United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the July mass uprising, but stressed that due process must be strictly followed to ensure that no one faces injustice in the name of justice. Speaking at the 'July National Conference-2026, he also called for national unity over revenge, saying the sacrifices made during the July mass uprising and the long anti-autocracy movement should inspire Bangladesh to build a democratic, just and inclusive future rather than deepen divisions. "The state will do its utmost to recognise your sacrifices. At the same time, those responsible for the injustice committed against you and killing your loved ones will face trial under the law," Prime Minister told the families of the July martyrs and those injured during the July mass uprising. He noted that legal proceedings have already been completed in some cases at the lower courts. "But there is one thing I want to say to all of you, and through you to the entire nation—not only to members of my own party, but also to other political parties and to those with no political affiliation who stood with the movement. Just as the autocratic regime committed injustice against crores of people in Bangladesh, we must ensure that no one suffers injustice in the name of justice," Tarique said. The July 24 Martyred Families Society and the central executive committee of Amra July Joddha jointly arranged the conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising and remembering the sacrifices of those who were killed and injured during the movement.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday unveiled a three-volume book titled “Bir Rashtranayak Ziaur Rahman” (Heroic Statesman Ziaur Rahman) featuring the life and contributions of former President Ziaur Rahman. The unveiling ceremony was held at the Prime Minister's Office at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat. Written by researcher and author Kalam Fayezi, the three-volume book highlights Ziaur Rahman's leadership, governance, development philosophy and his multidimensional contributions to the country's national life. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present at the programme.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed hope that work on the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be completed within the scheduled timeframe, enabling its inauguration by December this year. He came up with the optimism when a Japanese delegation, led by Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomaki, met him at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat. The delegation included President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dr Tanaka Akihiko, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress of several JICA-funded development projects in Bangladesh, including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, MRT lines and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Japan also responded positively to Bangladesh's request to increase its energy support package from US$ 312 million to $ 500 million to help address the country's energy needs. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Japanese delegation also informed the Prime Minister that Japan will provide five patrol boats for the Bangladesh Navy.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday discussed a proposed infrastructure project to reduce traffic congestion in the capital through the effective use of circular roads and waterways. The proposal was discussed at a meeting on road management of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat, with the Prime Minister in the chair, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. "The meeting was briefed in detail on how the project could help reduce traffic congestion in the capital," Shiplu said. He said the Prime Minister was also updated on the latest progress of the Inner Circular Ring Road project. Shiplu said the proposed Inner Circular Ring Road in Dhaka will stretch from Gabtoli to Babubazar and from Postogola to Demra. He said construction is currently underway on the Rayerbazar, Hazaribagh and Kamrangirchar sections of the 12-kilometre project. Officials at the meeting said around 45 percent of the work has already been completed. Once completed, they also told the meeting that the ring road will allow traffic travelling between Dhaka and Sylhet, Mawa and Chattogram to bypass the city's inner roads, reducing pressure on the capital's road network and helping ease congestion. The meeting also discussed the potential use of the 110-kilometre circular waterway surrounding Dhaka. Officials said bringing the route into operation will help reduce pressure on the capital's roads by allowing people to travel easily between different parts of the city by waterways. Experts presented the technical aspects of the proposal, saying the water transport system will be environment friendly, energy-efficient and time-saving as the vessels operating on the route will be electric-powered. DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan, Road Transport Secretary Ziaul Haque, Shipping Secretary Md Zakaria, Railways Secretary Fahmidul Islam, BIWTA Chairman Mahidul Islam, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Zahirul Islam, Chief Engineer Nur Azizur Rahman, Additional Chief Engineer Kazi Md Borhan Uddin, Supervising Engineer Mithun Chandra Shil, and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) professors Khan Mahmud Amanat and Md Hadiuzzaman, among others, attended the meeting.

As part of the government's austerity drive, the Ministry of Finance has skipped this year's traditional post-budget dinner for MPs on the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saving around Tk 50 lakh. “The traditional post-budget dinner was cancelled this year following the Prime Minister’s directive as part of the government's austerity measures,” said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the cancellation of this year's post-budget dinner saved the government approximately Tk 50 lakh. Every year, the finance ministry hosts a dinner in the evening of the day when the national budget is passed in Parliament, attended by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, cabinet members, lawmakers, senior government officials and journalists. Rumon said the government has also significantly reduced hospitality expenses at the Prime Minister's Office as part of its austerity drive. He said during the tenure of the previous government, led by Sheikh Hasina, annual spending on hospitality for officials and employees of the Prime Minister's Office totalled around Tk 30-55 crore. The additional press secretary said an additional Tk 10-12 crore was also spent in some years. As an example, he said Tk 30,02,97,335 was spent in this purpose in the 2018-19 fiscal year. Rumon said the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation used to supply food for officials and employees of the Prime Minister's Office. He also said a substantial amount of bills from that period remains unpaid and the current government is clearing those dues in phases. Since Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister, the additional press secretary said hospitality expenditure at the PMO has been sharply reduced. “This month, hospitality expenses for officials and employees of the Prime Minister's Office amounted to Tk 1,100,069,” he said. Rumon also said hospitality expenses for PMO officials and employees during the two Eid programmes held at the State Guest House Jamuna totalled around Tk 90 lakh. Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman spent almost the entire day in Parliament on Tuesday, taking part in the passage of the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year and other legislative business. Rumon said the Prime Minister arrived at Parliament around 9:45am and remained in the House throughout the budget proceedings. "The Prime Minister took part in the voting on the demands for grants and other legislative business," he said. The additional press secretary said Tarique Rahman also carried out official work and signed important files during breaks in the parliamentary proceedings.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described students as the “gamechangers” for future Bangladesh, saying the country's progress in science, innovation, sports and global competitiveness will depend on the younger generation. “You are the gamechangers of Bangladesh. The gamechangers of Bangladesh are sitting in front of me today. You will build Bangladesh and its future. You will lead the country forward and keep it ahead in competition with other nations,” he said. The Prime Minister was addressing the Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing and Tree Plantation Launching Programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. The event, organised by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, brought together students from across the country to showcase their innovative ideas, science projects and creative initiatives. Prime Minister's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was present at the programme. Addressing the students, Tarique Rahman said visiting the exhibition and seeing the projects displayed by young innovators filled him with confidence about the country's future. He recalled attending a school-level sports event at the Army Stadium a few days ago and said the combination of talented young athletes and innovative students convinced him that Bangladesh has a bright future ahead. “When I saw your projects today and remembered the young footballers I met earlier, I felt confident. I thought, yes, we can do it. A country with such talented young people can certainly move forward,” the Prime Minister said. He said the government is investing in education, sports, culture, science and innovation because the future of Bangladesh belongs to today's students. Citing that the young generation is in the centre of the government’s all endeavours, Tarique Rahman said, “We may not be here forever, but you will be here. You will build Bangladesh and lead the country in the future,” he said. He said the government is introducing reforms aimed at helping students develop a wide range of skills so that they can compete successfully with their peers around the world. The Prime Minister said the current government wants students to excel not only in science and technology but also in sports, culture, languages and vocational skills. As part of that effort, he said, schools and colleges will receive greater support for sports competitions, cultural activities and innovation programmes. Tarique Rahman also highlighted plans to strengthen language education, saying students should be encouraged to learn a third language alongside Bangla and English. Knowledge of additional international languages, he said, will create new opportunities for higher education, employment and international engagement.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as a "life-friendly budget", saying it aims to provide relief for people from all walks of life and act as a roadmap for rebuilding the nation while reviving an economy weakened by years of corruption and mismanagement. Joining the general discussion on the proposed budget in Parliament, the Prime Minister also proposed a series of tax concessions and urged the finance minister to withdraw several controversial budget provisions in response to public concerns. PM calls proposed budget a roadmap for nation-rebuilding, equitable development “I would like to name this budget a ‘Jibon Bandhob Budget’ (life-friendly budget). Using our highest wisdom, conscience and knowledge, we have tried to present a budget through which people of all classes and professions can find at least some relief and comfort,” Tarique Rahman said. He also urged lawmakers across party lines to view the proposed budget as a roadmap for nation-rebuilding, saying the government is committed to fostering an inclusive economy, equitable development and a dignified life for all citizens. “This budget should not be seen only as the government's budget. Let us view it as a budget for rebuilding the nation. We want to build a Bangladesh where development is based on fairness, the economy is inclusive, the state is welfare-oriented, and citizens enjoy a safe, dignified and promising life,” the Prime Minister said. He also highlighted the government's efforts to recover assets allegedly siphoned abroad during the previous regime. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has already sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries seeking cooperation in tracing and recovering laundered assets. He said agreements have been finalised under international legal frameworks and several affected banks have signed more than 60 non-disclosure agreements with international asset recovery organisations. Describing the budget as one of the most important instruments of state policy, Tarique Rahman said the government made every effort to place a realistic and practical budget before Parliament. “Whatever budget we present, it is not possible to solve every problem overnight. The realities are difficult. Even then, considering all aspects, we have tried to formulate a budget that would provide at least some relief to people across all classes and professions,” he said. Highlighting the budget's consumer-friendly measures, the Prime Minister said taxes and duties on 61 essential commodities were withdrawn. He said in previous years it was common to see sudden price hikes in daily necessities before and after budget announcements often without any clear justification. “By the grace of Almighty Allah, we did not witness such abnormal increases this time. Through the withdrawal of taxes on essential goods, we believe we have been able to fulfil at least part of our responsibility to the people and provide them with some relief,” the Prime Minister said. He acknowledged that no budget can fully satisfy everyone, but said the government had carefully considered practical realities and competing demands while preparing the fiscal plan. Tarique Rahman also spoke at length about the economic situation inherited by his government when it assumed office on February 17. He said the government took charge of a fragile economy marked by corruption, mismanagement, looting of public resources and policy failures. The Prime Minister said large-scale capital flight, declining investment and soaring inflation had left ordinary people struggling in the years before his government took office. “Thousands of crores of taka were siphoned out of the country. Production and investment had nearly stagnated. Inflation had reached a level that people could feel in their daily lives,” he said. Tarique Rahman also referred to difficulties in the capital market, saying many investors had lost their savings, while foreign exchange reserves had come under severe pressure due to capital flight and wasteful expenditure. He alleged that a number of large-scale projects undertaken by previous administration had become a burden on the nation because they generated little revenue despite being financed through domestic and foreign borrowing. Acknowledging that economic challenges remain, the Prime Minister said the government has no intention of denying the difficulties facing the country. “We do not want to deny the crisis, nor can we afford to do so. That would be foolish.” At the same time, he said the government will not use the challenges as an excuse for inaction. Tarique Rahman expressed confidence that Bangladesh will gradually overcome its economic difficulties and move towards greater stability and growth. He said the budget session itself reflected the country's democratic progress, as lawmakers from different political parties and independent members were able to engage in civilised discussions on issues concerning the nation and its people, crediting the people of Bangladesh for helping create an environment where constructive political dialogue could take place. Tarique Rahman called for national unity to ensure that no form of fascism or authoritarian rule can return to Bangladesh, stating that political differences should not stand in the way of national interests. He also highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The Prime Minister stressed the need for a professional, honest and efficient civil administration, saying better public services require a skilled bureaucracy operating in an environment free from unnecessary political interference. Referring to the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy, he said many political leaders and activists from different parties suffered repression, imprisonment and even lost their lives. “We are indebted to them. That is why we must act more responsibly,” he said. On constitutional and political reforms, the Prime Minister said lawmakers should work together on issues, including constitutional amendments and initiatives linked to the proposed July Charter. “Just as we can work together inside Parliament on constitutional reforms and other issues, we can also build public consensus outside Parliament on important national matters and undertake reform programmes to move the country forward,” he said. Turning to the “Teesta Barrage Master Plan”, the Prime Minister pledged to implement it at any cost, describing it as a national priority and a key step towards ensuring water security, supporting agriculture and improving livelihoods in northern Bangladesh. He said the government is committed to addressing the country's long-standing water management challenges through major investments in rivers, canals and irrigation infrastructure. “On the basis of national priority, this government will implement the Teesta Barrage Master Plan at any cost, InshaAllah,” he said. Tarique Rahman said water remains one of the biggest concerns for people in the northern districts, particularly in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions, where MPs regularly raise issues relating to the Padma and Teesta Rivers. He said ensuring year-round water availability for agriculture is one of the government's key objectives. The Prime Minister announced that the government has already taken steps to construct the Padma Barrage to store excess monsoon water for use during the dry season. “Through the Padma Barrage, we will preserve surplus water during the monsoon so that it can be supplied to farmers and other users throughout the dry months and the rest of the year,” he said. He said Bangladesh has long suffered from the absence of an integrated approach to river management, water conservation, flood control and inter-river connectivity. He noted that many rivers lost navigability over the years, affecting irrigation and water availability in different parts of the country. “I have visited areas where there is water everywhere during the monsoon, yet farmers just a short distance away cannot irrigate their land because of water shortages,” Tarique Rahman said. To address the problem, he said the government has started dredging and re-excavating rivers and canals across the country. The Prime Minister said the government plans to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to improve water flow, irrigation and flood management. He said around 900 kilometres of canals had already been excavated or re-excavated over the past three months. “We have received some complaints in certain areas. We are reviewing those issues and will take further action where necessary,” Tarique Rahman said. Highlighting the government's support for farmers, Tarique recalled that one of its first major decisions after assuming office was to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest. He said around 13 lakh farmers benefited from the move. The Prime Minister also said the government has introducing a special Farmers' Card to provide direct support and benefits for cultivators. Under the programme, about 43 lakh farmers are expected to receive financial assistance and at least 10 additional services during FY27, he said. Tarique Rahman also highlighted efforts to create employment opportunities for young people, improve skills development and expand overseas job markets for Bangladeshi workers. He said the government is working to send more skilled workers abroad and strengthen support services for expatriate Bangladeshis. As part of that effort, the Prime Minister said the government is developing a “Probashi Card” to help expatriates access various services and reduce the difficulties they face while living overseas. He also underscored the importance of energy security, saying a reliable energy supply was essential not only for economic growth but also for national security. Tarique Rahman criticised what he described as years of corruption, poor planning and neglect in the energy sector, alleging that domestic gas exploration had been overlooked while excessive dependence was placed on foreign companies. He said the government is now focusing on energy diversification, domestic gas exploration, renewable energy and greater energy efficiency to reduce dependence on imported fuel. “The recent crisis in the Middle East has once again shown how vulnerable import-dependent energy systems can be,” he said. The Prime Minister also said the government's broader goal is to build a stronger and more resilient economy capable of supporting Bangladesh's long-term development ambitions. He later turned to education, saying an educated and morally grounded population was the country's greatest asset. Tarique Rahman alleged that the education system has been systematically weakened during the previous regime and stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to prepare future generations for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister proposed raising the income tax-free threshold for individual taxpayers over the next five fiscal years and urged the finance minister to withdraw several controversial provisions in the proposed national budget in response to public concerns. He proposed setting the tax-free threshold at Tk 400,000 for FY27 and FY28, Tk 450,000 for FY29 and FY30, and Tk 500,000 for FY31. The budget had proposed thresholds of Tk 375,000, Tk 400,000 and Tk 450,000 respectively for those periods. Referring to the proposed provision relating to the disclosure of investments, Tarique Rahman said it has generated widespread public concern and misunderstanding. He explained that the proposal had originally been intended to spare taxpayers from complications arising because many land transactions are registered at mouza values rather than actual market prices. "Unfortunately, some people have interpreted it as an opportunity to legalise undisclosed money," the Prime Minister said, requesting the finance minister to withdraw the provision respecting public opinion. He also called for the withdrawal of two other proposed measures that have created confusion among the public – making the submission of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates mandatory for opening most bank accounts and for the registration of partition deeds and property mutations. Tarique Rahman proposed reducing the income tax rate for private universities from the existing 10 percent to 5 percent. He also sought an expansion of tax exemptions for indigenous communities in the three hill districts as well as plain land, proposing that salary income, along with income from business, agriculture and other economic activities, be exempt from tax. To boost shrimp farming and exports, the Prime Minister proposed withdrawing customs duties, regulatory duties, supplementary duties and VAT on imported shrimp feed, probiotics, vitamins, minerals and other essential inputs, as well as on necessary machinery. He called for duty concessions on imported raw materials used by local industries and requested the complete withdrawal of the 10 percent supplementary duty on imported honey used by pharmaceutical and other manufacturing industries. Tarique Rahman also proposed reducing the proposed 10 percent import duty on PVC and PET resin, widely used as industrial raw materials, to 5 percent. He urged the withdrawal of proposed regulatory duties on imported cold-rolled sheets used in fire door manufacturing, coated chromium oxide used in flat steel products, and refined copper wire used by electrical cable manufacturers. The Prime Minister further proposed abolishing the proposed 15 percent VAT and advance tax on imported fire bricks. He requested that the customs duty on unprocessed cashew nuts, imported as raw materials for the cashew nut processing industry, be reduced from 15 percent to 5 percent. Tarique Rahman also requested a review of VAT rates on gold, platinum, diamond and silver jewellery, the complete exemption of the 15 percent VAT applicable to revenue-sharing arrangements with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and full VAT exemption at the supplier level for all fish supplies. To promote domestic automobile manufacturing, he proposed reducing VAT on the local production of double-cabin pickup trucks and microbuses from 15 percent to 5 percent. On June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the national budget for FY2026-27 in Parliament, proposing a Tk 9.38 lakh crore outlay aimed at containing inflation, reducing the cost of living, stimulating investment, strengthening social protection programmes and maintaining fiscal discipline.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday advised students to prepare themselves to work for the welfare of the country and contribute to nation-building in the future. He made the remarks while interacting with a group of students who came to observe the budget session of Parliament, according to a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The Prime Minister spoke to the students during the lunch break of the budget session as he was leaving his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to attend a programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. His wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was also present during the interaction. A total of 45 students from four educational institutions in Madaripur visited Parliament on Monday to watch the budget session. They were waiting in front of the Prime Minister's Office inside the Parliament Complex when Tarique Rahman stopped to speak with them. During the brief exchange, the Prime Minister encouraged the students to focus not only on their studies but also on sports, cultural activities and other creative pursuits. He said participation in such activities will help them develop their talents and prepare themselves to serve the country in the future. “Students should get ready to contribute to country's progress.” The students expressed their excitement during the meeting with the Prime Minister and thanked him for what they described as a memorable experience. The visit was arranged by Madaripur-2 MP Md Jahandar Ali Mia, who facilitated the participation of students from four educational institutions in his constituency. The institutions were United Islamia Government High School, Donovan Government Girls' High School, Rajoir Girls' High School and Takerhat Popular High School and College. Apart from attending the budget session, the students toured different parts of the Parliament Complex and learned about the history, architecture and functions of the Jatiya Sangsad.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged lawmakers across party lines to view the proposed budget as a roadmap for nation-rebuilding, saying the government is committed to fostering an inclusive economy, equitable development and a dignified life for all citizens. “This budget should not be seen only as the government's budget. Let us view it as a budget for rebuilding the nation. We want to build a Bangladesh where development is based on fairness, the economy is inclusive, the state is welfare-oriented, and citizens enjoy a safe, dignified and promising life,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in Parliament. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has no alternative but to rebuild and move forward. Expressing confidence in the country's potential, he said the resilience and capabilities of Bangladeshis provide strong grounds for optimism. “We are people who live among the masses and know their realities. The people of Bangladesh are hardworking. Our youths are talented, our farmers are productive, our expatriates are patriotic and our entrepreneurs are full of potential. Therefore, we have no alternative but to rise again,” the Prime Minister said, drawing repeated desk-thumping from treasury bench lawmakers. He also highlighted the government's efforts to recover assets allegedly siphoned abroad during the previous regime. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has already sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries seeking cooperation in tracing and recovering laundered assets. “The entire Parliament will be pleased to know that the government has already sent 23 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to 13 countries to bring back assets and money smuggled abroad,” he said. The Prime Minister said agreements have been finalised under international legal frameworks and several affected banks have signed more than 60 non-disclosure agreements with international asset recovery organisations. “We will bring back the people's money and assets as much as possible through legal means and international cooperation,” he said. On taxation, Tarique Rahman said the government's objective is not to increase the burden on taxpayers. “The people elected us and entrusted us with the task to govern the country. Increasing the tax burden is not our goal,” he said, adding that the government instead wants to increase revenue by expanding the tax base, reducing harassment and restoring public confidence in governance. “We want to create a revenue ecosystem where taxpayers willingly contribute to development and feel proud to be partners in the country's progress,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the tax system will be made more transparent and modern. He called for national unity to ensure that no form of fascism or authoritarian rule can return to Bangladesh, stating that political differences should not stand in the way of national interests. “On the question of strengthening democratic institutions, we will all remain united, InshaAllah. Let this be our pledge that no fascist or authoritarian rule can ever take root in Bangladesh again and that no one can turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” the Prime Minister said. “We may have differences of opinion, but on restoring the economy, reducing people's suffering, bringing discipline to the financial sector, rebuilding confidence, creating opportunities for farmers, youths, women, expatriates and entrepreneurs, and strengthening democratic institutions, we must remain united,” he said. Acknowledging the high expectations of the people, Tarique Rahman said his government remains committed to fulfilling them through transparency, strong political will and effective policymaking. “There is no benefit of hiding problems. We are committed to overcoming the deep-rooted corruption, irregularities and mismanagement that have weakened the economy,” he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. He said the government expanded the legal aid programme introduced during the government of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and increased budget allocations for the judiciary. Tarique Rahman further proposed an additional Tk 100 crore for the Supreme Court and Tk 500 crore for the Ministry of Law to address accommodation shortages for judges, improve court infrastructure and support judicial development. He also stressed the need for a professional, honest and efficient civil administration, saying better public services require a skilled bureaucracy operating in an environment free from unnecessary political interference. Referring to the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy, the Prime Minister said many political leaders and activists from different parties suffered repression, imprisonment and even lost their lives. “We are indebted to them. That is why we must act more responsibly,” he said. On constitutional and political reforms, the Prime Minister said lawmakers should work together on issues, including constitutional amendments and initiatives linked to the proposed July Charter. “Just as we can work together inside Parliament on constitutional reforms and other issues, we can also build public consensus outside Parliament on important national matters and undertake reform programmes to move the country forward,” he said. He said the country's future depends on responsible political conduct and constructive engagement among all democratic forces. Tarique Rahman said the people elected lawmakers with the expectation that they would uphold democracy, human rights, justice and good governance. He said the government is committed to rebuilding an economy weakened by years of corruption, irregularities and mismanagement. The budget discussion was held with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair. Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman also spoke during the debate before the Prime Minister addressed the House. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury later delivered his winding-up speech on the proposed budget.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged Banglalink authorities to take steps to make smartphones more affordable and consider reducing internet prices further so that digital services become accessible to people from all walks of life. The call came when Augie Fabela, Chairman of VEON, the parent company of Banglalink, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister's Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at around 9:30am. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to make digital services more accessible across the country, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.