United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been named in the TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026, in recognition of his leadership, courage and contribution to restoration of democracy. The list published by the New York-based weekly on Wednesday also contains the names of US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Pope Leo XIV, Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In his profile, TIME editor-at-large Charlie Campbell said Tarique Rahman was living a carefree life of exile in leafy southwest London just a few months ago. “But the 2024 ousting of Bangladesh’s autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina propelled the 57-year-old scion from opposition agitator to national leader in waiting – a destiny he fulfilled in February by winning an electoral landslide after 17 years estranged from his homeland.” It was a victory that meant Tarique Rahman had followed in the footsteps of his mother Begum Khaleda Zia, who was Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and who passed away just five days after his return to Dhaka, he said. “His grief was still raw when Rahman sat down with TIME in January, though he vowed to channel it into unifying his country of 175 million, while getting South Asia’s second biggest economy buzzing again. Bangladesh is beset by high inflation and youth unemployment, and relations with regional superpower India have reached a historic nadir. All require swift remedy.” Sharing the information on his verified Facebook account, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin described the recognition as a “historic moment” and a “democratic milestone” for Bangladesh. He said the global magazine recognised Tarique Rahman’s leadership, courage and contribution to what he described as the restoration of democracy on the international stage. The adviser said in a difficult time when democracy was restricted, people did not have the right to vote and there was no freedom of speech, Tarique Rahman came forward with determination, courage and unwavering faith. He instilled hope, strengthened the voice of the people, and spoke as the voice of the oppressed. “Under his leadership, Bangladesh has returned to the path of democracy after overcoming many struggles. His role in establishing free and fair elections, freedom of expression, protection of human rights and the rule of law is recognised on the world stage today,” he added. Mahdi Amin said the Prime Minister is working relentlessly according to his plan he announced on his homecoming to build a non-discriminatory, inclusive and integrated Bangladesh. The inclusion of the Prime Minister in this list by TIME is a strong recognition of his long fight for democracy, struggle and charismatic ability to lead the country, he said. “This honour from TIME belongs to all of us. It belongs to every citizen of Bangladesh who believes that democracy is invincible and that the power of the people never gives up. This global recognition is the victory of democracy, the victory of the people, the victory of Bangladesh. Alhamdulillah,” the adviser said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government has specific plans to explore alternative labour markets in the context of recent instability in Iran and across the Middle East. “Bangladesh missions abroad have been instructed to explore labour markets and assess profession-specific demand for Bangladeshi workers. In addition, local lobbyist firms are being appointed in different countries as needed based on recommendations from Bangladesh missions overseas,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to a question from BNP MP Ashraf Uddin (Narsingdi-5 MP) during the question-answer session. He said initiatives have been taken to sign bilateral agreements to expand alternative labour markets in new countries including Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Brazil and Russia. The Prime Minister said initiatives have been taken to arrange high-level visits to countries beyond the Middle East that recruit workers, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. Mentioning that efforts are underway to reopen the Malaysian labour market, he said steps have also been taken to sign agreements with Thailand to open up employment opportunities there. The Prime Minister also said, given the high demand for Bangladeshi workers in Japan, the scope of Japanese language and skills training has been expanded to increase manpower exports to the country. He said Japanese language training is now being provided at 53 Technical Training Centres (TTCs), while steps have been taken to recruit instructors for Japanese, Russian, Arabic, German and Italian languages. “So far, 41 instructors in various languages have been appointed.” Replying to another question from Faridpur-3 MP Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, Tarique said Bangladeshi missions have been asked to assess the potential for employing Bangladeshi professionals including doctors, bankers, engineers in the Middle East as professionals from different countries are leaving the region due to the war situation. He said the loan limit for language student visas has been increased from Tk 300,000 to Tk 10,00000 without collateral. The Prime Minister said steps have also been taken to retrain returning workers and improve their skills so they can go abroad again based on international job market needs. He also said their previous education and work experience are being recognised and certificates are being provided. The parliamentary session began in the morning with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair following a recess on April 10, with the Prime Minister’s question-answer session scheduled first on the day’s agenda. Members of Parliament took part in the scheduled question-answer session at the start of the sitting.  

Warning that the energy crisis has already taken a toll on Bangladesh’s economy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought a US$2 billion fund from development partners to help overcome the crisis and stabilise the economy. “The situation before us demands urgency, solidarity and decisive action,” he said while addressing the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit. The Prime Minister said immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of the collective agenda of the summit. “In this regard, Bangladesh is seeking to mobilise US$2 billion from development partners to meet our immediate energy needs and safeguard our economic stability. We urge the international community to respond swiftly and positively to this call,” he said. The Prime Minister said the current global energy crisis is a stark reminder of global communities’ shared vulnerability and interdependence. No nation- regardless of its size or strength- can overcome this challenge in isolation, he said, adding that it demands a coordinated and forward-looking Asian response, to strengthen regional energy security, address immediate supply disruptions, and support the most vulnerable countries. “The energy crisis has already disrupted Bangladesh’s economy. In response, we have taken a range of short-term measures to contain the impact,” Tarique said. He said the measures include demand-side management through the rationing of government office and market hours; stabilisation fuel supplies through emergency imports and diversification of sourcing; and consumption controls, including fuel rationing and limits on retail sales to prevent hoarding and panic buying through initiatives such as 'Fuel App'. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is concerned that the scale and consequences of this crisis could exceed those of the 1970’s oil shock, which triggered a decade of stalled development in the 1980s. Since gaining independence in 1971, he said Bangladesh has worked relentlessly to drive economic growth, lift millions of out poverty, and improve the quality of life for its people. “Today, these hard-own gains are in danger, facing the real threat of reversal.”  The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is not alone in facing this risk, nor can the country overcome it through national effort alone. “This moment calls for a decisive and co-ordinated global action, to contain the impact of the ongoing  energy crisis, particularly to protect vulnerable countries, including the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), from its severe economic and social impact,” he said. Tarique Rahman appreciated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening this timely and important Summit. Tarique Rahman addressed (AZEC Plus Online Summit from his Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat office. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun  Kobir were present. Heads of state and governments of various countries, including Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, also virtually spoke on the occasion. Heads of the government and the representatives of different countries, including India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, Brunei, Cambodia and Indonesia, participated in the online summit. The organisations from which representatives joined the session are International Energy Agency (IEA) and Asian Development (ADB).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday visited the grave of national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani in Santosh of Tangail. Tarique Rahman went to the grave premises around 5:00pm, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister offered Fateha and a munajat there, seeking the salvation of the great national leader’s departed soul. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and Abdus Salam Pintu, MP, among others, were present. Later, the Prime Minister visited the house where Maulana Bhasani used to live in Santosh. He also signed the visitors’ book kept there. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated a Baishakhi agricultural fair at the municipal park in Tangail town. He visited different stalls at the fair. He later went to the Circuit House where he offered Zohr prayers and had lunch. In the morning, the Prime Minister travelled by road from Dhaka and, around 11:22am, inaugurated the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme at the Shaheed Maruf Stadium.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a Baishakhi agricultural fair at the Tangail municipal park here on Tuesday. He opened the fair after attending the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot inauguration programme at the Shaheed Maruf Stadium earlier in the day. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman went to the fair venue adjacent to the stadium after completing the Farmers’ Card event and visited different stalls there. Govt aims to make farmers self-reliant, prosperous: PM He observed various agricultural products and activities being showcased at the fair and interacted with participants. During the visit, the Prime Minister also distributed fish fry among fish farmers and goats to some poor farmers. Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and senior government officials were present on the occasion.

The government on Tuesday launched the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme in Tangail on Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, marking another step towards fulfilling its election pledges. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the programme at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail. The Prime Minister pressed a button on a laptop and launched the pre-pilot programme nationwide around 12:22pm, saying Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.) MP demands ‘Child FF’ recognition for PM Tarique Rahman Later, he handed over Farmers’ Cards and tree saplings to 15 marginal farmers including Md Abu Kaysar, Md Roman, Shahnur Alam, Md Shah Alam, Zulekha Akhter, Nasima Khanam Sumona, Shilpi, Amena Begum, Nawab Ali, Mohammad Ali, Kabir Hossain, Monowara Akhter, Shamima Akhter, Laila Begum and Tahmina. As soon as the programme was launched, Tk 2,500 was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 22,067 farmers in 11 upazilas through mobile banking. In Tangail alone, 1,453 farmers received the money. The Prime Minister entered the stadium at around 11:20am. Upon arrival, he went straight to the stage and greeted farmers by waving at them. The programme organised by the Ministry of Agriculture began with recitations from the Holy Quran, Gita, Bible and Tripitaka. Several thousand farmers along with 
leaders and supporters gathered at the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere on the Bangla New Year. People filled both the ground and gallery areas. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid presided over the programme. Among others present were Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizbi, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and local MP Sultan Salauddin, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, and Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul Islam. The Farmers’ Card aims to directly support and empower farmers, who are considered the backbone of the country’s economy. The initiative is designed to bring modern technology into agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Under the programme, farmers will receive a debit card linked to a bank account opened in their names through Sonali Bank.  The card will allow them to access services such as fair-priced agricultural inputs, irrigation support, easy loans, subsidies, training, weather updates, crop advice and insurance. In the initial phase, about 22,067 landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers, as well as those involved in fisheries, livestock and salt production will receive Tk 2,500 annually through the card. Officials said the programme will first be implemented on a trial basis in 10 districts covering 11 upazilas, with around 30 lakh farmers expected to be included in phases. The project will be carried out in three stages — pre-pilot, pilot and nationwide rollout. The pre-pilot phase is expected to cost about Tk 8.34 crore. A wider pilot in 15 upazilas is planned by August, followed by a nationwide expansion over the next four years. Earlier, the Prime Minister left his residence in Dhaka at around 8:58am and travelled by road to Tangail. Since early morning, farmers from Tangail Sadar and nearby areas streamed into the stadium. Many, dressed in colourful attire, expressed excitement at seeing the Prime Minister and becoming part of the government’s new initiative. Local representatives described the launch as a historic moment for Tangail, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ living standards. Farmers attending the event expressed hope that the card would ease their struggles, especially in accessing seeds, irrigation and financial support.

Greeting people in Bangladesh and other Bengali-speaking communities worldwide on Pahela Baishakh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday expressed hope that cultural values of tolerance, generosity and harmony will strengthen democracy and promote peaceful coexistence. “Farewell 1432. Welcome Bengali New Year 1433. Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of the country and Bengali-speaking communities around the world,” he said in a message posted on his verified Facebook account. MP demands ‘Child FF’ recognition for PM Tarique Rahman The Prime Minister said Pahela Baishakh is a unique symbol of the nation’s history, culture and identity. “For centuries, this day has returned to our lives each year with a call for renewal. The arrival of the New Year inspires us to leave behind old decay and disrepair and move forward,” he said. Tarique Rahman said Pahela Baishakh is closely linked with agriculture, nature and the region’s farm-based economy. “Even in this golden age of information technology, farmers still plan their cultivation in harmony with nature.” He said the thousand-year-old traditions, folk culture and values of Bengali-speaking people are revived through Pahela Baishakh. The Prime Minister said traditional events such as Baishakhi fairs, rallies and processions and Halkhata highlight the rich diversity of the culture and strengthen a sense of unity among people. He also said the Bengali New Year brings new hopes and possibilities, where the renewal of nature and human optimism together create a vibrant festive atmosphere. Referring to his party’s election pledges, Tarique Rahman said after the end of what he called a decade and a half of fascist rule, a new democratic government began its journey following victory in the national election held on 12 February. Taking office, the government has begun implementing various programmes aimed at improving the living standards of people from all walks of life in society, he said. As part of its electoral commitments, the Prime Minister said the government has already launched initiatives such as family cards, sports cards, canal excavation programme, and financial support for imams, muezzins, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths. He also mentioned that a farmer card programme linked to agriculture and the rural economy will be introduced from the first day of the Bengali New Year, expressing hope that it will play a transformative role in strengthening the country’s agricultural sector. “I hope that the practice of tolerance, generosity and harmony rooted in the religious and social values and culture of the people of Bangladesh will further strengthen democracy and reinforce the coexistence of diverse opinions,” Tarique Rahman said. He said the world is facing various crises and conflicts, making the practice of peace, compassion and mutual respect more important than ever. “On this auspicious moment of the New Year, let us rise above narrowness and selfishness and follow the path of human welfare – this be our pledge. At the first dawn of the New Year, we express our commitment to overcoming all past frustrations and limitations and move forward with renewed energy.” Concluding his message, the Prime Minister wished peace, happiness and prosperity for all. “I once again extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the country. Happy New Year 1433.”

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Norway-based telecom company Telenor Group Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at Secretariat, said a PMO press release.  

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has arranged the construction of a new house for the family of slain Feni Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal leader Harunur Rashid, as part of a humanitarian initiative. The construction of the new house has begun under the initiative of ‘Amra BNP Poribar,’ following the directive of the Prime Minister and under the plan of his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, considering the prolonged financial hardship faced by the family. A delegation of ‘Amra BNP Poribar’, led by its Adviser Abul Kashem, inaugurated the construction work on Sunday morning at Bhorbazar of Farhadnagar union of Sadar upazila. They also conveyed the Prime Minister’s message of sympathy and support to the family. Member Secretary of the organisation Moksedul Momin Mithun was also present. Speaking on the occasion, Abul Kashem said the sacrifices of martyrs will never go in vain and standing beside their families is a moral responsibility. He added that the organisation will continue to support families affected by political violence and repression. Among those present were ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ members Masud Rana Liton, Shakil Ahmed and Farhad Ali Sajib, Joint General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Hasnain Nahian Sajib, Sweden BNP leader Sayham Sikandar Pappu and Dhaka College JCD leader Abdullah Al Misbah. Also present at the event were Sheikh Farid Bahar, convener of Feni district BNP; Alaudin Alal, member secretary; Fazlur Rahman Bakul, convener of Sadar upazila BNP; Aman Uddin Qaiser Sabbir, member secretary; Belayet Hossain Bacchu, district BNP member; Mezbah Uddin Bhuiyan, member secretary of municipality BNP; Noimullah Chowdhury Barat, member secretary of district Jubo Dal; senior joint convener VP Belal and joint convener Amzad Hossain Sumon. Harunur Rashid was killed on 4 December 2013 after being shot by police during a peaceful hartal procession brought out by local BNP on Trunk Road in Feni town. Earlier in 2017, Tarique Rahman also provided financial assistance for the wedding of Harunur Rashid’s eldest daughter.

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.