United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday underscored the importance of an independent and responsible media in strengthening democracy, ensuring good governance and building a just society. He made the remarks while exchanging views with members of the executive committee of Thakurgaon Press Club at his residence during his two-day visit to the district. The President urged grassroots journalists to faithfully reflect the voices, concerns and aspirations of people particularly those living in rural and marginalised communities. Thakurgaon journalist leaders raised various issues and demands concerning district-level journalists, including expansion of Thakurgaon Press Club building, more funding for the Journalist Welfare Trust to support local journalists who faced persecution during the Awami League government, and the formation of a Wage Board for journalists. The President assured them that he would discuss their problems and demands with the authorities concerned and take necessary measures. He also stressed the importance of unity among journalists. President Mirza Fakhrul said division among journalists is one of the major reasons behind their present difficulties and urged them to overcome their differences. “Today, there is division everywhere. It is not only in Thakurgaon but also in Dhaka. Such division is not desirable. Opportunists take advantage of it,” he said. President’s Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, Thakurgaon Press Club President Lutfor Rahman Mithu, General Secretary Tanvir Hasan Tanu, government officials concerned and representatives of the Press Club’s executive committee were present.  

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the people, particularly leaders and activists of all political parties, to refrain from conflict and confrontation and work together to strengthen democratic institutions. “We do not want any conflict or confrontation in Thakurgaon. Let us practise politics through dialogue and discussion,” he said while addressing a civic reception organised in his honour at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School field on Sunday. The reception was organised by the Civic Committee and local civil society members to welcome the President during his first visit to his home district after assuming office. The President called for a “politics of reconciliation” in Bangladesh, saying the country should move forward with tolerance and mutual respect. “We do not want to see more deaths and bloodshed. We fought and made sacrifices for democracy, and now we want to protect that democracy and build democratic institutions,” he said. He also called for ensuring equal rights for people of all faiths and communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, so that everyone could live together as Bangladeshis. Referring to development demands of the people of Thakurgaon, President Fakhrul said the process of establishing a public university in the district had progressed significantly. He said the university land had been acquired and the vice-chancellor was already in place. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University on Monday. The President also said that the proposed medical college would be established in the district and student admission was expected to begin from next year. He said two separate upazilas demanded by local people had already been formed, with the respective UNOs joining their posts and beginning work. The President said Thakurgaon needed greater industrial and economic activity to create employment opportunities for its people. He said the proposed Shibganj airport could facilitate business and trade, but keeping the airport operational in the future would require increased economic activity and industrialisation in the area. “We have almost no factories or industries here. There are not enough jobs,” he said, adding that efforts were under way to attract investors, particularly for agro-based industries. He said the Finance Adviser and the Commerce Minister had visited the area and held discussions with local business people. The President also referred to recent exchanges with China, saying Chinese experts and investors could be encouraged to come to Thakurgaon and explore opportunities for developing agro-based industries. President Fakhrul urged local people not to depend solely on jobs or government contracts but to try to create employment opportunities themselves. “Unless you stand on your own feet, nobody else can make you stand,” he said, encouraging young people and entrepreneurs to take initiatives. He also urged women to become more involved in economic activities, saying greater participation by women could create more employment opportunities. Referring to overseas employment, he said around 10,000 people would have opportunities to go abroad without having to bear the costs themselves under an overseas recruitment initiative. He said he had discussed the matter with Minister Arif and that recruitment would initially begin with people from Thakurgaon. The President called upon the young people of Thakurgaon to take a strong stand against drugs and work towards making the district a drug-free area. He said he had asked local officials and lawmakers to take initiatives in this regard. He also urged local businessmen to unite and increase investment in the district. “I can assure you that wherever I am and whatever position I hold, I will always try to extend all possible cooperation to you,” he said. Recalling his childhood in Thakurgaon, the President said his birthplace, childhood and school life were all associated with the district. He expressed gratitude to his teachers, saying they had taught him honesty and leadership and helped shape his life. He also thanked the people of Thakurgaon for their continued support and confidence in him. The President said he wanted to see a society based on unity, love and mutual respect, rather than hatred, conflict or revenge. He recalled a message of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia following August 5, saying the country had received an opportunity after many sacrifices and bloodshed to establish democracy and that people should build a society through love rather than confrontation. Earlier in the day, the President received a civic reception at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School field, where local people, members of different communities and cultural performers welcomed him.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived in Thakurgaon on Sunday afternoon on a two-day visit, his first tour to his home district since assuming office. A helicopter carrying the President landed at Thakurgaon Mohammad Ali Stadium at 1:00pm. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Huq, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rangpur Range) Mohammad Abdul Mabud, Superintendent of Police Md Belal Hossain, Thakurgaon district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin and General Secretary Paigam Ali welcomed the President at the helipad.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Tozammel Hossain Khan (Taju Khan), a prominent political figure and social worker from Thakurgaon district. Tozammel Hossain passed away on Friday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. In a condolence message, the President recalled Tozammel's lifelong, relentless contributions to democracy and development. "With his passing, the country's northern region has lost a strong and dedicated leader," the President said. The President prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members.

A delegation of the Dhaka College Alumni Association paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban on Wednesday afternoon. During the meeting, the delegation, led by its President Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu and Md Quamruzzaman Ratan, MP, congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on his election as the 23rd President of Bangladesh. The President recalled his days as a former student and teacher of Dhaka College, saying the institution was once one of the finest seats of learning in the country. He said Dhaka College has made significant contributions to producing political leaders, writers, intellectuals, journalists, administrators and enlightened citizens, playing an important role in shaping the country's leadership and society. Members of the Dhaka College Alumni Association expressed their joy and pride over the election of Mirza Fakhrul, a former student of the college, as President. They expressed hope that the President will, with his wisdom, experience, leadership and patriotism, play an important role from the country's highest constitutional office for the welfare of the people, democratic values, national unity and prosperity. The association also wished the President good health, long life and success in discharging his state responsibilities. Mirza Fakhrul called upon the students, teachers and all concerned to work together to restore Dhaka College's past glory, heritage and excellence. The alumni association invited the President to attend the college's 186th founding anniversary celebrations, scheduled for November, as the chief guest. The President expressed hope of attending the founding anniversary programme. The President's secretaries and senior officials were present during the meeting.  

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday stressed the need to address the existing challenges facing Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry. He made the remarks when a delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by its President Mahmud Hasan Khan, paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the delegation apprised the President of the existing problems in Bangladesh’s garment industry and sought his cooperation in resolving them. In response, the President assured the delegation of taking necessary measures to address their concerns. He said the government is working to address the mismanagement and irregularities that have persisted in the garment industry for a long time. “The government is making its utmost efforts to resolve the existing problems as soon as possible,” he said. During the meeting, the BGMEA delegation also invited the President to attend the closing ceremony of the 25th BATEXPO 2026 as the chief guest. The closing ceremony of BATEXPO 2026 is scheduled to be held on November 19, 2026, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The President expressed hope that he would be able to attend the event.      

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said there is scope to make the Bangladesh-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade more balanced and mutually beneficial, taking into account the economic realities and interests of both countries. The President said the agreement marked an important step towards expanding trade relations between the two countries. He came up with the remarks when US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the President recalled the past US investment and cooperation in the development of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, including support for the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. He urged the US to further increase investment and cooperation in the country’s agriculture sector. The President also highlighted the investment and significant role of US-based Chevron in Bangladesh’s energy sector and called for increased US investment in the country’s energy sector. He said Bangladesh has significant potential in various sectors, including information technology, infrastructure, healthcare and high-tech industries. The President also emphasised the importance of technology and skills transfer. He urged the United States to review and simplify the existing ‘visa bond’ system for Bangladeshi businesspeople and genuine tourists travelling to the US. He sought continued US support for ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. The US ambassador assured the President of continued cooperation and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN countries in this regard. During the meeting, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam on assuming the office of President and conveyed his best wishes to him. Thanking the ambassador, the President said the US is one of Bangladesh’s important development and trade partners. He said the existing trade relations between the two countries have been playing an important role in Bangladesh’s economic development. Bangladesh believes in maintaining friendly relations with all countries and expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the President said. He said Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to the principles of independence, sovereignty, national interest, mutual respect and equality in international relations. The President expressed hope that bilateral relations with the US would be further expanded in the days ahead through mutual respect and protection of shared interests. The US ambassador reaffirmed his country’s interest in further deepening and broadening its relations with Bangladesh. The President’s secretaries and senior government officials were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to play a more effective role in maintaining law and order at the grassroots level while contributing to nation-building activities. He made the call when Director General of Ansar-VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told UNB. During the meeting, the President praised the contributions of the force to maintaining public security following the July 2024 mass uprising, the 13th parliamentary elections and various other state activities. He stressed the need for enhancing the professionalism, discipline and public engagement of Ansar members and underscored the need to make them skilled and employment-ready through training in foreign languages, technical skills and technology. The Ansar director general congratulated President Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office and briefed him on various activities of the force. He particularly informed the President of quality training programmes for Ansar members aimed at creating employment opportunities at home and abroad, developing a database of members, microcredit programmes and initiatives to generate solar power at the grassroots level. Sazzad Mahmud also sought the President's guidance and cooperation in discharging the force's responsibilities. The President described Ansar-VDP as the country's largest security and disciplined force with extensive public engagement. He recalled the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to reforms in the Ansar force, particularly the establishment of the Ansar Battalion. Mirza Fakhrul also recalled with respect the role of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in modernising the Ansar force, enacting various laws and establishing Ansar Bank. He praised the force's contributions to solar power generation, human resources development, sports and cultural activities as well as various people-oriented initiatives, and called for undertaking more programmes and activities in the coming days. The President assured the Ansar-VDP chief that his continued support for the development of the force will remain in place during his tenure. The President's secretaries and senior officials concerned were present during the meeting.  

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday stressed the need for stronger role by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, push-ins and border killings. He made the call when BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the BGB DG congratulated President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office. He briefed him on the force’s overall activities and initiatives to enhance surveillance along the borders through the deployment of advanced drones and modern technologies. President Fakhrul appreciated the BGB’s initiative to introduce advanced technologies to strengthen border security and assured the force of all-out cooperation in this regard. The President’s secretaries and senior officials were present during the meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban and invited him to visit China at a mutually convenient time on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the meeting held at Bangabhaban in the afternoon, the Chinese envoy briefed the President on the significant progress made during the recent visit of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister to China. He said notable progress had been made, as part of the visit, on laying the foundation stone of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), signing a commercial agreement for the modernisation of Mongla Port, and possible Chinese cooperation in establishing the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ). The President said the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s recent visit to China would further broaden and facilitate the friendly relations between the two countries. In response, Ambassador Yao said around 30 Chinese companies are expected to invest about USD 500 million in the CEIZ, creating an estimated 100,000 employment opportunities for local people in Bangladesh. The two sides also held fruitful discussions on various issues of mutual interest, including the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, early commencement of a strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level, and the initiative to launch “2+2” diplomatic and defence dialogue at the state minister level. They also discussed initiating the process of exporting jackfruit, mangoes and guavas from Bangladesh to China, cooperation in solar energy, setting up electric vehicle assembly plants, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar economic corridor, and strengthening bilateral cooperation to address the Rohingya crisis. The Chinese ambassador particularly recalled President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s visit to China in April when he was serving as the LGRD Minister. He recalled and thanked the President for his meeting with IDCPC Minister Liu Haixing during that visit, as well as the handover of rare photographs and video footage showing Liu Haixing’s father, Liu Shuquing, presenting his credentials to then-President Ziaur Rahman in August 1980. During the meeting, both sides expressed their resolve to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China and take the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries to new heights.