United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday said the government is committed to transforming the armed forces into a modern, technology-driven, four-dimensional force to effectively address evolving challenges. The President said the government's "Bangladesh First" policy has been adopted to strengthen defence planning, preparedness, deterrence capability and the country's overall national security strategy, he said while addressing the 51st founding anniversary of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) at Dhaka Cantonment. "Implementation of these policies and initiatives will enhance the overall capability and efficiency of the armed forces. The country's defence system will become more efficient, modern and stronger. At the same time, the operational capability of the PGR as a specialised unit of the Bangladesh Army will also be strengthened," he said. The President said the security of the Head of State, the Head of Government and other important national and foreign dignitaries is closely linked to national security and the country's prestige. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies, intelligence organisations and relevant ministries to ensure an even more robust security system. "I know you are performing your duties in coordination with one another. I hope this understanding and cooperation will be further strengthened in the future," he said. The President also urged PGR personnel to give the highest priority to the protection of important personalities while ensuring that security arrangements do not hinder their normal interaction and communication with public. Highlighting emerging security challenges, Shahabuddin emphasised the need to enhance technology-based capabilities, intelligence analysis and inter-agency coordination to tackle cyberattacks, artificial intelligence (AI)-based risks and hybrid security threats. "The concept of security is changing rapidly around the world, and new threats have emerged alongside conventional security risks," he said. "There is no alternative to strengthening technology-driven capabilities, intelligence analysis, effective strategies and constant preparedness to address these challenges," the President added. He expressed hope that the President Guard Regiment would further enhance its capabilities through modern technology, international-standard training and professional excellence, while keeping pace with evolving global security strategies. The President paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, valiant freedom fighters and Biranganas. He also remembered martyred President Ziaur Rahman, saying the President Guard Regiment developed into its present form under his leadership. He also acknowledged the contribution of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to the expansion and professional development of the regiment. The President paid homage to the five PGR members who were killed during the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman on May 30, 1981, as well as all members who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He also prayed for the souls of those killed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising and expressed sympathy for those who were injured. Describing the PGR as one of the Bangladesh Army's most specialised, disciplined and professional units, Shahabuddin said it plays a vital role in ensuring the security of the President, the Prime Minister, foreign dignitaries and other important state personalities, while representing the country's dignity during state ceremonies. He said the regiment has evolved into a comprehensive and independent institution as its responsibilities have expanded over time. Addressing PGR officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and soldiers, the President said their duties are highly sensitive, prestigious and challenging, requiring vigilance, sound judgement, self-discipline, professional competence and the ability to make swift decisions at all times. He commended PGR personnel for carrying out their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism despite adverse weather, complex situations and long working hours, thereby upholding the proud traditions of both the regiment and the Bangladesh Army. The President said that alongside modern weapons and technology, discipline, loyalty to leadership, ethics and a strong sense of responsibility remain equally important for maintaining a professional force. At the same time, he said PGR members must remain sensitive to ensuring that security measures do not disrupt normal public access to and interaction with important personalities. Expressing confidence in the regiment's future, Shahabuddin said the President Guard Regiment would continue to earn public trust through integrity, discipline, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility while setting an example in the discharge of state duties. Army Chief, Military Secretary to the President, Secretary to the President and Press Secretary to the President were present at the darbar.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday called upon all to uphold the values of sacrifice, equality, compassion and social harmony on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Azha. In his Eid message, the President said Eid-ul-Azha is not only one of the major religious festivals for Muslims but also a universal call to sacrifice hatred, arrogance and the “animalistic instincts” within human beings. “We are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha today with the unparalleled glory of complete submission to Almighty Allah and the ideals of equality, harmony and sacrifice in Islam,” he said. Highlighting the significance of the festival, Shahabuddin said the teachings of Eid inspire people to strengthen fraternity, selflessness, mutual respect and social solidarity. The President also said Eid-ul-Azha plays an important role in meeting the nutritional needs of underprivileged people in society while contributing significantly to the development of the livestock sector and the country’s overall economy. Calling upon affluent members of society, he urged them to share the joy of Eid with the poor, orphans, deprived relatives and neighbours. “I call upon the well-off and affluent people of society to sincerely share the joy of Qurbani with deprived and poor people, orphans, needy relatives and neighbours,” he said, adding that everyone should come forward to ensure the rights of the underprivileged and dedicate themselves to the welfare of humanity. The President also made a special appeal to citizens to cooperate with the authorities in the quick and proper disposal of sacrificial waste to maintain environmental cleanliness and protect public health. He urged people to embrace the spirit of unity over division, compassion over violence, justice over selfishness and equality over discrimination to build a humane, democratic, non-communal and prosperous Bangladesh. “Let the glorious message of holy Eid-ul-Azha further strengthen the bonds of humanity and bring peace, harmony and prosperity to all,” the President said. Earlier, President Shahabuddin offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the country’s main congregation at the National Eidgah on Thursday morning. People from different classes, professions and age groups gathered at the National Eidgah on the Supreme Court premises and took part in the prayers with raised hands.

The Cabinet Division has issued revised instructions regarding state protocol (state ceremony) to be followed during the President’s foreign visits and return to the country, outlining which officials must be present at the airport. In a letter issued on May 4 to concerned authorities, the Cabinet Division clarified the protocol arrangements for the President’s departure abroad and arrival in Bangladesh. According to the revised decision, only seven officials will be present at the airport during such occasions. Previously, under instructions issued on May 16, 2017, a total of 13 officials were required to be present at the airport during the President’s foreign trips and return. The Cabinet Division letter stated that the government has decided the following officials will attend the airport during the President’s departure and return: a cabinet member, the Chief of the Diplomatic Corps, the head of the host country’s mission, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary (Public Division) of the President’s Office, the Military Secretary to the President, and the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The revised arrangement aims to streamline protocol procedures while maintaining formal diplomatic and state ceremonial requirements, according to officials.

A ruling party whip on Wednesday expressed mixed reactions to the office of the President, saying he honours the chair of the President, but could not thank him as an individual. Paying tribute to those killed during the July uprising in his constituency, Lakshmipur-4 MP ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan, speaking in Parliament during the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President's speech, said he had pledged to the mothers of the deceased that the chair of the President must be respected. "I have promised their mothers that the chair of the President must be honoured. I thank that chair. However, I regret that I could not thank Honourable President Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu as an individual," he said. Recalling the July uprising, Nizan claimed that when rumours spread that people were hiding inside the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, rooms were broken open, and large sums of money were allegedly found inside it. He also alleged that bricks from Ganabhaban were taken away during the incident. The Whip said the incident did not involve BNP or Jamaat leaders, nor were the mothers of the July martyrs involved. “It was rather an outburst of anger from ordinary people, including rickshaw pullers and workers,” he added. Reflecting on the 9th Parliament, he criticised the language used during that period, alleging that derogatory remarks were made against then Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia in the House. Nizan further alleged that under then Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina, members of the treasury bench were encouraged to make offensive comments targeting opposition figures. “Despite all that, we continued to remain in Parliament,” he said.

 President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to return to Dhaka on Tuesday following a four-day official visit to his hometown, Pabna. He will depart Pabna by helicopter at 12 pm from Pabna Cadet College. During his visit, the President paid respects at his parents’ graves at Arifpur Sadar Graveyard at 11:10 am on Sunday. Later in the evening, he held a view-exchange meeting with local journalists at  Pabna Press Club at 7:00 pm. On Tuesday, he visited Bhabanipur Mosque and is scheduled to meet relatives at his residence in Jubilee Tank area in the evening. Upon his arrival at the Shaheed Advocate Amin Uddin Stadium helipad on March 28, he was welcomed by local dignitaries including Pabna Sadar MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Anam Bazlur Rashid, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shahed Mustafa, and Police Superintendent Anwar Zahid. Representatives from the Pabna Press Club and local political leaders were also present. Following his arrival, the President received a guard of honour at the Circuit House.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the Prime Minister and other national leaders on Monday paid their tributes  to Professor Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, on the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad. The coffin of the deceased was brought to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad at around 12:00pm and placed on a stage draped in black cloth. On behalf of the President, Secretary to the President’s Office Khan Md Nurul Amin first placed a wreath at the coffin. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also paid his last respects by placing a wreath. Later, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, along with whips GK Gaus, Rakibul Islam, Mia Nuruddin Ahmed, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Akhtaruzzaman Mia and ABM Ashraf Uddin, paid tribute separately. On behalf of the ruling BNP, party Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also placed a wreath. Earlier, several leaders, including the Deputy Speaker, Opposition Leader, Chief Whip and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid tribute to the memory of the deceased.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday called for effective and strict measures to prevent violence against women and address emerging challenges such as online defamation and cyberbullying targeting women. “Women and girls must not become victims of neglect, abuse or discrimination. We want to build a livable Bangladesh where every woman can grow up in a safe environment, become self-reliant and have opportunities to lead and where every girl has equal chances to dream and realise those dreams,” he said. The President made the remarks while addressing a programme marking International ‘Shreshtha Women’s Day 2026 and the conferring of ‘Adamya Nari’ awards at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. He said the government is taking strict steps to ensure speedy trials and exemplary punishment for violence against women. Strong political will and firm legal action had produced positive results earlier, he added. The President paid deep tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in movements and struggles for democracy and people’s rights from the 1971 Liberation War to the 2024 movement to protect the country and its people. Shahabuddin said acid violence in Bangladesh had once been brought under control through firm political commitment and strict legal measures. He said in 2002 the government of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia enacted laws to control acid use and acid attacks and ensured speedy trials and tough administrative actions, which brought acid terrorism close to zero. “The example could serve as a model in efforts to prevent violence against women.” The President said social harassment, online character assassination and cyberbullying against women have emerged as new challenges and the government is taking special measures to address these crimes. He stressed that both men and women must work together to build a livable and just Bangladesh by ensuring women’s safety and equal opportunities. Shahabuddin said women make up more than half of Bangladesh’s population and play a significant role in almost every sector of society and the economy. Millions of women working in the readymade garment sector are a key driver of the country’s export earnings, while women are also leading successfully in education, healthcare, agriculture, administration, science and technology, media and sports, he added.  

A 15-member delegation of Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) submitted the commission’s Annual Report 2025 to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban Sunday noon Press Secretary to the President Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters following the meeting. During the meeting, PSC Chairman Professor Dr Mobasser Monem briefed the President on various aspects of the annual report and the overall activities of the commission. The President urged the commission to implement the roadmap formulated by the PSC to complete the BCS examination process within one year. PSC secretary and secretaries of the President’s Office were also present.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin arrived in his home district Pabna on Saturday (8th November 2025) morning on a two-day official visit. The President landed at Pabna Stadium by a helicopter at 9:40am. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mofizul Islam and Superintendent of Pabna Police Mortoza Ali Khan received the President. A guard of honour was given to the President at the Pabna Circuit House. Read more: French Ambassador presents credentials to President The President is scheduled to visit the graves of his parents at Arifpur graveyard in Pabna Sadar to offer prayers around 11 am from where he will go to his ancestral home in Jubilee Tank area of Kalachandpara in Pabna town where he will spend some time and meet with relatives around 1pm. He will stay overnight at the Circuit House. On the second day, another guard of honour will be given to the President at 10:45am at the Circuit House. He is expected to depart for Dhaka from Pabna Stadium at 11am. Strict security measures have been taken in and around the stadium, Circuit House, Arifpur graveyard and his residence over the visit. Read more: New Saudi Ambassador presents credentials to President Shahabuddin 

A draft of the Bangladesh Bank Ordinance (Amendment) has been prepared, bringing major changes to the Bangladesh Bank Order 1972, including a proposal for the governor’s appointment by the President and an extension of the tenure. A senior official of the central bank, seeking anonymity, said the draft aims to enhance the autonomy of Bangladesh Bank by altering the process of appointing the governor and revising the tenure. As per the Bangladesh Bank Order 1972, the government currently holds the authority to appoint the governor and one or more deputy governors. The proposed amendment seeks to vest this power in the President. The official said until now, the prime minister could appoint the governor without the president’s consent or advice. Bangladesh Bank likely to ease monetary policy amid interest rate shift Under the draft, the President would appoint the governor in consultation with the prime minister. Parliamentary consent for the appointment has also been proposed. Other proposed changes include revising the oath-taking process and upgrading the rank of the governor and deputy governors. Under the 1972 law, the governor’s current tenure is four years. The draft proposes extending it to six years. Speaking at a recent programme on amending the banking law, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said major reforms are being brought to strengthen the central bank’s authority and ensure its autonomy by freeing it from political influence. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Areif Hossain Khan also said the draft ordinance has been prepared. “Which proposals will be incorporated in the final version will be known only after the ordinance is issued,” he added.