United News of 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.

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.

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.

Ten advisers to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman were appointed with the status of ministers and state ministers. The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard on Tuesday. The five advisers who were appointed with the status of minister are Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Md Ismail Zabiullah and Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The five other advisers who were appointed with the status of state ministers are Humayun Kabir, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam, Dr Zahedur Rahman and Dr Mahdi Amin. BNP MPs decline oath as CRC members The gazette notification, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, said they were appointed as the advisers under Rule 3(B) of the Rules of Business, 1996. The order will come into effect soon.

Former national football team captain Aminul Haque has been appointed as the State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the technocrat quota. Aminul, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been active in politics following his retirement from professional sports. His appointment comes after a period of political struggle; during the previous Awami League government, he faced imprisonment and harassment. In the recently concluded 13th National Parliamentary Election, Haque contested from the Dhaka-16 constituency but lost by a narrow margin. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially welcomed the appointment on Tuesday. In a media statement, BCB President Aminul Islam congratulated the new State Minister, noting that his background would be an asset to the administration. "The appointment of a distinguished sports figure like Aminul Haque as State Minister for Youth & Sports is a significant step for Bangladesh," the BCB President said. "Having led the national football team with pride, he understands the realities, challenges, and aspirations of athletes firsthand". While his playing career is highlighted by leading Bangladesh to the 2003 SAFF Championship title, he is now tasked with steering the nation's sports administration as its top guardian.

A festive mood swept across Sirajganj as two BNP lawmakers—an uncle and his nephew—were inducted into the new cabinet as minister and state minister. Party leaders and activists began distributing sweets and exchanging greetings from Tuesday afternoon after reports emerged that the two would be included in the council of ministers. Sources said the duo received phone calls from the Cabinet Division on Tuesday morning to join the new cabinet formed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Child born at polling station in Sirajganj named after Khaleda Zia The two leaders are Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and MP from Sirajganj-2 (Sadar-Kamarkhanda), and his nephew MA Muhit, MP from Sirajganj-6 (Shahjadpur). They were sworn in as Members of Parliament at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the afternoon. Iqbal Hasan took oath as Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources while Muhit was sworn in as State Minister for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Science and Technology. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. Iqbal Hasan earlier served as State Minister for Power during the 2001 four-party alliance government led by Khaleda Zia. He has been elected MP for the third time, including the latest polls. BNP-Jamaat clash in Sirajganj leaves 9 injured Muhit was elected MP for the first time from Sirajganj-6. He is the son of eye specialist Dr. MA Matin, who served as deputy prime minister and health minister during the rule of former president Hussain Muhammad Ershad. General Secretary of Sirajganj district unit BNP, Saidur Rahman Bachchu expressed pride and joy over the appointment of two ministers from the district and extended congratulations on behalf of the residents of Sirajganj.

Miscreants set the house of a local BNP leader on fire by hurling a petrol bomb at Bildumurtala in Sadar upazila of Narail district early Tuesday. Witnesses said miscreants hurled a petrol bomb targeting the house of Humayun Molla, president of Habkhali union unit BNP around 1 am. Family members of Humayun Mollah said they woke up after hearing a loud explosion at about 1:00am and found the house engulfed in flames. Van driver found murdered at house in Narail Valuables including paddy, seasonal crops and household furniture were burnt to ashes in the fire. However, no one was injured. Contacted, the victim's family said the BNP’s nominated candidate carried out the attack as they had worked for rebel candidate Monirul Islam in the Narail-2 constituency during the election. Denying the allegation, Riazul Islam Tinku, former president of Hobkhali Union unit BNP said supporters of the rebel candidate had set the fire as part of a conspiracy to blame their group. He demanded a fair investigation into the incident. Md Oli Mia, Officer-in-Charge of Narail Sadar Police Station said necessary steps would be taken after investigation. Man killed in clash over land dispute in Narail

Six people were injured in a clash between two factions of BNP over establishing supremacy at Chakdah village in Sreepur upazila of Magura district on Monday night. Atowar Rahman, inspector of Sreepur Police Station, said former president of no 1 ward of Gayeshpur union unit BNP Panjab Ali and general secretary of the ward Wahab Mandal had been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy in the area. As a sequel to the enmity, Rocky, a supporter of Panjab Ali was injured in an attack by the supporters of Wahab Mandal on Sunday evening. Woman ‘divorced for voting BNP’ in Feni; husband cites family dispute An altercation was ensued between the supporters of both groups over the issue at Natun Para area around 9:30 pm on Monday, triggering a clash that left six people injured. Twenty houses were vandalised during the melee. On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Police arrested ten people in this connection.