DHAKA – Dhaka and Washington expressed optimism that Bangladesh–United States relations will reach new heights in the coming years through enhanced collaboration across all sectors, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the longstanding bilateral partnership. It was reflected when The U.S. Ambassador in Dhaka, Brent Christensen, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry today, said a foreign ministry press release.

During the meeting, the two sides underscored the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and the United States, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to peace and development.

They reviewed key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, defence and security, development partnership, immigration and people-to-people exchanges. The upcoming visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur to Bangladesh in early March also featured in the discussion, reflecting the continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

The Rohingya issue was discussed at length. The foreign minister conveyed Bangladesh’s appreciation for continued U.S. humanitarian assistance and sought sustained political support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Prior to the meeting with the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Christensen also paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.

DHAKA – President Mohammad Shahabuddin today summoned first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on March 12. “The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will be held at 11am on March 12 at the Parliament Complex at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka,” said an official release of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

The President, also the head of the state, convened the session exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, the release said. Before commencing the House proceedings on the day, the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee is likely to hold a meeting to fix the duration and agendas of the session.

DHAKA – Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit China and conveyed warm congratulations and greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The Chinese envoy extended the invitation when he paid a call on the premier at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here at 12.30pm today.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir disclosed this while briefing the journalists at the Secretariat after the meeting. Replying to a question, he said that the tour schedule was not discussed during the meeting.

“The Prime Minister currently has many important domestic priority tasks. When he will begins his foreign tour after completing the domestic affairs, this invitation from China will be considered with great importance,” Humayun added.

The foreign affairs adviser said that the Chinese government has recognized the huge mandate that newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman got with a two-thirds majority. The Chinese Ambassador mainly came to congratulate the new government formed through the spontaneous participation of the people of Bangladesh in the election, Humayun added.

Stating that “the relationship between Bangladesh and China is historical”, he said, “This strong relationship began during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Over the years, China has been a very important and strong development partner of Bangladesh”.

The development work that has taken place between Bangladesh and China in recent years, Humayun said, the current government wants to move it further forward. Noting that today’s meeting between the Prime Minister and Chinese Ambassador was just a courtesy call, he said there was no discussion on any specific issues.

But the both sides made courteous commitments on how to take bilateral relations to a new height and how to further strengthen development activities while protecting the interests of the people of both countries, Humayun added.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement marking the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day. The Head of the State paid homage by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital at one minute past midnight tonight.

President Shahabuddin reached the Central Shaheed Minar four minutes before the zero hour. On his arrival at the Central Shaheed Minar, the President was received by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.

The President proceeded to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar in slow pace while playing the historic immortal song on the Amar Ekushey “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February . . . Ami Ki Vulitey Pari ?” The President stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Heroes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, marking the great Martyrs’ Day and the International Mother Language Day. He paid homage by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city at 12:08 am today. The premier arrived on the Shaheed Minar premises 12.04am.

He proceeded to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar in slow pace while playing the historic immortal song on the Amar Ekushey “Amar Vaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February . . . Ami Ki Bhulite Pari?”

After placing the wreath, Tarique Rahman, also chairman of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Movement heroes. On the occasion, special prayer was offered seeking forgiveness for the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, 1971 Liberation War, 1990 Anti-autocracy Movement and 2024 July Uprising.

Special prayer was also offered seeking divine blessings for Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The prayer also sought welfare for the country and success for the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Later, flanked by cabinet members and BNP Standing Committee members, the premier placed two wreaths at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of his cabinet and the party.

The Prime Minister also placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar along with his family members. Before the premier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city at one minute past midnight tonight.

Later, Chief Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan paid homage to the Language Movement martyrs. Besides, opposition party leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman along with 11-party alliance leaders also paid tribute to the Language Movement martyrs by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar.

The ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners, Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, acting Attorney General, Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), University Grants Commission (UGC), Fire Service and Civil Defence, Dhaka University (DU) authorities, Bangladesh Police, Bangla Academy, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) were among others who paid tributes to the Language Movement martyrs.

Later, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public when hundreds of people from all walks of life walked barefoot with flowers in hands and humming “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” to recall the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes on this day in 1952.

The government has issued a gazette notification forming a 15-member ‘Cabinet Committee for Family Card Distribution’, aimed at providing protection to marginalized and low-income families.The Cabinet Division issued the notification today, naming the Finance Minister as chairman of the committee.

Other members include the Women and Children Affairs Minister, Social Welfare Minister, Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Ministry of Social Welfare, Advisers Mahdi Amin and Rehan Asif Asad, Cabinet Secretary, Women and Children Affairs Secretary, Election Commission Secretariat Secretary, Finance Division Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary, Local Government Division Secretary, Planning Ministry Secretary, and Social Welfare Secretary. The notification clarified that ‘Secretary’ also includes Senior Secretary.

It said the committee will formulate a framework for implementing the Family Card programme and develop a method for selecting beneficiaries. Initially, the Family Card will be introduced in one upazila in each of the country’s eight divisions. The committee will also review whether any existing programs for women can be used as a basis, recommend creating a digital MIS by linking the National ID and National Household Database to prepare the beneficiary list, and submit a preliminary report by February 24, 2026, to distribute Family Cards before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

The notification added that committee meetings will be held as required. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will provide secretarial support, and the committee may co-opt members if necessary. The notification will take effect immediately.

Reaffirming deeper bilateral engagement British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his election victory, pledging to further strengthen the longstanding UK–Bangladesh partnership across key sectors. In a congratulatory letter, Keir Starmer conveyed his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman on his election victory and assumption of office.

The British premier reiterated that the United Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh in different areas including trade and investment, climate action, migration, defence collaboration and humanitarian assistance.

He also underscored continued support for Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting and assisting displaced members of the Rohingya community on humanitarian grounds.  The UK premier hoped enduring ties between the two friendly nations and shared resolve to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in the years ahead.

US President Donald J. Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his historic election victory, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defence and regional stability. In a letter dated February 18, 2026, from the White House, President Trump conveyed his greetings to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on your historic election and wish you a successful term as Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” he wrote.

Highlighting the foundation of bilateral relations, Trump said, “The partnership between our countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper.”

Referring to economic cooperation, he wrote, “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.”

The US President also underscored defence collaboration, stating, “I also hope you will take decisive action to complete the routine defense agreements that would finally give your military access to high-end, American-made equipment – the best in the world!”

Expressing confidence in future engagement, Trump said, “I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before.”

He added, “My Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence. Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.”

Concluding the message, the US President wrote, “Good luck to you in the days ahead!”

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been elected as the leader of the parliamentary party. He was elected parliamentary party leader in a meeting of BNP’s parliamentary party at the meeting room in Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at about 11.30 am today, BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told reporters.

Earlier, the newly elected parliament members (MPs) of BNP in the 13th national elections took oath of office at Jatiya Sangsad (JS) here. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath of office to the newly elected lawmakers at the Oath Room of Sangsad Bhaban at 10:43 am. Later, the meeting of the BNP’s parliamentary party was held.

Bangladesh resumes its democratic journey today after a long 15 years of autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn-in as Prime Minister with its party’s landslide victory in 13th national polls. Tarique Rahman charismatically led his party to win in 211 seats in the parliamentary elections widely endorsed by the world, including the European Union (EU) election observers as they called the polls fair and credible saying no instance of fraudulence or vote rigging was found.

The nation participated in a free, fair election on 12 February, 2026, for what Bangladesh was waiting for almost 20 years. The people of Bangladesh had been dreaming of such competitive festive elections for long. Their dream finally came true in the second week of this month and they got a true elected prime minister indeed. Tarique Rahman has been the first elected premier by populist votes since 2008.

The Bangladesh people really lost confidence in the electoral process as they saw three rigged elections orchestrated by the fallen Awami League the party was deposed from the power in a student-mass uprising that saw almost 1,400 people to be killed and 20,000 to be injured. But, the nation this time rebounded in democratic norm that was lost by the voter less elections in 2014, night time elections in 2018 and dummy elections in 2024.

Tarique Rahman, son of Independence Proclaimer and slain President Ziaur Rahman and three times Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, appears to be a true statesman through democratic elections. But the way of his being statesmanship was not a bed of roses. He struggled inhuman and went through a lot of sufferings even staying in exile. He struggled for democracy, he fought with a fascist government for returning the rights to freedom of expression to the people, freedom of press, the rights to vote etc, resulting in 2024 July Uprising and thereafter a free, fair election in 2026.

Tarique Rahman has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political discourse. His elevation to the premiership is seen by many within BNP as the continuation of a political legacy blended with promises of reform and modernization.

Tarique Rahman started his debut in the politics in 1988 by getting primary membership in Gabtali Upazila, the historic birthplace of his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, under Bogura district located in northern Bangladesh. He became a member of the Bogra district BNP in 1993. He got opportunity to draw public opinion in favor of his party in 1991 parliamentary elections. In the capacity of National Campaign Strategy Committee member of the party, Tarique Rahman coordinated the election campaign of five constituencies his mother Khaleda Zia was contesting. Her thumping victory in all five constituencies proved his worth as a meticulous organizer to assume a future leadership role in the party.

Tarique Rahman learned politics for the welfare of the people and the country during his early age as he was closely observing his mother’s generosity to the people and struggle for democracy against another autocrat Ershad rule. He inherited a good political norms and values from his parents and he also took over another responsibility of electioneering in 2001. Tarique Rahman proved again his leadership wisdom within the party as his strategy was a great hit in creating a nationwide wave in favor of the ‘paddy sheath’ symbol. His party won the elections with a two-thirds majority. Following the victory, the BNP Standing Committee, the highest decision-making body, unanimously appointed him as the Senior Joint Secretary-General in 2002.

Thus, when he was emerging in politics, conspiracies were there to exterminate him forever. Then, the infamous army-backed illegitimate 1/11 caretaker government came. He was subjected to intrigues by Awami League and their associates at home and abroad. His estrangement from politics was sought by the 1/11 government through a series of utterly cruel, mischievous, and conspiracy acts. He was put to physical and mental torture by law enforcement and secret service agencies to demoralize him not to continue in politics. At one stage, he was imprisoned and tortured brutally in confinement for months together, disregarding the law of the land.

At one stage, he left the country with grave spinal injury for London to get medical treatment, choosing the path of staying in exile by force. But his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his people couldn’t stop him, rather stand still with head high, struggled for the emancipation of the people of the country, leading the nation online form the UK. Tarique Rahman was in constant touch with his fellow party workers to keep their spirits high and to continue to fight against the misrule of the Sheikh Hasina government as marked with anarchy, injustice, maladministration, corruption, curtailment of people’s right to vote, abrogation of fundamental rights, and the like. The fascist regime of Hasina filed seventeen fabricated cases in absentia against Tarique Rahman as a ploy to bar him from politics. He was the victim of political vengeance of the ousted fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Even his parents’ cantonment home was raged to the ground by Hasina in a bid to harass the Zia family. Despite political vengeance and vilifications against him, Tarique Rahman’s popularity saw an astonishing rise. He stands tall as the leader of the masses. He is the true inheritor of the legacy of his father. A natural politician, Tarique Rahman kept his party united, and its grassroots base continues to expand and solidify with mass support.

Despite living abroad, Tarique Rahman was nominated acting chairman of his party as not being the son of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia but with the quality of political wisdom and leadership eminence after her mother landed in jail in 2018 during Awami League misrule that is marked a another wrath of the deposed Sheikh Hasina on the Zia family.

While in exile, Tarique Rahman didn’t stop even for one day in struggle for realizing people’s rights. His fight for years and call to rise eventually awaken the nation as the people revolted against fascist Awami League rule, toppled Sheikh Hasina from the state power and forced her to flee the country, ending her almost 16 years autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, a new day for Bangladesh history.

Bangladesh became free again after 1971 Liberation War and the obstacles imposed on Tarique Rahman’s arrival to his beloved country were removed. Then the historic day 25 December, 2025 came when the valiant son of the nation Tarique Rahman touched down Bangladesh soil, strolled barefoot, took a fistful of soil and felt Bangladesh with the inner part of his heart. Then, his vibrant voice waived in a mammoth crowd saying, “I have a plan for the people and for the country”.

But, when the whole nation was like triumphant getting him after almost 17 years, Bangladesh got another bad news as his mother passed away just five days after his arrival. Then, on 9 January, 2026, he became his party’s chairman as many analysts see his rise inevitable.

Tarique Rahman’s rise in politics didn’t come inherently rather it was obvious for him to be at the helm of the state with leadership quality he acquired by political farsightedness, insights, dedication and wisdom. He gained steady ground through the combination of hard work, skill, and patience in the hearts of millions. He affirms the promises to take the nation out of the morass of misrule, non-governance, oppression, coercion, subjugation and present the people with the rights they could not enjoy under a fascist regime in hold of state power for more than one and a half decades. His promises win people’s hearts resulting in bringing landslide victory for BNP in national polls. Today, Bangladesh reemerged as a democratic country and restarted its democratic course as Tarique Rahman sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.