United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government will make all possible efforts to lower or rationalise the Hajj package prices for 2027 as part of its plan to develop an affordable Hajj system. “The government has a plan to reduce the cost of Hajj in the future. In our election manifesto it has been pledged to develop an affordable, accessible, humane and expatriate-friendly Hajj system for religious citizens. State and diplomatic initiatives will be taken to reduce the cost of performing Hajj,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while replying to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Salah Uddin (Gazipur-4) in Parliament. He said Hajj is managed through a bilateral arrangement between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh government with expenses divided into two components. Tarique Rahman said the three-fourths of the total cost is  determined by the Saudi authorities, while the remaining one-fourth of the expenditure is incurred in Bangladesh, mainly covering airfares and other local expenses. He said the minimum Hajj package for 2026 was fixed at Tk 467,167, including the cost of Qurbani. Of the amount, Tk 300,797 was spent on the Saudi Arabia portion while the rest was spent in Bangladesh  including Tk 154,830 for airfare. The PM said the minimum Hajj package in 2025 was Tk 478,242, but it was reduced by Tk 11,075 for 2026, allowing pilgrims to benefit from the decrease. “Considering the global situation and the expenses announced for the Saudi segment, the government will make every effort to reduce or rationalise the Hajj package prices for 2027 for the benefit of common religious Muslims,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at Sreemangal in Moulvibazar on Wednesday afternoon to distribute Family Cards among local residents. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman reached the Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal at 1:03pm. Earlier, he left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhak at around 9:38am and arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at approximately 10:20am. Political leaders from the Sylhet division and senior government officials welcomed the Prime Minister at Osmani International Airport. After exchanging greetings with the leaders present, he travelled by road to Moulvibazar. At the Victoria High School ground, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a Family Cards distribution programme. Under the initiative, 155 families from Ward No. 1 of Mirzapur Union in Sreemangal upazila will receive family cards. At 2:30pm, he will attend another Family Cards distribution programme at the Moulvibazar Government High School ground. Later in the afternoon, the Prime Minister will visit DuSai Resort to join a meeting with party leaders before travelling to Sylhet and returning to Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Moulvibazar on Wednesday morning to attend two family card distribution programmes and a political meeting. He arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport from Dhaka at around 10:20am as part of his visit to Moulvibazar, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. Political leaders from Sylhet division and senior government officials stationed in Sylhet received the Prime Minister at the airport. After a brief exchange of greetings with the leaders present, he left for Moulvibazar by road, Rony said. According to the programme schedule, Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a family card distribution programme at the historic Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal at 1:00pm. Under the programme, family cards will be distributed among 155 families in Ward No. 1 of Mirzapur Union in Sreemangal upazila. At 2:30pm, the Prime Minister will attend another family card distribution programme at Moulvibazar Government High School ground, where 152 families in Ward No. 7 of Tengra Union in Rajnagar upazila will receive family cards. Later in the afternoon, he will travel to DuSai Resort to attend a meeting with party leaders before leaving for Sylhet for his return journey to Dhaka. After spending more than one and a half decades in London, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 last year. He previously visited Moulvibazar during the election campaign on January 22. This is his first visit to the district as Prime Minister since the BNP secured a majority in the national election.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday sought cooperation from the media in building a humane state and fostering human values among people. Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with executives and heads of news at electronic media outlets at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat, the Prime Minister called on the media to play a constructive role in nation-building, said his Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. “We do not want to talk about politics all the time, everywhere. Apart from politics, there are important issues concerning the economy, society and human values that also deserve attention,” he quoted the Prime Minister as saying at the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Shibly said Tarique Rahman also highlighted the need to revive social consciousness and compassion in society. “He referred to incidents where people record videos while a dog is being beaten or a person is being assaulted instead of coming forward to help. He said human feelings, values and social awareness need to be strengthened, and emphasised the important role journalists can play in this regard,” the press secretary said. He said the Prime Minister listened to the concerns and suggestions of media representatives and expressed his intention to continue engaging with the media through regular interactions in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged every citizen of the country to plant at least one tree to help ensure that future generations can breathe clean air and live in a healthier environment. “I would like to request everyone in the country, keeping in mind the future of your children so that they can breathe in a clean and healthy environment, please plant a sapling wherever it is possible for you,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while formally inaugurating a nationwide programme in Cox’s Bazar to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, aiming to strengthen environmental protection and address the impacts of climate change. “I am formally announcing the launch of this tree plantation campaign. We are inaugurating it. We hope that, Insha’Allah, we will be able to create an environment where our future generations can breathe freely and live in a clean environment,” he said. Tarique Rahman said if the tree plantation campaign could be made successful, it could be assumed that future generations would be able to breathe clean, pollution-free air in the days ahead. “Let us ensure a guarantee for our future generations that they will be able to live in a clean and pollution-free environment,” Tarique said. The Prime Minister also recalled the BNP’s election pledge to launch a nationwide afforestation programme. “Before the election, we had promised the people that if we were able to form the government with the mercy of Almighty Allah, we would launch a tree plantation programme in the country. Our target is to plant at least five crore saplings every year and 25 crore saplings over the next five years,” he said. “Let us all work together so that we can transform Bangladesh’s air into a much cleaner and purer one in the coming days,” he added. Calling upon district administrations, the Prime Minister said, “Today, particularly Deputy Commissioners from various parts of the country are connected here. I would like to instruct you all to take initiatives to turn your respective districts into green sanctuaries.” The Prime Minister inaugurated the programme by planting a sapling of Garjan tree at Malumghat Reserved Forest in Dulahazara under Pmkhali Union of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila at around 2:55pm. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other ministers and lawmakers also planted saplings of 11 different species during the event. PM inaugurates nationwide programme to plant 25 crore saplings Upon reaching the tree plantation venue, the Prime Minister greeted hundreds of people assembled there by waving at them. Officials said a total of 1,180 saplings of indigenous tree species will be planted in the forest in the first phase of the programme. The ruling BNP had pledged in its election manifesto to plant 25 crore trees across the country within five years after coming to power. Saturday’s inauguration marked the formal start of implementing that commitment. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo presided over the event. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Mir Md Helal Uddin, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, and Environment Secretary Raihan Kawser, among others, were present.

The Cabinet on Thursday approved the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 at a special meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and other ministers and state ministers attended the meeting that began at about 10:00am and ended around 1:00pm. The finance minister is scheduled to place the proposed budget in Parliament at 3:00pm after it receives presidential authentication. The proposed budget, the first under the current government, has an outlay of Tk 9.38 lakh crore. This year’s budget is expected to focus on controlling inflation, generating employment, encouraging investment, strengthening economic stability and supporting lower-income and disadvantaged groups, according to the finance minister and government officials. The government has set an overall revenue mobilisation target of Tk 6.95 lakh crore to finance the expenditure programme. Of the total revenue target, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is expected to collect Tk 6.04 lakh crore. Another Tk 25,000 crore is projected to come from non-NBR tax sources, while non-tax revenue receipts are estimated at Tk 66,000 crore. A significant portion of the budget will be spent on debt servicing. The government has allocated Tk 1.27 lakh crore for interest payments, including Tk 1.05 lakh crore for domestic debt and Tk 22,500 crore for foreign loans. The proposed budget projects an overall deficit of Tk 2.43 lakh crore. To finance the deficit, the government plans to borrow Tk 1.09 lakh crore from external sources and Tk 1.12 lakh crore from the banking system. The remaining Tk 15,000 crore is expected to be mobilised through national savings certificates. With this, the BNP government is going to present a national budget in Parliament after for 20 years following its return to power with a majority in the 13th parliamentary election.

Warning against past attempts to tarnish their image at home and abroad, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged armed forces members to uphold professionalism, unity, discipline and chain of command to preserve the force’s honour and dignity. “The main message for uniformed forces is that it is difficult to maintain honour and dignity without professionalism, unity, discipline and chain of command,” he said at a programme marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment. The government is working to gradually modernise the armed forces and police for UN peacekeeping missions and international duties, the Prime Minister. Addressing members of the armed forces, he said the military is a symbol of the country’s independence, honour and courage. “A major of the army declared the independence of Bangladesh. I believe this glory and pride will remain an eternal source of inspiration for our armed forces. So, it is the duty of the armed forces to ensure that this honour is never diminished in any way,” Tarique Rahman said. He said Bangladesh’s armed forces have earned global recognition through their role in UN peacekeeping missions though attempts were made at different times to create confusion and damage the image of the forces at home and abroad. “There have also been attempts, both at home and abroad, to tarnish the image of the armed forces. Overcoming all such conspiracies and challenges, the Armed Forces united under the leadership of the Proclaimer of Independence and regained their footing on November 7, 1975,” Tarique said. Despite that, he said attempts to undermine the unity of the Armed Forces continued at different times through various incidents. The Prime Minister referred to the “major blow” suffered by the armed forces during the BDR mutiny in February 2009, saying the consequences of the incident were well known to the nation. He said instead of merely reflecting on the past, a scope has now been created for the state to establish itself with dignity and full integrity by learning from past experiences in a fascism-free Bangladesh. “Those serving in the armed forces, government, or public administration are all citizens of Bangladesh. This country belongs to all of us. Wherever we serve, at home or abroad, let it be our commitment today to perform our duties properly and responsibly,” Tarique Rahman said. Highlighting global challenges, he said the world is now passing through a complex situation where peacekeeping missions have become more risky and multidimensional due to changing geopolitical realities and rapid technological advancement. “Besides conventional warfare, cyber warfare, misuse of artificial intelligence, media propaganda and climate-induced security threats have emerged as new obstacles to global peace,” the Prime Minister said adding that future peacekeeping missions must be more modern, visionary and technology-based. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to peace, global stability and humanity on the international stage. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh firmly believes in the principles of independence, sovereignty and mutual respect among nations.“As an independent and self-respecting nation, Bangladesh will always remain committed to peace, global stability and humanity in the international arena.”

Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh Stefan Liller met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday and discussed issues related to sustainable development, education, healthcare and employment. They also discussed ways to strengthen ongoing cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN agency, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. He said the meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the morning. During the meeting, Shiplu said, both sides exchanged views on a range of development issues and stressed the importance of making Bangladesh’s development efforts more inclusive, effective and sustainable. Stefan Liller congratulated the Prime Minister on forming the government after his party secured an overwhelming majority in the election. He said the national parliament is now vibrant and active and noted that democracy in Bangladesh has become stronger. The Prime Minister highlighted various steps taken by his government to implement the pledges made by his party before the election. He referred to the Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes and said the initiatives are aimed at improving the living standards of people across the country. Tarique Rahman also sought continued support from development partners for Bangladesh’s overall development and sustainable progress. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Labour Mahdi Amin was present at the meeting. UNDP Strategic Communications and External Relations Specialist Kirtijai Pahari, and Head of Governance Anowarul Haq were also present.

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 on Saturday alleged that a quarter is trying to exploit the recent killing of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter to create unrest in the country, urging people to remain alert against any conspiracy aimed at disrupting development activities and the rule of law. Speaking at a gathering of local residents after inaugurating the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal in Trishal upazila, he said anyone found guilty would be punished through due legal process, as his government is committed to establishing the rule of law. “A few days ago, a very unjust and deeply heartbreaking incident took place in which a child was killed. You have all seen it. From the very beginning, we have said that anyone who commits a crime must face punishment under the law. We want to establish the rule of law,” he said. He also said his government would endeavour to ensure the execution of justice in this case within one month. He then clarified that justice in this case means the death penalty.    He said every activity in life follows a system and rules must be followed in governance and justice as well. Just as in any case of wrongdoing, Tarique said punishment must follow due process, and there are established rules and procedures within the government for ensuring justice. “But we have noticed in recent days, as you have seen in newspapers, radio and television, that some people are trying to create unrest by blocking roads, stopping vehicles, setting fire and creating tension in different places,” he said. The Prime Minister said such unruly activities are obstructing the rule of law. “Are they allowing the law to function properly as it should? No, they are not.” He said several untoward incidents took place when the interim government was in power. “When those incidents occurred, I personally spoke with the mothers of those children. Our party’s lawyers and doctors provided medical treatment and legal assistance at that time,” Tarique said. But, he said those who are now speaking loudly, staging blockades and making big statements were not seen in the field at that time. “They were not seen taking part in any protest or blockade then. So, should we assume that since the people of Bangladesh voted for BNP in the 12th election and gave them the mandate to form the government, some are now frustrated, and this frustration is the reason behind the current situation?” the Prime Minister said. He also claimed there are connections between those currently trying to create anarchy and  the evil forces ousted by the people through a mass uprising in 2024. “We must remain alert. Read newspapers, check social media and look into who is behind these activities.  Those who are now trying to create unrest have again quietly built ties with the people who were driven out on August 5. Just as they did in 1996 and in 1986, some new followers have also emerged alongside them,” Tarique said. Warning against unrest, he said such situations would ultimately harm farmers, workers, students and ordinary citizens across the country. The Prime Minister alleged that those trying to create unrest are not concerned about farmers, employment or welfare activities. “They do not talk about canal excavation for farmers, farmers’ cards, or how poor village children walk barefoot to school. They do not talk about providing new clothes for those children,” he said. Warning against instability, Tarique said unrest would disrupt many welfare and development programmes across the country. “If unrest is created, canal excavation work across Bangladesh will stop. Farmers will suffer. Distribution programmes will stop. Honorary allowances for imams, muezzins, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths will also be affected,” he said. He also said programmes to provide school uniforms and bags for village children would be disrupted if roads are blocked and instability continues. “We removed authoritarian rule from this country through united movements. The people and students of Bangladesh stood together on the streets and removed a regime that had taken away people’s voting rights, freedom of speech and halted development for ordinary rural people,” Tarique said. The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh now want to focus on nation-building and improving their livelihoods. He also said that to bring real change in people’s lives, the strength and labour of the country’s 20 crore population must be properly utilised, adding that only then could the nation’s future be transformed. Tarique also said that BNP’s plans are focused on the country and its people, but alleged that some groups were trying to obstruct those initiatives through conspiracies. “If we want to change people’s fate, we must put the 40 crore hands of our 20 crore people to work. We must build roads, bridges, schools, colleges and hospitals through collective effort,” he said. The Prime Minister urged people to remain vigilant against those spreading confusion and obstructing justice and public welfare programmes. “We must remember that the people are the owners of this country. A small group cannot be allowed to create confusion and play with the future of the people,” he said. “Those who stand beside the people and work for them will ultimately be protected by the people of Bangladesh against any conspiracy,” Tarique added. He also said the country’s independence, sovereignty and national interests must be protected by its own people. “Our country is our responsibility. We will protect our independence, sovereignty and people’s interests, and resist any conspiracy,” the Prime Minister said. Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and local leaders also addressed the programme with  Mymensingh-7 lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton in the chair. Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque at the canal site and later inaugurated the re-excavation work by cutting soil with a spade. He also planted a palm sapling beside the canal.