United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant agencies and field-level administration to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to protect lives and property affected by widespread waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall, and ensure prompt relief distribution and healthcare services. The directive came during a virtual meeting from the Prime Minister's Office with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) of police, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons and other field-level officials from all eight divisions. During the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest waterlogging situation in their respective areas, including the extent of damage, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, relief distribution and healthcare services. The Prime Minister said protecting people's lives and property must remain the administration's highest priority during the ongoing emergency and stressed that there was no room for negligence. He instructed the authorities to ensure the swift distribution of relief materials, including dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines and healthcare services to affected people. Tarique Rahman also emphasised maintaining safe conditions at shelters by ensuring adequate sanitation, uninterrupted electricity and communication facilities. He gave special instructions to ensure healthcare services and security for women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and pregnant women. To maintain law and order, the Prime Minister directed law enforcement agencies to remain on the highest alert to prevent any criminal activities, including theft, robbery, hoarding, misappropriation of relief goods and other offences taking advantage of the disaster situation. He also stressed transparency and accountability in relief distribution, saying priority must be given to those genuinely affected. The meeting also discussed disaster preparedness, rescue operations, coordination among different agencies, river water levels and regular monitoring of weather forecasts. Officials joining from Chattogram informed the meeting that waterlogging in the port city started to ease gradually. However, they said the situation is worsening in the Sylhet region following damage to an embankment on the Manu River, while fresh waterlogging was feared in Rangpur division. Following the briefing, the Prime Minister instructed the authorities to take all possible precautionary measures, keep the necessary manpower and equipment ready and continue working in a coordinated manner to support affected communities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to expedite two major waste-to-energy projects for Dhaka, saying the schemes must be implemented on time using the best available environment-friendly technology. He gave the directive at a meeting on the proposed projects for Aminbazar under Dhaka North City Corporation and Matuail under Dhaka South City Corporation, held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. At the meeting, officials said China's China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC Group) will invest in a waste-to-energy power plant at Aminbazar, which will process around 3,000 tonnes of municipal waste a day to generate 42.5 megawatts of electricity. The plant is expected to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by August 2028 and continue generating power for the next 25 years. Officials also briefed the Prime Minister on a second project to be implemented by South Korea's B&F Group at Matuail. The project will convert municipal waste into methane gas to produce about 81,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to around 221 megawatt-hours a day. It will also produce solar power, organic fertiliser, animal feed and eco-friendly bricks while processing between 3,000 and 3,500 tonnes of waste daily. Officials said the project will improve waste management and contribute to climate change mitigation and efforts to reduce global warming. To ensure the timely implementation of both projects, the Prime Minister instructed the local government, power and environment ministries to hold an inter-ministerial meeting. He also stressed completing both projects within the stipulated timeframe and ensuring the best use of environment-friendly technology. Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator M Safiqul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of veteran politician Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar. In a condolence message, he described Jamiruddin Sircar, former acting President and Speaker, Language Movement hero and member of the BNP National Standing Committee, as a wise, honest and dedicated personality. The Prime Minister said he had served the country with integrity, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility throughout his long political career. He noted that Jamiruddin Sircar had also held several key government positions, including education minister and state minister for land, foreign affairs, and housing and public works. Tarique Rahman said the nation will remember with deep respect his contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting parliamentary practices and serving the people. He said the veteran politician remained steadfast throughout his life in upholding the ideals of Bangladeshi nationalism, democracy and people's rights. The Prime Minister said the veteran politician never wavered from his ideals throughout the party's long struggle and periods of adversity. “Despite political repression, persecution and other challenges, he steadfastly upheld the party's nationalist ideals with dedication, wisdom and firm resolve.” Referring to the anti-autocracy movement over the past 17 years, he said Jamiruddin Sircar had played a courageous and significant role in the struggle to restore democracy, voting rights and fundamental freedoms, adding that his contributions will remain an important chapter in both the BNP's history and the country's democratic journey. Describing his death as an irreparable loss, Tarique Rahman said the country has lost an experienced politician, accomplished parliamentarian and true patriot whose ideals, integrity and lifelong public service will continue to inspire future generations. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, relatives, colleagues, admirers and well-wishers. Jamiruddin Sircar passed away at a city hospital in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 95.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to ensure proper treatment for a wild elephant, which was seriously injured after falling from a hill in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar. Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the elephant fell from a hill about 300 feet high in the Naittongpara area of Teknaf after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide, leaving the animal with serious injuries to its hind legs, chest and abdomen. “The Prime Minister became concerned after learning about the incident. He instructed the authorities to ensure the elephant receives proper treatment and that all necessary measures are taken for its recovery,” he said. The accident occurred on Saturday in the Naittongpara area under Teknaf municipality and the Shiyalghona area of the Sadar Forest Beat. Rumon said he later enquired about the elephant's condition and was informed that officials of the local administration, the Forest Department and veterinarians from the Department of Livestock Services rushed to the scene and begun treatment. He said stitches have been given to the wounds on the elephant's legs and chest, while efforts involving the Forest Department, police and local administration are continuing to ensure its recovery.

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday evening chaired a meeting of the party's highest policy-making body, the National Standing Committee, to discuss the country’s flood situation. The meeting began around 8:00pm at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan political office, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku and Selima Rahman were present at the meeting, which was presided over by Tarique Rahman.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday assured doctors and medical students that his government will work to address long-standing challenges in the healthcare sector after they placed a series of proposals before him at the 80th anniversary programme of Dhaka Medical College (DMC). The proposals included raising the retirement age for government doctors, modernising the MBBS curriculum, improving internship training, introducing a national referral system, reducing class sizes, expanding clinical training opportunities, rebuilding the ageing DMC hospital, and strengthening healthcare services across the country. Speaking at a discussion titled "Ideas of Present and Former DMC Students on Modernising Bangladesh's Healthcare System," the Prime Minister said many of the solutions should come from the medical community itself. Responding to a proposal to improve internship training, he asked why interns are not getting enough practical opportunities. When a student said the large number of postgraduate trainees often limited interns' hands-on experience, Tarique Rahman asked, "What is the solution?" After the student suggested that hospital authorities should give interns more opportunities, he replied, "The solution is already with you. You have to sit together and find it." On the issue of strengthening healthcare outside major cities, the Prime Minister said the government is already working to improve upazila hospitals by increasing the number of beds from 50 to 100 over the next five years. When a doctor said patients from villages are coming directly to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as there is no proper referral system, he said, "If we can go to villages seeking votes, why cannot doctors go there to provide treatment?" Tarique Rahman stressed that better healthcare services at the grassroots will reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals. He also reminded doctors of their responsibilities towards patients. "When I come to you as a sick person, you become my closest friend. That carries a great responsibility," he said, adding: "We sometimes see things that cause us pain. We hope those negative experiences will gradually disappear." Earlier, former DMC student and Mymensingh-7 MP Dr Mahbubur Rahman Liton urged the government to increase the retirement age for government doctors. "In countries like the UK, doctors retire at 65 or 67. Here we retire at 59. Fifty-nine is no age now because life expectancy has increased. "I think the retirement age for doctors should be reconsidered so they can continue serving people." Liton also praised the government's health initiatives and expressed confidence that the sector will see major improvements. During the discussion, the Prime Minister made a light-hearted remark that drew laughter and applause from the audience. After Liton said the Prime Minister had a clear vision for the health sector, Tarique smiled and said, "You said I have health in my mind. Health is not what is in my mind. She is," pointing to his wife, cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman, who was seated beside him. The audience responded with loud applause, while Liton replied, "We are really proud." Current DMC students also presented a number of proposals. Student Sadia Tasnim called for the construction of a new hospital building, saying the existing structure, built in 1904, was no longer suitable for modern healthcare. She also proposed reducing annual student intake to improve clinical training and suggested reforming the medical admission examination. Another student, Zohayer Islam, proposed replacing the existing subject-based MBBS curriculum with an integrated module-based system followed in many developed countries. He also requested two weekly holidays for medical students to reduce academic pressure and improve mental health. The Prime Minister replied that doctors in the audience should consider the issue, adding with a smile, "I also work seven days a week." Resident Surgeon Dr Mir Rashek Alam Abhi highlighted the severe pressure on doctors at the DMCH, saying five medical officers often had to treat more than 400 outdoor patients in a day, leaving less than five minutes for each patient. He argued that introducing an effective national referral system will ease the burden on tertiary hospitals. Other speakers included former students, doctors and researchers, who discussed ways to modernise Bangladesh's healthcare system. The programme was held at Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon Auditorium as part of the college's 80th founding anniversary celebrations. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the programme as the chief guest, while his wife Zubaida Rahman, a member of DMC's 43rd batch, joined as the special guest.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to formally inaugurate and attend as chief guest the ‘Youth, Startups and Bangladesh’s potential’ event at Dhaka University on July 14. DU, in collaboration with the government's ICT Division, will host the program aimed at integrating young people's innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial potential into the country's national development agenda, according to a press release from the university. The event will begin at 9:30 am at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the university. Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad will attend as special guests. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam will deliver the vote of thanks. Acting Secretary of the ICT Division Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan will present the opening remarks, while Prof. Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan of the university's Marketing Department, a member of the event management committee, will deliver the welcome address. The programme will be open to the public from 1:00 pm following the inaugural session. The inaugural session will feature a presentation on Bangladesh's startup ecosystem, experience-sharing by successful startup founders, an open discussion between the prime minister and students on entrepreneurship, and the distribution of grant cheques to selected startups. One of the programme's key highlights will be the launch of the ‘National Startup and Entrepreneur Platform,’ a digital one-stop portal designed to serve as a national launchpad for entrepreneurs. According to the organisers, the platform will enable entrepreneurs to access information on government support schemes, application procedures, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner organizations and other relevant services through a single digital interface. The organizers said the ICT Division has been implementing various programmes to transform young people's innovative ideas into viable businesses, promote technology-driven employment, encourage research and innovation, and build a knowledge-based economy. The government is also working to establish an integrated startup ecosystem by providing support throughout an entrepreneur's journey--from idea development and grants to mentoring, training, financing, investment connections and business expansion. “As part of its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, the government's 2026 election manifesto has identified startup and entrepreneur development as a national priority for boosting economic growth, employment and technological transformation. A Tk 500 crore Startup Fund has already been established to finance and nurture promising startups,” the press release added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited BNP Media Cell Convener Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel at a hospital in the capital and inquired after his health. The Prime Minister went to Continental Hospital PLC (formerly United Hospital) in Gulshan around 4:00pm, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said. He spoke to the doctors treating Pavel and was briefed on his condition. The Prime Minister wished him a speedy recovery and urged the authorities concerned to ensure he receives the best possible treatment. Pavel fell ill after suffering severe chest pain at his home in Bogura on Thursday. He was first admitted to local TMSS Hospital. On Friday afternoon, he was flown to Dhaka by air ambulance and admitted to Continental Hospital, where he is being treated under the supervision of Prof Dr NAM Momenuzzaman.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged doctors to earn people's trust through compassionate, quality care and a humane approach, saying stronger confidence in the country's healthcare system could help prevent an annual outflow of around US$5 billion spent on treatment abroad. "Every year, around US$5 billion flows out of the country as thousands of our people travel abroad for medical treatment. As a result, we also lose valuable foreign exchange,” he said while addressing the inaugural programme of DMC Day-2026, organised to mark the 80th anniversary of Dhaka Medical College (DMC). The Prime Minister said the situation could not be changed through laws or institutions alone without the help of the physicians. Tarique said, as a political worker now entrusted with the responsibility of running the government, he expected both practising doctors and those who would join the profession in the future to help change the situation by strengthening people's trust and confidence in the country's doctors and healthcare system.  "Why can't we change this situation? Why can't we strengthen our people's trust and confidence in our doctors?... It is only possible through your humane approach and proper treatment " the Prime Minister told doctors, medical teachers and students. "On the occasion of this anniversary, I have one expectation not only from DMC, but from every hospital and every medical college in Bangladesh—from all doctors and medical students. I hope that, in the future, the people of this country will have complete trust and confidence in our doctors,” he said. Highlighting the government's commitment to the health sector, Tarique said healthcare received the second-largest allocation in the national budget after education. He said the government aims to gradually increase health expenditure to around five percent of the country's GDP over the next five years.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated DMC Day-2026, marking the 80th founding anniversary of Dhaka Medical College (DMC). The Prime Minister formally opened the celebration at 10:00am by releasing balloons and pigeons on the college campus. He was accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, a former student of Dhaka Medical College. As part of the programme, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, planted two saplings—an Arjun tree and a Neem tree—on the college premises. After the tree plantation, a munajat was offered seeking eternal peace of the souls of those martyred during the July Movement. Later, Chief Engineer of the Health Engineering Department Brigadier General Mir Sarwar Hossain Chowdhury briefed the Prime Minister on the construction of two female dormitories at Dhaka Medical College under a project to build 19 modern hostel buildings for students. The Prime Minister took a keen interest in the project and sought detailed information about the facilities that students will receive in the new hostel buildings.