United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday alleged that those calling for not giving the government time to work are acting out of self-interest, not in the interest of the people, and urged people to remain vigilant. “The people have decided that the BNP will run the country for the next five years and work to implement its promises,” he said while addressing a Family Card distribution programme at the Moulvibazar Govt High School ground. The Prime Minister said a quarter that united with Awami League against BNP, and conspired against democracy and voting rights in the past are now saying the government should not be given time. He asked whether those who say the government should not be given time are speaking against the people’s interests and are driven by their own self-interest. “Those who say BNP should not be given time are not speaking in the interest of the people; they are speaking in their own interest. What should be done against them? People must remain vigilant against them,” Tarique Rahman said. He said BNP’s promises and plans are, in fact, the people’s plans, and urged all to remain alert to those who want to derail this. “BNP does not need to do anything. If the people remain alert, BNP’s job is done. Because the people of this country are the real owners. If the owners remain alert, no one else needs to worry.… I am entrusting the security, development and future of this country to the hands of its people,” the Prime Minister said. In an oblique reference to the main opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, he said many of those now speaking against the government had not been visible during key democratic struggles. “Do you remember what happened in ’86? Do you remember that even during the one-decade-long movement, we did not see them anywhere,” said Tarique Rahman. Referring to the February 12 parliamentary election, he said the people entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of rebuilding the country after years of misrule. “The people have told the BNP to rebuild the country. They have given us five years to put things right,” he said. The Prime Minister arrived in Moulvibazar from Sreemangal in the afternoon and distributed Family Cards among women from low-income families. He handed over cards to 10 beneficiaries and formally inaugurated the third phase of the programme by pressing a button. The programme was launched simultaneously in 19 wards of Moulvibazar and in several upazilas across 21 other districts through an online platform. Earlier, Tarique Rahman planted saplings at the Moulvibazar Govt High School ground. He also planted trees at Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal earlier in the day. At the event, he distributed grants for tea workers' housing, scholarships for their children and one-time financial assistance for underprivileged people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Responding to critics who question how programmes such as Family Card scheme will be financed, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh witnessed large-scale siphoning of money abroad over the past one and half decades. “From now on, with the support of the people, we will stop that. The wealth and resources of this country will remain in this country and be used for the welfare of its people,” he said. Tarique Rahman said public money will be spent on improving people's lives rather than being siphoned abroad. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said the coming years should be devoted to work, nation-building. “The time ahead is a time for work. It is a time to build the country and change the lives of the people.” He called upon people from all walks of life to contribute to national development, saying Bangladesh's future depends on the collective efforts of its people. Tarique Rahman recalled that the people had won the country's independence in 1971 and also freed the nation from authoritarian rule in 2024. “The people built this country before and they will build it again,” he said. Calling for unity, he urged people to pledge that their future politics, hopes and plans will revolve around the country and its citizens. “Building the country must be the politics of the future,” he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted several initiatives launched since his government assumed office on February 17, including the Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes, loan waivers for small farmers, allowances for religious leaders, free school uniforms and sports competitions. “The benefits of these programmes will reach everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” he said. Tarique Rahman said the current administration belongs to all citizens and is committed to serving people from every walk of life. “Our government is a government for all. The people of Bangladesh are at the centre of everything we do,” he added. The Prime Minister also remembered the development work carried out in the region by former Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman and said Moulvibazar did not receive adequate development attention over the past decade and a half. The programme was chaired by Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, State Minister for Social Welfare Farhana Sharmin, Chief Whip Md GK Gouse, Moulvibazar-3 lawmaker M Naser Rahman and BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, who joined virtually from Keraniganj, also spoke.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government is considering construction of another barrage on the Teesta River to conserve water during the dry season. “Technical and financial aspects are being examined for constructing another barrage on the Teesta River to conserve water during the dry season,” he said while replying to a tabled question from NCP lawmaker Akhter Hossen (Rangpur-4). He said the Teesta is vital for livelihoods in northern Bangladesh, but upstream dams and other limitations reduce water flow during the dry season, affecting irrigation and agriculture, while excessive rainfall upstream often causes sudden floods and riverbank erosion during the monsoon. The Prime Minister said riverbank protection works covering 42.5 kilometres are underway in five Teesta basin districts—Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Lalmonirhat—at a cost of Tk 230 crore and are scheduled for completion this month. He said a feasibility study for a sustainable and integrated Teesta development plan has already been completed, he said. According to the study, the proposed Teesta Master Plan includes river training and protection works along 110 kilometres, dredging of another 110 kilometres, construction of 224 kilometres of flood control embankments with roads on top, and reclamation and development of 170 square kilometres of land. Replying to a tabled question from treasury bench lawmaker Robiul Awal (Tangail-6), the Prime Minister said implementation of the Tk 34,347-crore Padma Barrage project will add an extra 0.45 percent growth to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Once the project is implemented, it will be possible to generate 113 MW of hydropower and achieve an additional 0.45 percent GDP growth,” he said. The Prime Minister said the current government's election manifesto has attached importance to tackling climate change and that a number of multi-dimensional programmes have been undertaken in the water resources sector to address its adverse impacts. These include implementation of the Padma Barrage project, the Teesta Master Plan, riverbank erosion prevention, flood protection measures and reduction of salinity in agricultural lands, he said. Noting that the first phase of the Padma Barrage project involving Tk 34,347 crore was approved on May 13 last, he said, "Through the implementation of this project, the river system in the Padma-dependent areas will be revitalised by conserving water in the Padma River during the dry season and increasing the flow of water." Besides, it would reduce salinity intrusion in the southern region, restore the ecological balance of the Sundarbans, improve drainage systems, reduce waterlogging, expand irrigation facilities and strengthen water security, said Tarique Rahman. Highlighting different climate initiatives, he said a programme has been undertaken to plant 25 crore trees in the next five years. He said the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust has prioritised research, innovation, training and extension activities to address climate risks and has taken several initiatives, including the creation of rural natural reservoirs in coastal districts to preserve rainwater and ensure drinking water security. The Prime Minister said the government has taken an initiative to formulate a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Investment Roadmap with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement the NAP under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to combat the adverse impacts of climate changes. Alongside adaptation efforts, he said, the government has started preparing the Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the NDC 3.0, some 25 percent of the country's total electricity demand will be met from renewable sources by 2035, four waste-to-energy plants and 26 integrated landfill and resource recovery facilities will be established, while afforestation and reforestation programmes covering 100,000 hectares in coastal, island and degraded areas will be implemented. He said work has also begun on formulating Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies to reduce emissions. Replying to a question from BNP lawmaker Md Abdullah (Munshiganj-1), the Prime Minister said the government has adopted various measures to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio and the National Board of Revenue has already adopted a Medium and Long-Term Revenue Strategy (MLTRS) in this regard. “We hope that implementation of these plans will increase the tax-to-GDP ratio by two percentage points within one year and raise it to 10 percent within five years,” he said. He added that various initiatives, including the Strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Project and gradual rationalisation of tax exemptions, have been undertaken with a target of increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 percent by 2035. Responding to a question from BNP lawmaker Mobasser Alam Bhuiyan (Cumilla-10), Tarique Rahman said the government’s electoral manifesto put importance on the improvement of road and rail connectivity. To improve the road connectivity, he said plans have been taken to gradually establish an expressway grid on national highways and develop a multimodal transport system to reduce pressure on roads. Regarding railways, the PM said 24 projects have been identified under short-term (up to 2026-27), medium-term (2027-2030) and long-term (2031-2045) action plans to implement the Railway Master Plan and establish Bangladesh Railway as the backbone of the national transport system. According to the formulated Railway Master Plan, railway services will be gradually brought to the doorsteps of every district and major towns with the aim of establishing Bangladesh Railway as the backbone of the national transport system, he said. The government has also decided to introduce electric traction on major routes to reduce travel time and ensure safer and environment-friendly transportation, he added. Replying to a question from treasury bench lawmaker Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswas (Pabna-5), the Prime Minister said the government is working to gradually increase the use of surface water in Dhaka and all divisional cities to reduce pressure on groundwater. He said Dhaka WASA currently collects around 65 to 70 percent of its water from groundwater sources and the remaining 30 to 35 percent from surface water sources such as the Padma, Meghna and Shitalakkhya rivers. To address alarming depletion of groundwater levels in Dhaka, water treatment plants at Gandharbpur in Rupganj and Saidabad are increasing the supply of treated water from the Meghna and Shitalakkhya rivers, he said. Tarique Rahman said Chattogram WASA now sources about 92 percent of its water from surface sources, while only eight percent comes from groundwater. He said Rajshahi WASA currently supplies two percent of its water from surface sources and 98 percent from groundwater. Responding to a question from BNP lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3), the Prime Minister said the government is attaching the highest priority to implementing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to prevent measles outbreaks. He said the causes and spread of measles, as well as the impact of policy and operational issues on vaccination activities, are being regularly reviewed and evaluated. He said the matter will be examined based on necessary data and technical assessments to determine whether any changes in vaccine procurement procedures have negatively affected immunisation activities. If any negligence of any person or institution is found, necessary action will be taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations, he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for an end to what he described as a “mentality of revenge”, urging all to focus on the interest of the country and its people rather than retaliation. Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with journalists covering the BNP beat at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital, he said at present, there is no environment in Bangladesh for muzzling the media, and sought cooperation from journalists in addressing social challenges. “Let us try to change our mindset a little. If something happened to me, taking revenge will not bring it back or make things as they were before. We should move away from that mindset and think about what we can do for the country, for society, and for people,” the Prime Minister said. “Whether we succeed or not is a different matter… but at least we can try. Success is a different issue. With this mindset, why shouldn’t we move forward?” he said. Tarique Rahman also spoke emotionally about his past experiences, saying he endured both physical and mental hardship during imprisonment. “I came from prison. I was physically and mentally tortured. I can say many things about who is responsible for what, but that is not the point now,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said he does not want to transform Bangladesh into another Singapore or Canada, but rather build “a better Bangladesh,” stressing that such a goal can only be achieved through collective efforts. Speaking at an interaction with local civil society members and politicians at Long Beach Hotel in Cox’s Bazar at night, he called upon all citizens to work together for the country’s development. “We often heard promises that Bangladesh would be turned into Singapore or Canada. I do not want to make Bangladesh something else. I want to make Bangladesh a little better. If we can make our country a little better, that will be good for all of us,” the Prime Minister said. He said the goal cannot be achieved by the government alone. “We all have to work together.” Highlighting the importance of developing Cox’s Bazar into a cleaner and more organised town, Tarique Rahman said he noticed a large signboard while entering the town describing it as home to the world’s longest sandy sea beach. “You all represent Cox’s Bazar. If you want to showcase Cox’s Bazar to the world, all of you must come forward. You can build Cox’s Bazar as a clean town,” he said. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for discipline in urban management and traffic movement. “You can make Cox’s Bazar a disciplined town where vehicles follow traffic rules, park properly and move in an orderly manner ...It should be a town where people feel safe while walking,” he added. Questioning why Cox’s Bazar had not witnessed expected development over the past 17 years, Tarique Rahman said many projects that should have been completed long ago have remained unfinished. “Since returning to Bangladesh, I have travelled to different parts of the country over the last four and a half months. Everywhere I went, I felt that many of the projects now being discussed should have been completed during the last 17 years. But they were not,” he said. The Prime Minister said a large amount of work has accumulated over the years and must now be addressed.

Coming down heavily on the opposition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday questioned whether they were protesting the proposed national budget due to the increased taxes on cigarettes and alcohol despite tax relief on essential commodities. Addressing a public rally organised by Cox’s Bazar district BNP at the Chakaria Municipal Bus Terminal, the Prime Minister said this was the first time that prices of essential goods were not increased immediately after the budget was placed in Parliament. “Every year, prices of various essential items used to rise the day after the budget was presented. But Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, this is the first time that no commodity price has increased in the market after the budget was announced the day before yesterday (Thursday)," he said. The Prime Minister said in the budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027, taxes on essential goods such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar and salt were withdrawn to ensure price stability and give relief to the general people. Highlighting the withdrawal and cuts of taxes on different essentials, medicines and healthcare-related products, he said the budget will benefit the people of the country. “We have reduced taxes on medicines and essential goods so that people can live in peace and comfort,” he said. Without naming any political party, Tarique Rahman said several parties protested against the budget immediately after its presentation, both on the streets and on social media, terming it an “anti-people budget.” He said procession was brought out protesting the budget even before the placement of it in Parliament.   Referring to the tax increase on cigarettes and alcohol, the Prime Minister questioned the basis of the opposition’s protests, asking whether those chanting slogans such as “we do not accept this budget” are against the hike in taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. “So, should we assume that they are not accepting the tax on cigarettes and alcohol? Are they protesting the tax increase on alcohol and also protesting against the tax hike on cigarettes?” he said. Tarique Rahman said his government wants to improve the fate of the people of the country by implementing the proposed budget, alleging that the political parties were attempting to mislead the people by protesting the budget. Referring to the allegation of the “sale of tickets for heaven” against a certain party as surfaced before the February 12 general election, he said they now do not sell tickets to people. “Earlier, they used to sell tickets to people before the election. Do they still do that now? No,” he said.

Coming down heavily on the opposition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday questioned whether they were protesting the proposed national budget due to the increased taxes on cigarettes and alcohol despite tax relief on essential commodities. Addressing a public rally organised by Cox’s Bazar district BNP at the Chakaria Municipal Bus Terminal, the Prime Minister said this was the first time that prices of essential goods were not increased immediately after the budget was placed in Parliament. Opposition opposing budget to create instability, mislead people: PM “Every year, prices of various essential items used to rise the day after the budget was presented. But Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, this is the first time that no commodity price has increased in the market after the budget was announced the day before yesterday (Thursday)," he said. The Prime Minister said in the budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027, taxes on essential goods such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar and salt were withdrawn to ensure price stability and give relief to the general people.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the newly formed Matamuhuri upazila and Matamuhuri Police Station in Cox’s Bazar. The Prime Minister formally unveiled the foundation stone of the upazila and inaugurated the police station in the evening. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shah Alam and other ministers and lawmakers were present at the ceremony. The government declared Matamuhuri an upazila and published the official gazette in fulfilment of an election pledge made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed during a public rally ahead of the national election According to official sources, the formation of Matamuhuri upazila was approved at the 120th meeting of the National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reorganisation (NICAR) held on May 7. The new upazila has been created with seven unions in the southern part of Chakaria upazila – Badarkhali, Purbabarabheola, Paschimbarabheola, Saharbil, Bheolamanikchar, Demusia and Konakhali.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday formally inaugurated a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, aiming to strengthen environmental protection and address the impacts of climate change. 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. Upon reaching the tree plantation venue, the Prime Minister greeted hundreds of local 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 marks the formal start of implementation of that commitment. After forming the government following a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP-led government began rolling out pilot initiatives in different parts of the country including the introduction of Family Card in Korail slum in Dhaka, Farmers’ Card in Tangail, and  ‘Nutan Kuri Sports’ programme in Sylhet. The Prime Minister also introduced honorarium schemes for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders of different faiths, along with stipends and sports card for athletes as part of various social protection measures. Officials said the massive afforestation programme will be implemented over five years under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with the first phase targeting the plantation of 1.5 crore saplings across 149 upazilas in 49 districts. The programme was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 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 were among others present. Later, a munajat was offered praying for the success of the tree plantation programme.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar during his daylong tour of the district. The Prime Minister arrived at the safari park at around 2 pm after inaugurating the re-excavation of the historic Patali Canal in Pmkhali Union. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him during the visit. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam welcomed the Prime Minister at Dulahazara Safari Park. The Prime Minister planted a sapling of a cannonball tree (Nagalingam) in front of the main gate of the safari park. Prime Minister Tarique and Dr Zubaid signed the visitors’ book of the park. The Prime Minister and his wife toured various sections of the park with keen interest, observing its facilities, wildlife habitats and conservation activities. Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman drove himself from Cox’s Bazar Airport to Patali Canal re-excavation programme venue. The Prime Minister had Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed seated beside him in the vehicle, while PM’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and Home Minister’s wife Hasina Ahmed were also in the car. After completing the canal re-excavation programme, the Prime Minister again took the wheel and drove to Dulahazara Safari Park.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday alleged that the Opposition is opposing the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 not to protect public interests but to create instability in the country and mislead people. “I saw in the newspapers, Alhamdulillah that so far no commodity prices have increased following the budget unlike in the past,” he said while addressing a brief gathering after inaugurating the re-excavation work of the historic Patali Canal in Pmkhali Union under Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila. Tarique said taxes on around 60 essential products including rice, lentils, edible oil and salt have been withdrawn in the budget announced two days ago so that prices of daily necessities do not rise. “The objective is simple – to ensure that people can live well,” he said. Criticising the Opposition’s rejection of the budget, Tarique questioned its position on measures intended to ease the burden on consumers. “The Opposition says it does not accept this budget and calls it anti-people. I want to ask you a question. They do not accept a budget that reduces taxes. They do not like a budget that increases the prices of alcohol and cigarettes. Then have you understood what their real intention is?” the Prime Minister said. “Their objective is not to stand beside the people of the country. Their only goal is to create instability and unrest in the country and mislead people,” he added. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposed budget for FY2026-27 in Parliament on Thursday. Highlighting the budget’s emphasis on production and employment, Tarique said Bangladesh must strengthen industry and commerce alongside agriculture. “Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country. But at the same time we must build industries and expand trade. If industries and businesses grow, employment opportunities will be created for our young people. They will be able to find jobs and engage in business activities,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government has increased taxes on imported products that compete with locally manufactured goods in order to protect domestic industries. “We have raised taxes on imported products that are also produced locally so that our domestic industries and manufacturers can receive support. We have included such measures in this budget. Yet even this is not acceptable to the Opposition,” he said.