United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended his office at the Secretariat for the third consecutive day on Sunday morning, where he enquired about the punctuality of cabinet members and other officials. PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at 9:05am. “Many were surprised to see the Prime Minister at the office so early,” he added. After reaching his office, Rumon said, the Prime Minister enquired which ministers, state ministers and advisers had already arrived. He also gave verbal instructions that all officials must be present at their offices on time. Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17. The following day, he began working at his Secretariat office and continued there for two days. On Sunday, which was a public holiday, he worked from the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.    

The government will begin providing honorariums to khatibs, imams and muezzins in some areas before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, as part of implementing an election pledge. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Saturday. Talking to reporters at the PMO gate, the Prime Minister’s adviser Mahdi Amin said the government promised monthly honorariums and festival allowances for khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths. “Our election commitments were discussed today. The Prime Minister particularly spoke about the pledge to provide monthly honorariums and festival allowances for respected khatibs, imams and muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths,” he told reporters. “Following the Prime Minister’s directive, a decision has been taken that, InshaAllah, after completing preparations we will gradually start the programme before Eid. In some areas, respected khatibs, imams and muezzins will be given an honorarium, InshaAllah," Mahdi added. He, however, said the amount of the honorarium has not yet been fixed and will be finalised at an inter-ministerial meeting. Mahdi also said the government discussed wider election promises, including creating employment opportunities on merit without discrimination across public and private sectors, entrepreneurship and overseas employment. He said reforms in education, especially technical and vocational training, and policy changes for business and industry were also discussed to help create skilled manpower and faster job opportunities. Earlier, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said Saturday marked the Prime Minister’s third working day in office and that he issued several directives to implement election pledges. PM Tarique begins work at Tejgaon PMO for first time State Minister for Local Government and Cooperatives Shahe Alam and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were also present at the briefing. PMO sources said a meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was first held at the PMO in Tejgaon in the afternoon with the Prime Minister in the chair. Ministers, state ministers and relevant senior officials attended the meeting held at the Cabinet Conference Room of the PMO. Later, another meeting on establishing a cheerful and career-oriented education system, creating employment opportunities, and expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities was also held at the PMO. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting. Ministers, state ministers and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting. The Prime Minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office. Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.

A meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, according to a PMO media release.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday unveiled commemorative postage stamps  marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. He released the stamps in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday began work at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon for the first time after assuming office. He arrived at the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.   

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Wednesday that the newly elected government’s top priority is restoring peace and security through stronger law enforcement and anti-corruption measures, pledging that all citizens, regardless of their vote, will enjoy equal rights. “As the head of government, I would like to draw the attention of the people of the country to one important matter—whether you voted for the BNP, did not vote for it to allow forming the new government, or did not vote at all, you all have equal rights to this government,” he said in a televised address to the nation. Tarique said the BNP government believes that political views, religious beliefs and ideologies may differ, but the state belongs to all. As a citizen of Bangladesh, he said, the rights of all Bangladeshis are also equal. In his first address to the nation, the Prime Minister said the new government has begun its journey amid a fragile economy battered by corruption and misrule during what he described as a period of fascism, along with weak governance structures and a deteriorating law-and-order situation. “Restoring peace and security in the minds of the people by improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is the main priority of our government,” he said. Tarique said the government has identified the spread of gambling and drugs across the country as a major reason behind the deterioration of law and order.  “So, law enforcement agencies are taking all necessary strict measures to control gambling and drugs. The government is making its highest efforts to ensure peace and security in public life.” He said every constitutional, government and non-government institution in the country will run according to established rules and regulations. “The rule of law—not party or political influence or coercion—will be the final word in running the state.” After taking oath as Prime Minister on Tuesday, he first paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Wednesday morning. PM Tarique urges market restraint ahead of Ramadan He then visited the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, worked at the Secretariat, and chaired a Cabinet meeting in the afternoon and continued work until 7:30pm. This was his first address to the nation as Prime Minister. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty Allah, Tarique said the country’s independence and sovereignty have been protected through the sacrifice of thousands of martyrs. He said a new government accountable to the people through their votes has begun its journey in a free Bangladesh, and he extended greetings and sincere congratulations to the nation at the start of what he described as the restoration of democracy and people’s rights. Tarique, also the chairman of BNP, said the opportunity to re-establish people’s rights, dignity and respect has come because of democracy-loving citizens. He said the country belongs to everyone—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, people of all political views, religions and ethnic identities, whether living in the hills or the plains. The Prime Minister said the government wants to turn the country into a safe homeland for every citizen and aims to build a self-reliant, secure, humane and democratic Bangladesh. Market Control Greeting the nation ahead of Ramadan, Tarique said Ramadan is a month of self-purification and that people’s suffering should not increase during this time. “If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people’s suffering during this month,” he said. Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the sacred month as an opportunity for higher profit. He urged businesspeople to remain cautious so that the prices of essential commodities do not go beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister said the current government’s stance towards traders—small, medium or large—is simple and clear, adding that it intends to take necessary steps while protecting the interests of both businesspeople and consumers. Tarique said the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints from stakeholders regarding measures that could help keep the market situation stable and safeguard the interests of buyers and sellers alike. “This government belongs to all—buyers and sellers. This government is yours. You have entrusted it with the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the strength of this government,” he added. Referring to the government’s political mandate, he said the administration assumed office with a commitment to uphold the rights of the people and dismantle mafia syndicates, following the fall of such a syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives. The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in irregularities and corruption in every sector, he said, expressing hope that this pledge would be fulfilled. Ensuring Utilities during Ramadan Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility. About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods. Exercising Austerity Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim’s faith.  Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added. Before calling upon government and private officials and the general public to practise austerity, the Prime Minister said he sought to set an example by encouraging ministers and BNP Members of Parliament to do so first. At the first meeting of the BNP parliamentary party, he said it was decided that no BNP MP will import tax-free cars or take plot allocations using government privileges. Tarique said he earlier promised that if given the opportunity to govern, the BNP would follow the ideals of justice exemplified by the Prophet, adding that these parliamentary decisions reflect that principle. Easing Traffic Congestion He said traffic congestion in divisional cities, especially the capital Dhaka, is almost uncontrollable, causing immense public suffering in daily life. The Prime Minister stressed that without reducing public hardship in various sectors, people will not feel relief. To reduce population pressure in the capital, alternative arrangements are urgently needed, he said, adding that initiatives have been taken to overhaul the nationwide railway system so people can live in their own districts while commuting easily for work and business. “As part of this plan, the activities of the ministries of railways, shipping, roads and bridges are being reorganised and coordinated. We believe that making the railway communication system across the country easy, affordable and safe will not only reduce people’s dependence on city-centred living, but also improve the environment,” Tarique said. Employment and Skills He said although the country faces many problems, it also has great potential. “If the large population can be transformed into skilled human resources, it will become a national asset.” The Prime Minister observed the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence through rapid technological progress, and said people must become skilled in at least one field to survive with dignity and prosperity in this competitive world. PM orders steps to keep prices stable, ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan Addressing millions of students and young people, he said the government is ready to provide all possible support to help them become qualified through knowledge, science and education. Tarique also said the government has begun its journey with a clear commitment to ensuring employment and a proper working environment. Implementing Plans Recalling his earlier statement after returning to the country on 25 December last year, the Prime Minister said he declared, “I have a plan” for the country and its people. Before the national election on 12 February, I travelled to different parts of the country and presented many aspects of my plan to you.” He said voters entrusted the BNP—founded by the proclaimer of independence Ziaur Rahman—with the responsibility of governing and the opportunity to implement those plans. Tarique said the government has already started working to fulfil its promises and seeks continued public support in the days ahead.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged traders to exercise restraint in the market as the holy month of Ramadan is set to begin across the country on Thursday, warning against profiteering that could increase public suffering. In a televised address to the nation at night, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a month of self-purification and stressed that its true spirit must be reflected in economic behaviour as well. “If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people’s suffering during this month,” he said. Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the sacred month as an opportunity for higher profit. He urged businesspeople to remain cautious so that the prices of essential commodities do not go beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister said the current government’s stance towards traders—small, medium or large—is simple and clear, adding that it intends to take necessary steps while protecting the interests of both businesspeople and consumers. Tarique said the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints from stakeholders regarding measures that could help keep the market situation stable and safeguard the interests of buyers and sellers alike. PM orders steps to keep prices stable, ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan “This government belongs to all—buyers and sellers. This government is yours. You have entrusted it with the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the strength of this government,” he added. Referring to the government’s political mandate, he said the administration assumed office with a commitment to uphold the rights of the people and dismantle mafia syndicates, following the fall of such a syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives. The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in irregularities and corruption in every sector, he said, expressing hope that this pledge would be fulfilled. Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility. About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods. Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim’s faith.  Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added. Before calling upon government and private officials and the general public to practise austerity, the Prime Minister said he sought to set an example by encouraging ministers and BNP Members of Parliament to do so first.

A 14-year-old street child was killed after being hit by a bus while collecting bottles on the Hanif flyover in Jatrabari on Thursday evening. The victim was identified as Shakib, son of Nasir Uddin from Rajakhali area of Demra. Witness Abdul Kader, also a street child, said that they were collecting bottles on the flyover when a speeding bus hit Shakib and fled. He was seriously injured and rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 7:30 pm. Youth hacked dead in Jatrabari, another injured Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of DMCH police camp, confirmed the death, quoting doctors. “The body has been kept at the hospital morgue and the matter informed to the concerned police station”, he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, according to a BBC report. Hasina has left the country for Agartala in India via a helicopter, said the report. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is holding meeting with "stakeholders", the report adds. He is scheduled to address the nation at 4:30 pm.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is holding a view-exchange meeting with the Vice-Chancellors of public and private universities, teachers and college principals at Ganabhaban. Student protesters reject PM’s call for dialogue The meeting started at around 8:15 pm, said sources at PM’s press wing. My doors are open for student protesters for talks to resolve their issue: PM Hasina Earlier, Coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced their one-point demand and gave a 24-hour ultimatum to reopen all university halls for students.