United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday urged people to stand by the helpless and underprivileged on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, sharing the festive happiness with all sections of society. In a message on the occasion of Eid, he greeted the people of the country and expressed hope that Eid-ul-Fitr will further strengthen national unity, mutual harmony and solidarity. “On this joyous day of Eid, let us stand by the helpless, the poor, and the underprivileged, and share the happiness of the festival with everyone. Let this be our commitment,” the Prime Minister said. He urged all to be inspired by the great ideals of Eid and work together to build a humane, developed, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower the joy, mercy and blessings of Eid-ul-Fitr upon all. The Prime Minister also prayed that Allah will guide the country and the nation towards peace, progress and prosperity, and ensure the welfare of the entire Muslim Ummah. He said the true significance of Eid lies in reflecting the lessons of Ramadan in personal, family, social and state life. “Eid calls upon people to forget all divisions of rich and poor, young and old, and to be united in bonds of love and brotherhood.” Tarique said the holy month of Ramadan teaches restraint, sacrifice, service and self-purification.  He also said the month-long fasting helps people develop self-discipline and feel the suffering of others, creating a spirit of compassion and mutual cooperation in society. Noting that Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the two biggest religious festivals for Muslims, the Prime Minister said after a month of fasting and spiritual practice, Eid-ul-Fitr brings messages of joy, peace, harmony and brotherhood to people’s lives. “On the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings and Eid Mubarak to the people of the country and all Muslims around the world,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday inaugurated a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme by cutting soil with a spade at Sahapara canal in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur. The programme was launched at around 12:27pm at Balrampur village under Ramchandrapur union of Kaharol upazila. After reaching the canal bank, the Prime Minister first looked at a map of the canal and then moved forward to cut the soil of the canal. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the excavation of 54 canals across the country by launching the digging of the 12-kilometre Sahapara canal in the district. Later, he planted a tree sapling on the bank of Sahapara canal. The initiative brings back a programme first introduced by BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman who started canal excavation work across the country. After introducing the Family Card programme earlier, the Prime Minister launched the canal revival initiative to fulfil another election pledge made by the BNP ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. Accompanied by ministers and BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman personally began re-excavating the Sahapara canal cutting soil with a spade. By cutting the first soil from the canal, he formally launched the nationwide programme, marking the start of similar activities across the country. By digging the canal with his own hands, the Prime Minister evoked the memory of his father, BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. Nearly five decades ago, he had taken a similar initiative by personally digging canals to improve irrigation and increase agricultural production. Several thousand local people enthusiastically watched as the head of government himself dug the canal, following in the footsteps of his late father. The Prime Minister arrived at Syedpur Airport from Dhaka by air at 10:15am. From there, he travelled by road to the Balrampur Sahapara area in Dinajpur. Leaders and activists stood along both sides of the road to greet him as his motorcade passed. This is Tarique Rahman’s first visit outside the capital since assuming office as Prime Minister on 17 February. He also addressed a public meeting near the canal at Sahapara. The programme was jointly organised by the Water Resources Ministry and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain, among others, spoke at the programme. The Sahapara canal is about 12.2 kilometres long and is connected with the Punarbhaba River. According to local leaders, the canal was first excavated in 1977 by then president Ziaur Rahman with the participation of local villagers and party activists. PM Tarique’s canal re-excavation drive in Dinajpur evokes memories of Zia Speaking to journalists before the inauguration, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister and Dinajpur-6 MP Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said once the entire canal re-excavation is completed, around 31,000 farmers in the region will benefit directly while nearly 350,000 people will gain overall benefits. He said the re-excavation would help solve the area’s waterlogging problem, increase crop production and improve the local economy.

The stage is set in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur for the inauguration of the Sahapara canal re-excavation programme by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. All preparations for the programme have been completed. A banner on the stage reads: “Public gathering marking the inauguration of the re-excavation of Sahapara canal under the nationwide programme for excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals and water bodies.” The programme is being jointly organised by the Water Resources Ministry and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said the Prime Minister will first inaugurate the excavation of the Sahapara canal upon arriving at the venue. After the inauguration, he will go to the stage set up beside the canal and address the gathering. Tight security measures have been taken across Balrampur union ahead of the programme. Members of the police and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed in the area since morning. The Prime Minister left Dhaka on a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at around 9:30am and reached Saidpur Airport at around 10:15am before heading to the programme venue.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reached Saidpur Airport on Monday morning on his way to Dinajpur to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme. The Prime Minister left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:30am on a domestic flight and reached Saidpur Airport around 10:15am, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. From the airport, Rumon said the Prime Minister will travel by road to Balrampur Sahapara area in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur. He said Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the nationwide Canal Excavation and Re-excavation Programme-2026 by re-excavating the Sahapara canal, marking the start of simultaneous activities across the country. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting at Sahapara around 12:30pm. It is Tarique Rahman’s first visit outside the capital since assuming office as Prime Minister on February 17. After introducing the Family Card programme, the government is now launching the canal excavation programme to fulfil another election pledge of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The Prime Minister will offer fateha at the graves of his grandfather Md Iskander Majumder, grandmother Taiba Majumder and aunt Khurshid Jahan Haque at Sheikh Farid Model Graveyard on the outskirts of Dinajpur town. In the evening, he will attend an iftar gathering and a views-exchange meeting with distinguished guests and political leaders at Dinajpur Circuit House at 5:00pm before returning to Dhaka by air at night. Security forces have taken extensive measures ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, while the occasion has created huge enthusiasm among BNP leaders, activists, farmers and people from different walks of life in Dinajpur.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to visit Dinajpur on Monday to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme aimed at improving irrigation, boosting agricultural production and creating rural employment. It will be Tarique Rahman’s first visit outside the capital since assuming office as Prime Minister on February 17. After introducing the Family Card programme, the government is now launching the canal excavation programme to fulfill another election pledge of BNP. Tarique Rahman will arrive at Syedpur Airport at 10:15am from Dhaka by air, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu told UNB on Sunday. From the airport, Shiplu said the Prime Minister will travel by road to Balrampur Sahapara area in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur. He said Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme-2026 by re-excavating the Sahapara canal, marking the start of simultaneous activities across the country. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting at Sahapara around 12:30pm. Later, he will offer fateha at the graves of his grandfather Md Iskander Majumder, grandmother Taiba Majumder and aunt Khurshid Jahan Haque at Sheikh Farid Model Graveyard on the outskirts of Dinajpur town. In the evening, he will attend an iftar gathering and view-exchange meeting with distinguished guests and political leaders at 5:00pm at Dinajpur Circuit House premises before returning to Dhaka by air at night. Security forces have taken extensive measures ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, while preparations including stage construction and other logistical arrangements have already been completed. In the first phase, the canal excavation programme will be implemented in 54 districts across the country. On the same day, ministers, advisers, the chief whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, state ministers, whips and members of parliament will inaugurate similar activities in the remaining districts. The Prime Minister’s visit has stirred enthusiasm among BNP leaders, activists, farmers and people from different walks of life in Dinajpur. Under the government’s plan, about 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals, water bodies and reservoirs will be excavated or re-excavated across the country over the next five years. The initiative is expected to improve irrigation facilities, increase agricultural production and create employment opportunities for rural communities. It will also help increase the use of surface water and reduce dependence on groundwater, contributing to the mitigation of drought, floods and waterlogging in different parts of the country. Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said the canal excavation programme has been undertaken with the aim of building a self-reliant Bangladesh. He said late President Ziaur Rahman earned a special place in the hearts of people by initiating canal excavation programmes during his lifetime, which helped many communities become self-reliant. Describing the government as people-centric, the minister said the Water Resources Ministry would continue to implement projects that benefit the country’s people. He said the government has already taken a 180-day programme as part of the broader plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country within five years. “If canals, ponds and water bodies are excavated and re-excavated, it will bring significant changes to people’s lives and livelihoods while strengthening the irrigation system for agriculture,” he said. Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain said canal excavation and re-excavation was one of the key election pledges of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. As part of fulfilling that commitment and supporting economic growth and a “green revolution,” the Prime Minister will simultaneously inaugurate canal excavation works in 54 areas across the country from Sahapara in Kaharole upazila, he said. The minister noted that many canals originally excavated during the tenure of former President Ziaur Rahman have become silted up over time, while previous governments did not take sufficient steps to restore them. Zahid said re-excavating canals can improve irrigation for farmers, support fisheries, duck farming and tree plantations along canal banks, reduce waterlogging, drain excess rainwater, retain water during dry periods, and increase the use of surface water while reducing dependence on groundwater.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday expressed his determination to build a peaceful and secure Bangladesh through united efforts of people of all religions and warned against any attempt to create division among them. “Today people of all religions are sitting together in one row here. This has been a long-standing tradition of Bangladesh. No one should be allowed to create division among us. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians—we will all work together, Inshallah, to build a peaceful Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a pilot programme under the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium to provide monthly honourariums to imams, muazzins, khatibs and other religious leaders, including priests and Buddhist monastery principals. Tarique Rahman, also the Chairman of BNP, mentioned that the people of all religions in Bangladesh have always lived together in peace. “We want to build a safe state and a secure society for everyone—something that people from all classes and professions desire. Once again, through today’s programme, we take an oath to build our beloved Bangladesh into a country where people of every religion and every profession can live in peace. Together, we will build this country. Let this be our oath and our expectation,” he said. Tarique said he believes every religion carries positive messages for building a morally enriched human society and stressed that people with religious knowledge have a crucial role in promoting religious, social and moral values in society. He said economic prosperity may bring comfort, but virtues such as patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, loyalty, solidarity, tolerance, generosity, friendship, humility, responsibility and compassion can only be cultivated through moral and social values. “Religious leaders have a vital role in fostering this moral and social consciousness.” The Prime Minister said the government’s programme to provide honorariums to khatibs, imams and muazzins has reached its first phase under a pilot scheme. A total of 4,908 mosques, 990 temples, and 144 Buddhist monarchies are covered, benefiting 16,992 religious leaders with monthly honorariums. He promised that everyone will be gradually included under this programme. Tarique said the main goal of such economic initiatives for people of all professions is to help people become financially self-reliant. At the same time, he made a humble appeal to religious leaders, saying that if they wish to participate in other economic or social activities alongside their duties at mosques or places of worship, the government is ready to support those initiatives as well. The Prime Minister said his government will make its best efforts, within the capacity of the state to ensure financial and social security for every citizen regardless of religion or background. He, however, said citizens also have responsibilities towards the state and society. “If each of us performs our duties properly from our respective positions, I hope that within the next 10 years we will see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, Inshallah.” PM Tarique launches monthly honorariums for imams, muazzins, others The Prime Minister said the government wants mosques and other religious institutions to become centres of religious, social and moral education. He said during the tenure of the BNP founder and ex-president Ziaur Rahman, the first imam training academy was launched, and in 1993, under Begum Khaleda Zia’s government, mosque-based child and adult education programmes were introduced. Tarique Rahman said the current government has not only introduced honorariums for imams, muazzins and other religious leaders, but is also planning ways to enhance their leadership skills and utilise their talents for national development. He said the Home Ministry has decided to include one imam, one khatib, or religious leaders from any other faith as a member of the law-and-order committees in every district and upazila. The Prime Minister said the government wants to reduce financial inequality and ensure peaceful coexistence by providing allowances or financial support and creating employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged group. “We made these promises to people before the national elections, and after forming the government, we began implementing them even before the ink on the ballots had dried, Alhamdulillah,” he said. Tarique said the government has already introduced the Family Card for economically disadvantaged women and gradually, it would reach the female heads of four crore families across Bangladesh. He added a pilot project for the Farmers Card will be launched on April 14, and the canal-digging programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16. “By ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, we aim to build Bangladesh on a strong foundation, so that no fascist or anti-democratic force can deprive people of their freedom or right to speak. Religious leaders should be able to speak freely, and citizens should be politically and economically empowered to strengthen the nation,” the Prime Minister observed. During the programme, , the Prime Minister distributed cheques for the monthly among imams, muazzins, khatibs, priests and monastery principals and vice-principals from across the country. The payments were also sent directly to the recipients’ mobile accounts immediately after the Prime Minister pressed the iPass baton. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zobihullah, senior religious leaders from various faiths, and officials including the Religious Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, among others, spoke at the programme with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) in the chair.

“Let’s go to war,” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said with a smile as he stepped out of his residence on Sunday morning to begin the first working day of the week. The brief but striking remark surprised officials waiting outside his Gulshan residence. Moments later, they realised he was referring to the daily struggle of running the country and tackling national challenges. The Prime Minister left his residence at 8:42am for the Secretariat to attend meetings of the Cabinet Division, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. As usual, personal staff and security officials were ready before his departure. When the door opened, the Prime Minister greeted them with his customary smile and made the remark. Rumon said the Prime Minister reached the Secretariat around 9:30am. He was scheduled to attend several meetings throughout the day, including meetings with Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon, Education Adviser Mahdi Amin and Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Board Ashik Chowdhury, among others. Rumon said the Prime Minister been coming to office early every day and even working on holidays in an effort to bring discipline and speed to government work. “He is also encouraging ministers, state ministers, advisers, secretaries and other officials to come to office early,” Rumon said. He said the Prime Minister is working day and night to overcome long-standing mismanagement, irregularities and various challenges. “The Prime Minister used the phrase ‘Let’s go to war’ to express the determination to rebuild the country and tackle its problems,” Rumon added. He said the Prime Minister worked at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday despite it being a public holiday and is now working from his office at the Secretariat six days a week. The Additional Press Secretary said the Prime Minister is working from the Secretariat so that ministers, state ministers and secretaries can be called quickly whenever needed. “When the Prime Minister works from Tejgaon, ministers or officials have to travel from the Secretariat, which often causes delays. Their movements with VIP protocol also create traffic congestion,” he said. “General people suffer due to this. To avoid such inconvenience and speed up government work, the Prime Minister is now working from the Secretariat,” Rumon said. Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17 and came to his office at the Secretariat at 9:05am the same day. After arriving at the office, he inquired about which ministers, state ministers and secretaries were present.  

The 20th imprisonment day of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is being observed on Saturday recalling his arrest during the military-backed caretaker government in 2007. Tarique Rahman was arrested from his residence on Moinul Road in Dhaka Cantonment on March 7, 2007 by a team of joint forces. As two decades have passed since the arrest, the BNP is observing the day with various programmes. After his arrest, Tarique Rahman was taken on remand in several cases. BNP leaders allege that he was subjected to torture while in remand, which caused serious physical injuries. According to the party, the then government filed a series of cases against him in an attempt to weaken the BNP politically. Following his arrest, Tarique Rahman remained in prison for nearly 18 months. He was released on bail on September 3, 2008 after being granted bail in all the cases filed against him. Just eight days later, he left Dhaka for London on September 11 for advanced medical treatment. BNP Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee alleged that the subsequent government led by Bangladesh Awami League filed numerous cases against him, continuing the approach of the 1/11 caretaker government. He said all the cases were false and politically motivated, aimed at weakening the BNP and maligning Tarique Rahman. To mark the day, leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies are observing it through discussions, prayer meetings and other commemorative events. Anee said despite various challenges in his political life, Tarique Rahman continued to lead the party and eventually brought it to power. On December 25, 2025, Tarique returned home, ending his more than 17 years of exile in London, and attended a reception in the presence of tens of thousands of people. BNP took part in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 and secured an absolute majority with 209 seats. On February 17, Tarique Rahman assumed office as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the authorities concerned to keep 100,000 volunteers ready in Dhaka to deal with any potential earthquake situation. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu disclosed this while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister. The minister said the Prime Minister gave several instructions in view of the recent increase in earthquake incidents. “He (PM) has instructed us to prepare 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city following the same model we have in the coastal areas,” Dulu said. The minister said the Prime Minister also directed the authorities to identify open spaces, including playgrounds and schools in Dhaka, to relocate people during emergencies. The Prime Minister instructed the ministry to ensure quick procurement of necessary equipment and work with other ministries to build public awareness, he said. “We will work on these issues and sit again on the 11th to review the follow-up,” the minister added. Asked about the country’s rescue capacity in the case of a major earthquake, Dulu said the discussions were aimed at capacity building. “So far, the equipment we have procured has been handed over to the Armed Forces Division and some to the Fire Service,” he said. On long-term disaster management planning, the minister said there is a 180-day plan in place. “We will implement whatever falls within our jurisdiction,” he added. Regarding the removal of risky high-rise or vulnerable buildings in high-risk zones under Rajuk, the minister said, “Yes, it is within our purview. Where it involves the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, we coordinate and work together,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to work sincerely to change the fate of the country’s people. “The people of Bangladesh are looking up to the government with great expectations. You are also part of this government,” he said while addressing officials and staff of the PMO at a meeting. The prime minister mentioned that PMO officials and staff are part of the administration and said the government will perform well only if they extend full cooperation. “We consider this country our first and last address. So we must work ourselves to change the destiny of our people.” Tarique Rahman arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon at 10:15am and held his first meeting with officials and staff of the PMO since assuming office. The meeting was held at the Shapla Hall of the PMO in Tejgaon in the morning. Prime Minister’s advisers Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabiullah, Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Brig Gen (retd) ATM Shamsul Islam and Zahedur Rahman were present, along with Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, according to a press release issued by the PMO. Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar delivered the welcome address and Director General of the PMO Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury gave a presentation on the structure and functions of the office. Addressing the meeting, Tarique said every political party has a manifesto and noted that through a fair election, people gave their mandate in favour of implementing the manifesto of the BNP.  “So, we must work in line with the commitments made in the manifesto,” he said. The Prime Minister sought the cooperation of government officials and employees in implementing the manifesto pledges, particularly in the health and education sectors, women’s education, employment generation, sports and other priority areas. Tarique stressed the need to ensure the security of citizens so that they feel safe. “If we all work together, we will certainly be able to achieve this goal,” he said. He also expressed hope that officials and employees would extend full support in eliminating corruption from the country. At the meeting, the prime minister instructed officials to maintain confidentiality where necessary in the interest of the state. He also emphasised strict adherence to government rules and regulations to build a disciplined and orderly nation. Heads of departments and agencies under the PMO, along with its officials and staff members, were present at the meeting. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended office on Saturday, although it was a public holiday Last Saturday, he worked at the PMO in Tejgaon for the first time.