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.

After more than 20 years, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman arrived in Barishal to join a major election rally that signals a renewed push by the opposition party in southern Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman arrived in the coastal city by helicopter from Dhaka on Wednesday, reaching the historic Bells Park ground at around 12:25pm. As he took to the stage, thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters welcomed him with sustained applause, chanting slogans and waving party flags. Standing on the stage, Tarique acknowledged the crowd by waving back, marking a rare and symbolically significant appearance in a region long viewed as politically important but electorally competitive. The Barishal rally is part of a wider election campaign, with the BNP chief expected to travel next to Faridpur to address another public meeting. Crowds gather at Bell’s Park Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s rally in Barishal Party leaders say the programme is aimed at energising grassroots supporters ahead of the upcoming national election. At the Barishal gathering, the BNP chairman will formally introduce candidates from all 21 parliamentary constituencies in the Barishal division, including nominees from BNP and its alliance partners. In Barishal district, the candidates are Zahir Uddin Swapan (Barishal-1), Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed (Barishal-2), Zainul Abedin (Barishal-3), Md Rajib Ahsan (Barishal-4), Md Mujibur Rahman Sarwar (Barishal-5) and Abul Hossain Khan (Barishal-6). For Jhalokathi, Rafiqul Islam Jamal is contesting Jhalokathi-1, while Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto has been named for Jhalokathi-2. In Barguna, Md Nazrul Islam Molla will contest Barguna-1 and Md Nurul Islam Barguna-2. The Patuakhali candidates include Altaf Hossain Chowdhury (Patuakhali-1), Md Shahidul Alam Talukdar (Patuakhali-2), Md Nurul Haque (Patuakhali-3) and ABM Mosharraf Hossain (Patuakhali-4). Tarique to deliver election address on BTV In Pirojpur, the party has nominated Alamgir Hossain (Pirojpur-1), Ahmed Sohel Manzur (Pirojpur-2) and Md Ruhul Amin Dulal (Pirojpur-3). For Bhola, Andaleeve Rahman has been selected for Bhola-1, Md Hafiz Ibrahim for Bhola-2, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram for Bhola-3 and Mohammad Nurul Islam for Bhola-4.