United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has spent around 12 hours at his party’s Gulshan political office, continuing work until around 3:00am on Sunday, as he oversaw key organisational activities and interviewed aspirants for reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. According to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, the BNP office remained active even long after house lights dimmed across the capital, with the nomination process continuing in full swing until late at night. The interviews of the party aspirants began at 3:00pm on Saturday at the Gulshan office. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, AZM Zahid Hossain and Selima Rahman were present as members of the nomination board. Candidates from districts under Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions took part in the interviews, which continued till late at night. Earlier on Friday, aspirants from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal and Faridpur divisions were interviewed. Party sources said around 900 nomination forms were submitted out of 1,025 sold. Earlier, the Election Commission on April 8 announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will be held on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. Under the seat distribution, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-aligned bloc 13 seats, and independents one seat.

Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin on Saturday said the opposition is creating obstacles to the country’s development initiatives instead of cooperating with the government’s ongoing reform and development activities. “We thought that in this short period, (the opposition) would extend overall cooperation with the positive steps taken by the government under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister,” Mahdi said, at a press conference held at the PMO to mark the completion of the first two months of the BNP government. “But we have seen that instead of doing that, they chose alternative paths, including creating ruckus in Parliament, threatening protests on the streets, and spreading rumors and propaganda, which are obstacles to the country's progress." Mahdi, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said such activities were undermining the government’s efforts to implement its development agenda. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives, including various welfare programmes, economic measures, and administrative reforms, taken over the last two months. Mahdi said it was a matter of “great pride” that the Prime Minister and "people’s leader" Tarique Rahman has been included in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world this year. He said the recognition reflects the prime minister's “visionary leadership, courage, and contribution towards restoring democracy,” and brings international recognition to his role. He said the government has begun implementing its election manifesto within two months of assuming office, outlining a wide range of policy actions aimed at economic stability, social protection and administrative reform. Mahdi also presented a list of 60 key initiatives taken over the last two months under what he described as the government’s 180-day action plan. He said the government, led by the Prime Minister, had moved at “fast pace” to begin delivering on electoral commitments across multiple sectors. Among the major measures highlighted were the rollout of a pilot “family card” programme aimed at women’s financial support, under which 37,567 families have already received monthly cash assistance of Tk 2,500. He said the initiative is intended to strengthen household-level economic security. The adviser also mentioned the introduction of a “farmer card” scheme, which has started in 10 districts covering over 22,000 small and marginal farmers, including those involved in fisheries and livestock. He added that interest on loans for around 12 lakh small farmers up to Tk 10,000 has been waived. In the agriculture and water sector, he said the government has taken up a plan to dredge and re-excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and water bodies, with work already started in 54 districts. The adviser also said the government has continued to keep fuel prices stable despite global energy pressures, while increasing subsidies and strengthening international procurement efforts. In the energy sector, he noted that 35 megawatts of electricity have been added to the national grid through rooftop solar and net metering initiatives, with a target of producing 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030. A pilot fuel card system has also been launched. On food and market stability, the adviser said inflation and commodity prices have been kept relatively stable through imports and supply management during Ramadan and beyond. Mahdi Amin said the overall goal of the government is to build a more stable, inclusive and growth-oriented economy, with a long-term target of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

A mass reception was accorded to National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram by Tazumuddin Upazila BNP in Bhola on Friday (17 April) afternoon. The reception ceremony was held at the Tazumuddin Upazila Parishad auditorium. Speaking as the chief guest, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, said that the example of the Awami League is now before everyone. “The consequences of committing injustice, corruption, looting and terrorism are visible. A six-time Member of Parliament was not even allowed to leave his house. They thought such practices would continue indefinitely, but Allah’s wrath has befallen them,” he said. Be attentive, Speaker tells MP amid bill confusion

Sylhet district BNP on Friday organised a doa mahfil seeking the recovery and safe return of disappeared BNP leader and former lawmaker M Ilias Ali. The programme was held at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Dargah Mosque after Jummah prayers, with participation of local BNP leaders and activists. Speaking as chief guest, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said M Ilias Ali was a dedicated, courageous and pro-democracy leader who had always raised his voice for people’s rights and fair elections. He said that leaders who spoke for the country and democracy often faced risks, adding that political developments in recent years had brought major changes in the country’s governance. Anee also said BNP had now come to power through the people’s mandate, with Tarique Rahman serving as Prime Minister, while noting that many party leaders and activists had faced repression over the years. Sylhet District BNP President and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kayyum Chowdhury said Ilias Ali played a key role in leading the party during difficult times and had become a symbol of public rights. He added that the circumstances of his disappearance remained a matter of deep concern even after 14 years, calling for clarity on the issue. Sylhet-6 MP and District BNP General Secretary Advocate Imran Ahmad Chowdhury described the disappearance of Ilias Ali as a “dark chapter” of the previous Awami League era. The event concluded with special prayers seeking the recovery of Ilias Ali as well as peace and welfare for the country and party leaders and activists.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is committed to collective efforts aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards. The LGRD Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Carnival-2026, held at the Pepper Tree BD Event Venue on Madani Avenue in the capital. Mirza Fakhrul, also ruling party BNP's secretary general, said the role of Junior Chamber International Bangladesh in fostering youth leadership and promoting community service is highly commendable, adding that the organisation should further expand its activities to contribute to national development. Widespread corruption committed in name of development: Mirza Fakhrul tells Parliament

A new house is being constructed for Golapi Begum, a homeless woman who had been living on the footpath in Shahbagh, following a directive from Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. The construction work for the new house was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Ratanpur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. Golapi Begum’s plight reportedly came to attention during a 2025 Jatiotabadi Chatrodal rally marking the first anniversary of the July uprising of 2024, when she was seen living in extreme hardship on the streets of Shahbagh. Following humanitarian considerations, the matter was brought to the attention of the party leadership. Subsequently, PM Tarique Rahman, who is also the chief patron of “Amra BNP Paribar”, reportedly instructed his additional press secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, to take necessary steps for her treatment and rehabilitation. Following the directive, arrangements were made for Golapi Begum’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. She was later provided accommodation in Dhaka for around eight months while receiving treatment, the sources said. Later, in view of ensuring her permanent rehabilitation, a decision was taken to construct a house for her. Acting on that decision, construction work for a new house was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Ratanpur village in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. A representative team led by Engineer Ashraf Uddin, adviser of “Amra BNP Paribar” and MP from Narsingdi-1, and Moksedul Momin Mithun, member secretary of the organisation, formally inaugurated the construction work. Others present on the occasion included Brahmanbaria-5 (Nabinagar) MP Advocate Abdul Mannan, members of “Amra BNP Paribar” and leaders of BNP and its associate bodies. Speaking to local media, the leaders said the organisation’s main objective is to stand beside underprivileged and helpless people in society. They added that humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation activities will continue in the future under the guidance of Tarique Rahman.

The BNP has started the final selection process for nominating candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, with aspirants appearing before the party’s nomination board. The nomination board began interviewing the aspirants on Friday afternoon at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters that interviews of those who collected and submitted nomination forms for the reserved seats started in the afternoon. “As per the party constitution, the nomination board is headed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, and its members are from the party’s standing committee,” he said. On the first day, candidates from Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur and Faridpur divisions are being interviewed. More than 400 aspirants are taking part in the interviews, Rizvi said. He said interviews for candidates from Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla and Mymensingh divisions will begin at 3:00pm on Saturday. Earlier, the Election Commission on April 8 announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election. According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26 and will be disposed of on April 27 and 28. BNP has political track record of managing crises, achieving growth: Titumir Election symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. The EC said all preparations have been taken to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. According to seat distribution, the BNP-led alliance will get 36 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independents one seat. Since early afternoon, BNP aspirants and their supporters gathered in front of the party Chairman’s Gulshan office. Security personnel allowed only the candidates to enter the premises. Inside the office, a designated waiting area has been arranged for the aspirants. Highlighting the criteria for nomination, Rizvi said the party will consider the contributions of women leaders, especially their role during the last 15-16 years of political struggle. He mentioned that many women leaders faced harassment, including cases, attacks, and intimidation during that period. The BNP leader also said educational background, ability to speak in Parliament, and knowledge of lawmaking will be taken into account in selecting the final candidates. Rizvi expressed hope that the party will make proper evaluations in choosing the women members of parliament.

BNP will start interview of nomination seekers for reserved women seats in the 13th Parliament on Friday. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press briefing at the party’s central office at Nayapaltan in the capital on Thursday. Interviews will be held at the BNP’s Chairman’s Gulshan office starting at 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Candidates from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal and Faridpur divisions will be interviewed on Friday while those from Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions on Saturday. A large number of aspirants have submitted nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats, prompting the party to arrange the interviews, said Rizvi. BNP nomination board, headed by Party Chairman Tarique Rahman, will conduct the interviews in the presence of members of the party’s standing committee, he added. More than 600 aspirants have collected nomination forms. The Election Commission earlier announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seats election. The deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21 while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26, and will be settled between April 27 and 28. Symbols will be allotted on April 30, and voting will be held on May 12. According to the seat distribution, the BNP alliance is expected to get 36 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independents one seat.    

Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Wednesday said the BNP government has a proven political history of navigating global crises while simultaneously delivering two percent economic growth, asserting that the current government is equally equipped to manage challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Titumir made these remarks after the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee formed under the Planning Commission's General Economics Division tasked with formulating economic strategies to accelerate national development and implement the government's electoral manifesto. “Every time BNP came to power, it faced a crisis and every time, it overcame that crisis and opened new horizons,” Titumir said. “In the 1970s, President Ziaur Rahman confronted the twin challenges of a global energy crisis and a post-famine economy. He rose to the occasion, laid the foundation of remittance earnings by exporting manpower to the Middle East, and unlocked a new chapter for Bangladesh's economy. In the 1990s, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia spearheaded a revolution in the garment industry. The two pillars of Bangladesh's economy were both built under BNP governance.” He added that even when economists in the 1970s declared the crisis unmanageable, BNP found a way through. “BNP has always had the capacity to mobilise people and manage crises, backed by strong public support. That capacity remains intact today.” Titumir said by objective economic indicators, Bangladesh's growth trajectory has remained essentially stagnant since BNP last left office. “Neutral statistics show that Bangladesh's economic position did not meaningfully advance after BNP's departure. Whenever BNP has taken power, the growth rate has risen by two percentage points.” The adviser stressed that the current government would pursue only realistic and future-oriented economic projects, rejecting schemes that are impractical. “We will not write feel-good narratives. Development will not be confined to rhetoric. The government has begun the task of recovering a damaged economy and moving it forward.” On social protection, Titumir said the previous system was politically motivated, often benefiting party loyalists and those who needed no assistance. “BNP has brought about a social revolution here, ensuring that benefits reach those who truly deserve them. Farmers are getting their fair dues. Women are receiving dignity through the Family Card. This is proof that Bangladesh is steadily moving towards a welfare state.” Responding to questions on fuel prices, Titumir said the government would adjust energy prices in line with global fluctuations but would not rush into any hasty decisions. “We will calibrate price adjustments carefully to ensure inflation does not spike and farmers are not hurt during the Boro season.” He also noted that at least 9 million people had fallen into poverty over the past three years, partly as a result of repeated hikes in gas and electricity prices by the previous government under various pretexts decisions that disproportionately burdened general people. “The current BNP government is accountable to people and every decision will be taken with the people's welfare in mind,” the adviser said, adding that the government would craft strategic policies for energy conservation and build domestic capacity to ensure long-term energy security.

Expressing optimism, Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister on expatriate welfare and overseas employment, said that the ‘Farmers Card’ initiative will contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic development. Farmers Card will facilitate access to fertiliser, seeds, irrigation services and agricultural machinery. It will also create opportunities for farmers to receive training, he said while speaking at a press briefing held on Monday. In the first phase, a total of 20,000 farmers in 11 upazilas across 10 districts will receive the cards. The programme will later be expanded gradually to include all farmers nationwide. Govt aims to make farmers self-reliant, prosperous: PM The fishermen and livestock farmers will also be brought under the scheme, he added The adviser noted that the initiative would help ensure transparency in the distribution of agricultural subsidies and enable farmers to receive fair prices for their produce. Earlier in the day, the government on Tuesday launched the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme in Tangail on Pahela Baishakh, 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.