United News of Bangladesh

The Election Commission will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats -- Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3-- by April 14 next, said Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud on Sunday. “The by-election to Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 will be held soon, Inshallah. We are making arrangements so that the polls can be completed before April 14, that is, before Pahela Baishakh,” he told reporters at his office in the city’s Election Bhaban. Masud said the Commission is trying to complete the elections ahead of Pahela Baishakh as the rainy season and storms are common after that period. “We hope we will be able to do it before that,” he added. Replying to a question about postal ballots, the commissioner said postal voting will remain in place for the by-election as well. “Postal ballots will continue in the by-election. One ballot had already been issued earlier (for Sherpur-3), but voting did not take place. For Bogura, we will send postal ballots again,” he said. Asked about the timeframe for registration, Masud said those who have already registered will receive ballots directly (for Bogura-6). Regarding the election to reserved women’s seats in Parliament, Masud said the process has effectively begun. “The voting for reserved seats has already started in a sense, as it is mainly conducted by the parliamentary parties. Whomever the parties nominate can be considered elected. Formally, it must be completed within 90 days of the oath-taking, and we will do that, InshAllah,” he said. Saudi Arabia issues 1.4m visas for Bangladeshis, 750,000 for work When asked about the schedule, he said it will be announced soon within the stipulated 90-day period. “Time is still there. Political parties have already begun the nomination process. We will complete the formalities,” he said. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested the February-12 general election from two parliamentary constituencies – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 and he was elected from the two seats. But Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election and took oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency.  Besides, the EC on February 04 last cancelled the election to Sherpur-3 constituency, following the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badal. The elections to 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) were held on February 12. The EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates on February 12, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. On Tuesday, 296 newly elected MPs took oath as Tarique Rahman who was elected from two constituencies left Bogura-6 for by-election. The 296 newly MPs include 208 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said his priority would be to focus on work rather than making premature statements. “We want to talk less and work more,” he said, underscoring his preference for results-driven governance. Talking to reporters shortly after taking charge of the Planning Ministry, Amir Khosru made it clear that his approach would be centred on action and careful assessment rather than immediate public pronouncements. Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one He stressed that he had only just assumed office and needed time to review ongoing programmes and consult officials before outlining detailed plans.  “I have just arrived. There is no benefit in speaking too much in advance. Let me settle down, review the situation and speak with officials. In due time, everything will be communicated.” The minister, who is also in charge of the Finance Ministry, said he had assumed responsibility only days earlier and was still in the process of understanding the scope of his ministry’s workload, existing commitments and institutional challenges. He emphasised the importance of making informed and evidence-based decisions rather than offering speculative remarks. “I have just entered the office. It is important to review everything carefully and hold discussions with the officials. After proper review, it will be easier to present objective and substantive statements,” he said. Responding to vollies questions about his plans and priorities, including long-term economic targets such as transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the minister refrained from offering immediate specifics. Instead, he reiterated that any meaningful policy direction would emerge only after thorough evaluation. The minister assured that transparency and timely communication would be maintained once the review process was complete. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru “There is no reason for concern. Everything will be shared in due course,” he said. “It is important to settle down first, review the situation and then speak based on facts.” Amir Khosru also responded cautiously when asked about concerns over overcosted or delayed development projects, which have been a longstanding issue in the country’s public investment landscape. He said such matters were already part of an ongoing administrative process and would be addressed through proper institutional mechanisms. “All issues are in process. It has only been two days since I assumed office. These matters require careful review and discussions. After reviewing everything, we will speak in a more substantive manner,” he said. The minister stressed that making statements without adequate assessment could lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions, and reiterated his commitment to providing fact-based information once internal evaluations were completed. “For the sake of saying something, I do not think that is appropriate. What is needed is objective and substantive statements,” he added. The Planning Ministry plays a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s development agenda, including approving and monitoring projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), formulating five-year plans and coordinating long-term national economic strategies. The minister’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh is pursuing ambitious economic goals, including sustaining high growth, improving project efficiency and strengthening institutional capacity to support long-term development.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Friday warned that the government will take strict action against extortionists, regardless of their political affiliation. “No compromise will be made to anyone involved in extortion or crime, and strict action will be taken against them, no matter which party they belong to,” he said on Saturday at a views-exchange meeting at Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner’s office. Tuku said the government is committed to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s emphasis on youth participation in the cabinet, he said young leaders will now play a greater role than elders in bringing qualitative changes to the country. He urged officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency and dedication, stressing that people want to see results, not just words. The minister said every ministry and department has been instructed to implement a 180-day development programme. “My ministry is adopting 180 programmes. All district departments should prepare and submit their own 180-day plans,” he said. Tuku also called for quick steps to deliver on election promises, maintaining the quality of development activities, and working  collectively to create a truly development-oriented society by moving beyond traditional methods.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night said Ekushey had remained confined under a fascist regime, but this time it is free, creating an opportunity to build a just and discrimination-free democratic Bangladesh. “Ekushey had long remained restricted under a fascist rule, but this time it is free. That is why our feelings are somewhat different today as after the election a newly elected BNP government has been formed under the leadership of Tarique Rahman,” he said. PM Tarique pays tributes to Language Movement martyrs Fakhrul, also Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister, made the remarks at the Central Shaheed Minar before paying tributes to the language martyrs, marking .Amar Ekushey’—the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibosh. He said public expectations from the new government have grown immensely following the restoration of democracy. “We expect to fulfil people’s aspirations in the coming days by building a truly democratic society in Bangladesh based on justice under a democratic government,” Fakhrul said. He said the core spirit of Ekushey was to build a discrimination-free society and state in Bangladesh. “On the basis of that spirit we will move forward in the coming days. We believe that with the inspiration of this new Ekushey we will be able to work for people’s welfare, enrich our mother language and culture, and consolidate the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul added.

Video footage captured by closed-circuit cameras at the polling stations of the recent general election and referendum would be preserved at the offices of assistant returning officers. The Election Commission has taken the decision to preserve the video footage of two days – the day before the voting and the voting day— with a view to using these as documents. The Commission on Thursday issued the directives to the 69 returning officers -– two divisional commissioners (Dhaka and Chattogram), three regional election officers (Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna) and 64 Districts’ deputy commissioners—to store the video footage. The EC in a letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain asked the returning officers to preserve the video footage at the office of the assistant returning officers concerned. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum were held at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country on February 12 last. Some 90 percent of the polling stations were under CC camera surveillance. Bangladesh election credible, genuinely competitive: EU Chief Observer On February 13 last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. So, the BNP-led electoral alliance sealed victory in a total of 212 constituencies, while the Jamaat-led electoral alliance won in 77 constituencies.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday greeted the nation on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on Muslims to embrace the values of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. In a message on his Facebook page, he said the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived once again, offering an opportunity for spiritual purification and self-restrain. He urged the country’s Muslim community to learn, uphold and practise the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed during this sacred month and to work together to build a society based on justice and compassion. Refusal to take reform oath disrespects ‘July’: Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed the hope that Ramadan would cleanse people of wrongdoings and moral lapses and inspire them to refrain from all forms of transgression. He also called upon people to extend support and kindness to the poor and underprivileged during the month of fasting. Seeking divine mercy for the country, he prayed for peace and stability and expressed the hope that the nation would move forward in line with the aspirations of its people. He conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of Ramadan.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s economic policy must be people-centred and inclusive, stressing the need to create equal opportunities for citizens from all walks of life to participate in economic activities. He made the remarks while speaking at a reception ceremony for newly appointed ministerial colleagues at the conference room of the ministry. The finance minister said the country must build an economy where participation from every segment of society is ensured, as broader engagement would help bring meaningful changes to the overall economic landscape. Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one “A level playing field must exist in the economy so that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from growth,” he said. Referring to the changing public mindset after August 5, he said economic policies and activities must align with the evolving expectations of people. As a first step, he emphasised the need to address the poor condition of state institutions. “Our priority should be to recover institutions and strengthen them,” he said. He said that professionalism, transparency and efficiency must be restored across public bodies to ensure effective governance and sustainable economic progress. The minister also underscored the need to move away from a patronage-based economic model towards a more democratic and participatory one. To achieve this, he called for deregulation and liberalisation, alongside efforts to diversify the economy beyond a narrow dependence on manufacturing. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru He said sectors such as sports, culture and other professions should be integrated into economic planning to create wider opportunities and generate new sources of income. Giving an example, he referred to the traditional ‘shital pati’ (woven mat) produced in Barishal, which usually sells for Tk600 to Tk700. If artisans are provided with training, access to credit and online marketing facilities, they could develop new designs and produce a variety of products, potentially creating a large market and boosting their incomes, he noted. At the event, Khasru said the country’s economic framework should be developed in line with the 31-point programme of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, calling for the establishment of a democratic economic system that ensures fairness and inclusivity. The finance minister sought cooperation from officials at all levels to move the country’s economy forward and implement reforms effectively. Among others present at the programme were Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur and Finance Division Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and secretaries and senior officials from various divisions of the Ministry of Finance.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council is tantamount to dishonouring ‘July 2024’. “We believe that not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council amounts to insulting July. It is because of July that this election was held and Mr. Tarique Rahman became the Prime Minister, and I became the Opposition Leader. Without July, could we have reached this position” he said.

National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam has criticised the appointment of National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman as Foreign Minister in the newly formed BNP government, saying it casts doubt on the impartiality of the national election and the interim administration. Talking to reporters after taking oath as Member of Parliament, Nahid said Khalilur’s appointment in the cabinet of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) substantiates long -tanding allegations of ‘election engineering’. “For the sake of neutrality, student advisers were asked to resign and they did so. But Khalilur Rahman joining the BNP cabinet proves that he had been working for a particular party while serving in the interim government,” Nahid said. Nahid alleged that BNP secured a two-thirds majority by strategically defeating his party in several constituencies. “This has now created an opportunity for them to complicate the constitutional reform process.” Referring to the oath-taking ceremony, Nahid said members were scheduled to take oath as part of the Constitutional Reform Council at the same venue and before the same authority immediately after being sworn in as MPs. BNP lawmakers, however, declined to take that oath, arguing that the Constitution does not provide a legal basis for such a council. “This is tantamount to disregarding the mandate of the referendum. The July Charter clearly mentions the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council. By signing that charter and now refusing to take oath, the government has broken its commitment on the very first day,” Nahid claimed. He warned that BNP’s refusal to join the reform council has created fresh legal complications, as the July Charter provides the basis for both the council and the referendum’s legitimacy. Nahid urged BNP MPs to take oath in the Constitutional Reform Council without delay to resolve the crisis.

The BNP-led new government officially began its journey on Tuesday under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman, marking the BNP’s return to power after nearly two decades following a landslide victory in the 13th national election. Among the 50-member cabinet, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister, followed by the ministers and state ministers, at a ceremony held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex in the afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister With this, Tarique became Bangladesh’s 11th Prime Minister in the country’s renewed democratic journey after the 2024 uprising, while the BNP assumed state power again after over 19 years. Breaking with long-standing tradition, the oath-taking ceremony was held at the parliament complex instead of Bangabhaban. The programme began with the national anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran. In last Thursday’s national election, the BNP won 209 seats, while its alliance partners secured three more. Nearly 150 of the winning candidates were elected to parliament for the first time. Leaders and representatives from several countries attended the ceremony, alongside outgoing interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, the Chief Justice, Election Commission officials, senior political leaders, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, journalists, and high-ranking civil and military officials. Diplomatic sources said leaders from 13 countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan—were invited to attend the ceremony. Among the guests, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented New Delhi. Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at 3:58 pm with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. President Mohammed Shahabuddin came to the venue a few minutes later, and the formal proceedings began. The President first administered the oath and secrecy pledge to Tarique as the Prime Minister of the new government. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister After congratulating the new Prime Minister, the names of cabinet members were announced. The President then administered the oath and secrecy pledge to the ministers, followed by the state ministers, concluding the ceremony. Cabinet Composition Apart from Tarique, the new government includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, with a strong presence of new faces. Among the ministers, 16 are serving for the first time, including the Prime Minister himself, who had never previously been a minister, state minister, or MP. Nine ministers have prior cabinet experience from previous BNP governments led by Khaleda Zia. In contrast, all 24 state ministers are first-time office holders. Overall, 41 members of the government have never served in ministerial roles before, reflecting Tarique Rahman’s plan to combine new leadership with experienced figures. Several senior BNP leaders, including standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Selima Rahman, were not included in the cabinet. BPP elects Tarique as Leader of the House However, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Ismail Zabiullah, and Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir have been appointed advisers to the Prime Minister with the status of ministers. Besides them, Humayun Kabir, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam, Dr Zahedur Rahman, Dr Mahdi Amin, and Rehan Asif Asad have been appointed as advisers with the status of state ministers. A major surprise in Tarique Rahman’s cabinet is Khalilur Rahman, who previously served as the interim government’s National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya issue. Though not an MP, he will serve as a technocrat Foreign Minister. Another technocrat minister is Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin, former general secretary of Comilla BNP, who will also take office. Former footballer and BNP sports secretary Aminul Haque has been appointed technocrat State Minister for Sports. Both are first-time ministers, bringing expertise and fresh faces to the cabinet. The formation of the new government follows the BNP’s decisive electoral victory and signals a major political shift after two decades. Tarique Rahman appears to be prioritising generational change, administrative renewal, and broader political inclusion through a cabinet dominated by newcomers but supported by experienced politicians. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12. Out of 300 seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the results of two seats have been suspended, while election in one seat was cancelled following the death of a candidate. After winning the election, Tarique Rahman also met the chiefs of three opposition parties—including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, sending out a message of positive politics. During the meetings, he also sought cooperation from the opposition parties in governing the country.