United News of Bangladesh

Outlining plans to raise health sector allocation to 5 percent of GDP, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged physicians working at the grassroots to lead efforts to build an accessible, affordable, effective and humane healthcare system. “You are the main drivers in turning our dream of a healthy nation into reality. We together with all want to build a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, effective and humane for everyone,” he said while addressing Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers (UHFPO) Conference-2026 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The Prime Minister said he firmly believes that the physicians will be able to establish an accountable, sustainable and people-centric health service. “We expect each of you to turn your respective workplaces into model healthcare service centres in your own areas,” he told the health officers . The Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised the conference. Over 500 UHFPOs from across the country participated in the event where the Prime Minister also handed over awards to the best-performing officers in six categories. The Prime Minister said the ideas he presented reflect the government’s manifesto, plans and overall vision for the health sector. Tarique stressed that the government alone cannot achieve everything and called for active cooperation from healthcare professionals.“The government cannot do it alone. We need your support. Everyone has to come forward,” he said. The Prime Minister said even small, collective efforts can bring meaningful change. “I am not saying one person will do everything. But if all of us contribute a little, change will surely come. If people in other countries can do it, we can do it too,” he added. Urging doctors to stand beside people, he said, “As a citizen of this country, I request you to support the government and the people so that they can receive at least basic healthcare services without difficulty.” Reassuring the health professionals, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to addressing their challenges and improving the overall system. He said the government plans to recruit 100,000 new health workers, 80 percent of whom will be women. He urged all healthcare officials to work together with dedication to strengthen public health services and ensure better care for citizens across the country. Sharing his personal experience, the Prime Minister referred to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service,widely known as NHS, to highlight the challenges of running a universal healthcare system. He noted that the NHS, established in 1948, has been serving people for around 75 years in a country that is economically stronger and has a much smaller population than Bangladesh. “Even then, the UK government often struggles to manage the system and ensure services for all, with frequent discussions about increasing budgets and support,” he said. Drawing the comparison, he said it is natural for Bangladesh’s healthcare system to face challenges and acknowledged that doctors working at the grassroots often encounter various difficulties in delivering services. The Prime Minister appreciated that the participants raised their problems during the conference, calling it a constructive and necessary step. He, however, reminded the doctors that they are all part of the same country and society and understand the realities on the ground. Tarique said the government is working to ensure healthcare as a basic right, guided by the principle that prevention is better than cure. The Prime Minister also pledged to improve the dignity, safety and living standards of healthcare workers. The Prime Minister said steps will be taken to address structural and manpower shortages in the health sector and to modernise upazila health complexes with technology-based services. He stressed the need to build a corruption-free and accountable healthcare system and called on officials to play an active role in local-level leadership, vaccination, maternal health and disease prevention.

Noted educationist and founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Thursday. The Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said the meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the afternoon. He said Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed discussed with the Prime Minister ways to encourage students to develop reading habits. “The government will work jointly with Bishwo Shahitto Kendro to promote reading habits among students. The programme will be implemented at primary, secondary and higher secondary levels,” Rumon said. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman was present at the meeting. The Additional Press Secretary also said the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed.

A meeting of the National Committee on Hajj Management was held on Sunday, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Cabinet Room of the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. Various issues relating to the upcoming Hajj were discussed at the meeting, he said.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said the Armed Forces do not belong to any particular individual, family or political party, stressing that loyalty to the Constitution and unwavering public trust must remain the foundation of their duty. Addressing a Darbar with members of the Armed Forces at Senaprangan Auditorium in Dhaka Cantonment, he outlined an ambitious plan to modernise them as technology-driven, fully integrated and rapidly responsive forces capable of ensuring credible deterrence against any potential aggression. The Prime Minister also assured that any past grievances or injustices involving service members will be addressed through due legal and institutional processes, adding that no one will face such injustice in the future. “The Armed Forces do not belong to any individual, family or political party. They are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state…The ultimate and sacred duty of every member is to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the government also aspires to build such Armed Forces that command respect from external powers and earn the confidence of the people at home, expressing his commitment to further strengthening them. In view of current and emerging global security challenges, he said the government is determined to comprehensively reshape the forces and defence policy in order to safeguard national interests, public welfare and sovereignty. The Prime Minister also said the Army, Navy and Air Force will be further developed as faster, more responsive and fully integrated forces. He also said the country’s defence system will be modernised to establish a credible and effective deterrent capability for the protection of national sovereignty. Tarique Rahman also said a modern national security strategy and defence policy will be formulated, reflecting Bangladesh’s realities, national interests and future threats, ensuring a security framework that is Bangladesh-centric, people-centric and state dignity-oriented. “We want such an Army that is smart, technology-driven, rapidly responsive and time-befitting, where our fighting arms are modern, well-equipped, highly sophisticated, manoeuvre-capable and quickly deployable. At the same time, we aim to make our artillery force more precise, long-range and technology-based, and to develop a modern, multi-layered and effective air defence system,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government wants to enhance the country’s defence capabilities through drone technology, satellite surveillance and electronic warfare, making the overall defence system highly resilient, unformidable and effective. “We will also strengthen cyber capabilities to ensure digital security and data integrity of the forces. Alongside this, we will take the Army to a new level through modern and smart combat systems,” he said. He said the government is giving special importance to naval security, the Bay of Bengal, maritime routes, marine resources and the blue economy. Tarique Rahman said protecting coastal areas and maritime communication is one of the government’s key national priorities. “To safeguard our vast maritime boundary and blue economy, we aim to develop the Navy into a strong blue-water force with modern frigates, submarines and advanced solar and radar systems.” He said they will continue the modernisation of the Air Force to strengthen air surveillance, rapid deployment, airspace security and technology-based capabilities. “We are committed to enhancing air defence by inducting advanced multi-role combat aircraft and establishing a multi-layered integrated air defence system, taking the Air Force to new heights,” the Prime Minister said. He said a modern joint operations doctrine among the three services, along with an upgraded C4I system – command, control, communication, computer and intelligence – will ensure rapid decision-making and effective deployment in any crisis. “This will also ensure optimal use of limited resources so that our Armed Forces can protect national sovereignty, respond to disasters and uphold Bangladesh’s dignity in the international arena,” Tarique Rahman said. He said the government has plans to build a self-reliant defence capability by developing a domestic defence industry. “We will also ensure that a portion of our defence requirements can be produced domestically in the future, InshaAllah.” The Prime Minister said the present government also wants to strengthen military-to-military partnerships to deepen regional and international cooperation. “By combining patriotism, courage and wisdom of the new-generation soldiers with modern technology, we aim to build smart, professional and time-befitting Armed Forces, InshaAllah.” He highlighted some difficult and painful realities of the past one and a half decades. “The tragic chapter of Pilkhana remains a deep wound in our hearts. In that tragedy, we lost our finest sons, and ensuring a proper investigation and justice remains one of the commitments of the present government.” Referring to the 2009 BDR mutiny at Pilkhana, Tarique Rahman said a planned massacre was carried out to weaken the Army, and added that during the subsequent one and a half decades of rule under Awami League, there were also attempts to undermine and tarnish the image of the Armed Forces. He said the role of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces has been globally recognised not merely as an inevitable wartime force, but as a vigilant protector of independence and sovereignty. The Prime Minister also highlighted their contributions to tackling natural disasters and serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions to help war-torn countries achieve stability. He lauded the role of the military in safeguarding the country and its people in 2024, saying their actions gave hope to freedom-loving citizens. “In the unstable period following August 5, 2024, amid visible administrative paralysis, the Armed Forces played an extraordinary role,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the Armed Forces’ support to the interim government in holding the February 12 election in a free, fair and credible manner reflected their trust in democratic principles and commitment to the people. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, saying any injustice done to members of the Armed Forces for political or other reasons will be addressed in accordance with due process. “This is not merely an administrative measure, but a necessary step to restore the chain of command and moral foundation of the Armed Forces,” he said. Earlier, upon his arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was received by his Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, along with the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.  

A 13-member Australian parliamentary delegation led by Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat around 3:00pm, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed were present at the meeting. During the meeting, Shibly said they discussed issues of mutual interest including ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.  

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where Miller led an EU delegation, said a PMO release. During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the EU Ambassador discussed issues of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir were present at the meeting.

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.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday made surprise visits to several ministries at the Secretariat soon after arriving at his office on the first working day. The Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at around 9:05am and immediately began the visits, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He first went to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, where he entered different rooms, spoke to officials and staff, and advised them to prevent wastage and ensure efficient use of resources. He suggested reducing unnecessary use of lights, limiting air-conditioner usage, and making better use of daylight by opening curtains to cut electricity consumption. The Prime Minister also told officials that loving the country truly means caring for it from the heart. “This country belongs to all of us,” he said. During his visits to different ministries, he also advised officials and staff to maintain cleanliness of offices, including desks, chairs and other furniture, and to take proper care of government assets. “Government property is the country’s property, and it must be preserved with care,” he said. The Additional Press Secretary said the Prime Minister also visited the Ministries of Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare, Environment and Forest, Social Welfare, Fisheries and Livestock, and Housing and Public Works. Officials and employees appeared surprised by the sudden visits, with many seen becoming alert and active. After completing the visits, the Prime Minister returned to his office and attended a meeting of a special committee on the farmers’ card programme. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid, along with secretaries and senior officials of the relevant ministries, were present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official vehicle carried the national flag for the first time on Thursday since he assumed office. The flag was seen on the Prime Minister’s car as he travelled to and from the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning to pay tribute to the martyrs marking Independence and National Day. Since taking charge on February 17, the Prime Minister had been using his personal white car, which does not carry the national or prime ministerial flag. However, on Thursday, he used the designated official vehicle bearing both the national flag and the Prime Minister’s flag, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister left his Gulshan residence early in the morning and reached the National Memorial at 5:53am. Rumon said the Prime Minister maintained a limited protocol during the visit. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan received the Prime Minister on his arrival at the memorial. The Additional Press Secretary said members of the Cabinet, chiefs of the three services and other senior officials travelled to Savar by bus this time. He said an estimated 4,500 litres of fuel are usually used to transport VVIPs and VIPs at such state events. “Considering fuel savings, limited protocol and fewer vehicles were used this time, and the VIPs travelled by bus,” he added.   Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the memorial at 5:56am. After placing the wreaths, they stood in silence for a while as a mark of respect, while a contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute and bugles played the last post. The Chief Justice, Cabinet members, chiefs of the three services, war-wounded freedom fighters, family members of martyrs, diplomats and senior civil and military officials were present. Later, the Prime Minister placed another wreath at the memorial along with members of his Cabinet. As BNP Chairperson, he also paid tribute with senior party leaders. The Prime Minister also exchanged greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, family members of martyrs and other guests present at the memorial, and signed the visitors’ book. Later, he went to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and paid tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia by placing wreaths. He first paid tribute as Prime Minister along with Cabinet members, and later as BNP Chairperson with party leaders. He later returned to his residence in Gulshan.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday chaired a meeting to address traffic congestion in the capital and discuss measures for modernising the city’s traffic management system. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at Secretariat, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to tackle the capital’s persistent traffic problems and improve overall traffic management. PM orders ministry to arrange loan support for outbound students Senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.