United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday said his government will not be deterred by any obstacle in its efforts to rebuild Bangladesh as long as it enjoys the support of the people. "We want to rebuild this country and take it forward. I always say that the source of the BNP's political strength is the people. As long as the people stand by the BNP, the government will not be deterred by any obstacle," he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks during an interaction with women Family Card beneficiaries at Batajor in Gournadi upazila of Barishal. He said the BNP government will continue to move the country forward with the people. "I seek support from people across Bangladesh, regardless of political affiliation, profession or religion, to rebuild the country and take it forward," he said. During the programme, Tarique Rahman invited several Family Card beneficiaries to share their experiences. One beneficiary, Parul Akter, said the card has brought positive changes to her family. "I have benefited greatly from receiving this card. It has helped ease my family's financial hardship," she said, expressing hope that the government will continue such support. Another beneficiary said the monthly support has helped her manage household expenses, buy medicines, continue her children's education and meet other essential needs. Referring to the beneficiaries' remarks, the Prime Minister said he was encouraged to hear that the programme has already made a difference in their lives. "Today we heard from our sisters that the Family Card has, at least to some extent, helped them manage their households better. That is our goal. We want our mothers to live a little better and the people of the country to enjoy a better life," he said. Tarique Rahman said the government's aim is to gradually extend the Family Card programme to every eligible woman across the country. He sought public support to expand the government's Family Card programme across the country as it has already started easing the hardships of low-income families and empowering women. "If the people, especially the women of this country, stand by the BNP government, we will gradually be able to extend the Family Card programme across Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said. He expressed confidence that the programme will bring significant social change by improving women's access to education and strengthening their economic position. Tarique Rahman also reiterated the government's commitment to building an inclusive society. "We want to move forward together in peace with people of all religions. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have lived together peacefully in this country for centuries. We want to preserve that tradition and rebuild the country without discrimination, treating everyone with humanity," he said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and local leaders were present at the programme. After the event, the Prime Minister left for Barishal city, where he is scheduled to inaugurate a tree plantation programme on the bank of the Sagardi Canal near the Thirty Godown Memorial in the City Corporation area.

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said she hopes to contribute to rebuilding Bangladesh and understand the country better by connecting directly with people. She made the remarks in a personal Facebook post in which she shared reflections on her family, roots and journey ahead of her return to Bangladesh. In the post, Zaima recalled her childhood memories with her grandmother, fondly calling her ‘Dadu’, and described Khaleda Zia as a caring and proud family figure despite carrying the responsibilities of leading the nation. “One of my most cherished memories of my Dadu captures her fiercely loving and loyal matriarchal role in our family. When I was around eleven, our high school team won a football tournament. My mother took me straight to Dadu’s office so that I could show her my medal and tell her about it myself. As I animatedly recounted my goalkeeping ‘heroics’, I was keenly aware of how attentive and proud she was. So much so that she would share that childhood story with others,” Zaima said. Read more: Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes She wrote that while millions knew Khaleda Zia as the Prime Minister, to her and her cousins she was first a loving grandmother who always made time for her family and celebrated their small achievements. Zaima said those moments became her first lessons in leadership, humility, sincerity and the importance of listening to others. 'Seventeen years away from Bangladesh have been transformative, but I never forgot to tend to and cultivate my roots. Why? Because we are shaped by what we anchor ourselves to our culture, community, and identity. Like many second and third generation Bangladeshis abroad, I have lived in more than one world. London grounded me and gave me a global perspective, but Bangladesh always remained my focus," she said. Zaima also shared her experience of studying and practising law, saying that working closely with people taught her empathy, integrity and the importance of understanding others, especially those who feel unheard by the justice system. Tarique’s only daughter said she never met her grandfather and late President Ziaur Rahman but grew up learning about his integrity and patriotism, which she said had been carried forward by her grandmother and father. Read more: Those opposed to election also stoking violence, instability: Amir Khosru Referring to the mass uprising and the period following August 5, she said she mostly remained in the background, offering support where she could and trying to ease the burden on her family through small but meaningful actions. Expressing her feelings about returning home, Zaima said she wants to stand beside her grandmother and support her father during the current campaign period. "I hope to give back to my country in whatever ways I can. I want to see Bangladesh be rebuilt and thrive, as it should. I want to rediscover my homeland through my own eyes and lived experiences, to connect with people face to face, because that is the sincerest way to understand another’s perspective, just as I have been taught. Acknowledging public curiosity and expectations surrounding her family, Zaima said she feels that weight herself but sees it as part of her personal journey. “So, this is my journey, told in my own way,” she wrote, adding that if it resonates with others, she hopes they can walk that journey together. Read more: Attacks on institutions threaten restoration of democracy: Rizvi Zaima is scheduled to return to Bangladesh with her father Tarique Rahman on Thursday (December 25), ending their 17-year exile abroad, as they have been living in London since September 2008.