United News of Bangladesh

Inqilab Moncho has announced a torch procession for Thursday, demanding a comprehensive investigation into India's alleged involvement in the killing of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The procession will begin at 7:00pm from "Shaheed Osman Hadi Chattar" at Shahbagh in the capital, the organisation said in a Facebook post on Wednesday evening. It also called for the identification of local perpetrators of the killing, an update on government efforts to bring back the fugitive suspects, and a speedy trial in the case. Hadi was shot by assailants on December 12 last year at Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station in Dhaka, a day after the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election was announced. He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, later shifted to Evercare Hospital, and eventually flown to Singapore. Hadi died on the night of December 18 while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. Following the gun attack, Inqilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed an attempted murder case at Paltan Police Station on December 14, which was later converted into a murder case.    

Newly appointed Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Lieutenant General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam, met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday before leaving to assume his new assignment. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat in the afternoon, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Hasan Shiplu said. He said they discussed Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, the professionalism of the country’s armed forces and ways to uphold Bangladesh’s reputation and prestige in the international arena. On April 9, Lieutenant General Minhazul Alam was appointed the 23rd Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). He is the eighth Bangladeshi army officer to be appointed as a UN force commander. Minhazul is scheduled to leave for the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday before assuming his new post. Before his appointment, Minhazul served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Bangladesh Army. According to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, a total of 10 military officers from different countries, including one Bangladeshi officer, are currently serving as force commanders in 10 UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Major General Mohammad Fakhrul Ahsan is now serving as Force Commander in Western Sahara. With Minhazul Alam’s joining in Cyprus, the number of Bangladeshi officers serving at the force commander level in UN missions will rise to two.  

A delegation from Mitsui & Co., one of Japan’s largest trading and investment companies, met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday and discussed investment opportunities in various sectors in Bangladesh. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. During the meeting, he said the two sides discussed ways to expand investment and business cooperation in Bangladesh. “Potential investment and expansion in various sectors, including food, agriculture, energy and ICT, were discussed at the meeting,” Shiplu said. He said the Prime Minister and others informed the delegation that the current government is pursuing an investment-friendly policy and is committed to providing maximum support to attract and facilitate foreign investment.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday rejected a proposal to rename the Keraniganj Technical Training Centre (TTC) after former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying existing institutions should not be given new names. The Prime Minister also directed the authorities concerned to consider such names for new institutions rather than renaming existing ones, according to sources at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Contacted, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Salah Shibly told UNB that the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment had sent a summary to the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday, seeking approval to rename the Keraniganj Technical Training Centre as “Begum Khaleda Zia Technical Training Centre, Keraniganj.” However, the Prime Minister did not approve the proposal. Instead, he issued a policy directive, saying: “If necessary, name a new institution, not an existing one.” Shibly said the Prime Minister’s instruction was clear that existing institutions should keep their current names, while the proposed name could be considered for any new institution or initiative in the future. The Keraniganj Technical Training Centre is a government-run institution under the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). The centre provides practical training in a range of trades to help young people acquire skills and improve their employment opportunities both at home and abroad. Officials said the institution plays an important role in producing skilled workers to meet the needs of local industries and overseas job markets. As part of the government’s efforts to build a skilled workforce, the centre offers training programmes designed to equip young people with the technical and vocational skills required in modern workplaces.

A 15-member delegation of senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) left for China on Tuesday on a week-long visit to participate in a training programme. The delegation departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 2:00pm on a China Eastern Airlines flight. The programme, being organised with the support of the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, will be held in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, who is a member of the delegation, said the training programme will continue until June 8. The delegation includes NGO Affairs Bureau Director General Mohammed Jakaria, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-1 Mohammad Mamun Shibly, Private Secretary-2 Mehedul Islam, PMO directors Monirul Islam Patwari, Anwar Ul Halim, Mohammad Nasir Uddin Sarwar and Md Mahbubur Rahman. Other members include Protocol Officer-1 Md Ujjal Hossain, Assignment Officer-2 SM Parvez, Research Officer Abdus Sattar Patwari, Tariq Hasan, Private Secretary to Prime Minister’s Adviser Ismail Zabihullah, and officials Julia Moin, Jesmin Akter and Mohammad Jabbar. Earlier, speaking at a reception programme in Dhaka on Monday night ahead of the visit, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said high-level exchanges and cooperation between Bangladesh and China strengthened further in recent times. He said the training programme would play an important role in enhancing mutual relations and exchanging experiences between the two countries. The ambassador expressed hope that the participating officials would be able to apply the knowledge gained from China’s development and modernisation experience to Bangladesh’s development efforts after completing the programme.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has questioned the necessity of a proposed visit to Florida of the USA by Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) mayor and five officials to learn about mosquito control measures, saying innovative solutions can be developed by observing mosquito breeding grounds at home. According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing on Monday night, the Local Government Division sent a summary to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking approval for the visit by CCC Mayor Dr Sahadat Hossain and five officials to Florida. The proposed tour, to be funded by US-based Valent BioSciences LLC, was aimed at allowing the delegation to observe advanced mosquito control and eradication methods. Commenting on the proposal, the Prime Minister said: “There is no need to go to Florida in the United States to learn or observe mosquito eradication. One can develop many innovative methods of mosquito control simply by spending two or three hours beside any stagnant water body in the country after sunset.” Contacted, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman rejected the proposal for a visit to the United States by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor and officials to study mosquito control measures. “The previous government used to send officials abroad on various project-related visits, including mosquito control programmes, which often resulted in wastage of state funds,” he said. Rumon also said such visits, whether funded by the state or foreign agencies, did not produce any effective results.

Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the government has made a limited adjustment to fuel prices in line with global market trends. “As we do not produce fuel internally, we are fully dependent on imports. So, any global price increase directly affects us. The adjustment has been made in line with international market conditions, and the increase is limited,” he said while speaking at a press conference at the PMO. Responding to a question, Mahdi Amin said Bangladesh delayed raising fuel prices longer than many other countries despite growing international pressure. “Oil prices have increased across the world since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. Many countries have already raised prices, while Bangladesh is among those that adjusted them relatively late,” he said. The PMO spokesperson said fuel prices in Bangladesh still remain lower compared to many neighbouring countries, helping the government keep inflation under control. “Overall, as global oil supply and prices are changing, Bangladesh has made a limited price adjustment in line with international trends,” he said. Mahdi Amin said the latest adjustment was made in consideration of global fuel supply conditions and rising international prices. The press conference was held at the Karobi Hall of the Prime Minister's Office to brief the media on various public-oriented initiatives and programmes taken on the orders of the Prime Minister for smooth celebrations of Eid-ul-Azha. Replying to another question, Mahdi Amin said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been making every possible effort over the past three months to deliver what a truly accountable government can achieve. Asked whether remarks made by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj regarding Dhaka University embarrassed the government following a strong reaction from the university teachers and students, he highlighted the historic role of Dhaka University and other public universities in the country's major democratic and political movements. "The contribution of Dhaka University and other public universities is deeply embedded in Bangladesh's history – from the Language Movement and the 1969 Mass Uprising to the Liberation War, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990 and the July mass uprising," the PMO spokesperson said. He said many individuals currently serving in important state positions emerged from Dhaka University and other public universities on the basis of merit and competence. Mahdi Amin also noted that the country's private university sector began its journey during the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1992 and has made significant progress over the years. He said private universities also played an important role during the July movement, standing alongside public universities and people from all walks of life. "We do not see Dhaka University, North South University or any other university separately. We believe all educational institutions complement one another rather than compete with each other," he said. The PMO spokesperson said students frequently move between public and private universities for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, reflecting a shared national education system that helps produce skilled, capable and responsible citizens. "As an elected government, we believe that what matters is not which university someone attended, but their honesty, competence and merit," he said. Mahdi Amin said the government wants to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh where talent and qualifications are properly recognised and where all universities receive policy support from the state. Responding to a question regarding the buffalo named after US President Donald Trump, now kept at the National Zoo, he said the government's foremost responsibility is to maintain stability, law and order, and social harmony. The PMO spokesperson said authorities wanted to avoid any situation that could trigger unnecessary controversy or create discomfort at home or abroad. "A responsible and accountable government always seeks to move the country forward in a positive and festive environment where everyone can participate with goodwill and sincerity," he said. Mahdi Amin described the handling of the matter as a prudent decision taken through government channels and later implemented as part of a state decision. Prime Minister’s Speechwriter Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony and Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud), and Assistant Press Secretaries Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were also present at the press conference.

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the government's 10 people-oriented initiatives around Eid-ul-Azha brought visible positive changes to Eid management and ensured the smooth celebration of the country’s second-largest religious festival. “Special emphasis was placed on 10 public-oriented issues in the government's activities centred around this year's Eid-ul-Azha,” he said while speaking at a press conference at the Karobi Hall of the PMO. Mahdi Amin said the 10 initiatives were taken as per Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s instructions to ensure smooth and hassle-free Eid celebrations. The initiatives included ensuring hassle-free Eid travel, payment of workers’ wages and allowances, protection of the domestic cattle market, swift waste removal, discipline in public transport, curbing extortion and syndicates, uninterrupted power supply, public safety, proper management of the rawhide sector and maintaining stability in the prices of essential commodities. “The coordinated implementation of these initiatives has brought visible positive changes to different aspects of Eid management and reflected the government’s efforts to make public services more people-oriented,” Mahdi Amin, also prime minister’s adviser, said. He said the government remains committed to addressing future challenges, strengthening the rule of law and democratic values, and institutionalising good governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The PMO spokesperson acknowledged that it is not possible to completely overcome the institutional decline and damage caused over the past 16 years within only three months of the new government. “Despite that reality, people experienced during this Eid that the state is responsive to their needs and that the administration is not merely a centre of power but a responsible and effective service provider,” he said. Mahdi Amin said all ministers, advisers, members of parliament and officials concerned worked with the highest level of sincerity and accountability to ensure smooth observance of the first Eid-ul-Azha under the elected government. He said the government will continue efforts to quickly address any shortcomings or coordination gaps identified in the course of implementation. The PMO spokesperson said extended public holidays, strengthened traffic monitoring, and coordinated transport management helped reduce long-standing congestion on highways, making Eid journeys comparatively smoother than in previous years, although several road accidents still claimed lives in different parts of the country. He also said most garment workers received wages and bonuses on time, contributing to a peaceful and festive atmosphere in industrial areas, with no major disruption reported ahead of the holiday. Mahdi Amin said strict measures were taken to prevent illegal cattle inflow through the border in order to protect the interests of local farmers. “Continuous monitoring was maintained at cattle markets across the country, ensuring adequate supply of sacrificial animals, including cows, goats, buffaloes and sheep.” He said the crackdown on illegal cattle smuggling and control over long-standing syndicates helped small and medium traders conduct business in a more stable environment. “The relocation of cattle markets from roadsides to open spaces also reduced traffic congestion and public inconvenience.” On waste management, the PMO spokesperson said most sacrificial waste in Dhaka was removed within 8-12 hours after Eid, describing it as a significant improvement compared to previous years. He also highlighted transport sector management and said efforts to curb overcharging, improve safety measures and introduce special facilities for passengers helped ensure more orderly movement during the holiday period. Mahdi Amin said coordinated action against extortion and syndicates in cattle transport helped keep market prices relatively stable, while uninterrupted electricity supply was largely maintained despite high demand. He said enhanced market monitoring helped keep essential commodity prices under control during the festive period, though challenges remained due to long-standing structural issues in the economy. The PMO spokesperson said the government is committed to further improving coordination among agencies and strengthening public service delivery in future national festivals. He said the coordinated implementation of these measures has demonstrated that the government's efforts are intended to make public services more responsive and citizen-centric. Mahdi Amin said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had issued clear directives to ministers, lawmakers and other public representatives to celebrate Eid in their respective constituencies and remain close to the people. He said the initiatives reflected a new culture of accountability, administrative coordination and public-oriented governance. The PMO spokesperson said though the effects of what he termed 16 years of “fascist misrule and lack of accountability” could not be removed overnight, people witnessed the government's sincerity and welfare-oriented administrative efforts during the Eid period.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman resumed office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, the first working day after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman arrived at his office at the Secretariat at around 9:15am and resumed official work. Rumon said the Prime Minister has a series of official engagements scheduled throughout the day. The Prime Minister returned to work after spending the Eid holidays when he attended various official and party programmes, including exchanging Eid greetings, inspecting sacrificial waste management activities in the capital and taking part in events marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The government holiday for Eid-ul-Azha began on May 25 and ended on May 31.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday warned party leaders and activists that a difficult and important time lies ahead, and called for their support in implementing the party’s election manifesto to make the government successful. “I would like to tell everyone that a very difficult time lies ahead of us. At the same time, a very important period awaits us. If we let this crucial and challenging time pass lightly, it will cause a great loss,” he said while addressing a discussion. The Prime Minister said the loss will not be for any individual but for the country and future generations. “So, let us work together to build the country in the way Shaheed Zia wanted and move it forward along the path he envisioned. We must run the country in line with that vision,” he added. BNP organised the discussion programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital’s Farmgate area, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Tarique Rahman said Ziaur Rahman wanted to make Bangladesh self-reliant by gradually developing every sector of the country, and the BNP’s election manifesto reflects that vision. He said the people gave their verdict in favour of the party’s manifesto in the February 12 election and it is now the responsibility of the government to implement those. The Prime Minister said government programmes will not succeed through the efforts of the ruling party MPs and the cabinet members alone. “Our 214 MPs and 50 cabinet members, including myself, cannot make these programmes successful through our efforts alone. We need the support of all of you,” he said. “The government can succeed only when party workers support every positive initiative, and help implement programmes at the grassroots level.”