United News of Bangladesh

Parliament on Saturday unanimously adopted a motion expressing thanks to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for what lawmakers described as the "extraordinary success" of his official visits to Malaysia and China. The motion was moved at the beginning of the day's sitting by LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and was passed by voice vote following a brief discussion. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26 and returned home from China on Friday. Placing the motion, Mirza Fakhrul said the tour was of great significance for Bangladesh as it further strengthened the country's relations with Malaysia and China. He said the Prime Minister concluded a number of agreements during the visit and helped deepen bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect. "The elected leader has established a strong national and international standing after leading the long struggle against fascism," he said, adding that the Prime Minister is working firmly for the welfare of the people and has set new standards in governance. The minister also noted that, unlike former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who used to receive public receptions before and after foreign visits, Tarique Rahman had instructed that no such receptions be organised. Highlighting the outcomes of the China visit, Fakhrul said Bangladesh signed 17 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with China and that Chinese President Xi Jinping held extensive and cordial talks with the Prime Minister. He said both Malaysia and China reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic development and indicated their willingness to assist in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, speaking in support of the motion, said the Prime Minister had introduced a new political culture by avoiding large ceremonial receptions at airports during official visits. He said the Malaysia and China tour reflected Bangladesh's foreign policy based on mutual respect, mutual interests, non-interference and national sovereignty. "The Prime Minister has established a benchmark for Bangladesh's future relations with the world and the policy was consistent with the diplomatic principles introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman,” he said. He said discussions in Malaysia focused on Bangladesh's labour market, energy cooperation and trade interests, while talks with China covered infrastructure development, reducing the bilateral trade gap and increasing Bangladeshi exports. Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman also endorsed the motion, saying Bangladesh should pursue a genuinely independent foreign policy based on equality and mutual respect. "The country belongs to all of us. As the opposition, we assure the government of our cooperation wherever it serves the national interest," he said. Describing Malaysia and China as long-standing and trusted friends of Bangladesh, he stressed the need to diversify exports beyond the ready-made garments and overseas workforce sectors through short-, medium- and long-term planning. Dr Shafiqur also urged the government to place all major international agreements before Parliament in the interest of transparency and accountability. "We do not want anyone to interfere in our independent foreign policy. The country's interests must come first," he said. He also expressed the hope that Parliament would remain the centre of all major state affairs and that both the government and the opposition would be judged by people through their performance. The motion, adopted unanimously by voice vote, stated that Parliament expresses its gratitude to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman for the "extraordinary success" of his June 21-26 visits to Malaysia and China.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accorded a warm red-carpet welcome by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday as the two countries moved to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, labour migration and other key sectors. Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, warmly received the Bangladesh premier and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, at Perdana Putra, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya, around 9:00am local time (7:00am Bangladesh time). Both leaders, accompanied by their spouses, proceeded through the red carpet to the dais to receive the guard of honour. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Malaysian Armed Forces presented a guard of honour. The national anthem of Bangladesh was played first followed by the Malaysian national anthem. After the guard of honour inspection, Anwar Ibrahim introduced members of his cabinet and senior government officials to the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Tarique Rahman, in turn, introduced the members of his delegation to his Malaysian counterpart. The Bangladesh Prime Minister later signed the visitors' book at Perdana Putra before proceeding to official engagements. The welcoming ceremony marked the beginning of Tarique Rahman's official engagement abroad since assuming office and underscored the importance both countries attach to their long-standing friendship and growing partnership. The atmosphere around Putrajaya reflected the significance of the visit. Bangladeshi and Malaysian national flags lined both sides of the wide boulevard leading to Perdana Putra, creating a colourful display ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said he does not want to transform Bangladesh into another Singapore or Canada, but rather build “a better Bangladesh,” stressing that such a goal can only be achieved through collective efforts. Speaking at an interaction with local civil society members and politicians at Long Beach Hotel in Cox’s Bazar at night, he called upon all citizens to work together for the country’s development. “We often heard promises that Bangladesh would be turned into Singapore or Canada. I do not want to make Bangladesh something else. I want to make Bangladesh a little better. If we can make our country a little better, that will be good for all of us,” the Prime Minister said. He said the goal cannot be achieved by the government alone. “We all have to work together.” Highlighting the importance of developing Cox’s Bazar into a cleaner and more organised town, Tarique Rahman said he noticed a large signboard while entering the town describing it as home to the world’s longest sandy sea beach. “You all represent Cox’s Bazar. If you want to showcase Cox’s Bazar to the world, all of you must come forward. You can build Cox’s Bazar as a clean town,” he said. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for discipline in urban management and traffic movement. “You can make Cox’s Bazar a disciplined town where vehicles follow traffic rules, park properly and move in an orderly manner ...It should be a town where people feel safe while walking,” he added. Questioning why Cox’s Bazar had not witnessed expected development over the past 17 years, Tarique Rahman said many projects that should have been completed long ago have remained unfinished. “Since returning to Bangladesh, I have travelled to different parts of the country over the last four and a half months. Everywhere I went, I felt that many of the projects now being discussed should have been completed during the last 17 years. But they were not,” he said. The Prime Minister said a large amount of work has accumulated over the years and must now be addressed.

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.

The BNP will distribute food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 16 locations across the capital on May 30, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to attend all the programmes as the chief guest. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan told UNB on Tuesday that Tarique Rahman will distribute food items and clothes at the designated spots on the day. He said Dhaka North and South city units of BNP will organise the programmes in 15 constituencies of Dhaka and in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Ministers, MPs and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will remain present at the locations. Lawyers of the Supreme Court are also expected to arrange similar programmes this year. Earlier, BNP announced an eight-day programme from May 25 to June 1, marking the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. As part of the programmes, at 6:00am on May 30, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country. At 11:00am on the same day, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with party leaders and activists, will place wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman and offer prayers there. After visiting the grave, they will participate in a doa mahfil to be organised by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal on the mausoleum premises. As part of the observance, a discussion will be held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday inaugurated the Police Week-2026 at the Rajarbagh Police Lines here. The theme of this year's Police Week is “Amar Police, Amar Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh” (My Police, My Country, Bangladesh First). The Prime Minister inspected the parade of the Bangladesh Police by riding an open jeep and took the salute. Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar commanded this year’s parade.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday made way for an ambulance by halting his motorcade on the elevated expressway near Karwan Bazar, breaking the usual VVIP protocol. The move came shortly before 9:00am as the Prime Minister was travelling from his Gulshan residence to the Secretariat, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “While travelling from his Gulshan residence in the morning along the expressway near Karwan Bazar, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman suddenly noticed in his vehicle’s rear-view mirror that an ambulance was behind the convoy, appearing hesitant to pass the motorcade,” he said. Seeing this, Rumon said the Prime Minister instructed security officials to immediately allow the ambulance to pass. “Following the instruction, the convoy slowed down and made space, allowing the ambulance to move ahead without delay,” he said describing it as a “rare example.” A private insurance company official, Saleh Uddin, who was travelling to Motijheel in a private car near Karwan Bazar, said he was also behind the Prime Minister’s motorcade at the time. “All vehicles suddenly stopped. Then VIP security personnel allowed the ambulance to pass through the convoy,” he said. Saleh also said that by allowing an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient to pass, the Prime Minister had set another example. He said the Prime Minister’s move reflected a head of government’s sense of responsibility and compassion towards ordinary people, calling it a lesson for all. In Bangladesh, Saleh said traffic is often halted to allow VVIP motorcades to pass, forcing other vehicles to wait. The Prime Minister’s action reflects a shift from that practice, highlighting a people-first approach, he added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Jashore on Monday morning to inaugurate Ulashi Canal excavation project and attend various programmes, including a public rally and civic reception. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique landed at Jashore Airport around 10:20 am on a domestic flight. During the day-long visit, Tarique will inaugurate Ulashi Canal excavation project in Sharsha upazila and address a civic reception there. Later, after offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Jashore Circuit House, he will lay the foundation stone of Jashore Medical College Hospital and visit Jashore Institute Public Library.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government is attaching top priority to recovering assets siphoned off from Bangladesh. “As part of a broader strategy to combat corruption, money laundering and financial crimes, the present government is working with the highest priority to recover laundered assets abroad,” he said while replying to a starred question from treasury bench member Md Qamruzzaman (Munshiganj-3). Citing information from a white paper formulation committee formed by the interim government, the Prime Minister said an estimated $234 billion was illicitly transferred out of Bangladesh between 2009 and 2023—an average of $16 billion annually (around Tk 1.8 lakh crore). He said since these funds were transferred to several countries, efforts are being made to strengthen information exchange, asset identification and mutual legal assistance with the countries concerned. To this end, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with all ministries and agencies concerned to conclude Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) and facilitate the exchange of Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs), he said. Among 10 initially identified destination countries— USA,  UK, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong (China)—three countries, namely Malaysia, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, have agreed to sign agreements, while the process is underway with the remaining seven countries, said the PM. He further said an inter-agency task force has already been formed under the leadership of the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. Legal process is going on to recover laundered funds in 11 priority cases identified by the task force, he added. To expedite investigation and inquiry into these cases, 11 Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) have been formed under the leadership of the Anti-Corruption Commission, comprising officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police, the Central Intelligence Cell of the National Board of Revenue and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate. Focusing on the progress made so far in case of priority cases, the Prime Minister said as of March 25, 2026, courts have ordered the attachment and freezing of movable and immovable assets worth Tk 57,168.09 crore within the country, while movable and immovable assets worth Tk 13,278.13 crore laundered abroad on the other hand. “In total, assets worth approximately Tk 70,446.22 crore have been attached and frozen both at home and abroad,” he added. The Prime Minister also said 141 cases have so far been filed to recover laundered money, of which charge sheets have been submitted in 15 cases and verdicts delivered in six cases. To further accelerate and strengthen the recovery process, a ‘Stolen Asset Recovery Division’ has been formed under the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit on February 22 last, said the PM.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday inaugurated the Bogura City Corporation, upgrading the 150-year-old municipality to city corporation status. At around 12pm, he unveiled the plaque of Bogura City Corporation, marking its official launch as the 13th city corporation in the country. The existing city corporations are Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Sylhet, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Rangpur, Gazipur, and Mymensingh. Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the long-standing demand of people has been fulfilled through the creation of the city corporation.“You have had this demand for a long time. Today, with the establishment of the city corporation, that demand has been fulfilled.” “Bogura must be turned into a model town. This cannot be done by the government alone; everyone’s cooperation is needed,” he said. Calling himself a son of Bogura, Tarique said he belongs to the people of Bogura like one of their own, but now the people of the entire country have entrusted him with national responsibility. He sought prayers so that he can work for the welfare of the country as a whole. Bogura municipality, one of the oldest in northern Bangladesh, began its journey on 1 July 1876 during the British colonial period. It currently has 21 wards and a population of around 4 lakh, according to the 2022 census. In 2006, the municipality was expanded to 69.56 square kilometres with the inclusion of 48 mouzas, and was upgraded from 12 to 21 wards. A plan was also made at the time to develop it into a city corporation, but it was not implemented later. Before the inauguration, the Prime Minister arrived at the Bogura Circuit House at around 10am. He later unveiled the newly constructed building of the District Bar Association on the court premises and inaugurated the e-bail bond system in Bogura and six other district courts. He also planted a sapling on the premises after inaugurating the Bogura City Corporation. This is Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Bogura since assuming office on February 17. He is also scheduled to carry out a series of programmes across the district, including launching an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign at Ziaur Rahman Gram Hospital in the Bagbari area of Gabtoli. He is further expected to distribute family cards at the Shaheed Zia Degree College ground, inaugurate excavation work on Chowkidah Canal in Nasipur, visit his ancestral home in Bagbari, and address a public rally organised by the district BNP at Altafunnessa Playground.