United News of Bangladesh

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Thursday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussed measures needed to make the country free from corruption. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said. “The TIB Executive Director met the Prime Minister. They discussed steps needed to curb corruption and strengthen good governance,” he said. Rumon said the Prime Minister spoke about his government’s policy of maintaining a strong stance against corruption. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani was present during the meeting. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Iftekharuzzaman said they placed several specific recommendations before the Prime Minister regarding good governance and anti-corruption efforts. “The Prime Minister took the issues very positively and assured us of taking the necessary steps for implementation,” he said. The TIB chief said they also stressed the need for reform and restructuring of institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). In particular, he said, the restructuring of the ACC was discussed during the meeting. Iftekharuzzaman said the current government wants to send a strong message to the international community that it is committed to fighting corruption without compromise. As part of that effort, he said TIB proposed holding the 2028 International Anti-Corruption Conference in Bangladesh to help strengthen the country’s image globally. “We sought the Prime Minister’s support in organising the international conference in Bangladesh, and he assured us of taking the necessary steps in this regard,” the TIB chief said. He said the international conference is held every two years, and this year’s event will take place in the Dominican Republic. “Previously, only three Asian countries – Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea – have hosted the conference. We believe 2028 will be an appropriate time for Bangladesh to host it,” Iftekharuzzaman said. He said the Prime Minister agreed in principle and the government will move forward with the initiative, subject to the cabinet approval.      

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee said on Wednesday. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister at Secretariat. Replying to a question, the Water Resources Minister said canal excavation work is ongoing and the Prime Minister will inaugurate such programmes in Chandpur and Feni ahead of the monsoon season. “The Prime Minister will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25. Among various programmes, he will inaugurate canal excavation work there,” he said. Across the country, priority is being given to canal excavation in the districts the Prime Minister is visiting, Anee said. “The government has taken a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years. The Prime Minister has already inaugurated such programmes in several districts,” he said. The minister also said ministers and MPs are continuing similar work in their respective areas. “As the monsoon season is approaching, we may be able to continue this programme until May. After the monsoon, the canal excavation work will resume again around November, December and January,” he said. The hour-long meeting on water resource management was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at 10:00am. The minister also said the technical, survey and feasibility studies of the Padma Barrage project are almost complete and the government will soon take a decision in this regard.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday made way for an ambulance by halting his motorcade on the elevated expressway near Karwan Bazar, breaking the usual VVIP protocol. The move came shortly before 9:00am as the Prime Minister was travelling from his Gulshan residence to the Secretariat, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “While travelling from his Gulshan residence in the morning along the expressway near Karwan Bazar, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman suddenly noticed in his vehicle’s rear-view mirror that an ambulance was behind the convoy, appearing hesitant to pass the motorcade,” he said. Seeing this, Rumon said the Prime Minister instructed security officials to immediately allow the ambulance to pass. “Following the instruction, the convoy slowed down and made space, allowing the ambulance to move ahead without delay,” he said describing it as a “rare example.” A private insurance company official, Saleh Uddin, who was travelling to Motijheel in a private car near Karwan Bazar, said he was also behind the Prime Minister’s motorcade at the time. “All vehicles suddenly stopped. Then VIP security personnel allowed the ambulance to pass through the convoy,” he said. Saleh also said that by allowing an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient to pass, the Prime Minister had set another example. He said the Prime Minister’s move reflected a head of government’s sense of responsibility and compassion towards ordinary people, calling it a lesson for all. In Bangladesh, Saleh said traffic is often halted to allow VVIP motorcades to pass, forcing other vehicles to wait. The Prime Minister’s action reflects a shift from that practice, highlighting a people-first approach, he added.

The much-talked-about ‘pillow scam’ resurfaced on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joking that one of the unusually expensive pillows should be kept in a museum after reviewing an audit report linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The 38 audit reports for the 2021–22 fiscal year, submitted to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, included findings on the ‘pillow scam’ linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project during the previous government’s tenure. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Md Nurul Islam presented the audit reports on various ministries and agencies to the Prime Minister at his office in the Secretariat, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. He said the reports also contain the investigation findings into the controversial purchase of pillows at unusually high prices. “The Prime Minister noted the matter in the report and, on a lighter note, said one of those expensive pillows should be kept in a museum,” the press secretary said. The controversy dates back to 2019, when allegations surfaced over unusually high costs in procuring furniture and household items for the Green City Housing Project under the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. According to the audit findings, each pillow was priced at Tk 5,957, while an additional Tk 760 was charged as labour cost to carry each pillow to the flats. The report also highlighted irregularities in the purchase of other items. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the audit reports were prepared under Article 128(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh and Section 5 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Additional Functions) Act, 1974. CAG submits audit reports to PM As part of the process, a total of 38 compliance and performance audit reports covering 17 ministries and divisions, along with their directorates, departments, institutions and projects, were submitted to the Prime Minister before being placed in Parliament. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on key observations and recommendations highlighted in the reports.  He stressed the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending and in assessing whether development projects are achieving their intended objectives. He also underscored the need to strengthen performance audits alongside compliance audits. Officials said the audit reports will also be placed in Parliament. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and other senior officials concerned were present during the submission of the reports.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed the authorities concerned to simplify the project approval process to attract both local and foreign investment. He also assured necessary support for investors willing to invest in long-closed state-owned factories, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s press wing. The directives came at a two-hour-long meeting beginning at 10:30am at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where the current condition of closed factories in the textiles and jute sector and the next steps were discussed. The Prime Minister said the government is committed to creating an investment-friendly environment and stressed the need to remove existing complexities in the investment process. PM holds meeting on reopening closed factories According to an official present at the meeting, it often takes a long time to get final approval for projects, which discourages both local and foreign investors. The need to obtain clearances from multiple agencies also acts as a major obstacle. In this context, the Prime Minister instructed that the approval process be made simpler and more time-efficient. “Approvals from ministries or agencies that are not essential should be removed from the process,” he said. He also emphasised easing access to loans to encourage private investment in closed state-owned factories and asked the ministers concerned to take prompt and effective steps in this regard. Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir Chowdhury, the Prime Minister’s Political and Industry Affairs Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Economic and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Ashik Chowdhury, Chairman of Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation Brig Gen SM Zahid Hasan, and Chairman of Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation Kabir Uddin Sikder, among others, were present at the meeting. Officials from the relevant ministries and agencies also attended the meeting.    

The government has initiated the process of nationalising Shaheed Zia Degree College in Gabtali upazila of Bogura, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his recent visit to the district. The Ministry of Education issued a circular on April 29 asking the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps for nationalising the college, saying the Prime Minister has given in principle his approval to the matter. According to the circular, several administrative and legal steps have been ordered as part of the nationalisation process. These include a restriction on new recruitment and the transfer of moveable and immovable property, the submission of reports following an on-site inspection of the institution, and on its financial status, legal matters and other relevant issues. The ministry asked for a legal opinion from the legal adviser of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education on whether the institution is facing any cases, along with a formal affidavit from the head of the institution. Officials concerned have been instructed to complete the required procedures and submit their reports to the ministry as quickly as possible. During his visit to Bogura on April 20 last, the Prime Minister attended a public programme at the college ground in Bagbari of Gabtali, where local residents and students displayed banners and chanted slogans demanding that the institution be nationalised. Responding to the demand, Tarique Rahman immediately announced government takeover of the college. “Your demand is that this college should be nationalised? Consider it done. The paperwork will reach you,” he had said. The nationalisation of the college is expected to expand access to higher education in the area, particularly benefiting students from the birthplace of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Saying that his government’s main responsibility is to protect the interests of people and resolve their problems, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged citizens of all strata to stand by his government to help take Bangladesh forward and place it alongside developed nations. “This government is your government. You elected it and brought it to power. Its number one duty is to protect the interests of people and solve their problems,” he said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Basia River at Kashipur Union in Sylhet. Tarique sought support from people of all walks of life to carry forward development plans and address the challenges facing the country. “If you stand by us, we will be able to move Bangladesh forward and make it capable of standing alongside developed nations—if we all work together,” he said. The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh voted in the election on the 12th February to install a government that will work for them. “Our only accountability is to the people of this country. That is why we want to carry out programmes and take actions that truly benefit the people.” He said local leaders told him that there are not enough mills and factories in Sylhet, leaving many young people unemployed. “We promised before the election that if BNP formed the government, we would reopen closed factories. Here with you is your own representative, Muktadir (Khandaker Abdul Muktadir), who is the Industries Minister. Soon after the election, within five to seven days, I sat down with him to review where factories are closed. Insha’Allah, we will reopen them gradually,” Tarique said. He also said the government is working to create employment opportunities for young people abroad. The Prime Minister said, “Less talk, more work. Now is the time to build the country.” Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad and Prime Minister’s adviser Humayun Kabir were present at the programme. The Basia River, which connects the Surma River and the Kushiyara River, has long suffered from loss of navigability and remained nearly defunct. The re-excavation initiative has been undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources following demands from local residents. The Prime Minister earlier inaugurated the re-excavation work of the Basia River canal at Kashipur Union around 1:20pm by cutting soil with a spade. Addressing local residents, Tarique said the canal was originally excavated in 1977 by former president Ziaur Rahman but has since become silted up and nearly unusable. “We want to re-excavate this canal because around 80,000 farmers will benefit directly, while another 150,000 will benefit indirectly,” he said. Tarique, also the Chairman of BNP, said the project is expected to increase crop production by nearly 7,000 metric tonnes in nearby areas. The Prime Minister said similar canal re-excavation projects will be carried out across the country to support farmers. Highlighting the government’s pro-farmer approach, he said the distribution of farmers’ card has already begun in Tangail and will gradually reach farmers nationwide. “Through the farmers’ card, we will provide benefits such as access to loans, fertiliser, seeds and pesticides,” Tarique said adding that each farmer will receive Tk 2,500 annually to support their farming needs. He also said loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers have been waived. Tarique said canal excavation work has already started in around 60 places across the country and that the 23-kilometre stretch of the Basia canal will be completed over two dry seasons. Work will resume in November after the monsoon, with efforts to complete the project next year, he added. The Prime Minister also announced plans to plant around 50,000 trees along both sides of the canal to protect it and benefit local communities.

Recalling his difficult road journey back to Dhaka from Sylhet during the election campaign, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his government has started work to improve both road and rail connectivity between the two districts to make travel faster and more comfortable. “During the election campaign, I came to Sylhet by plane but I returned by road. The road condition between Sylhet and Dhaka is so poor that the journey can take nearly 10 hours,” he said while addressing a gathering at the Sylhet City Corporation. At the time of election campaign, the Prime Minister said he promised that if his party could form the government, it would take up the road construction work. He said that after assuming office, he spoke to the ministry concerned and learned that the project had been delayed due to land acquisition problems at 11 points, particularly for setting up site offices for the companies involved. “There were also some administrative complications.” “However, the ministry concerned has already taken the necessary steps. I hope we will be able to begin the work very soon. It will take some time, but we expect to complete it within the next few years. Once completed, people will no longer have to endure such hardship while travelling by road between Dhaka and Sylhet,” he added. Tarique, also the chairman of BNP, said rail connectivity is also being prioritised to reduce travel costs and ease pressure on roads. “If we improve railways, travel will become cheaper for people and businesses will be able to transport goods at lower cost,” said. Tarique also said expanding roads alone would not solve transport problems, as more vehicles would continue to increase traffic congestion. He also said Bangladesh is densely populated with limited land and as an agriculture-based country, excessive road expansion can reduce fertile land. “We must maintain food self-sufficiency. So while we will improve roads and connectivity, we also want to develop the railways,” the Prime Minister said. He said the government is also working on introducing a double rail line on the Sylhet-Dhaka route. “Of course, we will develop roads and improve the transport system, but we also want to develop the railway. I am sure you will be interested in the development of Dhaka–Sylhet rail link or the Sylhet–Dhaka rail system. We are trying to see how a double line can be introduced in Sylhet,” the Prime Minister said. He also spoke about efforts to reduce waterlogging in Sylhet City Corporation and stressed the importance of cleaning drains and removing waste, including plastic and polythene. The Prime Minister urged city corporations to raise awareness, especially among schoolchildren, about waste management and environmental protection. “Children learn quickly and carry those habits into adulthood. If we teach them properly, they will also influence their families,” he said. Referring to the project to develop both banks of the Surma River at Chandni Ghat in Sylhet, including beautification and flood protection infrastructure, he said he hopes it will help ease the waterlogging problem in Sylhet city. “I believe that once this project is implemented, Sylhet will be free from waterlogging. It will help protect city dwellers from floods and water congestion,” he said. Tarique also highlighted concerns over excessive use of underground water, warning that it is gradually lowering groundwater levels in urban areas, including Dhaka and Sylhet. He said the government’s canal excavation programme aims to address water management issues by improving natural water flow and creating water reservoirs. The Prime Minister said the government is only about two and a half months old and compared its early stage to a very young child that cannot yet walk and needs time to develop. Tarique said despite this, the government has already started implementing the promises made to the people. He mentioned initiatives such as Family Cards, Agriculture Cards, Sports Cards, and allowances for Imams and Muazzins, adding that other projects will also be gradually implemented. He expressed confidence that with hard work, Bangladesh can be developed like advanced countries, and said the government is moving forward with that belief. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Labour and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the Prime Minister’s Adviser Humaiun Kobir , and Chief Whip of Parliament G K Gaus spoke at the programme, with Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury in the chair. Prime Minister’s wife Zubaida Rahman, MP Tahsina Rushdir Luna, newly elected reserved seat MP Shammi Akhter, and BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Enamul Haque Chowdhury, among others, were present.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday offered fateha at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) during his first official visit to Sylhet since assuming office. After arriving at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on a domestic flight with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, the Prime Minister headed straight to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) where he offered fateha and recited Darood Sharif. During his day-long visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a Sylhet City Corporation project at Chandni Ghat aimed at easing waterlogging in the city and address a civic gathering there. At noon, he will inaugurate the re-excavation of the Baisha River in Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar upazila. After offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Circuit House, Tarique will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports-2026 at Sylhet District Stadium at 3:00pm. He is also scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy later in the day before returning to Dhaka in the evening.This is Tarique Rahman's first visit to Sylhet as Prime Minister. He last visited the city on January 21 during the campaign for the 13th parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Saturday morning on his first official visit to the divisional city since assuming office. He landed at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on a domestic flight accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon told UNB. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Kaiyum Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner Mashiur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam and other senior officials received the Prime Minister at the airport. From the airport, Tarique headed straight to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R)where he is scheduled to offer fateha. Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister left his Gulshan residence for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 8:25am. During the day-long visit, he will lay the foundation stone of a Sylhet City Corporation project at Chandni Ghat aimed at easing waterlogging in the city and address a civic gathering there. At noon, he is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation of the Baisha River in Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar upazila. After offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Circuit House, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports-2026 at Sylhet District Stadium at 3:00pm. Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy later in the day. He is expected to return to Dhaka in the evening. This will be Tarique Rahman's first visit to Sylhet as the Prime Minister. He last visited the city on January 21 during the campaign for the 13th parliamentary election, in his first trip to Sylhet in nearly two decades.