United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman on Monday underscored the importance of women’s empowerment, saying women can play a vital role in family welfare, healthcare and rural development. “If everyone contributes from their respective positions toward building the desired society, it would certainly be possible to achieve that goal,” she said while addressing the annual gathering and fair organised by Bangladesh Police Women Welfare Association (PUNAK) as the chief guest. Female workers face widespread discrimination: Jamaat women’s wing secretary She also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and development of girl children. “Every girl should be able to pursue the future she dreams of and the state system should support that path instead of creating obstacles,” she said.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working relentlessly since assuming office to implement the commitments made before the election in a bid to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. “In the past, promises were made to provide rice at Tk 10 per kg, jobs for every household and free fertiliser, but those turned out to be hollow, false and deceptive commitments. We have not seen a repetition of that in Tarique Rahman’s activities,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 45th National Council Conference of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) at the IDEB conference room. He referred to the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, canal excavation programme and the waiving of agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 as examples of the present government’s execution of promises. “These were not empty commitments,” he said. The BNP leader said the Prime Minister has been travelling from one end of the country to the other and engaging with people in different areas to ensure implementation of every promise made to the public. “Just as he is visiting different regions, he is also speaking to everyone in Dhaka and continuously stressing the implementation of the pledges. Our government – the BNP government, Tarique Rahman’s government – has an elected Prime Minister who is working tirelessly to rebuild the nation and make Bangladesh self-reliant, just as his parents did,” he said. Rizvi said those working closely with the Prime Minister as well as the people of Bangladesh are witnessing his relentless efforts from morning till late at night. “The main objective of this tireless work is to bring smiles to people’s faces so that they are not deceived or deprived again. The Prime Minister is consulting intellectuals and professionals from different sectors, listening patiently to people’s concerns and trying to implement practical solutions,” he added. The BNP leader also praised diploma engineers for their contribution to national development, saying he is fully aware of their demands. “If your demands are justified, the Prime Minister will certainly take them into consideration and play an appropriate role,” he said. He urged engineers to continue their work with patriotism despite criticism or differing ideologies. The session was presided over by Engineer Md Kabir Hossain, convener of the interim central committee of IDEB, while Engineer Kazi Sakhawat Hossain, member secretary of the interim central committee, conducted the programme. IDEB councillors and diploma engineers from across the country attended the event.  

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday urged India to stop border killings, saying a stable and friendly relationship between the two neighbouring countries cannot be built on repeated bloodshed along the border. “Repeatedly turning the border bloody can never build a good relationship. So, the BJP must stop the bloodshed,” he said, adding that if India truly wants to establish a lasting and friendly relationship with Bangladesh, it must abandon the mentality of violence. Rizvi made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 45th National Council Conference of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) at the IDEB conference room in the capital. Referring to India’s assembly elections, he said it is entirely an internal matter for the Indian people to decide whom they vote for and which party they elect to power. “The people there may elect anyone they choose. We have nothing to say about that,” he said. However, the BNP leader questioned why Bangladeshis continue to be shot dead at the border. “The question is why Bangladeshis are repeatedly being killed by gunfire. How long will this bloodshed at the border continue?” he said. He noted that despite repeated discussions and claims by many that Bangladesh and India share “excellent relations,” incidents of border killings continue to occur. “Even yesterday (Saturday), two people were shot dead at the border. What kind of relationship is this?” Rizvi said, referring to the Brahmanbaria incident where two Bangladeshi nationals were shot dead by Indian Border Security Force. He said neither the people of Bangladesh nor the people of India want such incidents, adding that the citizens of both neighbouring countries want peaceful coexistence. “Our people will vote for whomever they want and decide their own destiny. The same applies to India. We want the people of India to live in peace and happiness, and we want the same for ourselves,” the BNP leader said. He added that Bangladesh seeks an honest and neighbourly relationship with India based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.  

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin on Sunday alleged that a “planned mob” was created at Eden Mohila College on Saturday night targeting their leaders, claiming that the situation was instigated by “gupto” (covert) activists of Islami Chhatri Sangstha” as part of an attempt to shut down student politics. He made the remarks in a post published on his verified Facebook page around 1:15am. The JCD leader came up with remarks after a section of students at Eden Mohila College staged demonstrations on Saturday night, demanding a complete ban on student politics on the campus. The unrest began around 11:00pm when a group of students broke the locks of the college's main gate to gather and demonstrate. The protesters marched through the campus, chanting slogans to end all forms of political influence within the institution. In the post, Nasir Uddin said participation in student politics, conducting political activities on campus and expressing political opinions are fundamental rights of students. However, he alleged that a particular group has been deliberately creating mobs at different educational institutions to obstruct student politics. The JCD leader further claimed that similar incidents had occurred in other campuses in the past, where what he described as “covert” Bangladeshi Islami Chhatra Shibir used their activists to create an environment against student politics. According to him, several individuals who had led such mobs later emerged as top leaders of Shibir. Referring to an incident at Govt Titumir College, Nasir Uddin alleged that a mob had broken the college gate late at night a few days ago and harassed female JCD leaders. He claimed that one of the persons involved in that incident was later identified as the secretary of the college unit of Shibir. Describing the current situation at Eden Mohila College, the JCD General Secretary alleged that covert activists of Chhatri Sangstha similarly instigated a mob there to harass women leaders of JCD and activists of other political organisations. He also claimed that female students were being forced out of halls. Nasir Uddin warned that if such “mob terrorism” and harassment of JCD female leaders are not stopped immediately, they will put up strong resistance. He also urged the college administration to ensure the political rights and safety of all students and called on authorities not to surrender to what he termed “conspiracies or deception.”    

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party’s new challenge is to rebuild the country from what he described as ‘ruins’. “You have finished a major struggle. That battle was to protect the country, protect the people and safeguard democracy. You have won that war,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district-level leaders of BNP and its three associate bodies. Fakhrul said BNP secured a parliamentary majority and formed the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “We now face a very big challenge. We have come to government from a state of destruction. Wherever you look, you will only hear ‘nothing, nothing, nothing’—that is the reality. Rising from this state of devastation and rebuilding it, lifting it up… not only the party, but also the government and the state—that is our new challenge ahead,” he said. The BNP leader said their main objective now is to overcome this challenge. “We are confident under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, who has led us even from exile, that we achieved a successful uprising and also won a successful election to form the government,” he said. Fakhrul urged party leaders and activists to strengthen the organisation, especially at the grassroots level. “We must remember the leadership and sacrifices of our leaders and workers and ensure better coordination and organisation at all levels,” he added. The closed-door meeting began around 10:45 am at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chaired the session. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the programme, which was attended by leaders from the party’s district units, as well as Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal. Party Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and AZM Zahid Hossain were also present. This was the first views-exchange meeting between Tarique Rahman and the party’s grassroots leaders since the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.  

Opposition parties should criticise the government, but such criticism must be constructive, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday. Speaking to reporters after inspecting preparations for a BNP dialogue meeting scheduled for Saturday (May 9) at the Krishibid Institution in the capital, Rizvi made the remarks. The meeting will be attended by presidents and general secretaries of BNP’s three associate bodies — Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechhasebak Dal — from district and metropolitan units. Tarique-led govt earning public confidence: Rizvi Rizvi said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the programme as chief guest. Senior party leaders, including the secretary general, are also expected to be present, while district-level leaders from across the country will present their views on organisational issues and various government activities. He added that ministers concerned will also present analyses of recent government initiatives over the past two to three months, including measures that have been implemented and those in progress. “Our Family Card, Farmers’ Card, and initiatives on canal excavation are among several good programmes,” he said. Referring to opposition politics and criticism of the government, Rizvi said BNP has struggled for democracy for 16 years, during which many lives were lost, including those of children, students, teachers and workers. “In a democracy, the government performs its duties and the opposition provides criticism. That is the basic principle, and that is how it should be,” he said. He added that opposition criticism is acceptable if it is constructive. “If there are mistakes in the government’s work, pointing them out strengthens democracy and makes the state more effective and efficient,” Rizvi said. “However, if we take programmes with the intention of putting the government in trouble or spread falsehoods, then that becomes conspiracy. Sheikh Hasina, both in power and outside power, has made many false claims. If politics follows that path, it falls under conspiracy,” he added. Rizvi further said constructive opposition would strengthen democracy. “If people consider the opposition’s stance positive, they will judge it accordingly. Ultimately, the people are the final judges. In the next election, they will decide whether the government has performed properly,” he said. BNP leaders Mahfuz Kabir Mukta, president of the Nationalist Publicity Party, and Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal, vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, among others, were present during the briefing.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Thursday said Zia Shishu-Kishore Sangathan has long been closely associated with Bangladesh’s literary, cultural and democratic movements, as well as the struggle for establishing democracy in the country. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at their graves in the Zia Udyan on the occasion of the organisation’s 38th founding anniversary. Dudu said the organisation was established with specific ideals and objectives, and over the years, it has played a role in producing hundreds of leaders and activists who later became involved with BNP at different levels. Referring to the current political context, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and BNP are now carrying forward those ideals and objectives. “I expect further progress and expansion of this organization.” The BNP leader also said the organisation played a role in the anti-Ershad movement and resisted what he described as authoritarian tendencies in later years. He alleged that the “arrogance” displayed through “three controversial elections” under the previous government had undermined the spirit of the Liberation War and mocked those who sacrificed their lives in democratic movements. Dudu claimed that such actions eventually forced those responsible to flee the country. Leaders and activists of Zia Shishu-Kishore Sangathan Dhaka South city unit, Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal and other BNP affiliated organisations were present at the programme.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives(LGRD)  Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s political situation has improved compared to the past and expressed hope that sustained stability would pave the way for stronger economic growth, increased investment, and job creation.  “We believe that if we can ensure stability in the country, we will be able to move forward with our goals of economic development through  increasing investment and creating employment opportunities,” he said at a seminar titled “Cooperation on Markets, Policy, Alignment, Security, and Sovereignty.” Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research(ISTR) organised the seminar at a hotel in the capital in the morning. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general,  said government initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards and canal excavation programmes have created hope among  people. However, he identified slow bureaucratic processes as a major obstacle to investment, noting that delays by government agencies often discourage foreign investors. The pace at which our agencies handle investment issues creates a negative situation. “Foreign investors become frustrated. This has become a major problem,” he said. He said the government is working to reform the bureaucracy and improve the overall investment climate, acknowledging that the current business environment is not yet satisfactory. “Our Prime Minister is discussing it regularly and pushing all ministries to act quickly,” Fakhrul added. Highlighting challenges in the energy sector, he said Bangladesh is moving towards renewable energy, particularly solar alongside efforts for onshore and offshore exploration of oil and gas. He also underscored the importance of ensuring investment security, maintaining stability in the Bay of Bengal, and fostering balanced relations with ally and neighbouring countries. Mentioning Rohingya issued as a major challenge he said the government is working towards a solution. Fakhrul thanked ISTR for initiating the dialogue and expressed hope that it would lead to further discussions and constructive outcomes. The seminar aims to bridge the gap between national priorities and the interests of international partners, serving as a platform for aligning immediate policy needs with long-term sovereign goals. Organised in collaboration with Bangladesh Defence Journal and Change Initiative, the initiative seeks to function as a strategic forum to enhance coordination and clarity in policymaking.

Newly elected BNP MP from reserved seat Nipun Roy Chowdhury on Tuesday said women lawmakers will not remain symbolic figures in Parliament but will actively represent people’s concerns and work across multiple sectors to rebuild the country. “We are not going to Parliament as ornaments. We are going to speak for the people and bring their real-life issues to the House,” she said after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Zia Udyan in the capital. BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy was also present. Nipun Roy said many women, especially those who are poor, oppressed and vulnerable, continue to face serious challenges, adding that lawmakers must not only highlight these issues but also ensure sustainable and legal solutions. She emphasised the importance of legal awareness from an early age, saying initiatives will be taken so that children can understand the language of law and the Constitution. “We will prove that women are not limited to women’s issues. We will speak on education, healthcare, administration and local government. We will be part of decision-making and help rebuild the nation,” the women MP said. Expressing gratitude, Nipun Roy said she felt honoured to be entrusted with such responsibility and thanked party leadership, including Chairman Tarique Rahman, for their confidence in her. She said she was inspired by the ideals and political guidance of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, particularly their roles in movements against authoritarianism. Nipun Roy also congratulated those elected in the West Bengal assembly elections. She added that Bangladesh’s future politics should be guided by people’s interests and national priorities. “We believe BNP will not take any decision against the interests of the people of Bangladesh. That is where our confidence lies,” she added. Leaders of Dhaka district and Keraniganj BNP, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and other associate bodies were present on the occasion.

BNP lawmaker and party’s Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s relations with India will remain unchanged regardless of which party assumes power there. He made the remarks after paying tributes to Shaheed President and party founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Zia Udyan in the capital. Gayeshwar was accompanying BNP central executive committee member Nipun Roy Chowdhury, who was elected MP from women’s reserved seat. “Which party comes to power in India is not our concern. We believe in independence and sovereignty. So, relations will remain the same whoever is in power there,” the BNP leader said. Congratulating the Indian people for electing their preferred leaders in assembly elections, he said BNP respects the democratic choice of the people of India. Gayeshwar, MP from Dhaka-3, also stressed that BNP does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries and prioritises Bangladesh’s national interests. Referring to the current challenging situation, he said the government has taken responsibility amid multiple challenges and expressed optimism that these will be overcome to restore stability in the country. Highlighting the challenges ahead, the BNP leader said the country is facing a fragile economy, a weakened banking sector and massive capital flight. “However, we are prepared to face them,” he added. Recalling the legacy of Ziaur Rahman, he described him as the proclaimer of independence and a proponent of multiparty democracy who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Gayeshwar said after Zia’s demise, Khaleda Zia led the party through long political struggles, ultimately contributing to the restoration of democracy. He said they offered prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, and also prayed for the good health and success of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in fulfilling public expectations. Explaining the purpose of the visit, the BNP leader said 36 BNP alliance women MPs, including Nipun Roy, have recently been elected and so they came to pay respect to the party founder and the former Prime Minister. He said the party expects the newly elected women MPs to play an important role in ensuring women’s empowerment and rights. “Not only for women, but they will also contribute to meeting public expectations in the broader political context and democratic transition,” Gayeshwar added. He said BNP is committed to promoting women’s leadership and aims to ensure more women are directly elected to Parliament in the future.