United News of Bangladesh

A meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, according to a PMO media release.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday unveiled commemorative postage stamps  marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. He released the stamps in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday began work at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon for the first time after assuming office. He arrived at the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.   

US President Donald J. Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his assumption of office and expressed hope for stronger defence cooperation between the two countries. In his message to Tarique Rahman, President Trump said he expects the new Prime Minister to take decisive steps to complete the routine defence agreements that would enable Bangladesh’s military to access high-end American-made equipment, which he described as the best in the world. “I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before,” he said in a letter to PM Tarique, shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. President Trump said the partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper. “As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries,” he said. President Trump said his Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence. “Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.” “Good luck to you in the days ahead,” he said, congratulating PM Tarique on his historic election and wishing him a successful term as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

The government on Wednesday appointed Abu Abdullah M Saleh (Saleh Shibly) as Press Secretary to the Prime Minister with the status of secretary on a contractual basis. In a separate order, Atikur Rahman Rumon was appointed Additional Press Secretary on a contractual basis. The Ministry of Public Administration issued separate notifications in this regard. Earlier, on January 3, Shibly was appointed Press Secretary to Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, while Rumon has long been working as a member of the BNP Media Cell. Shibly has long handled key press and administrative responsibilities under Tarique Rahman and was made chief of a BNP press coordination team formed on November 1 last year. He began his journalism career as a campus reporter for the Daily Banglabazar while studying Public Administration at the  University of Dhaka, where he later completed his Master’s degree. Over the years, he worked in different branches of the media, including the news agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB), the Daily Manab Zamin, Radio Today and Channel i During the tenure of the four-party alliance government, he served as First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. Several of his articles on women’s empowerment were published in Asian Bridge, a magazine of the Kitakyushu Forum on Asian Women. While abroad, he worked as Executive Editor of London-based Bengali-language television channel Channel S and earned a PhD focusing on media and public administration. He also served as a Non-Resident Fellow at the Sydney Policy and Analysis Centre. Shibly returned to Bangladesh on December 25 on the same flight as Tarique Rahman did from the United Kingdom. He is also the author of the book Tarique Rahmaner Nishiddha Bhashan (The Forbidden Speeches of Tarique Rahman).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Wednesday that the newly elected government’s top priority is restoring peace and security through stronger law enforcement and anti-corruption measures, pledging that all citizens, regardless of their vote, will enjoy equal rights. “As the head of government, I would like to draw the attention of the people of the country to one important matter—whether you voted for the BNP, did not vote for it to allow forming the new government, or did not vote at all, you all have equal rights to this government,” he said in a televised address to the nation. Tarique said the BNP government believes that political views, religious beliefs and ideologies may differ, but the state belongs to all. As a citizen of Bangladesh, he said, the rights of all Bangladeshis are also equal. In his first address to the nation, the Prime Minister said the new government has begun its journey amid a fragile economy battered by corruption and misrule during what he described as a period of fascism, along with weak governance structures and a deteriorating law-and-order situation. “Restoring peace and security in the minds of the people by improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is the main priority of our government,” he said. Tarique said the government has identified the spread of gambling and drugs across the country as a major reason behind the deterioration of law and order.  “So, law enforcement agencies are taking all necessary strict measures to control gambling and drugs. The government is making its highest efforts to ensure peace and security in public life.” He said every constitutional, government and non-government institution in the country will run according to established rules and regulations. “The rule of law—not party or political influence or coercion—will be the final word in running the state.” After taking oath as Prime Minister on Tuesday, he first paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Wednesday morning. PM Tarique urges market restraint ahead of Ramadan He then visited the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, worked at the Secretariat, and chaired a Cabinet meeting in the afternoon and continued work until 7:30pm. This was his first address to the nation as Prime Minister. Expressing gratitude to the Almighty Allah, Tarique said the country’s independence and sovereignty have been protected through the sacrifice of thousands of martyrs. He said a new government accountable to the people through their votes has begun its journey in a free Bangladesh, and he extended greetings and sincere congratulations to the nation at the start of what he described as the restoration of democracy and people’s rights. Tarique, also the chairman of BNP, said the opportunity to re-establish people’s rights, dignity and respect has come because of democracy-loving citizens. He said the country belongs to everyone—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, people of all political views, religions and ethnic identities, whether living in the hills or the plains. The Prime Minister said the government wants to turn the country into a safe homeland for every citizen and aims to build a self-reliant, secure, humane and democratic Bangladesh. Market Control Greeting the nation ahead of Ramadan, Tarique said Ramadan is a month of self-purification and that people’s suffering should not increase during this time. “If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people’s suffering during this month,” he said. Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the sacred month as an opportunity for higher profit. He urged businesspeople to remain cautious so that the prices of essential commodities do not go beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister said the current government’s stance towards traders—small, medium or large—is simple and clear, adding that it intends to take necessary steps while protecting the interests of both businesspeople and consumers. Tarique said the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints from stakeholders regarding measures that could help keep the market situation stable and safeguard the interests of buyers and sellers alike. “This government belongs to all—buyers and sellers. This government is yours. You have entrusted it with the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the strength of this government,” he added. Referring to the government’s political mandate, he said the administration assumed office with a commitment to uphold the rights of the people and dismantle mafia syndicates, following the fall of such a syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives. The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in irregularities and corruption in every sector, he said, expressing hope that this pledge would be fulfilled. Ensuring Utilities during Ramadan Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility. About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods. Exercising Austerity Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim’s faith.  Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added. Before calling upon government and private officials and the general public to practise austerity, the Prime Minister said he sought to set an example by encouraging ministers and BNP Members of Parliament to do so first. At the first meeting of the BNP parliamentary party, he said it was decided that no BNP MP will import tax-free cars or take plot allocations using government privileges. Tarique said he earlier promised that if given the opportunity to govern, the BNP would follow the ideals of justice exemplified by the Prophet, adding that these parliamentary decisions reflect that principle. Easing Traffic Congestion He said traffic congestion in divisional cities, especially the capital Dhaka, is almost uncontrollable, causing immense public suffering in daily life. The Prime Minister stressed that without reducing public hardship in various sectors, people will not feel relief. To reduce population pressure in the capital, alternative arrangements are urgently needed, he said, adding that initiatives have been taken to overhaul the nationwide railway system so people can live in their own districts while commuting easily for work and business. “As part of this plan, the activities of the ministries of railways, shipping, roads and bridges are being reorganised and coordinated. We believe that making the railway communication system across the country easy, affordable and safe will not only reduce people’s dependence on city-centred living, but also improve the environment,” Tarique said. Employment and Skills He said although the country faces many problems, it also has great potential. “If the large population can be transformed into skilled human resources, it will become a national asset.” The Prime Minister observed the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence through rapid technological progress, and said people must become skilled in at least one field to survive with dignity and prosperity in this competitive world. PM orders steps to keep prices stable, ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan Addressing millions of students and young people, he said the government is ready to provide all possible support to help them become qualified through knowledge, science and education. Tarique also said the government has begun its journey with a clear commitment to ensuring employment and a proper working environment. Implementing Plans Recalling his earlier statement after returning to the country on 25 December last year, the Prime Minister said he declared, “I have a plan” for the country and its people. Before the national election on 12 February, I travelled to different parts of the country and presented many aspects of my plan to you.” He said voters entrusted the BNP—founded by the proclaimer of independence Ziaur Rahman—with the responsibility of governing and the opportunity to implement those plans. Tarique said the government has already started working to fulfil its promises and seeks continued public support in the days ahead.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged traders to exercise restraint in the market as the holy month of Ramadan is set to begin across the country on Thursday, warning against profiteering that could increase public suffering. In a televised address to the nation at night, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a month of self-purification and stressed that its true spirit must be reflected in economic behaviour as well. “If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people’s suffering during this month,” he said. Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the sacred month as an opportunity for higher profit. He urged businesspeople to remain cautious so that the prices of essential commodities do not go beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister said the current government’s stance towards traders—small, medium or large—is simple and clear, adding that it intends to take necessary steps while protecting the interests of both businesspeople and consumers. Tarique said the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints from stakeholders regarding measures that could help keep the market situation stable and safeguard the interests of buyers and sellers alike. PM orders steps to keep prices stable, ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan “This government belongs to all—buyers and sellers. This government is yours. You have entrusted it with the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the strength of this government,” he added. Referring to the government’s political mandate, he said the administration assumed office with a commitment to uphold the rights of the people and dismantle mafia syndicates, following the fall of such a syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives. The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in irregularities and corruption in every sector, he said, expressing hope that this pledge would be fulfilled. Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility. About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods. Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim’s faith.  Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added. Before calling upon government and private officials and the general public to practise austerity, the Prime Minister said he sought to set an example by encouraging ministers and BNP Members of Parliament to do so first.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered keeping commodity prices stable, maintain law and order and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the holy month of Ramadan. The directives came at the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BNP-led government held at the Secretariat in the afternoon. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan briefed reporters after the meeting. He said the cabinet sat at the Prime Minister’s call and discussed possible urgent national issues. In light of discussions, the Prime Minister advised all regarding the government’s immediate priorities, he said. He put special emphasis on uninterrupted power during Tarabih prayers and at iftar time so that people do not face any inconvenience, Swapan said. “Although today’s meeting was a courtesy one, these three issues have come up as our main priorities,” he added. Replying to a question on implementation, the minister said the respective ministers concerned would submit their action plans to the Prime Minister within the next couple of days. “Following further directives from the Prime Minister, we will take necessary steps accordingly,” he said. “We have calculated that addressing the urgent problems to a respectable level would require at least 180 days. A draft plan has already been prepared, and the nation will soon be informed through you,” he said . On a question about fulfilling political pledges, particularly media freedom, the minister said ensuring free flow of information and independence of the media is one of the government’s key commitments.

Congratulating Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang Li on Tuesday said he stands ready to work with the Prime Minister to carry forward the long-standing friendship, enhance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He laid emphasis on continued exchanges in all sectors, elevating the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new level, so as to bring more benefit to the two peoples. Li Qiang wrote in the message that China and Bangladesh are neighbors enjoying long-standing friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partners. “Friendly ties between the two countries go back a long way,” he said, adding that over the past 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Bangladesh and China have always respected and treated each other as equals, pursued mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results, setting a fine example of exchanges between countries. He said the Chinese government supports the new Bangladeshi government in exercising smooth governance. BNP Chairman Tarique was sworn in as the country’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered him the oath at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 4:15pm. Earlier in the day, BNP Parliamentary Party at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban elected Tarique Rahman as leader of the party’s parliamentary party.