United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called for expanding skills-based training, providing financial support to small entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities for young people to harness the country's demographic dividend. He made the call while addressing, as the chief guest, the inaugural ceremony of the National Youth Day 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka. The President said the youth are the country's most valuable human resource and the key driving force behind national development. "Bangladesh cannot move forward through political change alone," he said. He said the country must make the best use of its large young population to strengthen its capacity and prepare for graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category. Mirza Fakhrul stressed the need to make young people employment-oriented and equip them with productive skills so they can contribute to the national economy. Referring to the achievements of young entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs, he said many are successfully expanding their businesses and exporting products despite having limited capital. The President said the government should provide aspiring entrepreneurs with proper training and minimum financial assistance to help them become self-reliant. He also called for expanding the programmes of the Department of Youth Development across the country, particularly its training and loan facilities, so that more young people can benefit. Mirza Fakhrul emphasised the need to shift towards a need-based education system, saying greater importance should be given to vocational and technical education to meet domestic and international labour market demands. Bangladesh can earn significantly more foreign currency if it sends skilled workers abroad, he said, adding that technical training institutions should be expanded. Highlighting the potential of biogas, the President said the technology can help rural families, particularly those involved in livestock farming, produce energy from animal waste and reduce pressure on the country's energy supply. He also expressed concern over the growing drug addiction among young people, calling for effective measures to address the problem. Unemployment and frustration, Mirza Fakhrul said, are among the factors contributing to drug addiction, making it necessary to create employment opportunities and raise awareness. He urged young people to stand against violence against women, dowry and all forms of discrimination, calling for community-based organisations and movements to resist such social problems. The President also stressed ensuring equal opportunities for young women in education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership. Referring to the country's political transition, he said the opportunities created through the establishment of a democratic system should be utilised for national development. Mirza Fakhrul called on political parties to focus on parliament-centred politics and resolve national issues through discussions in parliament. He congratulated the recipients of the National Youth Award and Youth Volunteer Award, saying their achievements will inspire other young people. The President urged the youth never to give up and remain committed to building a self-reliant, skilled, technology-oriented and humane Bangladesh. "Never give up. We will continue our struggle and move forward," he said. Upon his arrival at the venue, the President was received by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Abul Khair Bhuiyan, acting Secretary Md Mahfuzul Alam Khan, and Director General of the Department of Youth Development Md Motaher Hossain. Following the reception, he visited exhibition stalls showcasing youth activities and a job fair set up at the conference centre.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday stressed the need for reducing migration costs, ensuring transparency in recruitment and taking strict action against fraud and middlemen to ensure safe migration and decent employment for Bangladeshi workers abroad. “The rights and safety of migrant workers who make significant contributions to the country's economy must not remain uncertain,” he said while addressing the award-giving and closing ceremony of ‘Sonar Manush Sammilan 2026’, organised to mark the 30th anniversary of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) at a hotel in the capital. The President said many workers sell land, take loans and spend their families' savings to go abroad for employment but many fall victim to financial fraud, excessive migration costs and uncertain jobs. All concerned must take effective measures to address these problems, he said. Calling for greater involvement of Bangladesh's missions abroad in protecting migrant workers' rights, the President said the missions must be more worker-friendly. He stressed that every worker should have a clear understanding of their employment contract, salary, working conditions and legal rights before leaving the country. The President said remittances from expatriate Bangladeshis and the country's readymade garment industry are two major driving forces of the economy. Remittances play a vital role in supplying foreign currency, meeting import costs and maintaining economic growth and stability, he said adding that Bangladeshi expatriates sent home more than 35 billion US Dollar in remittances in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The money not only improves the living standards of millions of families but also strengthens the national economy, he said. The President said nearly 15 million Bangladeshi migrant workers contribute to the country's economy through their labour, sacrifices and dedication, adding that ensuring their dignity is a responsibility of the state. Migrant workers do not merely send money home; they also represent Bangladesh abroad. “Their acquired knowledge, experience and skills are national assets,” he added. Highlighting changes in the international labour market,  President Fakhrul said increasing the number of workers sent abroad is not enough. “Greater emphasis must be placed on developing skilled workers, ensuring appropriate employment and promoting safe migration.” Technical knowledge, language proficiency, technological competence and professional training are becoming increasingly important in the global labour market, he said. Fakhrul identified artificial intelligence (AI), information technology, automation, nursing, healthcare, elderly care, electrical and electronics technology, and modern construction as sectors with demand for skilled workers. Public and private training institutions must develop workers whose skills match these evolving requirements, he said. The President stressed the need to plan training and recruitment based on reliable information about the number of workers required in specific occupations in different countries and the qualifications and skills they need. He also called for expanding partnerships with foreign employers and training institutions. Emphasising the safety, rights and dignity of women migrant workers, he also called for encouraging expatriates to invest their savings in productive sectors. He underscored the need to rehabilitate returning migrant workers, recognise their acquired skills, provide access to credit and create opportunities for them to become entrepreneurs. The President said many people were moving from rural areas to Dhaka, Chattogram and other major cities in search of employment, education, healthcare and better living conditions. While such migration creates economic opportunities, it also puts growing pressure on urban housing, traffic management and civic services, he said. To address these challenges, the President called for expanding employment opportunities, technical training, small industries, agro-based enterprises and access to civic services in rural and disadvantaged areas. He also stressed the need for climate adaptation measures, sustainable infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and alternative livelihood opportunities in climate-vulnerable areas. The President said Bangladesh needed to adopt and implement a long-term, integrated and results-oriented national strategy to make migration management more effective. In this connection, he called for serious consideration of the proposal to declare a ‘Migration Decade’. Congratulating the migrant workers who received awards at the event, he expressed hope that RMMRU would continue to play a positive role in making migration safer, more orderly, humane and sustainable. Every dollar of remittance represents the labour, sacrifice and dreams of a worker, the President said. Protecting their rights, ensuring their dignity and utilising their knowledge and experience for national development are collective responsibilities, he added.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said differences of opinion, constructive criticism and peaceful protests are the beauty of democracy. “Politics of revenge hinders the development of democracy,” he said when a delegation led by Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr M Enamullah met him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor briefed the President on the overall academic activities of the university. He informed the President about a government allocation of Tk 600 crore for infrastructure development of the university. The VC also sought the President’s cooperation in filling vacant teaching posts and resolving the accommodation crisis for female students among other issues. The President assured the delegation of his cooperation in addressing the problems and urged the university authorities to maintain the quality of education while expanding higher education opportunities in the comparatively less-developed northern region of the country. When the HSTU vice-chancellor invited the President to attend the university’s upcoming convocation he accepted the invitation . The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, along with the university’s pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer and registrar, were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for collective efforts to ensure the development, rights and dignity of people belonging to all ethnic minority communities in the country. He made the call when a 52-member delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party, led by its central committee president Mrigen Hagidak, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed  reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the delegation apprised the President of various problems faced by ethnic minority communities. The President said the government is sincerely working to resolve the problems of ethnic minority people living in both the hills and plains. Members of these communities themselves also need to take greater initiatives to protect their rights and promote their development, said the President. He stressed the need for greater unity and mutual cooperation among them. “You take one step forward, and I will take two steps forward,” the President said, underscoring the need to identify the problems and potentials of ethnic minority communities and undertake realistic projects accordingly. On land-related problems, the President said members of the communities need to be aware and united to protect their rights. He urged them to maintain communication with the local administration and take initiatives to resolve their problems. Referring to the cutting of betel nut trees at a Khasia punji in Kulaura of Moulvibazar, the President said the incident is deeply deplorable. He assured the delegation that the incident would be investigated impartially and necessary action would be taken against those responsible. The President also laid special emphasis on ensuring educational opportunities for children and adolescents from ethnic minority communities and improving the quality of their education. He stressed the need to further promote the cultural and social activities of ethnic minority communities. The President also expressed a positive view about a proposed cultural programme at Bangabhaban next Pahela Baishakh, with participation from representatives of ethnic minority communities. Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Saching Prue Jerry ; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarker; Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party central committee general secretary Shishir Dio; and leaders of the central and different district committees were present. The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary were also present.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed deep shock and grief at the death of prominent journalist Toufique Imrose  Khalidi saying  his contributions to journalism and mass media will be remembered for a long time. In a condolence message released from Bangabhaban, the President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family members. President Mirza Fakhrul described Khalidi as a pioneer in the development of online and digital journalism in Bangladesh. “With his passing, the nation has lost an experienced, courteous, and distinguished media personality," the President said. Recalling his personal memories with Khalidi with deep respect, the President said the demise of the veteran journalist is profoundly painful and heartbreaking for him personally. The condolence message was communicated by Md. Sarwar Alam, Press Secretary to the President. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of bdnews24.com, died in London on Friday . He was 59. He was admitted to St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on Thursday night after suffering a brain haemorrhage, according to the news portal. Doctors pronounced him dead at 2:23pm local time on Friday, it said.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday stressed the need to improve the quality of education and increase research activities at both public and private universities to keep pace with the rapidly changing world. “It is necessary to formulate policies for a modern, up-to-date and employment-oriented education system by moving away from outdated approaches,” the President said when a delegation from BRAC University led by its Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Farhat Anwar paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. He said outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the education sector need to be recognised and honoured at the state level. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the BRAC University VC briefed the President on the university’s overall academic activities. He said the university is placing emphasis on teaching students in employment-oriented subjects in line with current demands, including artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, agro technology and nursing. During the meeting, the VC invited the President, in his capacity as Chancellor, to attend the university’s upcoming convocation. The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he would attend the convocation. The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, as well as BRAC University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer and Registrar were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged doctors’ leaders to come forward with clear and specific plans and proposals to address long-standing mismanagement in the health sector and ensure healthcare for all. He made the call when a 20-member delegation of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), led by its Chief Adviser Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar and President Prof Dr Harun Al Rashid, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. The President said the country has failed to achieve desired progress in the health sector due to long-standing mismanagement. “There was no proper and comprehensive planning on how many doctors, nurses and technologists we need, how much medical equipment is required, or what kind of infrastructure should be developed,” he said.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon all stakeholders, including BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA, to work together to address the existing challenges and problems facing the country’s apparel sector. The President made the call when a delegation of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), led by its President Mohammad Hatem, met him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, Mirza Fakhrul said coordinated initiatives are necessary to keep the country’s growing economy moving while ensuring that all stakeholders receive equitable benefits.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged Vietnam to simplify its visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspeople, workers, students and tourists. The President made the call when Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong paid a farewell courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President Fakhrul said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam which has existed for more than five decades. He said simplifying visa procedures would help increase people-to-people contacts and expand opportunities for cooperation and partnership among businesses and investors of the two countries, contributing to further strengthening bilateral relations and tapping their development potential. The Vietnamese Ambassador stressed the importance of establishing direct air connectivity between the two capitals, implementing a preferential trade agreement and exchanging high-level visits. He also conveyed an invitation from the President of Vietnam to the President to visit Vietnam. The President thanked him for the invitation. Recalling his visit to Vietnam in 2003 as part of the entourage of then prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, President Fakhrul recalled the warm hospitality extended to him and expressed hope that the historical friendship between the peoples of the two countries would continue to strengthen bilateral relations. The President said opportunities should be created to increase Bangladesh’s exports to Vietnam to make bilateral trade more balanced and mutually beneficial. He urged Vietnam to increase imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products, leather and leather goods, ceramics, bicycles, jute and jute products, among other exportable items. During the meeting, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong congratulated President Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office. Thanking the outgoing Ambassador for his successful tenure and contributions to strengthening Bangladesh-Vietnam relations, the President expressed hope that he would continue to play a role in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries after returning home. The President wished the Ambassador good health and wellbeing and conveyed his wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Vietnam. Secretaries to the President’s Office and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnamese Embassy were present at the meeting.  

President and Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday stressed the need to further improve the quality and excellence of education and research at the university. He also said merit and qualifications must be given the highest priority in all areas including the recruitment of teachers. The President made the remarks when Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the VC briefed the President on the university’s overall academic, research and educational activities. Prof Kamrul Ahsan also formally invited the President, in his capacity as the university’s Chancellor, to attend the proposed convocation of Jahangirnagar University scheduled for April next year. President Falhrul accepted the invitation and assured the VC that he would attend the convocation. Relevant secretaries to the President’s Office were present at the meeting.