United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday encouraged young people to devote greater attention to research and science-based innovation while congratulating a team of Bangladeshi students set to represent the country at the RoboSub 2026 in the United States. He made the remarks during an interaction with students from Dhaka Residential Model College at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban before their departure for the international competition representing Bangladesh. The students showcased their project, Project Poseidon's Code, and briefed the Prime Minister on the initiative. Tarique Rahman interacted warmly with the team and learned about their innovation. Project Poseidon's Code is described as Bangladesh's first underwater robotics initiative. It was launched by Dhaka Residential Model College and is currently being developed in collaboration with the United International University’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. During the meeting, the Prime Minister urged the students to pursue research and science-driven innovation with greater dedication, saying such initiatives will be among the key drivers of Bangladesh's future progress. He also congratulated the team on earning the opportunity to represent Bangladesh at an international competition and thanked them for bringing recognition to the country. Tarique Rahman said the government remains committed to providing the necessary support and opportunities to foster innovation and other creative initiatives. Assuring the students of his support for their project, the Prime Minister urged them to continue their work with dedication, perseverance and self-confidence. He also expressed hope that their success will further enhance Bangladesh's image on the global stage. Later, Tarique Rahman presented the students with copies of his book, Sobar Age Bangladesh (Bangladesh First), as a token of encouragement. State Minister for Housing and Public Works Zakaria Taher, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit and Dhaka Residential Model College Principal Brig Gen Dr Mohammed Zaber Hossain were also present at the meeting. The Bangladeshi team is scheduled to compete in RoboSub 2026, to be held in Irvine from July 11 to 16. The Bangladesh team include Director and Team Leader Arkoprotik Acharya, and members Ishtiaque Ahmad Eyamin, Aranya Abeer Khan Prapya, Mohaimen Ul Haque, M Adiyat Yeamim Rayan and Syed Faheem Hassan.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to embrace the humanistic ideals of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, saying the government is committed to building an inclusive society where people of all faiths can live safely and peacefully, and animals are protected from cruelty. "The present government is working to build such a state and society where every person, irrespective of religion or race, can live safely and without fear. Not only the safety of human beings, let’s also ensure that no animal falls victim to human cruelty,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the year-long “Nazrul Year 2026-27 Celebrations” from the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The programme was simultaneously launched in all 64 districts and 74 selected upazilas through a virtual platform. He said the wisdom and literary works of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam have become even more relevant in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement. Tarique said although artificial intelligence has opened new doors to knowledge it has also created risks of moral decline for younger generations. Nazrul's poems, songs and writings rich in ethical values and humanity can serve as a guiding light for the country's youth, the Prime Minister said. "That is why discussions on Nazrul should not remain within the four walls of ministries or government offices. His literary works and philosophy of life and vision should reach every household across the country.” The Prime Minister said Nazrul's writings inspired the nation during the Liberation War and continued to serve as a powerful source of resistance and protest in different democratic movements. "He is not only a part of our history as he remains relevant to today's generation and will continue to inspire future generations," Tarique said.  He also referred to Nazrul's poem Abhoy Sundar, saying the poet himself had envisioned future generations carrying forward his ideals. Calling the national poet the "soul of Bangladesh", Tarique said Nazrul's ideals of equality, humanity and communal harmony remain highly relevant at a time when attempts are being made to divide people for narrow political interests. Bangladeshnews subscription Quoting Nazrul's famous lines, "Gahi Samyer Gaan... Jekhane mishese Hindu, Bouddha, Muslim, Christian", he said Bangladesh's enduring strength lies in people of all faiths living together in harmony. "Even if evil forces try to create division and conflict for their own political interests, living together peacefully has always been the timeless value of the people of Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said. He stressed the need to spread the poet's life, philosophy and literary legacy from one generation to the next. The Prime Minister said the year-long celebration would include literary conferences, research seminars, cultural festivals, Nazrul music performances, publications, theatre festivals and art exhibitions to bring the National Poet's works closer to people. He underscored the importance of using digital platforms to preserve and promote Nazrul's literature and music internationally. "This inauguration itself is being held digitally. In the same way, digital platforms offer us the opportunity to preserve his literary works and songs and introduce them to a wider global audience," the Prime Minister said. Tarique called upon members of the National Nazrul Year Celebration Committee, Nazrul researchers and educational institutions to ensure active participation in programmes throughout the year. Expressing confidence that the celebration would lead to a renewed appreciation of Nazrul's works at home and abroad, the Prime Minister formally declared the inauguration of the year-long Nazrul Year 2026-27 programme. He said the government has declared the period from May 25, 2026 to May 25, 2027 as Nazrul Year to strengthen the bond between the National Poet and the younger generation. Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled six commemorative postage stamps and the official logo marking Nazrul Year 2026-27. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, senior government officials, Nazrul researchers and cultural personalities attended the programme. Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers joined the event virtually from across the country.

Seeking deeper cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management, China has decided to provide support within its capacity to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). The Chinese side will also support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study of the project and relevant work, according to a joint statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.  The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in such areas as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, and river dredging, and related technology sharing. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs. The 15-point joint communiqué between China and Bangladesh was issued in the afternoon.  Bangladesh commended China’s constructive role in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.  The Chinese side commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance to those people, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations.  China will continue to facilitate this process to the best of its capabilities. During the visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation documents in sectors including development cooperation, human resources cooperation, agriculture, education, trade and investment and media cooperation. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the government and the people of of China for the warm and friendly reception extended to him and his delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. At the invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, paid an official visit to China from June 22 to 26, 2026 and attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 (Summer Davos) in Dalian, China. During the visit, Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, met with Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of Bangladesh.  Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, held talks with Tarique Rahman.  Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, had a meeting with Prime Minister Rahman.  The two sides conducted an in-depth exchange of views on China-Bangladesh relations, and international and regional affairs of common interest and reached a broad consensus. China will continue to support Bangladesh to the best of its capacity in advancing the economic and social development of Bangladesh. China will strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, e-commerce, industrial and supply chains, and investment, in order to upgrade its export capacity and jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, according to the joint statement.  Bangladesh appreciated China for the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, and will foster a favorable environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh.  The two sides to jointly advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as connectivity, scientific and technological innovation, information and communications, green energy, photovoltaic technology, disaster prevention and mitigation, and addressing climate change.  Both sides agreed to explore newer options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between China and Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to deepen defense cooperation including exchanges, visits and training. Both sides agreed to maintain mutual understanding and engagement on U.N. peacekeeping affairs. The two sides commended the successful commemoration of the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.  They agreed to deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in such areas as media, think tanks, education, films, publishing, youth, sports and culture.  The two sides will strengthen cooperation in human resources development and support closer cooperation between universities and vocational colleges. China will continue to provide   The two sides agreed to deepen practical cooperation in such areas as public health and traditional medicine.  Bangladesh welcomed and appreciated Chinese cooperation at subnational levels such as Yunnan Province in medical and health care. Bangladesh appreciated and supported the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the series of Global Initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and stood ready to carry out cooperation with China.  China supported Bangladesh in playing a greater role in multilateral institutions such as the U.N., and supported Bangladesh to participate in the BRICS and the application of Bangladesh to become the partner of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.  The two sides expressed readiness to continue promoting multilateral cooperation in the region and welcome more countries in the region to join in the process. Both sides agreed to firmly safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, and continue efforts to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Both sides agreed that it is essential to firmly uphold the outcomes of the victory of World War II and oppose any attempts for fascistic and militaristic revival.  The two sides expressed support for the postwar international order established by the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and other international legal documents including the U.N. Charter. The two sides shared the view that since the inception of their diplomatic relations in 1975, China and Bangladesh have continuously cemented their political mutual trust, strengthened traditional friendship, and carried out fruitful pragmatic cooperation, and their bilateral relations enjoy promising prospects.  The Chinese side congratulated Bangladesh for smoothly holding a general election in February 2026, expressed support for the governance of the new government of Bangladesh, and acknowledged that the new government of Bangladesh implemented the “Bangladesh Before All” policy.  The Bangladeshi side believed that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will bring important development opportunities to Bangladesh.  Both sides agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to jointly build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, to bring about more benefits to the two countries and peoples. The two sides agreed to keep the momentum of high-level interactions, increase exchanges of governance experience, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between governments, legislative bodies and political parties.  The two sides agreed to set up a mechanism for strategic dialogue between foreign ministers.  The two sides agreed to explore “2+2” dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defense. The two sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.  They stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no question or challenge.  Bangladesh reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, and recognised that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.  Bangladesh resolutely opposed any form of “Taiwan independence”, firmly supported efforts of the Chinese government in achieving national reunification.  China reaffirmed its policy of good neighborliness toward all people of Bangladesh, firmly supported Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respected the choice of the people of Bangladesh for an independent development path suited to their national conditions. The two sides agreed to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and work together to realize their goals of modernization.  China will pursue greater synergy with Bangladesh on development plans, promote both major signature projects and “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, and continue to support Bangladesh in advancing industrialization and enhancing agricultural modernization and resilience. 

China has proposed the development of an economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to enhance regional connectivity, trade and economic cooperation. The proposal came during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday morning, said Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mahdi Amin said the two leaders held detailed discussions on connectivity. "President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed connectivity in detail. A proposal was made on how an economic corridor could be developed linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and China," he said. The PMO spokesperson said the proposed corridor aims to expand Bangladesh's economy, increase economic transactions and strengthen multimodal transportation across the region. He said the initiative could create new opportunities for regional trade, investment and connectivity. Mahdi Amin, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said China also expressed interest in further modernising Chattogram Port. "We want to work on modernising the port and transforming it into a regional hub that will serve not only Bangladesh but also other countries," he said. At the same time, China expressed interest in upgrading Mongla Port and making it more progressive and service-oriented, the adviser said. “We discussed these issues during the meeting." People-to-People RelationsMahdi Amin said Bangladesh wants to strengthen people-to-people ties with China as part of the broader bilateral relationship. "We want to enhance people-to-people relations through cooperation in culture, media, technology, knowledge transfer and employment generation," he said. "There are areas relating to heritage, information and technology. In every sector, we want to deepen relations between the people of the two countries, and the two leaders discussed these issues," PMO spokesperson said. He said Mandarin is already being prioritised as a third language in Bangladesh's education system, while technical and vocational education is also receiving greater emphasis. "In both areas, China is willing to support Bangladesh by sharing its own experience. China will provide teachers and infrastructural support for Chinese language education," he added. Visa Processing for Medical TreatmentMahdi Amin said China also expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh in the healthcare sector. "They are interested in helping Bangladesh introduce advanced medical services, including robotic surgery, hospital establishment and other modern healthcare facilities," he said. "Many Bangladeshis travel abroad for medical treatment. China is willing to facilitate easier visa processing and extend other support to those seeking treatment there," the PMO spokesperson added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a rare one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. The private meeting took place following their official bilateral talks in the morning, said Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir. While briefing reporters, he described the meeting as "unprecedented", saying it reflected the importance China attaches to both Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Bangladesh. "This is an unprecedented event. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a one-on-one meeting with His Excellency Chinese President Xi Jinping.” According to the adviser, the two leaders first held formal bilateral talks with their respective delegations, during which they discussed a wide range of issues relating to Bangladesh-China relations. Following the official meeting, President Xi and Prime Minister Tarique held a separate private meeting, a move Humaiun Kobir described as highly significant. "This is truly unprecedented. After the formal meeting attended by members of the delegation, the two leaders met separately in a one-on-one session," he said. "The private meeting demonstrates the importance the Chinese President and the Chinese government attach to our Prime Minister and to Bangladesh," the adviser added. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met President Xi at the Great Hall of the People at 10:45am local time on the final day of his four-day official visit to China. The official bilateral meeting lasted about 50 minutes, after which the two leaders held the private one-on-one talks.

A red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night on his maiden overseas visit after assuming office, at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. A special Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and the accompanying delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8:45pm local time (6:45pm Bangladesh time). At the exclusive VVIP terminal Bunga Raya Complex, the Prime Minister was received by Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan and his wife. A little girl presented a bouquet to Zubaida Rahman at that time. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury and Deputy High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monica were also present. A red-carpet reception and a static guard of honour were accorded to the Prime Minister at the airport. A ceremonial motorcade with a 50-minute ride on road is taking him to Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where he will stay during the visit.  

Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15-17 bilateral instruments during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to the East Asian country, as the leaders of the two nations plan to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues and elevate their ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ to a new height. The instruments may include 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one action plan and one protocol, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. There is likely to be a certain level of financial support allocated for projects in Bangladesh during the visit, a diplomatic source told UNB. The Prime Minister will visit China from June 23 to 26 at the invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The bilateral instruments will be signed in the presence of the two leaders following their bilateral meeting on June 25 in Beijing.The Prime Minister will also attend a state banquet hosted in his honour by his Chinese counterpart. Apart from the bilateral meeting with the Chinese Premier on June 25, Prime Minister Tarique will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26. He is scheduled to return home on Friday night. There will be discussions on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), the Foreign Secretary said. Four Global Initiatives Asked about Dhaka’s position on the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh is considering the initiatives positively and that further decisions may become clear following the visit. The Chinese President has put forward four global initiatives - the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) - as responses to contemporary global challenges. The Foreign Secretary said the size of the Prime Minister’s delegation to China has been kept relatively small, comprising 28 members. “We tried to keep it at a logical level,” he said. He said the current government is pursuing an independent and balanced foreign policy guided by the principle of ‘Bangladesh First’. Since assuming office, the Prime Minister has maintained close contact with heads of state and government from various countries and has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to safeguard Bangladesh’s interests, the Foreign Secretary said. “As part of these efforts, the Prime Minister will visit Malaysia on June 21-22 and China on June 23-26,” the Foreign Secretary said. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is organising an investment summit titled ‘Bangladesh Investment Forum’, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will deliver a speech highlighting Bangladesh’s investment climate and potential before Chinese business leaders and invite greater investment in the country. “The visit is expected to take the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ to a new height and open new horizons of cooperation between the two countries,” the Foreign Secretary said. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s twin visits to Malaysia and China, beginning on Sunday, represent a strategic diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attracting foreign investment and enhancing connectivity. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday afternoon at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Foreign Secretary said. From Kuala Lumpur, he will depart for China on Monday afternoon. This will be the first overseas visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman since his government assumed office in February this year. Summer Davos Forum During his official visit to China, the Prime Minister will attend the World Economic Forum’s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the 2026 Summer Davos Forum.The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions will be held in the port city of Dalian, in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, from June 23 to 25, organisers announced earlier this week. More than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions are expected to attend the meeting, and preparations for the event are largely complete, according to an event spokesperson. This year’s meeting, themed “Innovating at Scale,” will feature discussions on topics including the next phase of China’s economic trajectory and ways to translate technological advances into tangible economic benefits. Additional Foreign Secretary (Public Diplomacy and Other Priority Matters) AKM Shahidul Karim and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the media briefing.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government will make all possible efforts to lower or rationalise the Hajj package prices for 2027 as part of its plan to develop an affordable Hajj system. “The government has a plan to reduce the cost of Hajj in the future. In our election manifesto it has been pledged to develop an affordable, accessible, humane and expatriate-friendly Hajj system for religious citizens. State and diplomatic initiatives will be taken to reduce the cost of performing Hajj,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while replying to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Salah Uddin (Gazipur-4) in Parliament. He said Hajj is managed through a bilateral arrangement between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh government with expenses divided into two components. Tarique Rahman said the three-fourths of the total cost is  determined by the Saudi authorities, while the remaining one-fourth of the expenditure is incurred in Bangladesh, mainly covering airfares and other local expenses. He said the minimum Hajj package for 2026 was fixed at Tk 467,167, including the cost of Qurbani. Of the amount, Tk 300,797 was spent on the Saudi Arabia portion while the rest was spent in Bangladesh  including Tk 154,830 for airfare. The PM said the minimum Hajj package in 2025 was Tk 478,242, but it was reduced by Tk 11,075 for 2026, allowing pilgrims to benefit from the decrease. “Considering the global situation and the expenses announced for the Saudi segment, the government will make every effort to reduce or rationalise the Hajj package prices for 2027 for the benefit of common religious Muslims,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at Sreemangal in Moulvibazar on Wednesday afternoon to distribute Family Cards among local residents. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman reached the Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal at 1:03pm. Earlier, he left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhak at around 9:38am and arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at approximately 10:20am. Political leaders from the Sylhet division and senior government officials welcomed the Prime Minister at Osmani International Airport. After exchanging greetings with the leaders present, he travelled by road to Moulvibazar. At the Victoria High School ground, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a Family Cards distribution programme. Under the initiative, 155 families from Ward No. 1 of Mirzapur Union in Sreemangal upazila will receive family cards. At 2:30pm, he will attend another Family Cards distribution programme at the Moulvibazar Government High School ground. Later in the afternoon, the Prime Minister will visit DuSai Resort to join a meeting with party leaders before travelling to Sylhet and returning to Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Moulvibazar on Wednesday morning to attend two family card distribution programmes and a political meeting. He arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport from Dhaka at around 10:20am as part of his visit to Moulvibazar, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. Political leaders from Sylhet division and senior government officials stationed in Sylhet received the Prime Minister at the airport. After a brief exchange of greetings with the leaders present, he left for Moulvibazar by road, Rony said. According to the programme schedule, Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a family card distribution programme at the historic Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal at 1:00pm. Under the programme, family cards will be distributed among 155 families in Ward No. 1 of Mirzapur Union in Sreemangal upazila. At 2:30pm, the Prime Minister will attend another family card distribution programme at Moulvibazar Government High School ground, where 152 families in Ward No. 7 of Tengra Union in Rajnagar upazila will receive family cards. Later in the afternoon, he will travel to DuSai Resort to attend a meeting with party leaders before leaving for Sylhet for his return journey to Dhaka. After spending more than one and a half decades in London, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on December 25 last year. He previously visited Moulvibazar during the election campaign on January 22. This is his first visit to the district as Prime Minister since the BNP secured a majority in the national election.