United News of Bangladesh

A two-day training workshop organised by the BNP for its Members of Parliament (MPs) ahead of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad began on Friday. BNP Chairman, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the workshop at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan at around 10:30am. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman joined the training workshop with BNP lawmakers. The opening session was attended by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and AZM Zahid Hossain, among other senior leaders. Tarique Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the programme. His daughter Zaima Rahman was also present at the workshop. BNP leaders said the workshop will brief newly elected MPs on parliamentary procedures, rules of conduct, bill drafting and review, analysis of budget documents and the functioning of parliamentary committees. Experienced lawmakers will share their experiences with the new MPs to help them carry out their duties effectively in parliament, they said, adding that the main aim of the workshop is to strengthen the efficiency of the government and the ruling party in parliamentary activities. The first session of the 13th parliament will begin at 11am on March 12 after President Mohammed Shahabuddin convened the session on February 23. BNP organised the workshop to prepare its MPs for the upcoming parliamentary session. Parliamentary experts, academics and senior lawmakers will discuss the responsibilities and roles of MPs and cabinet members to ensure the effective functioning of parliament. The two-day workshop has been arranged in several sessions. On the first day, ministers, state ministers and advisers joined the morning session, while MPs from parts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka and Faridpur divisions attended the afternoon session. On the second day, MPs from Dhaka district, Mymensingh, Faridpur and the remaining areas of Dhaka division will attend the morning session, while MPs from Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram divisions will take part in the afternoon session. A total of 209 BNP lawmakers were elected in the 13th parliamentary election, including 146 who are serving as MPs for the first time. A senior BNP leader said the workshop will also guide MPs on how to raise points of order, take part in debates on bills, present problems from their constituencies in parliament, discuss the President’s speech and ensure regular attendance during parliamentary sessions.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday said the current government will move the country forward in a united manner under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “BNP has repeatedly been elected by people’s votes because it is a people-based political party. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we will take the country much further ahead in a united way,” he said. Speaking at an iftar mahfil organised by Palash upazila BNP in Narsingdi, he also said unity among party leaders and activists, along with public support, is the main strength of BNP. Moyeen Khan said that in 1991, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia, BNP won all five seats in Narsingdi. “It was a historic chapter in restoring democracy. Likewise, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, BNP again won all five seats here in the February 12 election,” he said. Dr Zubaida calls for women’s empowerment for self-reliance The BNP leader also said party leaders and activists must work together to restore Narsingdi’s past tradition and glory. Moyeen Khan mentioned that during the time of Ziaur Rahman, Abdul Momen Khan served as a minister and was elected with the highest number of votes. “He is our pride.” He said Narsingdi once played a leading role in political leadership and development, and everyone must work together to regain that position. Before the iftar, a munajat was offered seeking peace and prosperity for the country and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah. BNP district unit President Khairul Kabir Khokon, Narsingdi-4, MP and Health Minister Sardar MD Sakhawat Husain, Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bakul, MP and Manjur Elahi, MP, among others, addressed the programme.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged authorities to ensure health services for public even if it requires working with limited resources. He made the remarks in the morning while talking to reporters after inspecting the 250-bed General Hospital in Thakurgaon. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general,  said the establishment of a medical college in Thakurgaon has been confirmed. He said the hospital’s supervisor would be provided with the necessary resources to maintain cleanliness and deliver proper health services. A lift will also be arranged by the district administration to facilitate the movement of patients and their relatives. Speaking on the overall health services in Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital and the district, he said the 250-bed general hospital will be expanded to 500 beds to better serve the local population. Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Farzana, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain and  health officials were present.

BNP has nominated Rezaul Karim Badsha as its candidate for the by-election to the Bogura-6 constituency, which fell vacant after party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman quit the seat. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Thursday that the party picked Rezaul Karim Badsha, currently serving as the President of its Bogura District unit, to contest the by-election scheduled for April 9. BNP MP from Bogura-4 constituency Md Mosharraf Hossain also confirmed it in a Facebook post. “Alhamdulillah, the final nomination has been given to our respected Bogura District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha Bhai as the BNP candidate for the Bogura (Sadar)-6 constituency from the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office,” Mosharraf writes. Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two constituencies — Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 — and was elected from both. He later vacated the Bogura-6 seat and took oath as a Member of Parliament from Dhaka-17. In the election, BNP secured 209 parliamentary seats and formed the government on February 17. Earlier on Tuesday, the Election Commission announced that the by-election in Bogura-6 and the rescheduled election in Sherpur-3 will be held simultaneously on April 9.

Miscreants vandalized a local BNP office in Naldianga upazila of Natore on Monday evening. Rakib Hossain, a local Jubo Dal leader, said a group of assailants attacked the BNP office at Ward No. 9 in Chatarbhag Market of Brakhpur Union and caused extensive damage. The incident occurred during Iftar time, and the office was empty at that moment. Naldianga police station OC Noore Alam confirmed that they had been informed about the incident. Police were deployed to the spot later at night, and an investigation has been launched to take necessary action.

Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said his priority would be to focus on work rather than making premature statements. “We want to talk less and work more,” he said, underscoring his preference for results-driven governance. Talking to reporters shortly after taking charge of the Planning Ministry, Amir Khosru made it clear that his approach would be centred on action and careful assessment rather than immediate public pronouncements. Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one He stressed that he had only just assumed office and needed time to review ongoing programmes and consult officials before outlining detailed plans.  “I have just arrived. There is no benefit in speaking too much in advance. Let me settle down, review the situation and speak with officials. In due time, everything will be communicated.” The minister, who is also in charge of the Finance Ministry, said he had assumed responsibility only days earlier and was still in the process of understanding the scope of his ministry’s workload, existing commitments and institutional challenges. He emphasised the importance of making informed and evidence-based decisions rather than offering speculative remarks. “I have just entered the office. It is important to review everything carefully and hold discussions with the officials. After proper review, it will be easier to present objective and substantive statements,” he said. Responding to vollies questions about his plans and priorities, including long-term economic targets such as transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the minister refrained from offering immediate specifics. Instead, he reiterated that any meaningful policy direction would emerge only after thorough evaluation. The minister assured that transparency and timely communication would be maintained once the review process was complete. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru “There is no reason for concern. Everything will be shared in due course,” he said. “It is important to settle down first, review the situation and then speak based on facts.” Amir Khosru also responded cautiously when asked about concerns over overcosted or delayed development projects, which have been a longstanding issue in the country’s public investment landscape. He said such matters were already part of an ongoing administrative process and would be addressed through proper institutional mechanisms. “All issues are in process. It has only been two days since I assumed office. These matters require careful review and discussions. After reviewing everything, we will speak in a more substantive manner,” he said. The minister stressed that making statements without adequate assessment could lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions, and reiterated his commitment to providing fact-based information once internal evaluations were completed. “For the sake of saying something, I do not think that is appropriate. What is needed is objective and substantive statements,” he added. The Planning Ministry plays a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s development agenda, including approving and monitoring projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), formulating five-year plans and coordinating long-term national economic strategies. The minister’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is pursuing ambitious economic goals, including sustaining high growth, improving project efficiency and strengthening institutional capacity to support long-term development.

The government will provide protein-rich food at subsidised prices to around 10 lakh low-income families across the country during the holy month of Ramadan, said State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Thursday. He said the initiative, taken in line with the government’s commitment to public welfare under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, will ensure the supply of milk, eggs, meat and fish for low-income people at affordable prices. He made the remarks is morning while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a programme to sell milk, eggs and meat at affordable prices at the conference room of the Livestock Research Institute at Mohakhali. He said all concerned must work with honesty and dedication to fulfil the commitments made by the Prime Minister to the nation. PM Tarique urges market restraint ahead of Ramadan Collective efforts are essential to move the country towards development and prosperity, he said . The state minister noted that during Ramadan some unscrupulous traders hike prices of essential commodities, increasing hardships for low-income people. He said such government initiatives would help ease their suffering and there are plans to expand the programme further in the future. The programme was chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Md Abu Sufian.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decided to use his personal vehicle instead of the government-provided one, in what appears to be a symbolic move aimed at promoting austerity and setting a new tone for public office. BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon shared the decisions while talking to reporters on Wednesday. According to the decisions, he said, the Prime Minister will use his own vehicle, driver and personally purchased fuel. “He (Tarique) is not using the government vehicle allocated for the Prime Minister. In today’s schedule, he travelled to Savar, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and later to the Secretariat in his own Toyota vehicle,” Rumon said. “Considering traffic congestion, the Prime Minister has ordered that the size of his motorcade be reduced. Previously, the motorcade had 13–14 vehicles; now it has been reduced to four,” he added. PM Tarique Rahman to address nation this evening Rumon said the Prime Minister is using a car without a flag. However, the national flag will be used during state programmes or visits by foreign guests. He also said the Prime Minister has decided to hold cabinet meetings at the Secretariat from now on to reduce traffic disruption caused by ministers travelling to the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister has also instructed the authorities to stop the practice of deploying uniformed police along both sides of roads during his movement in the capital, Rumon said. In the morning, Tarique Rahman travelled from his Gulshan residence to the National Memorial in Savar and paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War. From Savar, he went to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and placed wreaths at the graves of former president Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Members of the full cabinet accompanied him at both places. He later went to the Secretariat and joined the first cabinet meeting.

President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday met newly elected Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to work closely with Bangladesh to further strengthen the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries. The meeting was held at The Jatiya Sangsad following the oath-taking ceremony of the Prime Minister and the new government of Bangladesh. During the meeting, the President congratulated the Prime Minister and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on their victory in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12. Dhaka, Delhi can work for each other's security, prosperity: Modi tells Tarique The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the President for attending the oath-taking ceremony. The two leaders discussed a broad range of areas to enhance cooperation, including trade and investment, health cooperation, environmental collaboration, higher education and improved air connectivity. This visit marks President Dr Muizzu’s first official visit to Bangladesh, said the President’s office. Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives were established on September 22, 1978.

The BNP-led new government officially began its journey on Tuesday under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman, marking the BNP’s return to power after nearly two decades following a landslide victory in the 13th national election. Among the 50-member cabinet, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister, followed by the ministers and state ministers, at a ceremony held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex in the afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister With this, Tarique became Bangladesh’s 11th Prime Minister in the country’s renewed democratic journey after the 2024 uprising, while the BNP assumed state power again after over 19 years. Breaking with long-standing tradition, the oath-taking ceremony was held at the parliament complex instead of Bangabhaban. The programme began with the national anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran. In last Thursday’s national election, the BNP won 209 seats, while its alliance partners secured three more. Nearly 150 of the winning candidates were elected to parliament for the first time. Leaders and representatives from several countries attended the ceremony, alongside outgoing interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, the Chief Justice, Election Commission officials, senior political leaders, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, journalists, and high-ranking civil and military officials. Diplomatic sources said leaders from 13 countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan—were invited to attend the ceremony. Among the guests, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented New Delhi. Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at 3:58 pm with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. President Mohammed Shahabuddin came to the venue a few minutes later, and the formal proceedings began. The President first administered the oath and secrecy pledge to Tarique as the Prime Minister of the new government. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister After congratulating the new Prime Minister, the names of cabinet members were announced. The President then administered the oath and secrecy pledge to the ministers, followed by the state ministers, concluding the ceremony. Cabinet Composition Apart from Tarique, the new government includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, with a strong presence of new faces. Among the ministers, 16 are serving for the first time, including the Prime Minister himself, who had never previously been a minister, state minister, or MP. Nine ministers have prior cabinet experience from previous BNP governments led by Khaleda Zia. In contrast, all 24 state ministers are first-time office holders. Overall, 41 members of the government have never served in ministerial roles before, reflecting Tarique Rahman’s plan to combine new leadership with experienced figures. Several senior BNP leaders, including standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Selima Rahman, were not included in the cabinet. BPP elects Tarique as Leader of the House However, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Ismail Zabiullah, and Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir have been appointed advisers to the Prime Minister with the status of ministers. Besides them, Humayun Kabir, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam, Dr Zahedur Rahman, Dr Mahdi Amin, and Rehan Asif Asad have been appointed as advisers with the status of state ministers. A major surprise in Tarique Rahman’s cabinet is Khalilur Rahman, who previously served as the interim government’s National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya issue. Though not an MP, he will serve as a technocrat Foreign Minister. Another technocrat minister is Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin, former general secretary of Comilla BNP, who will also take office. Former footballer and BNP sports secretary Aminul Haque has been appointed technocrat State Minister for Sports. Both are first-time ministers, bringing expertise and fresh faces to the cabinet. The formation of the new government follows the BNP’s decisive electoral victory and signals a major political shift after two decades. Tarique Rahman appears to be prioritising generational change, administrative renewal, and broader political inclusion through a cabinet dominated by newcomers but supported by experienced politicians. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12. Out of 300 seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the results of two seats have been suspended, while election in one seat was cancelled following the death of a candidate. After winning the election, Tarique Rahman also met the chiefs of three opposition parties—including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, sending out a message of positive politics. During the meetings, he also sought cooperation from the opposition parties in governing the country.