United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin left Dhaka for London on Saturday morning for follow-up treatment and health examinations. A regular commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG-201) carrying the President departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:45am, according to Bangabhaban source. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office and the President’s Office saw him off at the airport. Pabna erupts in joy at Shahabuddin Chuppu's nomination for president Family members of the President, his physicians, staff nurses and relevant officials from Bangabhaban are accompanying him during the visit. In October 2023, President Shahabuddin underwent cardiac bypass surgery in Singapore. As part of follow-up treatment, he will undergo necessary health examinations at a specialised hospital in the United Kingdom. The President is scheduled to return home on May 18.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to leave for the United Kingdom on Saturday for follow-up treatment and medical check-ups. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the President is scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London in the morning, said Bangabhaban sources. Family members, personal physicians and staff nurses, and relevant officials and employees of Bangabhaban will accompany the President during the visit. Shahabuddin underwent cardiac bypass surgery in Singapore in October 2023. As part of the post-operative follow-up, necessary health examinations will be conducted at a specialised hospital in the UK, as advised by physicians. He is expected to return home on May 18.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday called on government officials to remain committed to implementing the government’s promises, programmes, policies and development projects while prioritising public interest. He made the call while addressing the  programme marking the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference 2026 at Bangabhaban. "It is the responsibility of field-level administrators to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach the actual beneficiaries on time.You are the direct representatives of the government at the grassroots level,” he said. He reminded officials that above all, they are servants of the people and urged them to regularly listen to citizens’ grievances, problems and complaints and take active measures to resolve them. He also stressed the importance of ensuring quick, easy and quality public services at people’s doorsteps through the use of information technology. He urged officials to remain vigilant so that services provided by both government and private institutions reach people smoothly and without disruption. Welcoming the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to Bangabhaban on the occasion of the 2026 conference, the President paid deep tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War, saying their sacrifices remain a lasting source of inspiration for the nation. He also remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, along with all freedom fighters, organisers and national leaders who contributed to the Liberation War. He further recalled former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her contribution to improving people’s lives and establishing parliamentary democracy in the country. The President also paid tribute to those killed and injured during the July-August 2024 student-public uprising and the long democratic movements, saying their sacrifices created a historic opportunity to build a humane, accountable and justice-based Bangladesh. Addressing the deputy commissioners, he praised their professionalism, integrity and efficiency in helping organise the recently held 13th National Parliamentary Election in a free, fair, neutral and peaceful environment. He described the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference as an important bridge between policymaking and implementation, and a valuable platform for exchanging views on field-level realities, challenges and opportunities. The President said public expectations from the new government are understandably high after the end of prolonged misrule, stressing the need for a responsible, transparent and service-oriented administration to meet those expectations. He urged deputy commissioners to utilise “institutional experience and memory” in carrying out their duties and combine them with modern ideas, innovative practices and practical solutions. He also emphasised ensuring people’s participation in development planning and implementation, saying sustainable development is impossible without public involvement. Referring to the ongoing tensions and war in the Middle East, the President warned that the crisis has created global energy shortages. He instructed officials to stay alert in implementing government decisions related to power and energy management and strengthen market monitoring to prevent hoarding and keep commodity prices stable. He also stressed ensuring the proper use of government funds, reducing unnecessary expenditure and closely monitoring the timely implementation of development projects. The President noted that while rapid advances in information technology have improved daily life and contributed significantly to socio-economic development, criminals are increasingly misusing technology. He warned that misinformation, disinformation and rumours spread through social media are creating social unrest and threatening national unity. He instructed local administrators to work closely with civil society and law enforcement agencies to firmly combat such crimes. Highlighting land disputes as one of the major causes of rural conflicts and litigation, the President called for a more efficient, modern, people-oriented and accountable land management system and directed officials to take strict action against irregularities. He also instructed officials to monitor the delivery of basic services such as housing, education, healthcare, agro-based industries, electricity, gas, safe water and sanitation so that these services reach people at the grassroots level. The President urged the administration to give top priority to preventing violence against women, children and other marginalised groups. He called for stronger action to combat gender-based violence, ensure women’s safety and empower women at the grassroots level. He also asked officials to play a more active role in youth skill development and employment generation and to maintain strict measures against drug abuse. Describing corruption and misgovernance as major obstacles to good governance and development, the President stressed the need to ensure transparency, accountability, ethics and professionalism at every level of administration and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption. The President said the officials had already received valuable guidance from the Prime Minister and expressed hope that they would sincerely implement the directions and responsibilities assigned during the conference. He expressed confidence that the intelligence, honesty and dedication of the officials would contribute significantly to national development and public welfare. The President also said the deputy commissioners would play a leading role in building a developed, modern, just and humane Bangladesh and further strengthen the image of a people-oriented democratic government.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday urged all concerned to ensure dignity, safety, equal wages and a secure work environment for female workers as it is both a moral and humanitarian responsibility. "It is necessary to build a humane workplace culture ensuring maternity leave, equal pay for equal work. I hope all concerned stakeholders will take necessary measures on a priority basis to implement the government’s initiatives and directives in the labour sector and ensure their effective execution,” he said. Pabna erupts in joy at Shahabuddin Chuppu's nomination for president Speaking at a programme marking “Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026” in Dhaka, the President paid tribute to workers across the world and described May Day as a historic symbol of sacrifice, solidarity and the struggle for labour rights. He also underscored the need for protecting workers’ rights, dignity and welfare, saying collective efforts are needed to build a humane, inclusive and sustainable state through ensuring safe and decent working conditions for labourers. He recalled the sacrifice of workers killed during the labour movement in Chicago in 1886 while demanding an eight-hour workday, saying their struggle opened a new chapter in establishing the dignity and rights of working people worldwide. The President also paid homage to workers who were killed, injured or persecuted during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, labour rights movements and the July mass uprising. Highlighting the contribution of workers to the country’s development, he said labourers are the key driving force behind Bangladesh’s economy and progress. He said workers in industries, agriculture, transport, construction and domestic services continue to strengthen the country’s economy through their relentless efforts, while remittances sent by migrant workers and export earnings generated by garment workers remain vital pillars of the national economy. The President remembered former president Ziaur Rahman for his contributions to labour welfare, saying he introduced significant labour reforms and strengthened labour welfare through a tripartite labour policy. He said the establishment of the Ministry of Manpower in 1976 and initiatives to send Bangladeshi workers to 33 countries, including those in the Middle East, created a new era of foreign currency inflow through overseas employment. The President also mentioned that former prime minister Khaleda Zia expanded labour welfare initiatives through the formulation of the Labour Act 2006 and the establishment of the Labour Welfare Foundation. He said the current government has undertaken various initiatives to ensure workers’ welfare, protect labour rights and establish safe and decent working environments. According to him, the government has already started implementing labour welfare programmes, including reopening closed state-owned sugar mills, silk factories, jute mills and other industrial establishments to create employment opportunities. He said six jute mills would be reopened in phases within the next six months. Emphasising the importance of healthy industrial relations, the President said mutual trust, cooperation and harmony between workers and employers are essential for increasing productivity and ensuring sustainable industrialisation. He stressed the need to encourage trade union activities and said workers’ rights must not be undermined under any circumstances. The President also urged workers to remain cautious against attempts by vested groups to create labour unrest. Referring to legal reforms, he said the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026 has been passed in line with international labour standards to further strengthen workers’ rights and protections. He also noted that Bangladesh has ratified 39 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization to improve labour standards. The President expressed sorrow over the deaths of 13 workers in a recent fire at a chemical warehouse in Rupnagar, Mirpur, and said financial assistance had been provided to the victims’ families. He called for coordinated inspections in factories, industries and commercial establishments to prevent workplace accidents and ensure occupational safety. The President urged the relevant ministries, departments and organisations, including Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, to work together to address safety shortcomings and ensure compliance in industrial establishments. Referring to this year’s May Day theme — “Healthy workers, productive hands, a new dawn for all” — he said the message reflects the importance of workers’ physical and mental wellbeing in achieving national prosperity and economic progress. Among others, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, adviser to the Prime Minister Nazrul Islam Khan, labour affairs adviser Mahdi Amin and ILO Bangladesh country director Max Tunon attended the programme.

Two opposition lawmakers on Monday pushed for a discussion in Parliament on the country’s ongoing energy situation, describing it as a pressing national issue. Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Jamaat lawmaker Nurul Islam (Chapainawabganj-3) gave two separate notices of adjournment motions under Rule 62 of the rules of procedure to discuss almost the similar matters of public importance ‘severe energy crisis and its impacts on power generation, industries and public life. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who was presiding over the House, rejected the notices as per the Rule 63 of the rules of procedure, saying the issue could be discussed without adjourning the session as the general discussion on the President’s speech is already ongoing. He noted that the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister had already made a statement under Rule 300 on the issue, and suggested that the matter could be raised again through appropriate procedural provisions. Taking the floor, Dr Shafiqur Rahman termed the issue “extremely important” for national life and urged the Speaker to allow a comprehensive discussion. “Now, if this opportunity is not given, then what will we assume? We will assume that the burning issue, which is the most pressing problem in public life, could not be discussed in this Parliament. Wouldn't that be an unfortunate matter for us?” he said. About the statement given on energy issue by the minister under the Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure in the House, Shafiqur Rahman said there is a clear gap between the government’s statements and the realities people are facing. “We will talk about the most burning issue of the moment. If you don't give this (the opportunity to discuss it), then have we received justice from you (Deputy Speaker)? We didn't,” he said. The opposition leader requested the Speaker not to settle it like this (turning down the notices), but instead, schedule the matter to be discussed for a day or two days later by adjourning the regular business of the House. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed acknowledged that the issue is important and worthy of discussion but supported the Speaker’s decision not to allow an adjournment motion as there is scope to discuss the issue under the other rules. He said adjournment motions are traditionally used by opposition parties and are rarely accepted in parliamentary practice, adding that the current Parliament has already set a “rare precedent” by allowing two adjournment motions in the current session. “In the history of parliamentary politics in Bangladesh, these adjournment motions have been discussed at most two to four times. In the current parliament, two adjournment motions have been discussed in the same session in two sittings, which is a unique precedent in history. If another adjournment motion is introduced in another sitting of this parliament, it will be a different precedent,” he added. “We, the government, have been forced to increase the price of fuel slightly. There is no crisis in this regard. Therefore, there is no need to hold this discussion in the Parliament session by adjourning the scheduled business of the House,” said the Home Minister adding that there is a scope for a brief discussion by giving notice under the Rule 68. Shafiqur Rahman disagreed with the remarks of Salahuddin Ahmed, saying the crisis is evident outside Parliament. If there was no crisis, courts would not have had to go virtual even for two days to save energy, he said, citing it as an example of the prevailing situation. Following a lengthy exchange, the Deputy Speaker proposed holding a discussion without adjourning the House, potentially extending it up to one to one-and-a-half hours. Accepting the proposal, the opposition leader said he would submit a fresh notice and hoped the discussion would be scheduled in the presence of the Leader of the House (Prime Minister Tarique Rahman). He assured that Parliament would take necessary steps to ensure a meaningful discussion. The Deputy Speaker urged both treasury and opposition benches to work “shoulder to shoulder” on matters of public interest.

Leaders of the Pabna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) met President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday. During the meeting held at the Pabna Circuit House in the afternoon, a delegation led by PCCI President Md Forkan Reza Biswas Badsha, along with the organisation’s vice-presidents and directors, called on the President. They briefed him about the overall activities of the chamber, including an initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for around 5,000 people in Pabna district. The President expressed satisfaction over the organisation’s activities and urged them to utilise the resources and potential of Pabna for the district’s development. Secretaries to the President were present during the meeting. President to return to Dhaka Tuesday after Pabna visit Earlier, a delegation of journalists led by Ishwardi Press Club President Abdul Mannan Tipu paid a courtesy call on President Shahabuddin. In the morning, the President visited Char Bhabanipur in Pabna Sadar and inspected the progress of construction work of a Shahi Jame Mosque.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. In a condolence message, the President conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the Speaker and the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul, said the President’s Press Secretary Sarwar Alam. PM mourns death of Speaker’s wife Dilara Hafiz The President also said the nation would remember with gratitude the remarkable contributions of Dilara Hafiz in the field of education.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday evening. The Prime Minister arrived at Bangabhaban at around 6:10 pm marking the 56th Independence and National Day. He was accompanied by his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. President Shahabuddin was accompanied by his wife, Professor Dr Rebecca Sultana. Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman said, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with the President.” During the meeting, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the President. Earlier, the Prime Minister went to Bangabhaban after inaugurating the Independence Day friendly football match at the National Stadium and watching the game. Tarique Rahman took oath as the Prime Minister on February 17 at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban while President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. This was the first meeting between the Prime Minister and the President at Bangabhaban after Tarique Rahman assumed office. Earlier, the President and the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, marking the Independence and National Day. They placed wreaths at the altar of the National Memorial in Savar at 5:56am. During the meeting, they exchanged greetings and discussed various programmes marking Independence Day. Both expressed satisfaction over the successful implementation of the activities undertaken on the occasion, the president's press secretary Sarwar Alam said. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also recalled his visits to Bangabhaban during his adolescence and shared several memories from that time. Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal and senior officials from the offices of the President and the Prime Minister were present at the meeting.

The government has appointed two Information Cadre officials as Deputy Press Secretary and Assistant Press Secretary to the President. Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information Molla Ahmed Kutubuddin has been appointed as Deputy Press Secretary to the President on deputation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday night. Besides, Senior Information Officer of the Department of Information SM Rahat Hasnat has been appointed as Assistant Press Secretary to the President on deputation. Md Sarwar Alam is currently serving as Secretary to the President with the rank of a secretary. With these appointments, two new officials have been added to the President’s press wing. Following the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, all officials of the President’s press wing were removed by the interim government. After BNP formed the government , Sarwar Alam was reappointed as the President’s Press Secretary.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday emphasised the need for firm control of corruption and improvement of law and order to successfully implement the government’s reform agenda and strengthen democratic governance in the country. The President said this while delivering the inaugural address on the first day of the new parliament, in line with constitutional practice. He said the popular uprising of 2024 sought to bring about the fall of fascism and establish a democratic state and society based on justice and equity, where the government would remain accountable to the people through their direct vote. President's Speech at JS: Govt committed to democracy, corruption control and economic transformation As part of rebuilding state institutions in the aftermath of that political change, the government constituted 11 reform commissions to recommend reforms in sectors of critical national importance. The President said the government also presented its electoral manifesto to the people under the slogan “We Will Work, and Will Build the Country Together, Bangladesh Before All.” According to him, the manifesto places special emphasis on three key principles in reforming governance — democracy, accountability and good governance. However, he noted that the successful implementation of these initiatives largely depends on bringing corruption under firm control and ensuring improved law and order across the country. “On both these fronts, the present government is acting with determination and resolve,” the President said. Referring to earlier anti-corruption efforts, he said that when the previous government left office in June 2001, Bangladesh had gained the unfortunate distinction of being ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world. After assuming office in October 2001, the government led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia took several decisive measures to combat corruption, including the enactment of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, aimed at strengthening institutional mechanisms to prevent corruption. As a result of those initiatives, Bangladesh was able to overcome the stigma of being labelled as the world’s most corrupt country, he said. He added that even before the government left office in October 2006, the country had shed that negative image and began to gain international recognition as one of Asia’s emerging economic performers. The President reaffirmed that suppressing corruption and maintaining law and order will remain the government’s first and foremost priorities as it moves forward with reforms and institutional strengthening.