United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban. It was the first meeting between the President and the Prime Minister at Bangabhaban since Mirza Fakhrul assumed office as President. The Prime Minister arrived at Bangabhaban around 3:00pm, when the President welcomed him. Later, the President’s military secretary, secretary, press secretary and other senior officials of his office were introduced to him, according to a press release issued by Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the President on various aspects of his recent visit to the United States, including his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and meetings on the sidelines with heads of state and government of different countries, the UN secretary-general and senior officials, as well as representatives of international economic and development partner organisations. The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his “historic” address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, describing it as “far-sighted, determined and direction-setting”. He said the speech reflected Bangladesh’s national interests and the hopes and aspirations of its people, while clearly presenting Bangladesh’s position on important global issues. Mirza Fakhrul further said the visit contributed significantly to strengthening Bangladesh’s position on the international stage and safeguarding the country’s public interests. The visit also made significant contributions to expanding and strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, he said. The President and the Prime Minister also discussed various issues related to national and state interests. The President thanked the Prime Minister for visiting Bangabhaban.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project (Phase I) in Parshuram upazila of Feni district on October 1. The prime minister’s visit was originally scheduled for September 17 but was later postponed and rescheduled for October 1. The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on June 16 at an estimated cost of Tk 1,542.16 crore. Under the project, rivers and water bodies will be re-excavated, flood-control embankments rehabilitated, riverbanks protected and irrigation infrastructure renovated. State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad visited Feni on Monday morning to inspect preparations for the prime minister’s visit. During the visit, he inspected Kheyaghat, areas along the Muhuri River and the proposed public meeting venue in Parshuram upazila. According to the district administration, the prime minister will inaugurate the project at Ghata Ghar area on the bank of the Muhuri River in Parshuram and later address a public rally there. The prime minister will then travel to Fulgazi and attend several programmes, including a tree-plantation programme at Khaleda Zia Women’s College. He is also scheduled to inaugurate solar panels with a combined capacity of 962.5 kilowatts installed at government offices in Parshuram, Fulgazi and Chhagalnaiya upazilas. The prime minister will later rest and offer prayers at the Fulgazi District Council Dak Bungalow. Between 3:00pm and 3:20pm, he is scheduled to attend a programme at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground. At the programme, jointly organised by three ministries, the prime minister will take part in activities involving Family Cards, allowances for imams and priests, Farmer Cards, and assistance programmes for poor students and distressed people. He is also scheduled to meet local political leaders and representatives of civil society. The venues will be divided into three zones—red, yellow and white—as part of the security arrangements. More than 2,000 police personnel will also be deployed in Parshuram and Fulgazi upazilas to ensure security. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahbubul Karim, disclosed the information at a meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s conference room on Sunday ahead of the prime minister’s visit to Feni. Feni Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Al Amin Sarker said a foolproof security measure would be put in place centering the prime minister’s visit. Besides the SSF, personnel from the police, Special Response Battalion (SRB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies would be involved in the security arrangements. However, he could not provide the exact number of personnel to be deployed in total. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahbubul Karim said those allowed to enter the red zone would be issued special security cards. Separate cards would be issued for the yellow zone, and only those holding the relevant cards would be allowed to enter it. The area outside the red and yellow zones would be designated as the white zone, where members of the general public would be allowed to enter. He also said the prime minister was expected to travel to Parshuram by road according to the tentative schedule, while arrangements for his return had not yet been finalised. Meanwhile, preparations for the prime minister’s visit are nearing completion. During a field visit, it was seen that preparations were underway to set up the public meeting venue on the bank of the Muhuri River in Ghata Ghar area of Parshuram. Besides, preparations were also underway to construct a temporary helipad at Parshuram Pilot High School ground. Construction of the stage, inauguration plaque area and other necessary infrastructure at the venue was nearing completion. Arrangements are being made to provide safe drinking water for people attending the public meeting. The Department of Public Health Engineering is installing water tanks and portable toilets and making other sanitation arrangements at the venue. Cleaning and other necessary preparatory activities are also underway at and around the event venue. The Roads and Highways Department is carrying out repair and maintenance work on several important sections of the Feni-Parshuram main road to ensure smooth and safe road communication. Necessary repair and preparatory work is also being carried out around the public meeting venue along the Parshuram-Subar Bazar road. Beautification work is similarly underway at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground and other important locations. Meanwhile, local people hope the government will take permanent measures to address flooding and river erosion, establish a medical college and public university in Feni, construct an underpass at Lalpol, create employment opportunities, and improve communication and infrastructure in the district.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Alhmoudi on Monday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with discussions focusing on expanding trade and investment. The meeting was held at Secretariat in the noon, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu). Hasan Shiplu said the meeting discussed expanding trade and investment, increasing employment opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers, and strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, aviation, information technology, railways and logistics. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Investment Bangladesh Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the meeting. Senior officials of the UAE Embassy accompanied the ambassador.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday laid emphasis on further expanding trade, investment and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. The issues were discussed when outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat. The issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis, were discussed. “It was a farewell meeting. During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman laid emphasis on further expanding trade, investment and development cooperation between the two countries,” said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu). Ambassador Yao said China’s support for Bangladesh’s development efforts would continue and expressed hope that relations between the two countries would be strengthened further. The Chinese Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his successful participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and various programmes in New York. Ambassador Yao thanked the Prime Minister for his longstanding care and support for Bangladesh-China relations and the friendly cooperation between the two countries, according to the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. He said China supports the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in governing smoothly. “China will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor, and good partner of Bangladesh, and stands ready to strengthen strategic communication and deepen practical cooperation with Bangladesh so as to further deepen and substantiate the China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era,” he said. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the meeting. Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy Dr Liu Yuyin accompanied the Ambassador.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman resumed work at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday on his return from four-day visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister at the Secretariat in the morning. Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan, said United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Alhmoudi is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister around noon. The PM is scheduled to chair the cabinet meeting around 4pm at the Secretariat. Issues discussed during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the United States are also likely to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and his Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Sunday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s four-day visit to the US to attend the UN General Assembly was highly successful and fruitful. “The Prime Minister’s visit was highly successful and fruitful. Through this visit, he has taken Bangladesh to a higher position on the global stage,” he said. Mahdi Amin made the remarks while briefing reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning to Bangladesh with the Prime Minister after his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He said the Prime Minister firmly focused on Bangladesh’s interests, sovereignty, independence and potential in every respect during his visit to the UN General Assembly. Mahdi Amin said that after a long time, a prime minister elected by the people’s votes represented Bangladesh on the global stage. The heads of government and state of every country received him with great warmth and cordiality, he said. Tarique Rahman completed the successful four-day visit with a very short schedule and the fewest possible entourage, Mahdi said. Within the brief period, he participated in a total of 30 programmes including several important bilateral and multilateral meetings. He also attended eight major UN events and delivered important speeches at seven of them, including the Prime Minister’s “historic” address to the UN, he said. Highlighting several high-level events in the Prime Minister’s busy schedule, Mahdi Amin said two high-level events on the Rohingya crisis and universal health care were organised by Bangladesh.  In addition, the Prime Minister participated in two other global high-level events related to the climate change and healthcare, he said. Describing the Prime Minister’s historic UN speech, Mahdi Amin said Tarique Rahman outlined specific policies and plans for every section and profession of society including education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as youths and women. He said the plans would be implemented gradually. "The Prime Minister, however, did not speak only about Bangladesh’s development but also strongly called for world peace," Mahdi Amin said. Recalling Bangladesh’s firm position on the Palestine issue, the PMO spokesperson said Bangladesh staged a walkout in when the Israeli prime minister rose to speak immediately after Tarique Rahman’s address at the UN. “This carries a clear message from Bangladesh in favour of world peace,” he said. He said the government’s initiatives to maintain internal and international peace, protect human rights, ensure inclusive development, establish the rule of law and change the fortunes of the people at large, which, he said, have received widespread appreciation at home and abroad, would continue in the coming days. Responding to a question from journalists over Boeing deal, he said the agreement to purchase aircraft from Boeing was signed after giving the highest priority to Bangladesh’s interests and was not a decision imposed on the country. He said the decision to purchase aircraft from Boeing was taken earlier based on the bilateral interests of Bangladesh and the United States. “The Prime Minister was not present at the signing of the agreement. However, the agreement was signed through representatives of the two countries, giving the highest priority to the interests of Bangladesh,” Mahdi said. He also said an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation was signed between the governments of the two countries during the visit. The MoU was also signed separately at a sideline meeting without the Prime Minister’s presence, he said. The PMO spokesperson said the Prime Minister’s visit was not limited to programmes involving the US or the UN. During the visit, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings and discussions with the top leadership of a total of 11 countries, he said. In each of these discussions, Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interests and the welfare of its people were given priority,” Mahdi added. Positive assurances on energy security, Rohingya issue Responding to another question, Mahdi said energy security was a key issue in discussions with the leaders of Middle Eastern countries. Bilateral discussions were held on how the current crisis can be resolved through coordinated efforts and effective negotiations, he said. He also said fruitful discussions were held with ASEAN member states and international organisations working on human rights and displaced people to resolve the Rohingya crisis. “Every country and organisation has pledged to stand by Bangladesh in resolving the crisis,” Mahdi said. He said the international community highly appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity and humanitarianism in providing shelter to the Rohingyas under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The PMO spokesperson said world leaders and the international community expressed clear commitments to work together and stand by Bangladesh on all issues concerning the country’s interests during every bilateral and multilateral meeting held during the visit. Nine arrested over Mirpur health centre attack Responding to a question about the recent attack on a healthcare centre in Mirpur, Mahdi said the government is taking action swiftly whenever isolated or sporadic incidents occurred. “We were in the UN during the incident. As far as I know, nine people were arrested very quickly following the attack on a healthcare centre in Mirpur,” he said. He said the government’s position was clear in this regard. “If anyone uses the name of any government official or the name or identity of anyone associated with the party, the law will take its own course with the utmost strictness, and arrests will be made as quickly as possible following an investigation,” Mahdi said. “We are already seeing that progress, and InshaAllah, we believe that the law enforcement agencies and those responsible at the Home Ministry will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the law is enforced more swiftly,” he added. Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque were also present.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home on Sunday morning after wrapping up his five-day visit to the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “An Emirates flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via Dubai around 8:20am,” PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu told UNB. Upon his arrival, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and local MP SM Jahangir Hossain received the Prime Minister at the airport. After a six-hour transit stop in Dubai, the Emirates flight departed Dubai International Airport for Dhaka at 2:15am local time, Shiplu said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dubai for Dhaka early Sunday after a six-hour transit on his way home from New York, where he attended the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. “An Emirates flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage left Dubai International Airport for Dhaka at 2:15am (Dubai time) after a six-hour stopover,” PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu told UNB. The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 8:30am Sunday, he said. Tarique arrived in Dubai from New York around 8:25pm on Saturday by an Emirates flight. He left New York on Friday night after wrapping up his five-day visit to attend the UNGA. The Prime Minister arrived in New York on September 21 and delivered his maiden address at the General Debate on September 24. During the visit, he held around 30 important bilateral and sideline meetings. Tarique held bilateral meetings with several heads of state and government and senior leaders, discussing bilateral relations, trade and investment, economic cooperation, the Rohingya crisis and regional and international issues. He also met UN Secretary-General António Guterres, World Bank President Ajay Banga and other senior international officials. In his UNGA address, Tarique outlined Bangladesh’s three-R strategy — Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction — for rebuilding the country and highlighted its priorities on global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation and the Rohingya crisis. He also attended a breakfast meeting hosted by JPMorgan Chase with Wall Street representatives, where he invited global investors to invest in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Dubai on Saturday night on his way back home after wrapping up a five-day visit to New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). An Emirates flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his delegation landed at Dubai International Airport at 8:23pm local time, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said. The flight will remain in Dubai for about six hours before departing for Dhaka at 2:00am local time on Sunday and will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40am the same day, he said. Tarique left New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport at 11:35pm on Friday for Dhaka. The Prime Minister went to New York on September 21 to attend the UNGA and delivered his maiden address as Prime Minister at the General Debate on September 24. During the five-day visit, he held meetings with several heads of state and government, including the leaders of Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Croatia, Haiti, Bhutan and Thailand, as well as senior officials from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Sweden. He also met UN Secretary-General António Guterres, World Bank President Ajay Banga and other senior international officials, discussing Bangladesh’s interests, trade and investment, the Rohingya crisis, climate change and international cooperation. At the UNGA, Tarique Rahman outlined Bangladesh’s priorities on global peace, sustainable development and economic cooperation and presented the government’s three-R strategy — Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction — for rebuilding the country. He also attended a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan Chase, where he invited global investors to invest in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said more than 30 tourism clusters are being developed across the country, highlighting Bangladesh's history, culture and heritage. He made the remark in a message issued on Saturday on the occasion of the World Tourism Day 2026, which will be observed with the theme of ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism’ on Sunday. The Prime Minister said the election manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to develop tourism as a modern and land-efficient service sector. To achieve this objective, the government is currently implementing various commitments, with particular emphasis on formulating a National Tourism Master Plan, modernising the necessary laws and policies, and undertaking structural reforms in tourism management, he added. “As part of these initiatives, more than 30 tourism clusters are being developed across the country, highlighting Bangladesh's history, culture and heritage. At the same time, community, eco, rural, culinary, river and coastal tourism are being promoted to integrate local communities into the tourism economy,” said Tarique Rahman. He said tourism is not merely an opportunity or a means for recreation; it is an important means of generating employment, earning foreign exchange, developing the local economy, and showcasing our history, heritage, culture and natural beauty to the world. “Therefore, developing Bangladesh's tourism industry into a modern, technology-driven, environmentally friendly and world-class industry is one of the key priorities of our development planning,” he said. With this objective in view, on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026, the PM extended his sincere greetings and felicitations to all individuals and institutions associated with the tourism industry, tourism professionals and entrepreneurs, investors, domestic and international tourists, and tourism enthusiasts across the country. He said programmes are underway to develop modern hotels, recreational facilities and tourist attractions through public-private partnerships. Policy support and access to financing on easier terms have also been enhanced for small and medium-scale tourism enterprises and new tourism start-ups. “For the expansion of international tourism, there is a target to develop an extensive national air connectivity network by 2034, with the aim of transforming Bangladesh into an important aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia,” he said. Tarique Rahman said improved connectivity will make travel to and from Bangladesh easier for international tourists. Optimum utilisation of limited land resources is being ensured through the expansion of high-value-added hotels, restaurants, entertainment centres and other less land-intensive service sectors, he said. “We hope that, once these initiatives are successfully implemented, the tourism industry will make a significant contribution to achieving the national goal of building a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034. At the same time, digital connectivity will open up new opportunities for women, young people and small entrepreneurs,” he said. The PM said the development of tourism must be aligned with the conservation of the environment and heritage. Particular emphasis is being placed on biodiversity conservation, waste management and the reduction of carbon emissions in coastal and nature-based tourism. “Through the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, local communities and the younger generation, we aspire to transform Bangladesh into a safe, sustainable, technology-driven and world-class tourism destination,” he said. About the theme of this year's World Tourism Day, he said it provides clear direction for transforming the future of tourism. “Artificial intelligence, big data and smart technologies can make tourism services more extensive, accessible, safe and people-centred, while also creating new opportunities for employment,” he said.