United News of Bangladesh

The nation is observing  'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day and the International Mother Language Day early Saturday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of the mother tongue, Bangla. The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement early Saturday by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar. The Prime Minister arrived at the Shaheed Minar at 12:04am and placed a wreath around 12:07am. He stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the language heroes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar at 11:59pm on Friday and placed a wreath as the clock struck 12:01am. Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life are paying their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan. The day is a public holiday. In a message the eve of the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangla-speaking people as well as speakers of all languages and ethnic groups across the world. PM Tarique pays tributes to Language Movement martyrs “The movement to protect the mother tongue not only established linguistic rights but also strengthened the foundations of the Bengali people’s struggle for self-rule, democracy and cultural identity. Following the blood-stained path of February 21, the nation eventually achieved independence through the great Liberation War,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government aims to build a self-reliant, secure, humane and democratic state by upholding the aspirations of all martyrs, including the language martyrs, those who laid down their lives in the Liberation War of 1971, the struggle to protect independence in 2024, and all democratic movements in the country. He called upon all concerned to work together to uphold the dignity of all languages across the world. National dailies have published supplements, marking the day, while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes on the occasion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement early Saturday by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar marking ‘Amar Ekushey’—the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibosh. The Prime Minister arrived at the Shaheed Minar at 12:04am and placed a wreath around 12:07am. He stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the language heroes. A munajat was offered praying for the salvation of the departed souls of the language martyrs and those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War and various democratic movements. Later, the Prime Minister, along with cabinet members and his advisers, also placed a wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar, paying homage to the language martyrs on behalf of the BNP and the government. On behalf of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, also paid tributes to the language heroes by placing a wreath. Ministers, advisers to the Prime Minister, members of parliament, the chiefs of the three services, senior BNP leaders, opposition leaders, freedom fighters, foreign diplomats and high civil and military officials also paid tributes afterwards. Later, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public. Hundreds of people from all walks of life paid tribute with flowers at the memorial. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan and other university officials welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival at the Central Shaheed Minar. Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid homage to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, marking the day. Earlier in a message, the Prime Minister said democratic values, people’s rights and equality were the core spirit of Ekushey, adding that the government is committed to consolidating the country’s democratic progress. He also called for collective efforts to uphold and protect the dignity of languages worldwide. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Language Movement martyrs at Shaheed Minar “The establishment of democratic values, people’s rights and equality was the core spirit of Ekushey. Upholding this spirit, democracy has now been restored in the country after a long struggle. The present government is committed to consolidating this democratic progress,” the Prime Minister said. On the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day, he extended sincere greetings and congratulations to people of all languages and ethnic groups across the world, including speakers of Bangla. The Prime Minister paid deep tribute to all martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement whose sacrifices established the dignity of Bangla as a mother language. The nation is observing 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyrs' Day and the International Mother Language Day on Saturday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla. The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life will pay their respects to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives to achieve recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firing on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching Section 144 to press their demand for recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan. The day is a public holiday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar to mark International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar exactly at 11:59pm on Friday and placed a wreath as the clock struck 12:01am. Dhaka University's vice chancellor and other university officials met and greeted the president.

Meghmallar Bosu, president of Dhaka University unit of the Student Union (one faction), has been admitted to hospital after reportedly taking multiple medicines at once. He is currently undergoing treatment. Bosu was taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical in the capital shortly after midnight on Thursday. He was later referred to another hospital. Maeen Ahmed, general secretary of the DU committee of the Student Union (one faction), confirmed the information and said, “His recovery is ongoing.” He added, “After receiving the news, we went to Suhrawardy Medical around 2–3 am. Later, when he was referred to another hospital, he was taken there.” Quoting doctors, he said, “He is currently regaining consciousness.” Regarding the cause of his illness, he said, “He had been somewhat unwell earlier and was suffering from anxiety. He was found after taking multiple medicines. He will be able to provide details himself once he fully recovers.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon participated in an Iftar and prayer session organized by the National Press Club on the first day of Ramadan on Friday, joining journalists for the occasion. The event was also attended by Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain. Speaking at the event, Minister Swapon said the Press Club serves as a hub for the country’s journalists. I am very happy to break my fast with everyone here on the first day of Ramadan,” he said, adding prayers for the successful governance of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman. The Iftar and prayer session took place at the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium in Dhaka. Editors, senior journalists, and members of various journalist organizations participated in the program. Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain said the government is committed to implementing the family card distribution program promptly, as promised in the election manifesto, and sought the cooperation of all stakeholders. He emphasized that journalists’ support is vital for the government to stay on the right path. Other speakers included National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz. Also present on stage were Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M. Saleh, General Secretary of the National Press Club Ayub Bhuiya, General Secretary of DUJ Khurshid Alam, former General Secretary of the National Press Club Syed Abdal Ahmed, BFUJ Secretary General Qader Gani Chowdhury, Management Committee member of the Press Club Abdul Hai Sikder, BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, and DUJ President Md. Shahidul Islam.

Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali, Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), on Friday urged trader leaders to keep prices of essential commodities at a tolerable level during the holy month of Ramadan. He made the call while briefing journalists at Moulvibazar under Chawkbazar police station in the capital on Friday afternoon. The DMP Commissioner said that along with controlling prices during Ramadan, no adulteration of food items would be tolerated, stressing the need for vigilance and caution in this regard. Addressing traders, he said full cooperation must be extended when magistrates of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate conduct market drives, which would help ensure transparency and fair pricing. He also sought cooperation from all trader leaders to maintain market discipline. DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam, leaders of the Moulvibazar Traders’ Association, representatives of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, police officials of various ranks, and journalists from electronic and print media were present at the briefing.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid on Friday said ensuring the welfare of farmers and marginal people is one of the main election pledges of the current government. He said improving the lives of farmers and marginal communities will help uplift the living standards of the country’s largest population group and strengthen the national economy. The minister made the remarks while speaking at a meeting with officials of the fisheries and livestock, agriculture and food ministry departments of the Cumilla region at the Cumilla Circuit House conference room. He said people have placed their trust in the current government to work for the overall welfare of the country and its citizens, especially hardworking people and farmers. He added that the government  has given the highest priority to agriculture as around 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly linked to the sector. The minister said development of agriculture will strengthen the financial base of a large section of people and make the national economy more resilient. Addressing field-level officials, he urged them to raise farmers’ awareness about soil health, pH levels, efficient use of fertilisers and modern technology. He said maintaining proper soil pH can significantly reduce fertiliser use and production costs. He stressed the need for officials to give direct advice and guidance to farmers at the grassroots level. Although he recently took oath as a minister, he said he has long been directly involved in farming and has first-hand experience of the sector’s challenges and potential. He noted that agriculture production, storage, food management, fisheries and livestock were previously run separately, creating coordination gaps. Steps have now been taken to bring these sectors under an integrated framework, in line with the government’s latest policy direction. The minister said while governments serve for fixed terms, field-level officials remain in service for much longer. Stocks adequate to keep Ramadan market stable: Commerce Minister Their responsibility and sincere cooperation are crucial to ensure sustainable development, he added. Replying to a question, he said establishment of the Cumilla division and stopping illegal soil extraction from the Gomti River are among his top priorities. The government will follow a zero-tolerance policy on illegal soil extraction and will not allow even a single handful of soil to be taken illegally, he said, urging the administration to act firmly with public cooperation. Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan chaired the meeting. Among others, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Abdur Rauf, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Abu Sufian, Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman, and senior officials from the fisheries and livestock, agriculture and food departments were present.  

Commerce, Industry and Textile and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Thursday said the government has adequate food stocks to keep the market stable during the upcoming month of Ramadan. He said one of the key responsibilities of the Ministry of Commerce is to keep prices of essential commodities stable, and this duty becomes more important during Ramadan. “Although there was no time to take special steps after assuming office, the existing stock situation is positive and sufficient to maintain price stability,” he added. The minister made the remarks while replying to journalists after exchanging greetings with officials of different government departments and party leaders at Osmani International Airport. Responding to a question on development plans for Sylhet, he said he had highlighted these plans during his long election campaign and in the election manifesto. He said the he wants to work on issues directly linked to improving the living standards of people in Sylhet. He said priority will be given to job creation, expansion of IT-related professions and the establishment of an AI centre in the region. The minister said Bangladesh must build capacity to compete globally. Over the next five years, the government will use every day effectively to move the country forward in the global arena with sincerity. Replying to a question on job creation at the Sylhet IT park, he said investment is essential to create employment. He said special policy support is needed for expatriate and local investors in Sylhet, adding that work is underway and visible progress will be seen soon. Among others, Sylhet-3 MP MA Malek, Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Range DIG Md Mushfekur Rahman, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, the acting president of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, and other party leaders were present at the time.

A mobile court in Keraniganj conducted a market drive on Friday afternoon to keep prices of essential commodities under control during Ramadan, fining 15 shop owners and sealing two meat shops for irregularities. The mobile court was carried out at Zinzira Bazar under Keraniganj Model Police Station area to strengthen market monitoring and prevent overpricing. Officials collected around Tk 20,000 in fines from 15 shops for various violations, including selling goods at higher prices and failing to display price lists. During the drive, one beef shop and one poultry shop were temporarily sealed for ignoring government instruction and not displaying the approved price list. The operation was led by Keraniganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Umar Faruq and Assistant Commissioner (Land & Revenue) South Keraniganj Aftab Uddin Ahmed. The UNO said Ramadan is a month of restraint and compassion, and the administration remains strict to prevent unscrupulous traders from creating artificial shortages, overcharging customers or selling adulterated products. He added that such drives will continue throughout Ramadan to ensure market discipline, transparency and stable prices of daily essentials. Authorities said the mobile court drives will continue throughout Ramadan to keep prices of essential commodities stable and ensure transparency and discipline in the market in line with consumer rights protections. Aftab Uddin Ahmed said regular market monitoring is being carried out and immediate legal action will be taken against any kind of wrongdoings. He urged traders to properly display and follow the government-approved price lists, ensure accurate weights of products and maintain hygienic conditions while selling goods.

The government has reportedly allocated portfolios to eight advisers appointed to PM Tarique Rahman with the status of minister and state minister. Officials said the responsibilities were assigned through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday. According to the notification, among the five advisers holding the status of minister, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed have been appointed as Political Advisers. Besides, Md Ismail Zabiyullah has been given charge of the Ministry of Public Administration, while Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir will oversee the Ministry of Finance. Among the advisers holding the status of state minister, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam has been assigned the Ministry of Defence. Mahdi Amin has been entrusted with the Ministry of Education; Ministry of Primary and Mass Education; Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Meanwhile, Rehan Asif Asad has been given charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Earlier, 10 advisers were appointed on Tuesday.