United News of Bangladesh

A high-level Saudi delegation on Wednesday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed interest in investing up to US$1 billion in Bangladesh's ports, railways and other key infrastructure projects. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said a press release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The delegation was led by Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Transport and Logistic Services Dr Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih. During the meeting, the two sides discussed Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, investment opportunities and ways to expand cooperation in infrastructure development. Members of the delegation also expressed their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh's long-standing friendly relations with Saudi Arabia are of great importance to his government. The delegation informed Tarique Rahman that Red Sea Gateway Terminal International is interested in investing $180 million to develop a Bay Terminal in Bangladesh and increasing its overall investment in the country's port sector to $1 billion. They also said Red Sea Gateway Terminal International and several other Saudi companies are keen to invest in various sectors in Bangladesh.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday reaffirmed his government's “zero-tolerance” policy on corruption and extremism, pledging to build a people-centred, accountable state while calling for national unity to ensure that fascism, militancy and authoritarianism never return to Bangladesh. "The government is determined to curb corruption by any means," he said delivering his winding-up speech at the concluding sitting of the 2nd and budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The Prime Minister said the government is taking decisive steps to strengthen law enforcement, protect state resources and restore public confidence in state institutions. Alleging that around US$16 billion had been siphoned out of the country every year during the previous regime, he said corruption had become one of the principal obstacles to Bangladesh's development and that his government is committed to dismantling the system that enabled such practices. To strengthen public safety, Tarique Rahman said the government has planned to recruit 10,000 new police constables as part of efforts to build a professional, modern and people-oriented law enforcement force. He said the government wants to build professional law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe environment for citizens. The Prime Minister also reiterated that the government will not tolerate any form of extremism or militancy, and expressed confidence that it will receive the opposition's support in maintaining a united stance against such threats. He said announced plans to introduce a Universal Card to bring all government welfare programmes under a single platform, while outlining an ambitious roadmap to create 9 crore jobs and transform Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. "We have already started implementing programmes such as the Family Card, Farmers' Card, Sports Card and honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders. Eventually, all these services will be brought under a single Universal Card," the Prime Minister said. He said the government has drawn up sector-based plans with the goal of creating employment for 9 crore people in phases. Tarique Rahman reiterated the government's commitment to shifting Bangladesh from a debt-driven economy to an investment-led one. "Our goal is to transform the economy from one driven by debt to one driven by investment, which will create wealth and employment," he said. He expressed hope that the country's economy will approach the one-trillion-dollar mark by 2034 through investment-led growth. Highlighting the government's climate agenda, the Prime Minister said a nationwide programme has been undertaken to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years through joint public participation and government initiatives. He said around 2 lakh saplings were planted across the country on Wednesday as part of a tree plantation campaign involving primary school students and educational institutions. To support the programme, Tarique Rahman said the government plans to establish 10,000 new nurseries, which are expected to generate employment for around 250,000 people. He said the government is also advancing plans in land management, port management, rural and urban infrastructure development, technology-based education, multilingual learning, internal security and a modern defence strategy. Tarique Rahman also said the government remains committed to implementing every pledge made in the BNP's 31-point reform agenda, saying the manifesto has now become "the people's mandate" following the party's election victory. He further reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing every provision of the July Charter, signed by political parties ahead of the election. The Prime Minister also criticised the previous Awami League regime over the education sector, alleging that it had undermined academic standards by encouraging cheating and introducing automatic promotions, and said the government is working to improve education through better teacher training and other reforms. He pledged to build a people-centred, accountable and value-based state, saying his government is committed to restoring moral values, strengthening education and healthcare, and ensuring that fascism, extremism and authoritarianism never return to Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman called for national unity, saying differences of opinion in politics should never turn into enmity or vengeance. “The government wants to establish a Bangladesh where the state remains accountable to the people, the economy is inclusive, and every citizen enjoys security, dignity and opportunities,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government plans to gradually increase education spending to 5 percent of GDP over the next five years, alongside extensive teacher training programmes to improve the quality of education. He also announced that health expenditure will be raised from the current 1.2 percent of GDP to 5 percent over the same period as part of efforts to rebuild what he described as a badly damaged healthcare system. Highlighting preventive healthcare, Tarique Rahman said the government has already begun the process of appointing 1 lakh healthcare workers across the country to raise public awareness and improve primary healthcare services. He said five specialised 200-bed children's hospitals – one in each of five divisions – are expected to begin operations by September, creating 1,000 dedicated paediatric beds. Criticising the previous government's management of the power sector, the Prime Minister alleged that around Tk 3 lakh crore had been looted from the sector over one and a half decades and more than Tk 1.3 lakh crore had been paid as capacity charges to quick rental power plants without corresponding public benefits. He also said the previous government made the country excessively dependent on imported energy while neglecting strategic fuel reserves. Tarique Rahman said the current government has already increased the country's fuel reserve from less than 30 days to more than 45 days and aims to expand it to 90 days. He said the government is reviving the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX), enabling it to drill new gas wells and conduct further exploration with newly imported rigs. Expressing confidence about the economy, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has already begun recovering despite global economic uncertainties and ongoing international conflicts. He said the country's hardworking people, productive farmers, energetic youth and promising entrepreneurs will help achieve sustainable growth if corruption is controlled, fair opportunities are created, and state institutions are made accountable. Tarique Rahman also stressed the need to restore family, social and moral values, saying the erosion of values under authoritarian rule had affected not only politics and the economy but also society and culture. Calling upon lawmakers to play an active role in promoting civic responsibility, he urged citizens not to litter public places or dispose of plastic waste indiscriminately, saying such small actions could significantly improve public health and the environment. The Prime Minister described the just-concluded budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad as a "historic moment", saying it marked the return of a Parliament genuinely elected by the people after years of what he termed fascist rule.  He said the Parliament passed a "people-friendly" budget through lively and democratic debates among treasury and opposition lawmakers. "As a political worker and a Member of Parliament, I believe this is a historic moment. After many years, Bangladesh now has a Parliament elected by the people where their true representatives have discussed and passed a national budget," he said. Tarique Rahman said the government's objective was to present a budget that would directly benefit the people. "We wanted to prepare a life-friendly budget for the people. Various organisations that analyse the national budget have also acknowledged that this budget is largely people-friendly," he said. He, however, stressed that effective implementation will require cooperation from the public administration, private institutions and all stakeholders so that the benefits of the budget reach people's doorsteps. The Prime Minister thanked all lawmakers and the people for making the new Parliament vibrant and democratic. Referring to debates on legislation during the session, he said differences of opinion were expressed freely by both treasury and opposition members. "This is the beauty of democracy and the essence of parliamentary democracy," Tarique Rahman said. He paid tribute to those who, he said, sacrificed their lives in different movements and struggles throughout the country's history. The Prime Minister recalled the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the November 7, 1975 uprising, those killed in the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident, the victims of the 2009 BDR mutiny, political activists who died during the anti-autocracy movement in 1990, and those who were killed, disappeared or subjected to repression during the past one-and-a-half decades of fascist rule. He also paid tribute to those killed during the July 2024 mass uprising, saying their sacrifices will always be remembered. Tarique Rahman said the government and the opposition agreed to stand beside those affected by the July uprising and others who made sacrifices for democracy, subject to the state's financial capacity. He said the government is committed to building a welfare state based on justice, equality and democratic values where no one will face discrimination because of wealth or status and where extremism will have no place. The Prime Minister said the government has already begun implementing several welfare initiatives, including the Family Card, Farmers' Card, Sports Card and honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders, as part of its commitment to ensuring broader state support for citizens.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday pledged to build a people-centred, accountable and value-based state, saying his government is committed to restoring moral values, strengthening education and healthcare, and ensuring that fascism, extremism and authoritarianism never return to Bangladesh. Delivering his winding-up speech at the conclusion of the 2nd and budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, he called for national unity, saying differences of opinion in politics should never turn into enmity or vengeance. “The government wants to establish a Bangladesh where the state remains accountable to the people, the economy is inclusive, and every citizen enjoys security, dignity and opportunities,” the Prime Minister said. Thanking lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches for their constructive participation, he reiterated that political disagreement is natural in a parliamentary democracy but should never lead to hostility. “Before I conclude, I want to say one thing. In Parliament, as is the practice across the world, there will naturally be differences of opinion. But there must never be hostility. Instead of vengeance and retaliation, there must be fairness and justice," Tarique Rahman said. "As the Leader of the Opposition has rightly emphasised, I also want to stress that Bangladesh must never again allow fascism or authoritarianism to raise its head. Nor should our beloved motherland ever become a subservient state. On this issue, I firmly believe there is national unity between the treasury and opposition benches, and we will preserve that unity at any cost,” he added. The Prime Minister said the government plans to gradually increase education spending to 5 percent of GDP over the next five years, alongside extensive teacher training programmes to improve the quality of education. He also announced that health expenditure will be raised from the current 1.2 percent of GDP to 5 percent over the same period as part of efforts to rebuild what he described as a badly damaged healthcare system. Highlighting preventive healthcare, Tarique Rahman said the government has already begun the process of appointing 1 lakh healthcare workers across the country to raise public awareness and improve primary healthcare services. He said five specialised 200-bed children's hospitals – one in each of five divisions – are expected to begin operations by September, creating 1,000 dedicated paediatric beds. Criticising the previous government's management of the power sector, the Prime Minister alleged that around Tk 3 lakh crore had been looted from the sector over one and a half decades and more than Tk 1.3 lakh crore had been paid as capacity charges to quick rental power plants without corresponding public benefits. He also said the previous government made the country excessively dependent on imported energy while neglecting strategic fuel reserves. Tarique Rahman said the current government has already increased the country's fuel reserve from less than 30 days to more than 45 days and aims to expand it to 90 days. He said the government is reviving the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX), enabling it to drill new gas wells and conduct further exploration with newly imported rigs. Expressing confidence about the economy, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has already begun recovering despite global economic uncertainties and ongoing international conflicts. He said the country's hardworking people, productive farmers, energetic youth and promising entrepreneurs will help achieve sustainable growth if corruption is controlled, fair opportunities are created, and state institutions are made accountable. Tarique Rahman also stressed the need to restore family, social and moral values, saying the erosion of values under authoritarian rule had affected not only politics and the economy but also society and culture. Calling upon lawmakers to play an active role in promoting civic responsibility, he urged citizens not to litter public places or dispose of plastic waste indiscriminately, saying such small actions could significantly improve public health and the environment. The Leader of the House also requested the Speaker to arrange one month's basic salary as an honorarium, following parliamentary tradition, for officials and employees of the Parliament Secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other agencies involved in conducting the budget session. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal chaired the sitting that began at 5:00pm. Before the House concluded, Leader of Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman also delivered his winding-up speech. The Deputy Speaker later read out the prorogation order of the President.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced plans to introduce a Universal Card to bring all government welfare programmes under a single platform, while outlining an ambitious roadmap to create 9 crore jobs and transform Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Delivering his winding-up speech at the concluding sitting of the second and budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, he also reaffirmed his government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption and extremism, saying decisive steps are being taken to build professional law enforcement agencies, strengthen public safety and protect state resources. "We have already started implementing programmes such as the Family Card, Farmers' Card, Sports Card and honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders. Eventually, all these services will be brought under a single Universal Card," the Prime Minister told Parliament. He said welfare benefits should not be viewed as charity from the state but as the rightful entitlement of citizens. "These are not acts of compassion by the state. These are the state's responsibilities towards its citizens," he said. Tarique Rahman said the government's priority is not only to provide financial assistance for disadvantaged groups but also to create sustainable employment opportunities for the country's workforce. He said the government has drawn up sector-based plans with the goal of creating employment for 9 crore people in phases. As part of that strategy, the Prime Minister said, the government plans to create 10 lakh jobs in the information technology sector and another 10 lakh jobs through the blue economy, including marine resource development and eco-tourism. He said language and skills training programmes have also been launched to improve overseas employment opportunities, while demand-driven training and career centres are being established in higher educational institutions. Tarique Rahman reiterated the government's commitment to shifting Bangladesh from a debt-driven economy to an investment-led one. "Our goal is to transform the economy from one driven by debt to one driven by investment, which will create wealth and employment," he said. He expressed hope that the country's economy will approach the one-trillion-dollar mark by 2034 through investment-led growth. 25 crore trees, 10,000 nurseries Highlighting the government's climate agenda, the Prime Minister said a nationwide programme has been undertaken to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years through joint public participation and government initiatives. He said around 2 lakh saplings were planted across the country on Wednesday as part of a tree plantation campaign involving primary school students and educational institutions. To support the programme, Tarique Rahman said the government plans to establish 10,000 new nurseries, which are expected to generate employment for around 250,000 people. He said the government is also advancing plans in land management, port management, rural and urban infrastructure development, technology-based education, multilingual learning, internal security and a modern defence strategy. Govt won't tolerate corruption, extremism The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption and extremism. He said the government wants to build professional law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe environment for citizens. Alleging that about US$16 billion had been siphoned out of the country annually during the previous regime, Tarique Rahman said corruption was one of the main reasons behind many of the country's development problems. "The government is determined to curb corruption by any means necessary," he said. To enhance public safety, he said the government has taken a plan to recruit 10,000 new police constables as part of efforts to build a professional law enforcement force. The Prime Minister also reiterated that the government will not tolerate any form of extremism or militancy, and expressed confidence that it will receive the opposition's support in maintaining a united stance against such threats. Commitment to election pledges Tarique Rahman also said the government remains committed to implementing every pledge made in the BNP's 31-point reform agenda, saying the manifesto has now become "the people's mandate" following the party's election victory. He further reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing every provision of the July Charter, signed by political parties ahead of the election. The Prime Minister also criticised the previous Awami League regime over the education sector, alleging that it had undermined academic standards by encouraging cheating and introducing automatic promotions, and said the government is working to improve education through better teacher training and other reforms.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday described the just-concluded budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad as a "historic moment", saying it marked the return of a Parliament genuinely elected by the people after years of what he termed fascist rule. Delivering the concluding speech of the budget session – second of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, he said the Parliament passed a "people-friendly" budget through lively and democratic debates among treasury and opposition lawmakers. "As a political worker and a Member of Parliament, I believe this is a historic moment. After many years, Bangladesh now has a Parliament elected by the people where their true representatives have discussed and passed a national budget," the Prime Minister said. He said the government's objective was to present a budget that would directly benefit the people. "We wanted to prepare a life-friendly budget for the people. Various organisations that analyse the national budget have also acknowledged that this budget is largely people-friendly," Tarique Rahman said. He, however, stressed that effective implementation will require cooperation from the public administration, private institutions and all stakeholders so that the benefits of the budget reach people's doorsteps. The Prime Minister thanked all lawmakers and the people for making the new Parliament vibrant and democratic. Referring to debates on legislation during the session, he said differences of opinion were expressed freely by both treasury and opposition members. "This is the beauty of democracy and the essence of parliamentary democracy," Tarique Rahman said. He paid tribute to those who, he said, sacrificed their lives in different movements and struggles throughout the country's history. The Prime Minister recalled the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the November 7, 1975 uprising, those killed in the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident, the victims of the 2009 BDR mutiny, political activists who died during the anti-autocracy movement in 1990, and those who were killed, disappeared or subjected to repression during the past one-and-a-half decades of fascist rule. He also paid tribute to those killed during the July 2024 mass uprising, saying their sacrifices will always be remembered. Tarique Rahman said the government and the opposition agreed to stand beside those affected by the July uprising and others who made sacrifices for democracy, subject to the state's financial capacity. He said the government is committed to building a welfare state based on justice, equality and democratic values where no one will face discrimination because of wealth or status and where extremism will have no place. The Prime Minister said the government has already begun implementing several welfare initiatives, including the Family Card, Farmers' Card, Sports Card and honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders, as part of its commitment to ensuring broader state support for citizens. Parliament went into its maiden session on March 12 this year with President's address. The second session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, which also served as the budget session for the 2026-27 fiscal year, began on June 7. On June 30, Parliament passed a Tk 938,000 crore national budget for FY27, setting targets of 6.5 percent economic growth and reducing inflation to 7.5 percent.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to take steps to name a suitable road in the capital after former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on July 12. Taking part in a discussion on a proposal moved by Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman in Parliament seeking the naming of a road in Dhaka after the late Qatari leader, the Prime Minister said he has already instructed the ministry in this regard. "I have already verbally instructed the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development to identify a suitable road through the Dhaka city corporations and name it after the late Emir," he said, thanking the opposition leader for raising the proposal. Bangladesh observed a half-day state mourning on Wednesday following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with the national flag kept at half-mast. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad also travelled to Doha to convey Bangladesh's condolences on the death of the former Qatari Emir. Paying tribute to the former Qatari Emir, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh is honouring both the late leader and the people of Qatar. "Qatar has supported Bangladesh in various ways in our development journey and continues to do so," he said. He noted that Qatar has provided employment opportunities for lakhs of Bangladeshis, making a significant contribution to the country's economy. Tarique Rahman also recalled Qatar's support for Bangladeshi expatriates during regional tensions in the Middle East. "Even when Qatar itself faced challenges during the tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, it looked after our expatriate workers like its own citizens and ensured their safety," he said. "In consideration of all these contributions, the government has declared state mourning for late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the national flag was kept at half-mast," he added. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on July 12 at the age of 74. He served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the principal architects of the country's transformation into a modern state.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has taken a series of infrastructure, digitalisation and equipment modernisation initiatives to enhance the capacity and efficiency of Chittagong Port, expressing confidence that the planned Bay Terminal will significantly boost the country's trade and economy. He also said anyone found responsible for corruption involving the country's key seaport will face legal action, regardless of when the alleged offences took place. "The capacity of Chittagong Sea Port is increasing gradually. The Chittagong Port Authority has been managing the port by overcoming various global and domestic challenges," the Prime Minister said while responding to a starred question from treasury bench MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam (Chattogram-13) during the question-answer session in Parliament. Despite the global recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, Chittagong Port remains operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7), ensuring uninterrupted services. As a result, cargo handling increased from 45.396 million tonnes in 2010 to 138.152 million tonnes in 2025, while container handling rose from 1.343 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) to 3.409 million TEUs over the same period, Tarique Rahman said. "Compared with the previous year, container, cargo and ship handling grew by 4.07 percent, 11.43 percent and 10.5 percent, respectively, in 2025," he added. The Prime Minister outlined several measures taken to enhance the port's capacity. These include the construction and operation of the Patenga Container Terminal, development of the Laldia Container Terminal, and regular capital and maintenance dredging to maintain navigability, he said. Tarique Rahman also highlighted ongoing digitalisation initiatives, including the introduction of the online Port Community System, e-delivery orders, e-payment services, e-gate passes, CPA SKY and the Port Single Window as part of efforts to establish a paperless port. The government has also initiated steps to automate overall port operations and procure new cargo and container handling equipment to address equipment shortages during the 2025-26 fiscal year, he added. Replying to a supplementary question from the same MP on the Bay Terminal project, the Prime Minister said he did not have all the project details with him at that moment but will provide them if a formal notice is submitted. However, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the Bay Terminal project, saying it will bring substantial benefits to the national economy. "The Bay Terminal will allow large mother vessels to berth directly at Chattogram Port," he said. At present, many large vessels cannot enter the port because of navigational limitations, Tarique Rahman noted. He said direct access for larger vessels will significantly reduce transhipment costs, accelerate import and export activities, and strengthen the country's overall economy. Responding to another supplementary question from MP Mohammad Kamal Hossain (Dhaka-5) regarding alleged irregularities in the procurement and maintenance of container scanners at Chittagong Port, the Prime Minister said any corruption involving state assets will be dealt with strictly under the law. "Chittagong Port is a national asset belonging to the people. If corruption has taken place there at any time, those responsible will certainly face justice in accordance with the country's laws," he told Parliament. Tarique Rahman said his government remains committed to preventing the misuse of state resources and gradually building a corruption-free environment across public institutions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has undertaken various initiatives to prepare an accurate and comprehensive list of those who were martyred during the War of Liberation in 1971, noting that the governments immediately after the Liberation War had failed to compile a neutral and complete register as they had politicised the process. "Unfortunately, those who were responsible after the country's independence for preparing a neutral and comprehensive list of those martyred in the War of Liberation did not do so. Instead, politics was brought into the process of preparing the list," he told Parliament. The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to a starred question from BNP lawmaker Md Ruhul Amin Dulal (Pirojpur-3) during the question-and-answer session in the House. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal presided over the sitting. Tarique Rahman said realising the importance of the issue, the present government pledged in its election manifesto to prepare a comprehensive list of the Liberation War martyrs based on thorough research. To fulfil that commitment, he said, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has already undertaken a number of initiatives, including organising meetings with Liberation War researchers, holding continuous discussion with relevant stakeholders, and formulating a detailed and practical action plan. "The government believes that through these initiatives, it will be possible to prepare an accurate and widely acceptable list of all those martyred during the Liberation War and the genocide, and ensure proper recognition and honour for their sacrifices," the Prime Minister said. Replying to a supplementary question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Md Anwarul Islam (Kurigram-1), he said BNP sincerely believes it has a sacred responsibility towards the Liberation War and freedom fighters. Tarique Rahman reiterated that those who had the responsibility of preparing an accurate and impartial list of freedom fighters after independence failed to do so, while subsequent efforts to prepare the lists over the years were also hampered by various problems. He said the government is now working with experts to prepare a complete and accurate list of freedom fighters based on credible research and verification.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced that the government will introduce the Prime Minister Gold Cup football tournament for primary school students from next year as part of its efforts to promote sports among children. "From next year, we are going to launch the Prime Minister Gold Cup for primary school children. Initially it will be introduced at the primary level and gradually we will extend it to secondary schools as well, Inshallah. The decision has almost been finalised," he said. The Prime Minister made this announcement while responding to a supplementary question from treasury bench member ABM Mosharrof Hossain (Patuakhali-4) during the question-and-answer session in the House. The Parliament resumed its sitting in the afternoon with Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal in the chair. The Prime Minister said a football competition for both boys and girls at the primary school level has recently been held, with participation of nearly 22 lakh children. Referring to Mosharrof Hossain's proposal to revive the President Gold Cup football tournament introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman said the government can take the initiative following discussion on this matter. Replying to a starred question from BNP lawmaker Luthfullahel Mazed (Mymensingh-8), the Prime Minister said the government would gradually develop the remaining 151 parks, playgrounds, children's parks, Eidgah grounds and open spaces owned by the National Housing Authority, RAJUK and other agencies. He said preparations have been taken to evict illegal occupants from parks and playgrounds under the Dhaka City Corporation, adding that eviction drives would continue in the future to keep those facilities free from encroachment. The Prime Minister said there are 189 parks, playgrounds and open spaces in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area  of which 38 including 24 parks, six playgrounds, four children's parks and four Eidgah grounds are owned by the corporation. He said initiatives have been taken to appoint security guards, install street lighting and CCTV cameras, conduct public awareness programmes to ensure the safety of parks and playgrounds. He said all 38 DNCC-owned parks, playgrounds and open spaces are currently free from encroachment and are being managed in a planned manner. He said the standard of sports in the country has improved significantly since the present government assumed office, while children are now getting greater opportunities to play in open fields. Regarding Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Tarique Rahman said the authorities remain committed to removing illegal encroachments from playgrounds and footpaths in line with court directives and that the drive would continue. He said DSCC area has 256 parks and playgrounds owned by the city corporation and other agencies, and illegal occupants have already been evicted from those facilities. The PM also focused on the parks, playground and open spaces in other city corporations including Gazipur, Mymensingh and Barishal. Responding to another supplementary question from BNP lawmaker Jalal Uddin (Kishoreganj-2), the Prime Minister said the government has already instructed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to identify open spaces suitable for developing sports infrastructure. "We have already instructed them to identify open spaces available for children and people of all ages to play sports and inform the government about the spaces," he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought the support of primary school teachers in building a "humane Bangladesh", stressing that alongside academic learning, children must be taught moral values, compassion, culture and responsibility towards nature from an early age. "If we want to build a humane Bangladesh, we must first raise our children as humane people. You (teachers) are the architects who are shaping those future citizens," he said while addressing a ceremony to distribute the Primary Education Medal-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon. The Prime Minister said the day's events, including the nationwide tree plantation campaign, exhibitions by schools from across the country and cultural performances by primary school students, convinced him that Bangladesh is nurturing the generation that will build the country's future. "It felt to me as if I entered a factory that produces the builders of tomorrow's Bangladesh," he said. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated a nationwide tree plantation programme by planting a sapling at the venue under the Green School initiative. Nearly 2 lakh saplings were planted simultaneously across the country through the participation of government primary schools.