United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited ailing former MP Khaleda Rabbani here on Wednesday. The Prime Minister went to Khaleda Rabbani’s residence on Shah Mostafa Road in the town after attending a Family Card distribution programme at the Moulvibazar Govt High School ground. During the visit, an emotional Khaleda Rabbani recalled various memories from her long political career, including her association with former President Ziaur Rahman. She also showed the Prime Minister several old photographs, reminiscing about different moments from the party’s history. At one point, moved by the emotional recollections, Tarique Rahman embraced her affectionately and offered words of comfort and reassurance. The Prime Minister spent some time with the veteran politician and discussed her medical condition and overall health with family members. He wished her a speedy recovery. BNP Assistant Organising Secretary Miftah Siddique, Moulvibazar Zila Parishad Administrator Mizanur Rahman Mizan, and local BNP leaders and activists were present during the visit. Khaleda Rabbani previously served as women affairs secretary of BNP, president of Moulvibazar district BNP and chief adviser to the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal. She was elected MP from reserved women's seat for several times.

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 Wednesday announced his government’s firm stance against the siphoning of money abroad, stressing that public money belongs to the people and should be used to improve their lives and change their fortunes. “We will take a tough position from today against those who have laundered money from this country and those who want to siphon off people’s money abroad,” he said while addressing a programme marking the inauguration of the third-phase Family Card distribution programme at the Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal. The Prime Minister said the country’s people should also remain vigilant so that no one can siphon off the country's wealth. “If we all keep our eyes and ears open, no one will be able to launder the country's assets abroad. We will work together and use that money to change the lives of our people,” he said. When Tarique Rahman asked whether people will stand with the government in that effort, thousands of attendees, including tea workers and local residents, responded in unison with a resounding “yes.” Calling for collective commitment, he said, “Let our pledge on this joyous day be one thing: work for the country and put Bangladesh first.” The Prime Minister also coined a new slogan, saying: “We will work, we will build the country. Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for all.” "We have seen over the past 17 years how public money was siphoned out of the country. Instead of being spent on the people, it was sent abroad by a political group," he said. Referring to opposition’s questions about funding government’s welfare initiatives, Tarique Rahman said some people often ask where the money for Family Cards and Farmers' Cards would come from. "I want to tell them that we will no longer allow people's money to be siphoned abroad," he said. He said public funds will be used for the welfare of citizens and the development of the country. "People's money will be spent on the people. It will be used for the country's development and for changing the fate of its citizens. So, there will be no shortage of money, Insha-Allah," the Prime Minister said. The programme, organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, began with recitations from the Holy Quran and other religious scriptures. The national anthem and the BNP party song were also played. The Prime Minister personally handed over Family Cards to 10 women representing beneficiary families before formally inaugurating the third phase of the programme by pressing a button. He also distributed grants of Tk 200,000 each as housing support for tea workers, scholarships for children of tea workers and financial assistance cheques for people with disabilities. Referring to the government's welfare initiatives, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is both the first and last address of its citizens and the government's sole objective is to improve the lives of the people. “We have to build this country ourselves. The 40 crore hands of our 20 crore people must be turned into productive hands. Only then can we transform Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister also warned people against what he described as attempts to spread misinformation about government’s welfare programmes. Addressing those who question the funding of the Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes, he said the assistance distributed among tea workers, students and people with disabilities on Wednesday was being provided from public funds. Referring to allocations for Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes in the proposed 2026-27 national budget, Tarique Rahman criticised those describing the budget as anti-people despite the government's decision to remove duties on 60 essential products. “You have seen that though we have allocated funds in this budget for ordinary working people, some have refused to accept it. We have allocated funds for mothers through the Family Card programme, for farmers through the Farmers’ Card scheme, for persons with disabilities, for students and for improving healthcare services,” he said. The Prime Minister lamented that the opposition is comparing the budget to “chanachur”, saying such remarks undermine efforts to improve people's lives. “This is a people’s budget. Through these allocations, we want to change the lives of our citizens. We have set aside funds for healthcare, for farmers and for ensuring that our children receive the best possible education. Yet some describe it as an anti-people budget,” he said. Tarique Rahman also noted that the government has withdrawn duties on 60 essential commodities but said a political party was still portraying the budget as anti-people. “When a budget contains measures for the welfare of citizens and relief for consumers, can those who oppose it truly claim to be friends of the people? The answer is no,” he said, urging people to remain alert to what he termed efforts to create confusion and instability, both inside and outside Parliament. “If those who want to create unrest get the opportunity, it will become difficult to continue programmes like Family Card, support for persons with disabilities, assistance for poor students and tax relief on essential commodities,” Tarique Rahman said. He stressed that public unity is essential to sustaining development and protecting democracy. “If people remain united, no conspiracy can succeed and no one will be able to undermine democracy in Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister also claimed that forces opposed to democracy had historically worked together despite public differences, while the BNP had always stood by the people. “The greatest strength of the BNP is the people. That is why we always say that the people are the source of all power,” he said. Recalling past political struggles, Tarique Rahman said late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had never left the people during difficult times. “Bangladesh was her first address and her last address. We are the soldiers of Khaleda Zia,” he said. State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Moulvibazar district BNP Convener Faizul Karim Mayun, lawmaker Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Additional Secretary Kamal Uddin Biswas and beneficiaries Shiuly Rani Das and Wajeda Begum also spoke at the programme with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain in the chair.

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 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 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 Monday directed the authorities concerned to relocate four inter-district bus terminals outside the capital swiftly as part of efforts to reduce chronic traffic congestion and modernise Dhaka’s traffic management system. He made the directive at a meeting held at the Public Administration Room of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat on easing traffic congestion in the capital and modernising its traffic management system, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. The four terminals earmarked for relocation are the Fulbaria-Gulistan Bus Terminal, Gabtoli Bus Terminal, Mohakhali Bus Terminal and Sayedabad-Jatrabari Bus Terminal. Under the plan, the Fulbaria-Gulistan terminal will be shifted to Keraniganj, while the Mohakhali terminal will be temporarily relocated to the eastern part of the city before being permanently moved near Tongi, Shiplu said. The Gabtoli inter-district bus terminal will be relocated to Hemayetpur, while the Sayedabad-Jatrabari terminal will be moved to Kanchpur, he said. The Prime Minister also instructed authorities to quickly remove scattered bus counters from different parts of the capital and relocate them to designated locations, the deputy press secretary said. He said the meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, reviewed measures to modernise Dhaka’s traffic management, including the installation of AI-powered cameras. Tarique Rahman also expressed satisfaction over the benefits already achieved through the deployment of AI cameras, Shiplu said. This was the Prime Minister’s third meeting on traffic congestion and traffic management in Dhaka. He sought updates on the overall progress of traffic management initiatives, including the installation of AI-powered traffic cameras across the capital. The meeting also discussed the removal of old and unfit vehicles from Dhaka’s roads and the Prime Minister provided a number of directives in this regard. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Safiqul Islam Khan, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury and senior officials from the relevant ministries attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday reviewed the progress of measures taken to ease traffic congestion in the capital and modernise the city’s traffic management system. The review meeting was held at the Public Administration Room of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat in the morning, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister sought updates on the overall progress of traffic management initiatives, including the installation of AI-powered traffic cameras across the capital. “The Prime Minister wanted to know how many AI cameras have already been installed and when the remaining ones will be set up,” Rumon said. The meeting also discussed the removal of old and unfit vehicles from Dhaka’s roads and the Prime Minister provided a number of directives in this regard. Rumon said Tarique Rahman instructed the authorities concerned to expedite the installation of AI cameras as part of efforts to modernise the capital’s traffic management system. This was the Prime Minister’s third meeting on traffic congestion and traffic management in Dhaka. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Home Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury and senior officials from the relevant ministries attended the meeting.