DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate a programme for providing monthly honorarium to religious leaders of different religions tomorrow. The inauguration ceremony will be held at 10:00am at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, according to an official release of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Under the programme, monthly honorariums will be provided to imams, muezzins and khadems of mosques, priests and sebaits of temples, principals and vice-principals of Buddhist monasteries, and priests and assistant priests of churches. The Prime Minister will formally launch the initiative at the ceremony.

DHAKA  – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today visited his political adviser and BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city.

“The premier reached the hospital at 2:20 pm. He spent some time beside Mirza Abbas’s bed and inquired about his overall health condition,” Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly told BSS this afternoon.

During the visit, he said, the Prime Minister instructed the concerned authorities to take swift measures for Mirza Abbas’s treatment in Singapore. Afroza Abbas, wife of Mirza Abbas and President of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, and concerned physicians were present during the visit.

Earlier in the day, the BNP said that an air ambulance from Evercare Hospital would carry Mirza Abbas to Singapore at 6:00 pm today for advanced treatment. He is expected to be admitted to the Department of Neuroscience at the National University Hospital in Singapore.

Mirza Abbas fell ill suddenly on Wednesday evening while drinking water during iftar and lost consciousness. As his condition did not improve, he was admitted to Evercare Hospital late that night. Afroza Abbas sought prayers from the people of the country for her husband’s speedy recovery.

DHAKA – Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has arrived in Tokyo to participate in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum being held on March 14-15.

The forum is jointly hosted by the chair and vice chair of the US National Energy Dominance Council, US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei.

Energy ministers and senior representatives from several Indo-Pacific countries including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam are also attending the two-day forum.

During the meeting, participating ministers will discuss ways to strengthen energy security across the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on ensuring the supply of abundant, reliable, affordable, secure and dispatchable energy.

On the sidelines of the forum, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood is expected to hold bilateral meetings with ministers and other delegations from participating countries, including the United States, Japan and Brunei. He is also scheduled to meet representatives of private sector companies to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in the energy sector and related sectors.

DHAKA – Five Bangladeshi migrant workers were killed and two others seriously injured in a fire that broke out early Thursday on Dhigurah Island in the Maldives, the Bangladesh High Commission in Malé said. The deceased were identified as Taj Uddin Islam, Md Sadar Ali, Md Robin Molla, Shafiqul Islam and Md Nurnabi Sarkar.

According to the Bangladesh High Commission, two other Bangladeshi workers—Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hossain—sustained serious injuries in the incident. They are currently undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé.

The High Commission said it is closely monitoring the situation and has taken necessary steps to facilitate the early repatriation of the bodies of the deceased to Bangladesh. Diplomatic officials are also maintaining contact with the relevant authorities in the Maldives regarding the incident.

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the US-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.

“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.

Trump’s comments came after he said that Washington had heavily bombed military targets on Iran’s oil hub Kharg Island and the US Navy would soon begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

But as the US strikes on Iran persisted, Tehran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Israel and its Gulf neighbours.

Meanwhile, several top Iranian officials joined a defiant pro-government rally in Tehran on Friday, marching alongside demonstrators waving banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Iran’s top diplomat said this week that talks remain off the table and attacks would continue for as long as necessary.

“I don’t think talking with the Americans would be on our agenda anymore,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told PBS News this week, adding Tehran had a “very bitter experience” during previous negotiations with the US.

New York: The annual Iftar and prayer gathering organized by the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, one of the well-known social organizations in New York, was successfully held amid the participation of the Muslim community, mainstream politicians, elected officials, prominent non-Muslim leaders, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

The event, titled “Annual Community Iftar,” marked its 23rd edition this year. Among the distinguished attendees were one of the most influential members of the U.S. Congress, Congresswoman Grace Meng, along with representatives from the New York City Mayor’s Office, the Queens Borough President’s Office, the Queens District Office, media editors, senior journalists, and many notable community leaders.

According to the organizers, more than 350 guests attended the event, which was held on Friday evening, February 27, at Sirajee Kabab House in Fresh Meadows, New York, turning the gathering into a vibrant community reunion.

In a solemn and spiritual atmosphere, guests were welcomed by the founder and president of the organization, Fakhrul Islam Delwar, who is also the Secretary of the Jamaica Muslim Center (JMC), along with Friends Society General Secretary Enayet Munshi, members of the organizing committee, and executive committee officials.

The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Adel Siddique. This was followed by a discussion on the significance of the holy month of Ramadan by Imam Hasan Akbar. A special prayer (dua) was later conducted by Maulana Mirza Abu Zafar Beg, Khatib and Imam of the Jamaica Muslim Center.

Before and after the Iftar, brief remarks were delivered by several distinguished guests including prominent businessman Lion Shah Newaz, chairman of Shah Newaz Group; Dr. Nazmul H. Khan, President of the JMC Management Committee; Ataur Rahman Selim, President of the Bangladesh Society; Engineer Mohammad Sadeq, representative of the Queens Borough President; Roza, representative of the New York City Health Department; Rokeya Akter, representative of the Queens District Office; local police precinct commander Black Lorten; Dr. Dilip Kumar G, Secretary General of the UN Religious Committee; Rachana Ghosh, President of the Sri Chinmoy Center; ABM Osman Gani, Chief Advisor of the Friends Society; Professor Shahadat Hossain, advisor; AFM Misbahuzzaman, Senior Vice President; former president Bilal Chowdhury; Akib Hossain of Meadowbrook Mortgage; Dr. Evan Khan, CEO of Khan’s Tutorial; Raj Goel, candidate for New York State Comptroller; Mohammad Molla, candidate for the upcoming election in New York State Assembly District 32; Mahtab Khan, candidate for State Assembly District 24; and Abdul Matin, Senior Vice President of Pabna Welfare Association USA, among others.

A Hamd and Naat performance were presented by the younger generation artist Ridwana Rahman Rahi. The program was jointly hosted by Mohammad Shahidullah, Convener of the Annual Community Iftar Committee, Ismail Hossain Swapan, Member Secretary, and Enayet Munshi, General Secretary of the Friends Society. In her speech, Congresswoman Grace Meng strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and highly praised the contributions and activities of the Bangladeshi community, particularly the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.

Among the media representatives present were Nazmul Ahsan, Editor of Weekly Porichoy; Mizanur Rahman, Editor of Weekly Desh; ABM Salahuddin Ahmed, Editor of Weekly Haqkotha, UN News Agency and Ajker Telegram; Shahidul Islam, News Editor of Weekly Thikana; Belal Ahmed, Editor of Gemini Magazine; journalist SM Solaiman and photojournalist Nihar Siddiqui.

Other notable attendees included Pir Shah Mohammad Saifullah Siddiq of Charmonai, Mohiuddin Dewan, Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Society; Kamruzzaman Kamrul, Vice President; Mohammad Ali, General Secretary; Trustee Board member Ahsan Habib; former General Secretary Ruhul Amin Siddiqui; former official Nurul Haque; Friends Society advisors Saleh Ahmed, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, and Professor Husne Ara Begum; Rabbi Syed, General Secretary of Jamaica Bangladeshi Association (JBA); Rokon Hakim, Acting General Secretary of Jalalabad Association of America; Rokon, CEO of Raju Law Firm; Omar Bin, head of Ethinal Home Care; Fazlur Rahman of Al Harmain Group; Abdul Mannan, Director of Reliable Home Care; prominent businessman Kazi Helal; and real estate investor Nurul Azim, among others.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Friends Society President Fakhrul Islam Delwar. The successful organization of the event was supported by Co-Convener Muhammad Kamrul Islam Soni, Coordinator J. Molla Sani, Akhtar Babul, Naushad Haidar, Sharif Hossain, Joint Member Secretaries Himu Mia, Saidul Islam, Iqbal Ahmed, and Mohin Uddin Patowary, as well as executive member Riju Mohammad.

The 51st Annual Convention of the Atlantic County Democratic Party was held on Sunday afternoon, March 8. The convention took place at a hall in Egg Harbor City, where leaders, activists, and supporters from various levels of the party gathered to participate in the event. The program began with the performance of the United States national anthem, followed by speeches from several Democratic Party leaders.

Chairman Michael Suleiman welcomed and congratulated the party leaders, activists, and supporters attending the convention. He also presented awards to several leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the progress of the party.

During the convention, party candidates running for various positions, including congressional seats in the upcoming New Jersey Primary Election, delivered their remarks.

Among those present at the convention were South Asian American Democratic leaders Subrata Chowdhury, Syed Shahid, and Nasir Sheikh. Other notable attendees included Aaron Randolph, Councilman of Atlantic City; Kalim Shabazz, also a councilman of Atlantic City; Constant Mendy Days Chapman, Chairwoman of the Atlantic City Democratic Committee; and Jeff Dorsey, among other party leaders.

At the conclusion of the program, Chairman Michael Suleiman thanked everyone involved for their efforts in making the convention a success.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said empowering women is crucial as it is quite impossible to advance the country leaving half of the population behind. “Half of the population of Bangladesh is women. We firmly believe that if we leave this half of the population behind, if we do not empower this half of the population, if we do not empower them, if we cannot empower them educationally and economically, then it is certainly not possible to move the country forward in any way,” he told a function here.

The premier made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Family Card programme, organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, at T&T playground in Banani, adjacent to Korail slum, this morning. Recalling the contribution of the former prime minister, late Begum Khaleda Zia, to women empowerment, Tarique Rahman said when Begum Khaleda Zia was in charge of running the country, she made education for women, from school level to intermediate level, free throughout Bangladesh.

“Today, we want to empower that educated female society economically and to make them economically solvent,” he said. To this end, he said, the incumbent government has taken plans to empower women and as a part of it, today the Family Card progamme was introduced across Bangladesh.

“…I firmly believe that my government will be able to gradually bring this family card to all the four crore families in Bangladesh, headed by women, within the next five years, InshaAllah,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the government has to follow rules and regulations in taking any initiative, and as part of those rules and regulations, it has to take pilot projects first. This work (Family Card progamme) has started in 14 places or 14 upazilas across Bangladesh involving about 37,000 women,” he said. In three areas of capital – Karail area, Bhashantek area and Sattala slum, about 15,000 women have been brought under the Family Card programme today, he added.

The Prime Minister said before the general elections, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) promised to the country’s people to start work to distribute family cards among women if the party is elected to power. Less than a month after forming the government, he said, his government began works to fulfill the promise they made to the people.

Besides, he mentioned that his party had made some other promises, including introduction of ‘Farmer Card’. “We have also started the work on the Farmer Card. InshaAllah, just as we were able to hand over family cards to 37,000 women, in today’s event, in the same way, within the next month we will be able to hand over Farmer Cards to many other farmer brothers, InshaAllah,” the premier added.

He said BNP also promised the farmers that if it is able to form the government, they will waive off the agricultural loans of up to Taka 10,000, including interest. Last week, Tarique Rahman said, the government announced waiving off agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000, including interest. He said the government would change the fates of people by fulfilling these pledges gradually.

The Prime Minister said today is very emotional day for him as the Family Card programme was launched on this day. “The guests present here today, some people with whom I have been sitting for the past many years, we have made plans on how we will implement that Family Card,” he said.”By the grace of Allah Almighty, today is the day when we have been able to keep our promise. That is why today is an emotional day for me. I think it is a historic and emotional day for my government and my party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” the premier said.

Noting that Bangladesh is their first and last resort, he said the expectations of the country’s people are high from the incumbent elected government. “Even if, at the same time, if we consider the reality and the contemporary affairs, the situation in the Middle East-if we consider everything…we will definitely not change our position from our promises at all.

“Maybe due to the contemporary global situation, in some cases, it may take us more time to implement the promises,” he said.

Tarique Rahman urged the countrymen to face the entire situation with patience. “Let us build our country beautifully with patience.”

Mentioning his slogan – “We will work, we will build the country, Bangladesh first!” he said his government is accountable to the people of Bangladesh. “This government has been elected by the people of this country. Generally, this government is obliged to be accountable to the people of this country,” he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the government’s landmark “Family Card” programme to ensure women empowerment in the country as he distributed cards among them. The premier handed over the family cards to 17 women at the inauguration ceremony.

Later, Tarique Rahman reached out the money of family cards to accounts of 37,567 women in 14 places of different districts by pressing button on laptop. Dr Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman; Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf and Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan were present, among others, on the occasion.

The Family Card programme is part of the government’s commitment to achieving national development and social justice by empowering women and recognising them as the heads of families in social protection programmes.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government will bring four crore families, headed by women, under the Family Card programme within the next five years.

“…I firmly believe that my government will be able to gradually bring this family card to all the four crore families in Bangladesh, headed by women, within the next five years, InshaAllah,” said.

The premier made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Family Card programme, organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, at T&T playground in Banani, adjacent to Korail slum, this morning. He said the government has to follow rules and regulations in taking any initiative, and as part of those rules and regulations, it has to take pilot projects first.

This work (Family Card progamme) has started in 14 places or 14 upazilas across Bangladesh involving about 37,000 women, he said. In three areas of capital – Karail area, Bhashantek area and Sattala slum, about 15,000 women have been brought under the Family Card programme today, he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the government’s landmark “Family Card” programme to ensure women empowerment in the country as he distributed cards among them.

The premier handed over the family cards to 17 women at the inauguration ceremony. Later, Tarique Rahman reached out the money of family cards to accounts of 37,567 women in 14 places of different districts by pressing button on laptop.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman; Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf and Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan were present, among others, on the occasion.

The Family Card Programme is part of the government’s commitment to achieving national development and social justice by empowering women and recognising them as the heads of families in social protection programmes.

At the ceremony, Rina Begum, a beneficiary of the programme who lived in the city’s Sattala slum, was overwhelmed with joy and said, “Thank you, the Prime Minister. I never dreamed that I would get this card. This money will help my family a lot.”

This pilot programme was launched today in 14 places in different districts of the country, including Dhaka. In the first phase, 37,567 women received family cards. Every beneficiary is getting Taka 2,500 per month. Under the pilot programme, beneficiaries of the city’s Karail slum, Sattala slum, Bhasantek slum, Mirpur Circle or Shah Ali’s Ward-8, Alimia’s Tech slum (Ward-14) and Baganbari slum received family cards today.

In addition, this programme was launched in Pangsha of Rajbari, Patiya of Chattogram, Bancharampur of Brahmanbaria, Lama of Bandarban, Khalishpur of Khulna, Charfasion of Bhola, Dirai of Sunamganj, Bhairab of Kishoreganj, Bogura Sadar, Lalpur of Natore, Thakurgaon Sadar and Nawabganj of Dinajpur.

Shahnewaz Group organized its annual Iftar gathering during the holy month of Ramadan in a spiritually solemn atmosphere, continuing its tradition of hosting the event every year. The program was held on March 5 at Gulshan Terrace in Woodside. Guests were welcomed by prominent businessman Lion Shahnewaz, President of Shahnewaz Group and Editor of the weekly Ajkal, along with Lion Amena Newaz, Chairperson of the group.

People from various professions and sectors of the New York Bangladeshi community attended the event and joined in prayers before Iftar, seeking the blessings and satisfaction of Almighty Allah.

The program was hosted by Maulana Shahidullah of ITV. Religious discussions were delivered by Imam Kazi Kaiyum and Mirza Abu Jafar Beg, Pesh Imam of the Jamaica Muslim Center. Before Iftar, Mirza Abu Jafar Beg led a special prayer for the well-being and prosperity of the community.

Addressing the guests, Shahnewaz, President of Shahnewaz Group, said that the holy month of Ramadan brings a great opportunity for self-purification and spiritual reflection. He expressed gratitude to the Bangladeshi community, especially the officials of his organizations and respected community members, for their continued support.

“We organize this gathering every year to express our appreciation to the community. With your cooperation, we believe our group’s activities will continue to grow,” he said. He also expressed hope that the upcoming Eid after Ramadan would bring joy and happiness to everyone’s lives.

Among the distinguished guests present at the event were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator John Liu, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim, General Secretary Mohammad Ali, Senior Vice President Mohiuddin Dewan, as well as editors, journalists, community leaders, and prominent members of various organizations in New York.

Senior police officials from New York, leaders of community organizations, media representatives, and many respected members of the Bangladeshi community also attended the gathering. The event concluded with prayers and Iftar, bringing together members of the community in a spirit of unity, faith, and goodwill during the holy month of Ramadan.