United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims across the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page, the Prime Minister said, “Holy Eid-ul-Azha has once again arrived at the doorstep of the Muslim Ummah across the world, reminding everyone of the unique message of supreme spirit of sacrifice, the glorious guidance of taqwa and self-purification.” He said Muslims in Bangladesh and across the globe are preparing to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha inspired by the glory of sacrifice. “This glorified Islamic festival is not merely a celebration of joy, but also carries an eternal message of deep faith in the Almighty, self-devotion and sacrifice. The unwavering faith, unconditional obedience and supreme sacrifice demonstrated by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) for the satisfaction of Almighty Allah have made this day deeply significant and glorious for the Muslim Ummah,” Tarique Rahman said. On this auspicious occasion, he extended Eid Mubarak to the people of the country and Muslims around the world. The Prime Minister also prayed for peace, security and stability for Bangladesh, the Muslim world and humanity as a whole. “At the same time, I also pray for global peace, harmony and security.” “May this holy Eid-ul-Azha shine with the glory of sacrifice. May Allah accept our sacrifices and prayers. May our lives be filled with peace and prosperity through His endless mercy and blessings,” he concluded.

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said 62 percent of the important decisions taken by the cabinet of the Tarique Rahman-led government during its first 100 days in office have already been implemented. Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office at Tejgaon marking the government’s “100 days in office”, he said the cabinet held 10 meetings between February 17 and May 24 after the elected government assumed office. “In these meetings, 60 important decisions were unanimously adopted. Of them, 37 decisions – around 62 percent – have already been implemented, while the remaining 23 are under implementation,” Mahdi Amin said. The press conference was organised by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing at the PMO’s Karabi Hall, where the spokesperson presented a review of the government’s first 100 days. Following the BNP’s landslide victory in the February 12 general election, its Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17. The government will complete its 100 days in office on Wednesday. Mahdi Amin, also Prime Minister’s adviser, said the government’s ability to implement a significant number of cabinet decisions within such a short period reflects its “speed, effectiveness and sincerity.” PM condemns Quetta bomb attack, expresses solidarity with Pakistan He said the government has been working sincerely to establish human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law, which he claimed, has been reflected in the “new standard of tolerance and openness” seen over the last more than three months. “At the same time, the politics of propaganda, hatred and hostility in the name of freedom of speech, which has become a strategy for a certain group, is contradictory to the aspirations of the mass uprising,” the PMO spokesperson said. Highlighting the government’s achievements, he said visible and significant progress has been made in different sectors during the first 100 days of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government. “A new and positive sense of empowerment, hope and expectations has also emerged among the people,” he added. Mahdi Amin said various timely and multi-dimensional initiatives have brought relief and discipline back to public life. “If the country’s 20 crore people work together and the youth and women are empowered, Bangladesh will surely become a dignified and self-reliant state,” he said. The PMO spokesperson said the elected government believes it is the responsibility of the state to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of political identity, religion or ethnicity. Referring to the July mass uprising and the democratic movement over the past 16 years, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remains committed to fulfilling people’s expectations in a democratic Bangladesh achieved through sacrifice. PM Tarique to offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers at National Eidgah ground “Forty crore hands of 20 crore people are the main strength behind the country’s progress. That is why the Prime Minister says: ‘Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh’,” Mahdi Amin said. He also said the government’s first 100 days have already brought positive changes to many people’s lives. “The Prime Minister has taken quick, visible and effective steps to implement election pledges, and within a very short time, many problems are being solved, and people’s lives are changing,” the PMO spokesperson said. He also said working-class and marginalised people are becoming more self-reliant and economically stable. Referring to measles vaccination, Mahdi Amin said the government imported vaccines from abroad and ensured measles vaccination coverage for almost all children over the last three months. “As a forward-looking government, we want to ensure that such a situation never happens again in the future,” he said. The PMO spokesperson said the government is also working on long-term measures to protect future generations from different diseases and ensure health security for every family. At the beginning of the press conference, he conveyed advance Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the nation.  Prime Minister’s Speechwriter SAM Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony, Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu), Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud) and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, and Assistant Press Secretaries Asrofa Emdad, Md Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were present at the press conference. 

A delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by its President Masato Kanda met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday morning. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, said a release issued by the PM’s press wing.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly bomb attack in Quetta, Pakistan, which left at least 24 people dead and several others injured. In a statement posted on the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Facebook page, he also strongly denounced terrorism and violence in all forms. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic bomb attack in Quetta, Pakistan, which claimed many innocent lives and left numerous others injured,” Tarique said. Bangladesh moving towards self-reliant energy system, green growth: PM On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, he extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. “Bangladesh vehemently condemns terrorism and violence in all forms, and stands in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the National Eidgah ground in the city. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare and also Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain and Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni will also offer Eid prayers in Dhaka. Bangladesh moving towards self-reliant energy system, green growth: PM BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will offer Eid prayers in Thakurgaon, while BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan will offer prayers at Palash in Narsingdi. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will offer prayers in Chattogram, Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku in Sirajganj, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram in Bhola and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in his parliamentary constituency in Netrokona. Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will offer Eid prayers at Dhanmondi in the capital. Besides, most ministers and lawmakers will offer Eid prayers in their respective constituencies. After the Eid prayers, homage will be paid and there’ll be recitation from the holy Quran at the graves of martyred president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan confirmed the Eid prayer venues of all the leaders on Sunday.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said Bangladesh is steadily moving towards clean energy, a green economy and a self-reliant energy system. Speaking at the inauguration programme of an on-grid rooftop solar power project at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, he also expressed hope that Bangladesh will become a model state of green and sustainable development in the future through the expansion of renewable solar power generation. “With the inauguration of the one-megawatt rooftop solar power system at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, we are clearly sending a message that Bangladesh is steadily moving towards clean energy, a green economy and an energy self-reliant future,” the Prime Minister said. He said he firmly believes that the initiative taken at the Parliament building will inspire both public and private institutions across the country. “If every rooftop, every institution and every citizen join this journey towards clean energy, Bangladesh can soon become a model state of green and sustainable development, InshaAllah,” Tarique Rahman added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday evening visited the “Nazrul Fair” held on the Nazrul Academy premises in Trishal on the occasion of the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “The Prime Minister visited the Nazrul Mela after inaugurating the three-day national programme marking the birth anniversary of the National Poet. He toured different stalls at the fair,” said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said Kazi Nazrul Islam is an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s identity and deplored that the national poet was not given due respect at the national level during the past two decades. “Bangladesh and Kazi Nazrul Islam are an inseparable entity. He is a true representative of our national identity, a symbol of our national consciousness, and a pioneer of our nationalism,” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Trishal, Mymensingh. On the occasion of the poet's birth anniversary, he urged all to take inspiration to remove injustice, inequality, hunger, poverty and division, and to embrace Bangladesh first principle. Tarique Rahman also greeted the people on the birth anniversary, which will be observed on May 25, and expressed deep respect to his memory. He said the government feels proud to resume state-level celebration of Nazrul’s birth anniversary in Trishal after nearly two decades. The Prime Minister bemoaned that after 2006, such national observance had not been held in Trishal. “Since 2006, Nazrul Jayanti had not been celebrated at the national level in Trishal, which is closely associated with the immortal memory of the National Poet. After nearly two decades, the government feels proud to once again organise the National Poet’s birth anniversary at the state level,” he  said. In his speech, Tarique Rahman also recalled police officer Rafiz Ullah, saying he had brought young Nazrul to Trishal’s Kazir Shimla village and given him shelter in 1914. Referring to the respect shown to the national poet by former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, he said ignoring national figures reflects national weakness.  The Prime Minister ecalled that Ziaur Rahman took part in Nazrul-related programmes, including the poet’s funeral procession in 1976 and a rally in 1979 marking his birth anniversary. He also mentioned that Begum Khaleda Zia founded the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Trishal. “This reflects the highest level of respect and honour shown to the National Poet. It proves that showing respect to others does not diminish one’s own dignity; rather, modesty elevates a person,” Tarique Rahman said. He also said distancing from such timeless ideals is now reflected in the visible erosion of moral values in society. Describing Nazrul as a source of inspiration, the Prime Minister said the poet’s arrival in the national history was like a “light of hope” for a subjugated nation. He also said Nazrul’s writings reflect the nation’s dreams, struggles, literature, culture and heritage. Tarique Rahman said Nazrul’s work covers revolution, resistance, religious harmony, human values, patriotism, and love for humanity, making him a unique figure in Bengali literature. “His appearance marked a new dawn in Bengali literature and a revolution in literary taste,” he said, adding that Nazrul gave voice to freedom and resistance. The Prime Minister said the poet was a unique champion of women’s rights, the welfare of working people, and universal human values free from communalism. “The great poet remains and will continue to remain alive in the nation’s hearts as a symbol of the eternal spirit of Bangladesh’s age-old culture.” Tarique Rahman suggested that Trishal, which is closely associated with the poet’s childhood memories, could be developed as a “Nazrul City” after a feasibility study. Earlier, he formally inaugurated the three-day event at the Nazrul Mancha on the grounds of Darirampur Nazrul Academy in Trishal. The programme also includes a Nazrul book fair and rural fair. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury chaired the programme. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula, Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Executive Director of Kabi Nazrul Institute Latiful Islam Shibli, chairperson of the institute’s trustee board and the poet’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, Dhaka University Bangla Department teacher Prof Tariq Manzoor, Mymensingh-7 lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton and Deputy Commissioner Saifur Rahman, among others, spoke at the programme. On the occasion, the Prime Minister handed over the Nazrul Award and honours to two recipients for their contribution to Nazrul research and literature. He later launched a commemorative publication and attended a cultural programme in honour of the poet.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday vowed to ensure the highest punishment within the next one month for the killer of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, who was allegedly raped and murdered in the capital. “The government will ensure the highest punishment for Ramisa’s killer within the next one month, InshaAllah. That highest punishment is the death penalty,” he said. The Prime Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the three-day national programme marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in Trishal upazila. Referring to the maximum punishment, Tarique Rahman said it will serve as a warning so that no one dares to commit such violence against children or women in future. “I want to make it clear before you all that the present government will in no way tolerate such abuse of children or violence against women,” he said. The Prime Minister said one of the greatest damages caused during the period of the ousted fascist regime was the severe destruction of humanity, compassion, and the country’s long-standing religious and social values. “The brutal killing of an innocent girl in Mirpur has exposed the extreme moral decay in society,” he said, referring to the murder of Ramisa in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. Tarique Rahman also stressed the need to establish the rule of law and bring change to the political culture to build a safe and humane society. “At the same time, we have to revive the country’s long-standing religious, social and cultural values in national life. In this regard, the life and works of Kazi Nazrul Islam remain highly relevant,” he said. Later, Tarique formally inaugurated the three-day event at the Nazrul Mancha on the grounds of Darirampur Nazrul Academy in Trishal. The programme also includes a Nazrul book fair and rural fair.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday alleged that a quarter is trying to exploit the recent killing of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter to create unrest in the country, urging people to remain alert against any conspiracy aimed at disrupting development activities and the rule of law. Speaking at a gathering of local residents after inaugurating the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal in Trishal upazila, he said anyone found guilty would be punished through due legal process, as his government is committed to establishing the rule of law. “A few days ago, a very unjust and deeply heartbreaking incident took place in which a child was killed. You have all seen it. From the very beginning, we have said that anyone who commits a crime must face punishment under the law. We want to establish the rule of law,” he said. He also said his government would endeavour to ensure the execution of justice in this case within one month. He then clarified that justice in this case means the death penalty.    He said every activity in life follows a system and rules must be followed in governance and justice as well. Just as in any case of wrongdoing, Tarique said punishment must follow due process, and there are established rules and procedures within the government for ensuring justice. “But we have noticed in recent days, as you have seen in newspapers, radio and television, that some people are trying to create unrest by blocking roads, stopping vehicles, setting fire and creating tension in different places,” he said. The Prime Minister said such unruly activities are obstructing the rule of law. “Are they allowing the law to function properly as it should? No, they are not.” He said several untoward incidents took place when the interim government was in power. “When those incidents occurred, I personally spoke with the mothers of those children. Our party’s lawyers and doctors provided medical treatment and legal assistance at that time,” Tarique said. But, he said those who are now speaking loudly, staging blockades and making big statements were not seen in the field at that time. “They were not seen taking part in any protest or blockade then. So, should we assume that since the people of Bangladesh voted for BNP in the 12th election and gave them the mandate to form the government, some are now frustrated, and this frustration is the reason behind the current situation?” the Prime Minister said. He also claimed there are connections between those currently trying to create anarchy and  the evil forces ousted by the people through a mass uprising in 2024. “We must remain alert. Read newspapers, check social media and look into who is behind these activities.  Those who are now trying to create unrest have again quietly built ties with the people who were driven out on August 5. Just as they did in 1996 and in 1986, some new followers have also emerged alongside them,” Tarique said. Warning against unrest, he said such situations would ultimately harm farmers, workers, students and ordinary citizens across the country. The Prime Minister alleged that those trying to create unrest are not concerned about farmers, employment or welfare activities. “They do not talk about canal excavation for farmers, farmers’ cards, or how poor village children walk barefoot to school. They do not talk about providing new clothes for those children,” he said. Warning against instability, Tarique said unrest would disrupt many welfare and development programmes across the country. “If unrest is created, canal excavation work across Bangladesh will stop. Farmers will suffer. Distribution programmes will stop. Honorary allowances for imams, muezzins, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths will also be affected,” he said. He also said programmes to provide school uniforms and bags for village children would be disrupted if roads are blocked and instability continues. “We removed authoritarian rule from this country through united movements. The people and students of Bangladesh stood together on the streets and removed a regime that had taken away people’s voting rights, freedom of speech and halted development for ordinary rural people,” Tarique said. The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh now want to focus on nation-building and improving their livelihoods. He also said that to bring real change in people’s lives, the strength and labour of the country’s 20 crore population must be properly utilised, adding that only then could the nation’s future be transformed. Tarique also said that BNP’s plans are focused on the country and its people, but alleged that some groups were trying to obstruct those initiatives through conspiracies. “If we want to change people’s fate, we must put the 40 crore hands of our 20 crore people to work. We must build roads, bridges, schools, colleges and hospitals through collective effort,” he said. The Prime Minister urged people to remain vigilant against those spreading confusion and obstructing justice and public welfare programmes. “We must remember that the people are the owners of this country. A small group cannot be allowed to create confusion and play with the future of the people,” he said. “Those who stand beside the people and work for them will ultimately be protected by the people of Bangladesh against any conspiracy,” Tarique added. He also said the country’s independence, sovereignty and national interests must be protected by its own people. “Our country is our responsibility. We will protect our independence, sovereignty and people’s interests, and resist any conspiracy,” the Prime Minister said. Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and local leaders also addressed the programme with  Mymensingh-7 lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton in the chair. Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque at the canal site and later inaugurated the re-excavation work by cutting soil with a spade. He also planted a palm sapling beside the canal.