United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed officials concerned to explore ways to make the country’s zakat management system more effective and well organised. He gave the instruction at a meeting on zakat management held at the Cabinet Division in Secretariat, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. The meeting was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad and As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman and eminent Islamic thinker Sheikh Ahmadullah, During the meeting, a decision was taken to reorganise the Zakat Board. “It was also proposed to form a committee led by the Religious Affairs Minister to review the issue and place recommendations before the Prime Minister,” Rony said. The proposed committee may include the khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Mufti Abdul Malek, Sheikh Ahmadullah and several leading Islamic economists and noted scholars. Officials said the Religious Affairs Ministry will propose the names for the full committee within the next ten days. The committee will then submit recommendations to the Prime Minister on improving zakat management and restructuring the Zakat Board. ‘Let’s go to war,’ PM says before leaving for work Earlier on Saturday, at an iftar programme held in honour of alem-ulema Islamic scholars and orphans, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a proper zakat management system could play an important role in reducing poverty in the country within the next 10 to 15 years. The meeting also discussed how an effective zakat management system could help reduce poverty in Bangladesh.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday enquired about the condition of Bangladeshis living in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, met the prime minister at the Secretariat in the morning, said PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “The prime minister enquired about the condition of Bangladeshis in Middle Eastern countries in light of the developments in Iran and gave necessary instructions,” he said. Iran fires missiles at Israel, Gulf states after US-Israeli strike kills Khamenei Rumon said the meeting also discussed the cancellation of many Middle East-bound flights and other related issues arising from the conflict. He said the prime minister is closely monitoring how stranded passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are being looked after. Rumon said the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and the State Minister are working in line with the prime minister’s directives. The state minister has been present at the airport since morning, while the Expatriates’ Welfare Minister has also been overseeing the situation. The additional press secretary said the prime minister arrived at his office at the Secretariat at 9:10am. As part of his day’s schedule, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu also met him. Rumon said the prime minister discussed post-earthquake disaster management and instructed the authorities to prepare an action plan to deal with such situations. After the meeting, Asadul Habib Dulu told reporters that the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to prepare one lakh volunteers in Dhaka to respond to post-earthquake emergencies. Later, the Power and Energy Minister also met the prime minister, the additional press secretary said.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended office on Saturday, although it was a public holiday, and called on officials to gear up the implementation process of the government’s election manifesto. The move, similar to last week’s holiday appearance, signals his push to maintain momentum in delivering key policy priorities. Tarique Rahman arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon at 10:15am, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister left his Gulshan residence in the morning and went to his office in Tejgaon, where he held a meeting with officials and staff members. During the meeting, Tarique Rahman sought their cooperation in implementing his election manifesto, Rumon added. Prime Minister’s advisers Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabiullah, Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Brig Gen (retd) ATM Shamsul Islam and Zahedur Rahman were present, along with Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar. The additional press secretary said the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend an iftar hosted by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the afternoon. PM shares warm moments with children after Jum'a prayers at Banani Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister on February 17. Since then, he has been attending office every Saturday despite the weekly government holiday. Last Saturday, he worked at the PMO in Tejgaon for the first time.  

The global leaders, who attended the executive meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have expressed the confidence that Bangladesh will speedily attain political stability and accelerated development under the able leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They expressed full support to Bangladesh's candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister and Bangladesh candidate for the UNGA Presidency Dr Khalilur Rahman,  held bilateral meetings with leaders of a number of key participating delegations on the sidelines of the executive meeting of the OIC on Palestine in Jeddah and discussed issues of common interest, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. They include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhreiji of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Musa Kulaklikaya, Foreign Minister Dr. Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian and Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie of Gambia, who is also the Chair of the Executive Meeting. Palestine has already withdrawn its candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur for the position, said the source. The leaders of the delegations, during meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Rahman, conveyed their heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique on the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and his assumption of the responsibility as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. They also commended Bangladesh for its unwavering commitment to the cause of Palestine. Pak PM Keen To Visit Bangladesh Pakistan's Foreign Minister warmly recalled his meeting with the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia last year. He said Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif eagerly look forward to visiting Bangladesh to personally great Prime Minister Tarique. Foreign Minister Dar expressed the hope that under the new government in Dhaka the relationship between the two countries will steadily prosper. Turkish Support Appreciated Turkish Minister Kulaklikaya recalled the historical relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh and hoped that the relationship between the two countries will expand steadily in multiple sectors in the coming days. Foreign Minister  Khalilur Rahman expressed sincere thanks to him for the help and support Turkey has been giving to the Rohingya refugees. The two sides resolved to work together to advance an early resolution of the issue. Foreign Minister Rahman handed over to the Turkish Minister an invitation address to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Bangladesh after Ramadan. KSA Keen to Welcome PM The Saudi Minister expressed the hope that Prime Minister Tarique would visit the Kingdom at a convenient time in the near future. He also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Rahman to visit Riyadh. He said the 'Vision 2030' of Saudi Arabia offered many opportunities for Bangladesh in a wide range of sectors. He expressed his government's readiness to work with Bangladesh in this regard. Foreign Minister Khalilur  Rahman pointed out that there are important opportunities for Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh. The two sides resolved to work together to realise these potentials. Minister Elkhereiji also requested Bangladesh's support to undertake major reforms to enhance the performance of the OIC Secretariat. Unwavering Support to Palestinians During the meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister Aghabekian, the Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering support to the cause of the Palestinian people. He stressed that the only solution to the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with the pre-1967 border and East Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian Foreign Minister lauded Bangladesh for its strong and consistent support to the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian Minister said that the Arab-Islamic flow will be for Bangladeshi candidature. Rohingya Crisis Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman offered sincere thanks to Foreign Minister Njie of Gambia for his government's continued active support to the cause of the Rohingya people, including the case it brought before the International Court of Justice against Myanmar for committing genocide against the Rohingyas. He said Bangladesh stood ready to support the important work of Gambia for the Rohingyas. Both sides agreed to hold an event on the Rohingya issue during the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad in April this year. Foreign Minister Njie expressed full support to Bangladesh's candidate for the UNGA Presidency and offered to work with other African countries in support of it. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mollah Farhad Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MJH Jabed, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, were present during the meetings.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said efforts would continue to secure UN recognition for Bangla and proposed turning the Amar Ekushey Book Fair into an international event in the coming years. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 at Bangla Academy, he also stressed the importance of promoting reading habits and increasing the publication of research-based books. “In the course of time, you may consider whether, in the coming years, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair could be organised as the Amar Ekushey International Book Fair,” the prime minister said. Tarique said an international Amar Ekushey Book Fair will not only introduce our citizens to world literature but also encourage them to learn about and understand multiple languages and cultures. “I believe that, in today’s global village, it is essential to be familiar with not only our mother tongue but also with several other languages,” he said. To achieve prosperity and dignity in this competitive world, the Prime Minister said there is no alternative to building a knowledge- and talent-based society. “We must enrich ourselves through knowledge, science, technology, and skill. At the same time, our efforts to secure recognition for Bangla as an official language of the United Nations will continue,” he said. The Prime Minister also reflected on the distinctive identity of Bangladesh’s book fair. He noted that while book fairs are held in many countries, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair is unique, symbolising the achievement of language rights and the establishment of Bangla as the state language. “Although the size and scale of the fair increase every year, there is currently scope for thought on whether research-based publications are increasing at the same rate, and whether citizens’ reading habits are developing accordingly,” the prime minister said. Recalling the supreme sacrifice of the language martyrs of 1952, Tarique said February 21 is now observed globally as International Mother Language Day. “We observe Ekushey every year with pride in memory of those who sacrificed their lives to establish the dignity of our mother tongue. The day now belongs not only to Bangladesh but also to the whole world,” he said. The Prime Minister said Bangla Academy carries the spirit of the Language Movement and that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair is one of its most important creative initiatives. He said the fair should not remain just a marketplace for selling books. “Let Amar Ekushey Book Fair become a centre for the growth of education and culture. Let it be a meeting place of hearts.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said education, research, arts and literature should remain free from political influence in a civilised society. “I believe that politicising education, research and the practice of arts and literature is never a mark of a civilised society,” he said while addressing the Ekushey Padak 2026 award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The Prime Minister said the government is working to establish a liberal democratic state system with strong moral standards so that the country can move forward in all branches of knowledge, including education, literature, arts, science and technology. “In this journey, we certainly expect guidance and direction from the country’s wise and learned citizens,” he said. Although politicians are entrusted with the responsibility of running the state, Tarique said, wise and distinguished citizens play the role of guiding forces in society. PM promises UN recognition of Bangla, globalising Ekushey Book Fair He said the greater the number of accomplished individuals in a state and society, the more enlightened that society becomes in terms of prosperity and moral standards. “So, the state honours distinguished citizens out of its own need, and in doing so, it honours itself,” the Prime Minister added. Referring to the history of the award, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, had introduced the Ekushey Padak for the first time in independent Bangladesh from this very realisation.   He said the Ekushey Padak is not merely an award. "Through it, the nation remembers historic events from the 1952 Language Movement to the present day."   At the same time, he said, the award introduces the people to those distinguished individuals who have enriched themselves, the state and society through their contributions to education, literature, arts and research. The Prime Minister described February 21 as a ‘symbol of Bangladesh’s identity’ and expressed hope that Bangla language and literature would one day shine in the world of global literature. “February holds special importance in our national history. February 21 is a marker of our identity. It is the lifeblood of our national consciousness. Bangla language and literature will surely one day spread light in the world of literature. We look forward to that proud day,” he added. The Prime Minister also congratulated this year’s awardees and wished them long, creative and meaningful lives. Tarique said February 21 represents both the struggle to establish the dignity of the mother tongue and a movement to assert rights against oppression. “So, February is a month of self-realisation and a month to rediscover our roots.” Paying tribute to the language martyrs, Tarique said, “With deep respect, I remember the language movement activists. May Allah accept their deaths as martyrdom.” The Prime Minister also said the state and the government would continue to fulfil their responsibilities to further promote education, research and cultural activities. Earlier, he handed over Ekushey Padak medals to nine distinguished individuals and one music band in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various fields. The ceremony, conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was also addressed by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman.  

Nine distinguished citizens and one organisation on Thursday received the Ekushey Padak this year in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over the Ekushey Padak 2026, the country’s second highest civilian award, to the recipients and their representatives at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced the names of the awardees on February 5, 2026, on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. Each recipient received a gold medal weighing 35 grams, Tk 400,000 in cash and a certificate of honour. The Ekushey Padak is awarded for significant contributions to various fields, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, arts, journalism, literature and education. In the field of arts, actress Farida Akhter Babita received the award for film, Prof Dr Abdus Sattar for fine arts, Marina Tabassum for architecture, Arthy Ahmed for dance, Islam Uddin Palakar for pala music, and Tejos Haldar Josh for sculpture. In music, the late Ayub Bachchu received the award posthumously. His wife, Ferdous Akhter Chandana, received the award on his behalf. In band music, the band Warfaze was honoured with the Ekushey Padak this year. The award was received by the band’s leader, Sheikh Monirul Alam. Shafik Rehman received the award in journalism, while Prof Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar was honoured in education. Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue around 10:53 am. The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the function, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the award-giving ceremony and read out the citations of the awardees. State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke as the special guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech. Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, noted citizens, diplomats, senior civil and military officials and other dignitaries were present at the function.

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 Wednesday formally adorned the rank badge on newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir at his office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Home Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury were present at the ceremony, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister congratulated the new police chief and wished him success in carrying out his responsibilities. Earlier on Tuesday, the government appointed Additional Inspector General of Police and chief of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Md Ali Hossain Fakir as the new IGP. Ali, a member of the 15th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Police) cadre, replaced Baharul Alam, who had been serving as IGP on a contractual basis since November 20, 2024.  

Dhaka, Feb 23 (UNB) - China has expressed support for Bangladesh’s new government and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties, the Chinese embassy said on Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat around 11:00 am. The envoy congratulated the prime minister on assuming office and presented him with a bouquet. Ready to work with PM Tarique to enhance Dhaka-Beijing cooperation: Chinese PM Ambassador Yao conveyed the ‘heartfelt congratulations and best wishes’ of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, and said Beijing is ready to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust and deepen comprehensive, pragmatic cooperation with Bangladesh. The embassy said China supports the new government in ensuring smooth governance, safeguarding national unity, stability, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and encouraged Bangladesh to play a greater role in regional and international affairs. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked the envoy and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the one-China principle and to deepening cooperation with China. BNP Joint Secretary General and PM’s Adviser Humayun Kabir was also present.