United News of Bangladesh

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Thursday urged students to prepare themselves with merit, integrity, discipline and human values, saying education alone is not enough to make one responsible towards the country. “Being educated and securing a job or a good position is not enough. You have to be responsible towards the country,” he said while addressing as chief guest the ‘Freshers’ Reception 2026’ organised by the Department of Zoology of Dhaka University. Addressing the new students, Kamal said they were among the brightest students and urged them to uphold the reputation of Dhaka University wherever they go in the world. “Dhaka University was established for talented people. Wherever you go in the world, you will have to uphold the reputation of Dhaka University,” he said. Recalling his student days at the university, Kamal said he had been a student of the Department of History during the 1989-90 academic year. “Memories of student life never fade. Coming to this auditorium today, I feel as if I have returned to those days,” he said. Highlighting the historical role of Dhaka University, the Deputy Speaker said the institution is not merely a centre of higher education but had played a major role in the country’s democratic movements, secular spirit and struggle for national liberation. He referred to the Language Movement of 1952, the Liberation War of 1971, the mass uprising of 1990 and the anti-fascist movement of 2024, saying the university had played a guiding role in various important movements in the country. “Whenever the country has faced a crisis, disaster or national challenge, Dhaka University has provided direction to the nation. In difficult times, this university has been a symbol of hope, inspiration and possibility,” he said. Kamal stressed the importance of regular attendance in classes, perseverance and discipline, saying merit could develop properly through hard work, honesty and discipline. “Merit is important, but it develops properly through perseverance, honesty, discipline and hard work. You have to practise tolerance, mutual respect, free thinking and human values during university life,” he said. He also urged the students to contribute to the country instead of merely seeking government jobs. “Simply passing the BCS examination and sitting in a good chair is not enough. You have to be responsible towards the country. You have to establish yourself as a respected person and help take the country forward,” he said. Kamal said the country should move towards a merit-based system and called for collective efforts to build a “new Bangladesh”. “We do not want to go to the streets and embrace death anymore. We want to run the state based on merit. Everyone must work together to take the country forward. We have to try to build a new Bangladesh so that fascism can never raise its head again,” he said. Teachers of the Department of Zoology, new and senior students, invited guests, officials of the Parliament Secretariat and media representatives attended the programme.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Thursday said the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights and UNICEF will work jointly to ensure the protection of child rights in Bangladesh. “A caucus will be formed comprising the chairpersons of relevant parliamentary standing committees and members of parliament from both the treasury and opposition benches to safeguard children's interests and formulate child-friendly policies,” he said. He made these remarks during a courtesy meeting with a UNICEF delegation led by its Social Policy Manager Hasina Begum at his office at Jatiya Sangsad bhaban. The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that this caucus would play a pivotal role in parliamentary discussions regarding child rights and in securing increased budget allocations for the sector. Barrister Kayser Kamal highlighted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is highly sensitive to child rights issues. “The Prime Minister has already issued necessary directives to allow children the opportunity to observe parliamentary sessions from the galleries,” he noted. The UNICEF delegation informed the Deputy Speaker that they have successfully advocated for the inclusion of 10 priority rights for children—including health, education, and protection—in the election manifestos of various political parties. They also lauded the government’s timely measures in addressing the ongoing measles situation. During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of issues, including child-friendly policy formulation, increased social protection, budgetary enhancements, and bilateral cooperation.  

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Wednesday said freedom of expression is recognised as a fundamental right in the Constitution, but spreading misinformation through social media to create social disorder cannot be considered part of that right. He stressed the need for greater awareness and engagement among lawmakers and stakeholders on the issue. The remarks came when a delegation of the UNESCO, led by its Head of Office and Representative to Bangladesh Dr Susan Vize, paid a courtesy call on him at his Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office. Kayser Kamal said UNESCO’s activities in education, culture and information technology are benefiting children and the wider community. He also underscored the importance of raising public awareness about laws related to cybercrime and cybersecurity. During the meeting, UNESCO representatives expressed interest in working jointly to strengthen media and information literacy, promote professional standards in journalism and enhance citizens’ access to information. The two sides also discussed several bilateral issues, including education, information technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal and Chief Whip Nurul Islam on Thursday paid tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. They placed wreaths at the graves and stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of respect. Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls. Officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat including senior officers and the Sergeant-at-Arms, were present on the occasion.

Former state minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku on Sunday was elected uncontested as the deputy speaker of the National Parliament. Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Noor-E Alam Chowdhury proposed the name of Shamsul Haque, a ruling party lawmaker from Pabna-1 constituency, to the post of deputy speaker. The proposal was seconded by another Awami League lawmaker Qamrul Islam. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, who presided over the House, moved the lone proposal, which was passed by a voice vote. The deputy speaker-elect will be sworn in by President Abdul Hamid at 7:00pm on Sunday at the President's Jatiya Sangsad office. The election of a deputy speaker was needed as the office fell vacant due to the death of Fazle Rabbi Miah on July 22. Read: Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi laid to rest in Gaibandha Tuku was elected to Parliament for the first time in the ninth parliamentary election held in 2008, representing constituency Pabna-1. In July 2009, he was appointed as a state minister for home affairs. In 2014, he was re-elected MP in the 10th and 11th national elections. He is now the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Ministry.  

The appellate division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday annulled a High Court order that declared the houses built for the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker on the premises of Jatiya Sangsad as illegal. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddque, passed the order in the wake of a writ petition. Barrister Tanjib Ul Alam represented the petitioner’s side, while Additional Attorney General Sheikh Mohammad Morshed appeared for the state during the hearing. In 2003, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and the Institute of Architects filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the legality of the construction of the two houses on the Parliament premises, citing violation of the original design by renowned architect Louis I Kahn. Also read: HC forms expert committee to prevent plagiarism in PhD thesis Construction work began in 2002. On June 21, 2004, the High Court passed an order on the petition saying the construction of the new buildings were illegal and directed to declare the National Parliament House as "national heritage". Later, the appellate division suspended the High Court’s order after an appeal from the state and granted them leave to appeal against the order. Subsequently, the state's lawyers submitted a regular appeal against the High Court’s order. In the meantime, the construction of the residential buildings of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker was completed. Also read: HC directs to protect 952 ponds in Rajshahi city In 2015, during a hearing on the appeal, the appellate division asked the state to present the original design of Louis I Kahn, which it did later.

Opposition Leader Raushon Ershad on Saturday expressed deep shock at the demise of Jatiya Sangsad deputy speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah. Advocate Fazle Rabbi, a valiant Freedom Fighter and Member of Parliament, died during treatment at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York. He was 76. In her condolence message, she said, “Rabbi, an advocate by profession, was active in politics and he worked for the country... People of the country will remember his contribution in the Liberation War and parliamentary democracy forever.” “His death is an irreparable loss in the political arena which will not be healed soon,” she added.   Raushon also prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Read: Bangladesh Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi passes away

Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah has passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New York. He was 76. The valiant freedom fighter fought against the Pakistan Army in Sector 11 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Fazle Rabbi, a seven times lawmaker from Gaibandha-5, is survived by his three daughters. His wife Anwara Rabbi passed away in May 2020. Nazmul Hasan, acting Consul General at the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York, quoting Deputy Speaker's APS, told UNB that advocate Fazle Rabbi breathed his last on July 22 at 3.55pm (NY Time) at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York. "We are in touch with his family members and relatives in New York," he said, adding that necessary formalities needed to be done to repatriate his remains. Nazmul said they are expecting all documents to be ready by noon tomorrow and to get a flight in the evening. He was a reputed organizer and contributed much in creating public opinion in favor of the Liberation War abroad. Fazle Rabbi was Chairperson of Bangladesh Association for Voluntary Sterilization (BAVS), Gaibandha from 1980 to 81. He founded a good number of schools, colleges and madrasas in his own constituency. A reputed organiser who contributed much in creating public opinion in favour of the Liberation War abroad, Fazle Rabbi was born on April 16 in 1946 and was the founding Secretary of Gaibandha Law College from 1979 to 1986. He was also an elected Secretary of the Gaibandha Bar from 1978-79. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Fazle Rabbi. Also read: Hasina mourns Fazle Rabbi's demise In his condolence message, the President said the nation will remember late Fazle Rabbi's skills and experience in running Parliament and his contribution to the practice and development of parliamentary democracy with respect. The President also prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. In her condolence message, PM Hasina said Fazle Rabbi was involved in anti-Ayub movement and 1962's anti-education commission movement from student life. And during the Liberation War, he fought in Sector 11. "He will be remembered for his outstanding role in parliamentary democracy," the PM said. Hasina prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushon Ershad also expressed deep shock at the death of Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah. In her condolence message, she said, “Rabbi, an advocate by profession, was active in politics and he worked for the country... People of the country will remember his contribution in the Liberation War and parliamentary democracy forever.” “His death is an irreparable loss in the political arena which will not be healed soon,” she added. Raushon also prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Cabinet members including Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder and Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi also expressed profound shock at the death of the Deputy Speaker. In a condolence message on Saturday, the Foreign Minister said advocate Fazle Rabbi Miah worked for the welfare of the people throughout his life as a patriot and dedicated politician. As a highly skilled and experienced parliamentarian, the nation will forever remember the contribution he made to the practice of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, Momen said. The Foreign Minister prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members. President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Deputy Speaker and freedom fighter advocate Fazle Rabbi Miah. In a condolence message, the FBCCI President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family members.  

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Saturday nominated a five-member panel of chairmen for the 11th session of the 11th parliament, who will be authorised to conduct proceedings in the speakers' absence. 

Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah has recommended increasing the number of juvenile courts and proper implementation of law along with increasing awareness of guardians to protect children.