United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take effective measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure necessary services for them across the country. He also stressed the importance of building disability-friendly infrastructure and ensuring equal access to education, healthcare and other essential services as part of efforts to create an inclusive society. 9 development projects get ECNEC nod The directives came at a meeting held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat to discuss measures for protecting the rights and ensuring services for persons with disabilities, said a release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The Prime Minister said people with special needs must be given proper dignity and their capabilities should be duly recognised at every level of society. “Practical steps must be taken so that they can actively participate in all activities of society and the state,” he said. During the meeting, state ministers from different ministries highlighted various challenges, limitations and inadequate facilities faced by persons with disabilities. The Prime Minister also instructed authorities to ensure disability-friendly infrastructure and toilet facilities in all government and private establishments, including hospitals and restaurants, under the building construction policy. He said doors of rooms should be designed in a way that allows easy access for wheelchair users. Tarique Rahman also directed that the planned electric buses for women should include necessary facilities for persons with disabilities. He asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to strengthen awareness campaigns and arrange programmes focusing on persons with disabilities. The Prime Minister asked the authorities to examine whether schools for children with disabilities across the country are functioning properly. He suggested including children with special needs in the “Notun Kuri Sports” competition as well. The meeting decided to launch the “Shishu Swarga” project initially in 10 upazilas across 10 districts to ensure healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with special needs. Officials said the programme will be launched soon. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and secretaries of the relevant ministries attended the meeting. Founder of the Bangladesh Protibondhi Kallyan Somity Abdus Sattar Dulal also joined the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held a meeting on improving the living standards of salt farmers in the country. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. It said the meeting stressed ensuring fair prices for salt farmers and discussed various measures to improve their livelihoods. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman, Additional Commerce Secretary Abdur Rahim Khan and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Chairman Md Saiful Islam, among others, attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged police personnel to rise above differences of opinion and work together in the national interest. He made the call during a meeting with senior police officials on the third floor of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, said PM’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. “This country belongs to all of us. We must work together to protect it. We may not all share the same ideology, but while working with the government, your personal beliefs or ideology should not be reflected in your official duties,” Shibly quoted the Prime Minister as saying. The Prime Minister also said differences of opinion should be reflected only through the ballot box. “Before that, we must all love this country and remain united in the interest of the nation,” he added. Tarique also said ensuring a “Safe Bangladesh” would guarantee a secure and better future for everyone. “Many of you have spoken about your hopes for the future of your wives and children. If we can all work together to ensure a safe Bangladesh, then everyone’s future will be secured. If Bangladesh becomes safe, we will all live well,” he added. After the programme marking Police Week-2026, the Prime Minister walked with police officials and exchanged greetings with them, making the remarks during informal conversations. The Prime Minister also took part in a photo session with police officials in front of the Tiger Gate of the PMO. Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed police officials at a programme marking Police Week-2026 at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. During his speech, he gave various directives regarding law and order and asked police to treat criminals as criminals, regardless of their political identity. He also stressed that there would be no compromise with corruption, terrorism and misrule, and urged police officers to work in a people-oriented manner. Tarique reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing all pledges made in its election manifesto and the July Charter. Speaking about police welfare, the Prime Minister said the government would remain committed to ensuring the wellbeing of police personnel. “Honesty, merit and efficiency will be the key principles in recruitment, transfer and posting within the administration,” he said. Tarique acknowledged that police duties are not confined to fixed working hours, noting that police personnel work day and night including holidays. “The government cannot remain indifferent to ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of police members. Therefore, every logical and necessary demand of yours will be implemented gradually, Inshallah,” he said. The Prime Minister said public perception of the government largely depends on the conduct and activities of the police. “Let us all move forward from our respective positions by making sacrifices for the country and its people as much as possible,” he added.    

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed police officers to treat criminals as criminals regardless of their political identity, stressing that no compromise would be made with corruption, terrorism and misrule. “While dealing with corruption and terrorism many times you face pressures related to political identity or political affiliation. I want to give you a clear message that you should not consider anyone’s political identity. Whoever is involved in crime must be treated as a criminal,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing senior police officers at his Tejgaon office on the occasion of Police Week 2026. Stating that the application of law is equal for everyone, he said police are the protectors of law, not any political party, and urged officers to carry out their duties for the welfare of the state and the people. “No individual or political party is your party. Rather, you are the protectors of law. You must always remember this. Your duty is to serve the welfare of the state and the people,” Tarique said. He said the role of police is indispensable in building a strong, accountable, lawful and people-friendly state system. “As I said yesterday, and have said before, the government does not want to compromise with corruption, terrorism and misrule.” Tarique said the relationship between police and people must be both legal and humane, urging the officials to gain the public trust. “Alongside your other responsibilities, a significant amount of your time is also spent dealing with political instability. This is part of your duty, and it happens, more or less, in every country around the world,” he said. The Prime Minister said his government wants to ensure the democratic and political rights of people. “But, we must also remember that no one should be allowed to engage in activities that could harm communal harmony or involve any form of sabotage.” He acknowledged that maintaining law and order has become more difficult because of changing patterns of crime driven by technological advancement and transnational organised crimes. “As crime patterns evolve, the scope of police activities has also become broader and more extensive. Today’s policing is no longer limited to a city or district. Police officers now need broader and more specialised skills to deal with various forms of global and technology-based crimes,” Tarique said. He also warned officers against seeking postings based on personal preference or promotion ambitions, saying professionalism must come first. “If we focus only on promotions or desired postings, it compromises professionalism,” the Prime Minister said, asking officers to work sincerely wherever they are posted. Tarique also said neither governments nor administrative positions are permanent. The Prime Minister said there is no alternative to an efficient, brave, honest and neutral police force for the success of any government in the world. “When people face danger, they first go to the police station. From the police response, they judge the government itself…So, Police is the mirror of the government” he said. Referring to the situation after August 5, the Prime Minister praised police for handling several difficult situations strategically and helping control mob violence in many instances over the last one and a half years. Tarique said the government wants to transform the police into a truly people-friendly force where ordinary citizens can place their trust and confidence. He also stressed the importance of protecting communal harmony in the country, saying officers must ensure it firmly and responsibly. “You may have a very good colleague who belongs to another religion. As fellow human beings and colleagues, we must protect harmony and respect for all communities,” the Prime Minister said. “We want to build a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic, safe and humane Bangladesh. Beyond your uniforms, I believe you will agree with me as citizens as well. We want to turn this aspiration into reality, and Insha’Allah it is possible to achieve,” he said But to fulfil this aspiration successfully, Tarique said maintaining law and order in the country and ensuring peace and security for the people is imperative. “So, my special appeal to you is that wherever responsibilities are entrusted to you within the police administration, you must carry them out with sincerity and importance. Only then will we be able to ensure an efficient, dynamic and professional police force,” he said. The Prime Minister said people become involved in crime for many reasons in society and the economic inequality is one of the major causes. After assuming office, he said the current government has taken various initiatives to reduce economic disparity among different sections and professions and to ensure a socio-economic safety net for citizens. Tarique said the government will continue to work for the welfare of the police force as well. “Honesty, merit and efficiency will be the key principles in recruitment, transfers and postings within the administration. We know that police duties are never confined to fixed working hours.” Reiterating that how people view or evaluate the government largely depends on the behaviour and activities of police, he said the state expects honesty, efficiency, service, fairness, professionalism and humanity from them. “If you can uphold these qualities as much as possible, then your slogan, ‘My Police, My Country — Bangladesh First’, will truly become meaningful and successful. Let us move forward from our respective positions by doing whatever we can for the country, the nation and the people of this land,” the Prime Minister said. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir, Additional IGP AKM Awlad Hossain and senior police officials spoke at the programme Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally 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). Police Week 2026 will conclude on May 13.      

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit University of Dhaka on May 12 to attend a workshop on higher education at the university’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. The programme, titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Bangladesh,” by UGC will begin at 10am, where the prime minister will attend as the chief guest. The information was confirmed by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr Abdus Salam. This will be the prime minister’s first visit to Dhaka University since assuming office following the latest national election. It was also known, the inaugural session of the workshop will also be attended by Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon and the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin. The event will be chaired by UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to immediately inspect and take steps to open six unused hospital buildings in six districts. The directive came following a report published in The Daily Prothom Alo on April 12, 2026, titled “Six Shishu hospital buildings lying unused despite Tk 320 crore investment.” The report said that although modern hospital buildings have been constructed in Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Sylhet and Cumilla, they have remained unused for years. The hospitals are Rajshahi Shishu Hospital, Khulna Divisional Shishu Hospital, Rangpur Shishu Hospital, Barishal Shishu Hospital, Cumilla Shishu Hospital and Sylhet District Hospital. Following the report, the Prime Minister held an emergency meeting with Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, State Minister Dr MA Muhith, Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and other senior officials. In the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed the authorities to immediately inspect the facilities and take necessary steps to make them operational. He also asked for a progress report on the implementation of the directives by June 2, 2026. He further directed that Kushtia Medical College Hospital, which is partially operational, be fully activated as a 500-bed facility. Instructions were also given to expedite the launch of other healthcare projects, including the Super Specialised Hospital under Bangladesh Medical University in Shahbagh, Dhaka. Besides, the Prime Minister directed the fast-track implementation of the 1,000-bed Bangladesh–China Friendship Hospital in Nilphamari through coordination with the Chinese Embassy via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Health Secretary said expanding advanced medical services in the northern region—home to about 2 crore people—would help address challenges linked to poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure and shortage of skilled manpower. He said the proposed hospital could serve as a regional referral centre and strengthen specialised healthcare services in the area.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sent gifts to a newlywed couple on Sunday, a day after making a surprise appearance at their wedding ceremony in the capital. On behalf of the Prime Minister, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon delivered the gifts to the couple’s residence at Gulshan and conveyed his greetings and best wishes to them. The couple and their family members were very impressed after receiving such sincerity and warm gesture from the Prime Minister and they expressed their gratitude to him, said a release issued by his press wing. Earlier on Saturday, after attending a daylong BNP meeting at the Krishibid Institution in the capital, Tarique Rahman unexpectedly entered a wedding ceremony being held at the same venue. His sudden arrival created excitement and curiosity among guests attending the wedding ceremony. When the Prime Minister arrived at the wedding venue, the groom had not yet reached the venue. He exchanged greetings with the bride and her family members during the brief visit. Family members of the couple expressed joy again after receiving the gifts on Sunday. The Prime Minister’s participation in a social event despite his busy official schedule has sparked positive discussion among many people, with the newlyweds describing the gesture as a rare example of a head of government maintaining close connection with ordinary citizens.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday asked the police administration to remain neutral and operate strictly in accordance with the law so that police stations can be trusted by people as reliable support centres in times of need. “My message is clear: the police administration does not belong to any political party, and it must be run in accordance with the law. It is your responsibility to ensure that no innocent person becomes a victim of harassment,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the “Welfare Parade” organised as part of Police Week-2026 at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in the Rajarbagh Police Lines. He expressed the belief that crime control will become easier if police can build a relationship of trust with the public. “If the police can become a symbol of trust and security for the people, that is where their success lies. The success of the police is also the success of the government,” Tarique Raman said. He said the role of the police is to “suppress the wicked and nurture the righteous,” adding that the relationship between the police and the public must be both legal and humane, based on trust and confidence. “In case of trouble or crisis, people should be able to consider the police station as their reliable place of shelter – this is what I expect from you,” the Prime Minister said. He said no innocent person should face harassment and stressed the need to make police stations more accessible and people-friendly. “We want police stations to become places where people can go directly without any intermediary, lodge complaints without fear and receive remedies,” Tarique Rahman said. Referring to the current political context, he said a democratic government accountable to the people has been established through the people’s vote, and public expectations from the government are therefore very high. Tarique Rahman said such public expectations must be reflected in the work of the police, as it is their responsibility to ensure that the people’s trust in a government accountable to them is upheld through their actions. PM urges police to ensure no fascist force can ever use them against people “The people are the owners of the state. If they are the owners, then when they come to a police station in distress, it is your duty to ensure that they feel, even in some extent, that sense of ownership in the way they are treated,” he said. The Prime Minister said improving the country’s law-and-order situation and ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property are among the government’s highest priorities. “The fascist government placed the police force against the people for its narrow political interests. After overcoming that dark period, the time has now come to move forward in a new way,” he said. Tarique Rahman said he believes that earning the trust of the people and maintaining that trust are currently the biggest challenge for the police. “I do not want to elaborate further on this issue. Let our pledge during Police Week-2026 be that Bangladesh will never return to fascist rule again,” he said. The Prime Minister reminded police members that ordinary people first go to police stations seeking legal assistance during times of trouble. “People do not go to police stations unless they are in danger. So, it is very important to create the confidence that their suffering will lessen once they go there,” he said. Tarique Rahman asked police to take legal action wherever necessary, but stressed that humane behaviour alongside law enforcement will create a positive impression among the public about the government’s achievements. “If there is a touch of humanity in your actions, the government’s successes will leave a positive impact on people’s minds through you,” he added. The Prime Minister said initiatives like community policing and Open House Day should continue to involve people more closely in policing activities. Referring to the role of police during the February 12 national election, he said police members performed their duties neutrally and professionally across the country during the “free, fair and impartial election” held in a “fascism-free Bangladesh.” “You have proved that it is certainly possible for the police to perform their duties impartially,” the Prime Minister said, congratulating police personnel on behalf of the democracy-loving people of the country. Calling police officials “ambassadors” of the government at the field level, he said their prompt and strategic decisions often play a crucial role in controlling difficult situations. “You are not just members of a law enforcement agency; you are the first gateway to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and delivering justice,” Tarique Rahman said. He said alongside conventional crimes such as child marriage, violence against women and children, theft, robbery and riots, cybercrime is rapidly increasing worldwide. The Prime Minister said criminals are using online platforms in new ways and cyberbullying has become a serious concern, especially for women, describing organised crime, juvenile gangs, financial fraud and online gambling as growing threats. “There is public concern over drugs and online gambling. I think police must target drug suppliers and the roots of narcotics through strict enforcement of the law,” he said. “Our government’s position against drugs, terrorism and corruption is very clear. We do not want to compromise on these issues,” Tarique Rahman added. Highlighting global technological changes, he said the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence, which has also transformed the nature of crime. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh Police must become a technologically skilled, modern and efficient force through stronger crime analysis capabilities, effective use of advanced technology and wider application of scientific investigation methods.   “In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it has become urgent to expand cyber policing and the effective use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analysis,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the government is committed to building a modern technology-driven policing system. He said the government is gradually taking steps to strengthen cybercrime control, prevent financial fraud, combat terrorism and transnational crimes and expand digital forensic facilities and international-standard training. The Prime Minister said the government wants to ensure the rule of law while upholding human rights, noting that enforced disappearances, abductions or extrajudicial activities are unacceptable under any circumstances. He said protecting citizens’ rights is both a moral and constitutional responsibility of every police member. Tarique Rahman also said the government is committed to strengthening the institutional dignity, professionalism and public confidence of Bangladesh Police. “We want to prioritise merit, competence, efficiency and integrity in transfers, promotions and police recruitment,” he said. The Prime Minister said there is no alternative to modernising and strengthening the police force in line with the rapidly changing world order. He said the government is considering expanding facilities for police personnel, including modern training, resolving accommodation crisis, improving healthcare services and increasing ration and risk allowances. Referring to the current economic and global situation, Tarique Rahman said the government had assumed office amid a weak governance structure, deteriorating law and order and a fragile economy affected by corruption and misrule. “We faced a global war situation within weeks of assuming office. Because of these realities, it is not possible to fulfil all expectations within a few weeks or months. But we will gradually implement every commitment,” he said. The Prime Minister said countries like Bangladesh rely more on humanity, justice and national unity than military strength. “We know our path is not easy, but our objective is noble. We want to build a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic, safe and humane Bangladesh,” he said. “There is no alternative to a fair and professional police force to build such a peaceful and secure Bangladesh,” Tarique Rahman observed. Earlier in the morning, Tarique Rahman inaugurated Police Week-2026 and inspected a colourful annual police parade at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground. At the end of the programme, the Prime Minister thanked all officials and their family members for attending it physically and virtually. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and other senior officials were present at the event.    

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged party leaders and activists to engage in a ‘new battle’ to implement the party’s election manifesto, saying his government cannot succeed without their supoort. “One battle has ended, now another battle has begun. That battle is to implement the commitments we made to people,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district-level leaders of BNP and its three associate bodies. Tarique holds meeting with BNP’s grassroots leaders The closed-door meeting began around 10:45 am at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday rode in a “smart car” built by specially-abled youth Wakimul Islam, encouraging the young innovator for his creative effort. Wakimul Islam met the Prime Minister at his office in Tejgaon on Saturday morning, where he showcased the small vehicle he had built. He later drove the battery-operated smart car carrying the Prime Minister. The vehicle has been named “A to I Smart Car.” Tarique holds meeting with BNP’s grassroots leaders