Replying to a supplementary question from MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam, the Prime Minister said reducing disparities in different sectors is one of the government's key objectives, and the capital market is no exception. He said the experts recently appointed by the government are expected to provide recommendations that will help strengthen not only the Dhaka Stock Exchange but also the Chattogram Stock Exchange. Responding to another supplementary question from MP Abdul Hannan Masud regarding alleged irregularities in insurance companies, Tarique said the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) now has a newly appointed chairman who is investigating the complaints. "Once the investigations are completed, action will be taken in accordance with the law," he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has taken a series of initiatives to transform Bangladesh's agriculture from a traditional, labour-intensive sector into a technology-driven and profitable one through greater use of research, innovation and mechanisation. "The present government has taken a wide range of initiatives to transform agriculture from a traditional, labour-intensive system into a technology-driven, profitable, competitive and sustainable sector through research, modern technology, innovation and mechanisation," he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks during the question-answer session at Parliament with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair. The issue was raised by Cumilla-9 lawmaker Md Abul Kalam, who wanted to know what steps the government had taken to modernise agriculture by promoting research, technology and mechanisation. Responding to the question, the Prime Minister explained the wide range of measures his government is implementing to build a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector capable of meeting future challenges. He said the government is expanding the use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in agriculture, including remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite data, big data and other advanced digital technologies. He said these technologies will help monitor crop health and yields, detect diseases, improve fertiliser and irrigation management and make production planning more scientific and efficient. Tarique also said the government plans to introduce precision agriculture to reduce production costs and increase farmers' incomes through the use of modern technologies and data-based farming practices. He said the agricultural sector will be further reorganised and developed through appropriate incentives to ensure balanced, safe and nutritious food production. The Prime Minister also highlighted the government's plan to introduce the 'Khamari App', which will provide farmers with real-time information on the most suitable crops for different regions and seasons, fertiliser requirements, weather forecasts and other essential farming advice. He said the digital platform is expected to help farmers make informed decisions, improve productivity and reduce production risks. Tarique said the government's goal is to build a modern agricultural system that is technology-based, climate-resilient, commercially viable and capable of ensuring long-term food security and sustainable rural development.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged students to equip themselves with knowledge and skills needed to help build the country while interacting with them during their visit to Parliament to observe its proceedings. The Prime Minister met teachers and students from different educational institutions during a break in the parliamentary sitting at the Jatiya Sangsad in the afternoon, said a release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing. He exchanged greetings with the students, inquired after their studies and encouraged them to work hard so they could contribute to the country's development. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam and Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon accompanied the Prime Minister. As part of the government's initiative to allow students to observe parliamentary proceedings, teachers and students from different educational institutions, including four foreign students, visited the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday.  

Fatema Tuz Zohra, the mother of July uprising martyr Abdullah Bin Jahid, on Tuesday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman along with her cancer-stricken son, Mahmudullah Bin Jisan. She met the Prime Minister at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat where the Prime Minister also assured her of a job, said a release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing. Member Secretary of Amra BNP Poribar Krishibid Mokhsedul Momin Mithun was also present. Abdullah Bin Jahid was shot dead on the night of August 5, 2024, during the July uprising. Two weeks later, the family learned that Jahid's younger brother, Mahmudullah Bin Jisan, had been diagnosed with cancer. Seven months later, the family also lost the children's father.