United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night said Ekushey had remained confined under a fascist regime, but this time it is free, creating an opportunity to build a just and discrimination-free democratic Bangladesh. “Ekushey had long remained restricted under a fascist rule, but this time it is free. That is why our feelings are somewhat different today as after the election a newly elected BNP government has been formed under the leadership of Tarique Rahman,” he said. PM Tarique pays tributes to Language Movement martyrs Fakhrul, also Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister, made the remarks at the Central Shaheed Minar before paying tributes to the language martyrs, marking .Amar Ekushey’—the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibosh. He said public expectations from the new government have grown immensely following the restoration of democracy. “We expect to fulfil people’s aspirations in the coming days by building a truly democratic society in Bangladesh based on justice under a democratic government,” Fakhrul said. He said the core spirit of Ekushey was to build a discrimination-free society and state in Bangladesh. “On the basis of that spirit we will move forward in the coming days. We believe that with the inspiration of this new Ekushey we will be able to work for people’s welfare, enrich our mother language and culture, and consolidate the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul added.

Video footage captured by closed-circuit cameras at the polling stations of the recent general election and referendum would be preserved at the offices of assistant returning officers. The Election Commission has taken the decision to preserve the video footage of two days – the day before the voting and the voting day— with a view to using these as documents. The Commission on Thursday issued the directives to the 69 returning officers -– two divisional commissioners (Dhaka and Chattogram), three regional election officers (Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna) and 64 Districts’ deputy commissioners—to store the video footage. The EC in a letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain asked the returning officers to preserve the video footage at the office of the assistant returning officers concerned. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum were held at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country on February 12 last. Some 90 percent of the polling stations were under CC camera surveillance. Bangladesh election credible, genuinely competitive: EU Chief Observer On February 13 last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. So, the BNP-led electoral alliance sealed victory in a total of 212 constituencies, while the Jamaat-led electoral alliance won in 77 constituencies.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday greeted the nation on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on Muslims to embrace the values of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. In a message on his Facebook page, he said the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived once again, offering an opportunity for spiritual purification and self-restrain. He urged the country’s Muslim community to learn, uphold and practise the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed during this sacred month and to work together to build a society based on justice and compassion. Refusal to take reform oath disrespects ‘July’: Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed the hope that Ramadan would cleanse people of wrongdoings and moral lapses and inspire them to refrain from all forms of transgression. He also called upon people to extend support and kindness to the poor and underprivileged during the month of fasting. Seeking divine mercy for the country, he prayed for peace and stability and expressed the hope that the nation would move forward in line with the aspirations of its people. He conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of Ramadan.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s economic policy must be people-centred and inclusive, stressing the need to create equal opportunities for citizens from all walks of life to participate in economic activities. He made the remarks while speaking at a reception ceremony for newly appointed ministerial colleagues at the conference room of the ministry. The finance minister said the country must build an economy where participation from every segment of society is ensured, as broader engagement would help bring meaningful changes to the overall economic landscape. Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one “A level playing field must exist in the economy so that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from growth,” he said. Referring to the changing public mindset after August 5, he said economic policies and activities must align with the evolving expectations of people. As a first step, he emphasised the need to address the poor condition of state institutions. “Our priority should be to recover institutions and strengthen them,” he said. He said that professionalism, transparency and efficiency must be restored across public bodies to ensure effective governance and sustainable economic progress. The minister also underscored the need to move away from a patronage-based economic model towards a more democratic and participatory one. To achieve this, he called for deregulation and liberalisation, alongside efforts to diversify the economy beyond a narrow dependence on manufacturing. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru He said sectors such as sports, culture and other professions should be integrated into economic planning to create wider opportunities and generate new sources of income. Giving an example, he referred to the traditional ‘shital pati’ (woven mat) produced in Barishal, which usually sells for Tk600 to Tk700. If artisans are provided with training, access to credit and online marketing facilities, they could develop new designs and produce a variety of products, potentially creating a large market and boosting their incomes, he noted. At the event, Khasru said the country’s economic framework should be developed in line with the 31-point programme of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, calling for the establishment of a democratic economic system that ensures fairness and inclusivity. The finance minister sought cooperation from officials at all levels to move the country’s economy forward and implement reforms effectively. Among others present at the programme were Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur and Finance Division Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and secretaries and senior officials from various divisions of the Ministry of Finance.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council is tantamount to dishonouring ‘July 2024’. “We believe that not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council amounts to insulting July. It is because of July that this election was held and Mr. Tarique Rahman became the Prime Minister, and I became the Opposition Leader. Without July, could we have reached this position” he said.

National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam has criticised the appointment of National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman as Foreign Minister in the newly formed BNP government, saying it casts doubt on the impartiality of the national election and the interim administration. Talking to reporters after taking oath as Member of Parliament, Nahid said Khalilur’s appointment in the cabinet of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) substantiates long -tanding allegations of ‘election engineering’. “For the sake of neutrality, student advisers were asked to resign and they did so. But Khalilur Rahman joining the BNP cabinet proves that he had been working for a particular party while serving in the interim government,” Nahid said. Nahid alleged that BNP secured a two-thirds majority by strategically defeating his party in several constituencies. “This has now created an opportunity for them to complicate the constitutional reform process.” Referring to the oath-taking ceremony, Nahid said members were scheduled to take oath as part of the Constitutional Reform Council at the same venue and before the same authority immediately after being sworn in as MPs. BNP lawmakers, however, declined to take that oath, arguing that the Constitution does not provide a legal basis for such a council. “This is tantamount to disregarding the mandate of the referendum. The July Charter clearly mentions the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council. By signing that charter and now refusing to take oath, the government has broken its commitment on the very first day,” Nahid claimed. He warned that BNP’s refusal to join the reform council has created fresh legal complications, as the July Charter provides the basis for both the council and the referendum’s legitimacy. Nahid urged BNP MPs to take oath in the Constitutional Reform Council without delay to resolve the crisis.

The BNP-led new government officially began its journey on Tuesday under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman, marking the BNP’s return to power after nearly two decades following a landslide victory in the 13th national election. Among the 50-member cabinet, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister, followed by the ministers and state ministers, at a ceremony held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex in the afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister With this, Tarique became Bangladesh’s 11th Prime Minister in the country’s renewed democratic journey after the 2024 uprising, while the BNP assumed state power again after over 19 years. Breaking with long-standing tradition, the oath-taking ceremony was held at the parliament complex instead of Bangabhaban. The programme began with the national anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran. In last Thursday’s national election, the BNP won 209 seats, while its alliance partners secured three more. Nearly 150 of the winning candidates were elected to parliament for the first time. Leaders and representatives from several countries attended the ceremony, alongside outgoing interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, the Chief Justice, Election Commission officials, senior political leaders, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, journalists, and high-ranking civil and military officials. Diplomatic sources said leaders from 13 countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan—were invited to attend the ceremony. Among the guests, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented New Delhi. Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at 3:58 pm with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. President Mohammed Shahabuddin came to the venue a few minutes later, and the formal proceedings began. The President first administered the oath and secrecy pledge to Tarique as the Prime Minister of the new government. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister After congratulating the new Prime Minister, the names of cabinet members were announced. The President then administered the oath and secrecy pledge to the ministers, followed by the state ministers, concluding the ceremony. Cabinet Composition Apart from Tarique, the new government includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, with a strong presence of new faces. Among the ministers, 16 are serving for the first time, including the Prime Minister himself, who had never previously been a minister, state minister, or MP. Nine ministers have prior cabinet experience from previous BNP governments led by Khaleda Zia. In contrast, all 24 state ministers are first-time office holders. Overall, 41 members of the government have never served in ministerial roles before, reflecting Tarique Rahman’s plan to combine new leadership with experienced figures. Several senior BNP leaders, including standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Selima Rahman, were not included in the cabinet. BPP elects Tarique as Leader of the House However, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Ismail Zabiullah, and Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir have been appointed advisers to the Prime Minister with the status of ministers. Besides them, Humayun Kabir, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam, Dr Zahedur Rahman, Dr Mahdi Amin, and Rehan Asif Asad have been appointed as advisers with the status of state ministers. A major surprise in Tarique Rahman’s cabinet is Khalilur Rahman, who previously served as the interim government’s National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya issue. Though not an MP, he will serve as a technocrat Foreign Minister. Another technocrat minister is Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin, former general secretary of Comilla BNP, who will also take office. Former footballer and BNP sports secretary Aminul Haque has been appointed technocrat State Minister for Sports. Both are first-time ministers, bringing expertise and fresh faces to the cabinet. The formation of the new government follows the BNP’s decisive electoral victory and signals a major political shift after two decades. Tarique Rahman appears to be prioritising generational change, administrative renewal, and broader political inclusion through a cabinet dominated by newcomers but supported by experienced politicians. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12. Out of 300 seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the results of two seats have been suspended, while election in one seat was cancelled following the death of a candidate. After winning the election, Tarique Rahman also met the chiefs of three opposition parties—including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, sending out a message of positive politics. During the meetings, he also sought cooperation from the opposition parties in governing the country.

Ten advisers to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman were appointed with the status of ministers and state ministers. The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard on Tuesday. The five advisers who were appointed with the status of minister are Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Md Ismail Zabiullah and Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The five other advisers who were appointed with the status of state ministers are Humayun Kabir, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam, Dr Zahedur Rahman and Dr Mahdi Amin. BNP MPs decline oath as CRC members The gazette notification, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, said they were appointed as the advisers under Rule 3(B) of the Rules of Business, 1996. The order will come into effect soon.

Former national football team captain Aminul Haque has been appointed as the State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the technocrat quota. Aminul, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been active in politics following his retirement from professional sports. His appointment comes after a period of political struggle; during the previous Awami League government, he faced imprisonment and harassment. In the recently concluded 13th National Parliamentary Election, Haque contested from the Dhaka-16 constituency but lost by a narrow margin. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially welcomed the appointment on Tuesday. In a media statement, BCB President Aminul Islam congratulated the new State Minister, noting that his background would be an asset to the administration. "The appointment of a distinguished sports figure like Aminul Haque as State Minister for Youth & Sports is a significant step for Bangladesh," the BCB President said. "Having led the national football team with pride, he understands the realities, challenges, and aspirations of athletes firsthand". While his playing career is highlighted by leading Bangladesh to the 2003 SAFF Championship title, he is now tasked with steering the nation's sports administration as its top guardian.

A festive mood swept across Sirajganj as two BNP lawmakers—an uncle and his nephew—were inducted into the new cabinet as minister and state minister. Party leaders and activists began distributing sweets and exchanging greetings from Tuesday afternoon after reports emerged that the two would be included in the council of ministers. Sources said the duo received phone calls from the Cabinet Division on Tuesday morning to join the new cabinet formed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Child born at polling station in Sirajganj named after Khaleda Zia The two leaders are Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and MP from Sirajganj-2 (Sadar-Kamarkhanda), and his nephew MA Muhit, MP from Sirajganj-6 (Shahjadpur). They were sworn in as Members of Parliament at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the afternoon. Iqbal Hasan took oath as Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources while Muhit was sworn in as State Minister for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Science and Technology. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. Iqbal Hasan earlier served as State Minister for Power during the 2001 four-party alliance government led by Khaleda Zia. He has been elected MP for the third time, including the latest polls. BNP-Jamaat clash in Sirajganj leaves 9 injured Muhit was elected MP for the first time from Sirajganj-6. He is the son of eye specialist Dr. MA Matin, who served as deputy prime minister and health minister during the rule of former president Hussain Muhammad Ershad. General Secretary of Sirajganj district unit BNP, Saidur Rahman Bachchu expressed pride and joy over the appointment of two ministers from the district and extended congratulations on behalf of the residents of Sirajganj.