United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Bangladesh in the near future. “He (the PM) extended an invitation to President Erdoğan to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time in the near future,” said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing following visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s meeting with Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the city’s Tejgaon area, marking the final engagement of the Turkish Foreign Minister’s three-day official visit to Bangladesh. The Prime Minister thanked the Turkish Foreign Minister for undertaking the visit. Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's greetings to Prime Minister Rahman. Fidan said his visit constituted the first step towards elevating Bangladesh–Türkiye relations to a strategic level. During the meeting, Bangladesh and Türkiye agreed to hold annual Foreign Office Consultations at the level of Foreign Ministers. They also decided that annual 2+2 consultations would be held involving the Foreign and Defence Ministers of both sides in order to further deepen strategic relations. Besides, with a view to further strengthening political, economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, a consultation mechanism in the form of a committee would be established under the respective Foreign Ministers, which would involve the relevant ministries of each side.

Newly appointed Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Lieutenant General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam, met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday before leaving to assume his new assignment. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat in the afternoon, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Hasan Shiplu said. He said they discussed Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, the professionalism of the country’s armed forces and ways to uphold Bangladesh’s reputation and prestige in the international arena. On April 9, Lieutenant General Minhazul Alam was appointed the 23rd Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). He is the eighth Bangladeshi army officer to be appointed as a UN force commander. Minhazul is scheduled to leave for the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday before assuming his new post. Before his appointment, Minhazul served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Bangladesh Army. According to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, a total of 10 military officers from different countries, including one Bangladeshi officer, are currently serving as force commanders in 10 UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Major General Mohammad Fakhrul Ahsan is now serving as Force Commander in Western Sahara. With Minhazul Alam’s joining in Cyprus, the number of Bangladeshi officers serving at the force commander level in UN missions will rise to two.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday took part in a day-long programme distributing clothes and food items among poor and destitute people across 16 locations in Dhaka city, marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The programme began around 11:25am from the Rajdhani High School ground on Manik Mia Avenue, where the Prime Minister started distributing relief items among the needy. Relief distribution activities were held across the areas of the two Dhaka city corporations, including Shyamoli Square, Government Bangla College, Pallabi Metro Station, ECB Chattar, Kuril Bishwa Road, Fuji Trade Centre, Jatrabari, Jurain, Banglabazar and Dhanmondi. Speaking at different venues, the Prime Minister called for taking a pledge to build the country in line with Ziaur Rahman’s ideals, saying his politics was based on standing by people and nation-building. “We must take a pledge to build the country in line with the ideals of Shaheed Zia,” he said, urging party leaders and activists to remain close to the people and extend personal support to the needy alongside party initiatives. Tarique Rahman also called upon city dwellers to take responsibility for keeping Dhaka clean, saying cleanliness was not only the responsibility of city corporations but also of residents. “We must try to generate as less waste as we can. If we all act responsibly, the city will remain cleaner,” he said, adding that a clean environment will improve living conditions and make the work of sanitation workers easier. At Jurain, the Prime Minister said people often admire clean cities abroad and questioned why local streets could not be kept clean in the same way, stressing the need for public awareness and responsible behaviour.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will take part in three programmes on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, including joining the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah, on Thursday. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman will offer Eid prayers at the National Eidgah on the Supreme Court premises at 7:30am. “After the prayers, the Prime Minister will visit the graves of his parents – Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia – at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and offer Fateha there,” he said. He will later return to his residence in Gulshan, the additional press secretary said. In the afternoon, Tarique Rahman will join the traditional “Barkhana” feast to be hosted by the Armed Forces at Dhaka Cantonment.

The BNP-led government has implemented a series of election manifesto pledges within its first 100 days in office, according to an e-book published by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. It said the government, which assumed office on February 17 following a major political transition after 17 years, spent the first 100 days addressing political instability, a fragile economy, weak law and order and deep social divisions. The e-book, released by the PM’s Press Wing on Wednesday, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working with commitment to reach people directly and implement the public welfare-oriented promises. It also said the government has already taken a series of initiatives across key sectors, bringing visible changes in public life. Social protection and welfare According to the publication, 53,096 families have received Family Cards, while 20,748 families have been issued Farmers’ Cards. Besides, around 5.5 million families are receiving subsidised rice at Tk 15 per kg while senior citizens and persons with disabilities are receiving a 25 per cent fare discount on metro rail and train services. The government has also arranged advanced medical treatment abroad for 152 injured persons from the July movement in countries including Russia and Singapore. Economy and finance The e-book said foreign exchange reserves rose to 34.38 billion US dollars as of May 20, while inflation declined to 8.71 per cent. Besides, revenue collection increased by 13.6 per cent in the second quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year. It also said the government has managed the cooking oil market through subsidies amid pressure. Agriculture, infrastructure and communication Canal re-excavation work has begun on 666 canals across the country. The final approval has been given for the “Padma Barrage” project, expected to directly benefit 37 per cent of the population. Meanwhile, a deal has been signed to add 14 Boeing aircraft to expand the national carrier’s fleet while land services have also been fully digitised. Education, health and employment The e-book said over 20 million children have been vaccinated against measles, achieving near universal coverage. Around 65,569 government primary schools have been brought under uninterrupted internet connectivity. The government ensured payment of salaries, bonuses and allowances before Eid for all industrial workers. Sports and religious affairs A “Notun Kuri” Sports” programme for students aged 12–14 is ongoing, while sports equipment has been distributed to 550 educational institutions and clubs. Monthly allowances are being provided to imams, muezzins and other religious leaders in nearly 6,000 institutions. Training has also been given to more than 38,000 butchers on scientific meat processing ahead of Eid. Defence, sovereignty and foreign affairs A modern “Ground Master-400” radar system has been installed to monitor airspace up to 650 kilometres inland and 833 kilometres over the Bay of Bengal. Besides, the government is also reintroducing the phrase “Except Israel” in Bangladeshi passports, which had been removed by the previous Awami League regime. Anti-corruption and governance The e-book said assets worth Tk 4,264 crore belonging to S Alam Group have been seized. “Agreements have been signed with three countries to recover laundered money, while negotiations with others are ongoing.” It also said 10 cabinet meetings were held by May 24, taking 60 decisions, of which 37 have been implemented and 23 are in progress.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to take the country forward, drawing inspiration from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to move the country toward development. Nazrul is the inspiration behind his work,” Rizvi said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the poet’s grave at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of Nazrul’s 127th birth anniversary. He also said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a major source of inspiration in the struggle against fascism. “When we were tortured in remand, Nazrul’s songs, poems and literary works inspired us to survive and resist,” he said. He said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains relevant in both national and social life. The BNP leader said the poet carried the banner of rebellion, equality and humanity, and people drew inspiration from his songs and poems during every national movement. “Kazi Nazrul Islam was the principal inspiration in the struggle against fascism.” Rizvi said Nazrul continues to inspire the implementation of the government’s electoral pledges and national vision. He further said Nazrul would be remembered throughout the year during the Nazrul anniversary celebrations.

Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday. The meeting was held in the afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman was present at the meeting. During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and India.

A meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) is underway with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The meeting began at 10am on Monday at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Planning Commission at Agargaon in the capital, according to a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The agenda includes finalisation and approval of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The NEC is also expected to review and approve the outline of a five-year economic strategy paper titled “Five Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development (FYSF 2026-2030)”. Officials said the NEC meeting is scheduled to continue until 1pm. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will brief reporters after the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended support to two orphan brothers of Sirajganj after a media report highlighted their struggle for survival following the deaths of both parents. The report, published recently, drew attention to the plight of nine-year-old Raihan and his seven-year-old brother Rohan, who lost their father in early childhood and their mother four months ago. Since then, the two children have been living in hardship with their elderly maternal grandparents at Ekdala village under Ratankandi union of Sadar upazila in Sirajganj. After the report came to his attention, the Prime Minister, also chief patron of Amra BNP Poribar, instructed his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon to ensure necessary support for the children. As part of the initiative, a delegation from Amra BNP Poribar, led by its Member Secretary Mokhsedul Momin Mithun, visited the family’s home on Friday afternoon. During the visit, the delegation spoke with family members and conveyed the Prime Minister’s message of sympathy and support. The organisation also initiated assistance for the children’s daily food, education, medical care and safe housing. On behalf of the Prime Minister, the delegation announced a one-time education grant as well as a monthly scholarship to help continue their studies. Several local political and social leaders were present during the visit, including lawmaker Selim Reza. Family members said financial hardship had forced the children to stop attending school, and they had been living in a dilapidated tin-shed house with their grandparents – Azizur Rahman and Maleka Begum. The support extended by the Prime Minister has brought fresh hope to the two brothers, they said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday chaired a meeting on easing traffic congestion in the capital and modernising Dhaka’s traffic management system. The meeting was held in the evening at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. Different measures to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic management in the capital came up for discussion at the meeting. Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton and Advocate Shimul Biswas MP, among others, attended the meeting. This was the second meeting held on traffic congestion and traffic management in Dhaka.