THAKURGAON – Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the new government is working to make state institutions, long rendered ineffective, functional and properly institutionalized once again. He also confirmed that local government elections will be held on schedule.

Mirza Fakhrul, also the BNP Secretary General, made the remarks while responding to journalists after laying the foundation stone of a multi-storey building at Hajipara Hafizia Madrasa here. In reply to a question, he said, “For a long time, we have heard that the previous fascist government had weakened and rendered ineffective various state institutions. The major challenge before the new government is to restructure these institutions, ensure accountability, and restore the framework of good governance.”

He further said, “I am most indebted to the people of Thakurgaon. They supported me by giving their valuable votes. I want to work responsibly to repay their trust and affection.”

District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, leaders and activists of the party at various levels, dignitaries and local residents were present.

DHAKA – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said that 180 vacant sergeant posts will be filled soon as part of efforts to strengthen law enforcement. He said the recruitment process would be expedited to ensure the vacancies are filled without delay, enhancing policing efficiency and public safety.

The move is aimed at increasing operational capacity, reducing the workload on existing personnel, and maintaining law and order more effectively. Officials concerned said necessary procedures have already been initiated and the recruitment will be conducted following due process to select qualified candidates. Filling the vacant posts is being treated as a priority to reinforce the security framework and improve public service delivery.

DHAKA – Despite an overall contraction in the United States apparel import market in 2025, Bangladesh registered strong growth, reinforcing its position as a key supplier to the world’s largest consumer market. According to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), total US apparel imports stood at $77.88 billion during January–December 2025, marking a 1.74 percent decline compared to the same period in 2024.

In terms of volume, measured in square meter equivalent (SME), US apparel imports fell by 3.70 percent, while the average unit price increased by 2.03 percent, indicating continued pricing pressure amid softer demand. In contrast to the overall downturn, US apparel imports from Bangladesh rose to $8.20 billion in 2025 — the second-highest annual figure on record — registering an impressive 11.71 percent growth over January–December 2024.

For December 2025 alone, imports from Bangladesh increased by 3.33 percent compared to December 2024. Bangladesh’s share in total US apparel imports reached 10.53 percent in 2025, consolidating its position as one of the top sourcing destinations for American buyers.

Among other major suppliers to the US market in 2025, Vietnam accounted for 21.50 percent of total apparel imports, followed by China with 13.66 percent. India held 6.35 percent, Cambodia 6.20 percent, and Indonesia 5.98 percent.

While China continues to lose ground in the US apparel market, Bangladesh and Vietnam displayed similar trends in terms of value growth, unit price movement and volume performance. However, Vietnam still maintains a significantly larger overall market share.

The data also show that growth in the second half of 2025 was weaker than in the first half for the overall US apparel market. Imports during the final three months of the year were lower than expected, amid uncertainty surrounding reciprocal tariffs and subdued consumer demand.

Even in this challenging environment, Bangladesh’s strong export performance underscores its competitiveness, product diversification, and growing compliance strength in the global apparel supply chain.

Talking to BSS, Mohiuddin Rubel, former Director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Ltd., said even in the uncertain environment with reciprocal tariffs and declining overall demand, Bangladesh performed quite well overall.

“China is clearly losing ground in the US apparel market, while Bangladesh and Vietnam are showing similar trends in value, unit price, and volume growth, although Vietnam still holds a much larger overall share.” he added. Rubel also said Bangladesh’s sustained growth in the US market reflects buyers’ confidence and the industry’s ability to adapt to shifting global dynamics.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the current government will work to establish a liberal democratic state system with moral standards and dignity so that the country can move forward in all branches of knowledge and science, including education, literature, arts, science and technology. “I believe that politicizing education, research, arts and literature is never a sign of a civilized society,” he said.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing the Ekushey Padak-2026 distribution ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here this morning. “The current democratic government will work to establish a liberal democratic state system with moral standards and dignity so that the country can move forward in all branches of knowledge and science, including education, literature, arts, science and technology,” he said.

In this journey, guidance from the country’s distinguished individuals is highly expected, the premier added. Although politicians are entrusted with the responsibility of running the state, he said that as a political worker he believed that learned and distinguished individuals play a guiding role. The greater the number of accomplished people in a state and society, the more enlightened that society becomes in terms of prosperity and moral standards, the premier added.

Therefore, the state honors learned and distinguished individuals for its own need, he said, adding, from this realization, the proclaimer of independence Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had introduced the Ekushey Padak for the first time in independent Bangladesh. Noting that the Ekushey Padak is not merely a medal, the Prime Minister said through this award, from the 1952 Language Movement to the present, the historical events of Bangladesh are remembered.

At the same time, it introduces the general public to those distinguished individuals who have enriched themselves, the state and society through education, literature, arts, research and practice, he added.

Stating that the journey of the Ekushey Padak as a state honor began in 1976 with awards in three fields, Tarique Rahman said at present, the award is given in at least 12 fields for special contributions to different fields, including Language Movement, Liberation War, education, research, arts, science and technology.

He described this as a positive achievement and expressed the hope that the practice of knowledge, science and literature would become more refined and developed. The state and government, the premier said, will certainly fulfil their responsibilities to further accelerate the advancement of education, research and the practice of arts and literature.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at Osmani Memorial Auditorium around 10:53am on foot from his Cabinet Division office in the Secretariat. The ceremony organized by the Cultural Affairs Ministry began with singing the national anthem and recitation of religious scripts.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the function while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the award giving ceremony and read out the citation of the awardees.

State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke as the special guest while Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the function. Cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats, senior civil and military officials and dignitaries were present at the function. This year, the government conferred the Ekushey Padak to nine individuals and one music band in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields.

The award recipients are: Farida Akhtar Babita (Film), Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts), Marina Tabassum (Architecture), Ayub Bachchu (Music) (Posthumous), Arthy Ahmed (Dance), Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan), Shafik Rehman (Journalism), Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education), Tejosh Haldar Josh (Sculpture), and Warfaze (Music Band).

Turning to the international Mother Language Day on February 21, Tarique Rahman said, “The importance of the month of February in our national history is immense. And February 21 is a reminder of our identity. It can be said that February 21 is the lifeblood of our cultural consciousness”.

He said that February 21 represents both the struggle to establish the dignity of the mother language and a movement to establish rights against oppression.

“Therefore, February is a month of realizing self-identity and searching for our roots,” the premier said, adding, like every year, the government honored its learned individuals, poets, writers, artists and language movement activists with the Ekushey Padak in this month this year too.

Introducing the work and life of distinguished individuals to the general public is one of the responsibilities of the state, he said. Describing February 21 as the eternal spirit and the seed mantra for achieving freedom, Tarique Rahman said that the nation has crossed 74 years of the Language Movement and entered its 75th year.

“At the Ekushey Padak award ceremony introduced in memory of the language martyrs of Amar Ekushey, I pay deep tribute to the language heroes,” he said and prayed that Allah accept their deaths as martyrdom. Congratulating the Ekushey Padak-2026 winners, Tarique Rahman wished them happy and long lives.

He expressed the hope that one day Bangla language and literature will shine in the world of global literature. Later, the premier took part in a photo session with the awardees.

DHAKA – At the instruction of the Prime Minister, the government has decided to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including accrued interest, benefiting 12 lakh farmers across the country. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held today at the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said the waiver will apply to loans taken in the grain, crop, fisheries and livestock sectors, in line with the government’s election manifesto.

He said the main objective of the initiative is to ensure social security for poor and marginal farmers and strengthen the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector.According  to the Cabinet Secretary, around 12 lakh farmers will directly benefit from the decision. Both the principal amount—up to Tk 10,000—and the full accrued interest on such loans will be waived.

He said the move will relieve small and marginal farmers of debt burdens, encouraging them to invest more actively in agricultural production. “The money that farmers would have spent on loan installments can now be used to purchase quality seeds or adopt modern irrigation technologies,” he said, adding that the absence of debt pressure would allow farmers to begin the next cultivation season with renewed enthusiasm.

The waiver is also expected to improve farmers’ credit records and creditworthiness, enabling them to access fresh agricultural loans from banks at lower interest rates and reduce reliance on high-interest loans from local moneylenders.

Officials believe the reduced debt burden will encourage greater engagement in crop production, fisheries and livestock, ultimately boosting national agricultural output and lowering dependence on imports.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the immediate impact of the loan waiver could include reduced rural-to-urban migration and easing rural inflationary pressures. According to Bangladesh Bank, as of February 25, farmers owed approximately Tk 1,550 crore, including interest, to public commercial banks, specialised banks and private commercial banks.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized considering whether the Amar Ekushey Book Fair can be organized as an international fair in future, saying it would contribute to introducing citizens to world literature and encouraging interest in learning and understanding multiple languages and cultures. “The Amar Ekushey Book Fair is one of the key creative initiatives of Bangla Academy inspired by the aspirations of the language martyrs.

“However, in view of the time, I would like to request all of you to consider whether there is a scope to organize the Amar Ekushey Book Fair as the Amar Ekushe International Book Fair in the coming years,” he said.

Noting that recalling the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement in establishing the dignity of the mother tongue, the nation observes the Amar Ekushe with pride each year, the premier said but the day is no longer only Bangladesh’s, rather the Amar Ekushey is now observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day.

“So, as a political activist, I believe that if the Amar Ekushey International Book Fair is organized, it would play a positive role to make our citizens familiar with world literature and encourage them to learn and understand multiple languages and cultures,” Tarique Rahman said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the Bangla Academy premises here this afternoon. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke at the function as special guests with Bangla Academy President Professor Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq in the chair. On the occasion, the premier also distributed the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2025 to eight distinguished personalities for their significant contributions to the fields of Bangla literature.

Tarique Rahman said, in today’s global village, it is essential to become acquainted with multiple languages in addition to the mother tongue. “To survive with prosperity and dignity in a competitive world, there is no alternative to establishing a knowledge- and merit-based state and society. Thus, we need to enrich ourselves with knowledge, science, technology, and talent,” he said. The premier added: “Simultaneously, I think, we should start working to secure recognition of Bangla as an official language of the United Nations”.

Noting that a democratic government has started its journey being elected by the direct votes of the people in a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said this accountable government wants to enlighten the country through knowledge. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, initiated in 1978 under the arrangement of Bangla Academy, is not merely a venue for selling books; it has now become a symbol of national intellect and creativity, the premier said, putting emphasis on making the fair as the center for education and cultural development.

Noting that although the fair traditionally begins at the start of February, the month of language, this year there was some deviation from the usual schedule due to the prevailing political realities of the country, he said, adding, however, it formally started today after some delay. The month-long discussions, cultural events, and competitions in art, music and recitation for children and adolescents organized around the fair provide opportunities for the new generation to develop their latent talents, the Prime Minister said.

Expressing hope that the book fair would become a meeting place of hearts and minds for all, Tarique Rahman suggested that book fairs should not remain confined to Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises during a single month, but it could be organized throughout the year across all divisions, districts and upazilas of the country. Stating that publishers could play an entrepreneurial role in this regard, he said, if there is scope for cooperation, the government will extend support.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the premier said, is ready to provide necessary assistance to this end. While book fairs are organized in many countries around the world, Tarique Rahman noted that Bangladesh’s book fair is different. It is rooted in the struggle to establish the rights of the mother language and to recognize Bangla as a state language, he said.

The Prime Minister observed that although the size and scale of the fair increase every year, there is room to reflect on whether research-based books are being published in proportion and whether people’s reading habits are increasing accordingly. Quoting the German philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero, he said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul”, adding that scientists and researchers also say that books are not only companions for education or leisure but that reading is a kind of exercise for the brain.

However, Tarique Rahman pointed out that in the present time, information technology appears to be a major obstacle to reading habits, particularly internet addiction, which is gradually distancing the younger generation from books. Referring to researchers, he said that although books can be read on the internet, the depth of knowledge derived from reading printed text on paper may not be the same as that obtained from prolonged immersion in computer screens, which may also have side effects on the body and mind.

Researchers from universities in the United Kingdom and Canada have indicated that internet addiction poses a significant risk of diminishing students’ interest in studies, the premier said.

While the internet may be an unavoidable component of modern life, Tarique Rahman said, “We must be aware of its negative aspects and raise awareness about them. In particular, ways must be found to increase young people’s interest in books”.

Citing a global survey conducted across 102 countries on reading habits, he said that according to CEO World Magazine, citizens of the United States rank highest in reading. The country at the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, the premier said, adding unfortunately, Bangladesh ranks 97th among the 102 countries surveyed.According to the survey, on average, a person in Bangladesh reads about three books per year and spends approximately 62 hours annually on reading, Tarique Rahman said.

Therefore, he said, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair should not be regarded merely as a festival. Rather, it should serve as a platform to inspire greater love for books and encourage regular reading habits.Highlighting the role of Bangla Academy as a symbol of the nation’s intellect, the Prime Minister said the academy has taken various initiatives such as research fellowships, young writers’ training programmes and international seminars to flourish the talents of youth.

“Such efforts to connect future generations with the roots of Bangla language and indigenous culture will be expanded further, InshaAllah,” he said, adding, the Bangla Academy is also translating Bangladesh’s rich literature into English and other foreign languages. He expressed hope that this work will be geared up, strengthening ties between Bangladesh and world literature, saying, “Therefore, we say, Bangladesh first”.

The Prime Minister sought cooperation from all to build a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh for all—regardless of party, opinion, religion or race—free from darkness and backwardness. Tarique Rahman concluded his speech declaring the opening of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Later, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and other guests, the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the fair by cutting a ribbon.

He also visited different stalls on the Bangla Academy premises. At the inaugural ceremony, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association President Md Rezaul Karim Badsha and Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam delivered the welcome address.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, cabinet members, members of parliament, foreign diplomats, senior civil and military officials and dignitaries were present at the function.

DHAKA – Describing the 2009 Pilkhana killings as a deliberate attempt to weaken the Bangladesh Army and destabilize the country, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed assured the nation that justice would be ensured for one of the most heinous incidents in the world. “I am assuring the nation and the martyrs’ families of ensuring justice,” he said. The Home Minister made the remarks after laying wreaths at the Banani Military Graveyard in the capital on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day, marking the anniversary of the 2009 Pilkhana carnage.

He said the government is committed to taking all necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such a tragic incident in the future. Responding to a question from journalists about the government’s position regarding a fresh investigation into the 2009 BDR carnage, the Home Minister clarified that no new commission would be formed. Instead, he said, the government would implement the recommendations of the national independent commission that had been set up by the immediate past interim government to re-investigate the incident.

“I made a remark earlier that we would form a commission to reinvestigate the BDR carnage without going through the report of the national independent commission formed during the interim government. Now I am correcting myself – we will not form any new commission. Rather, we will implement the recommendations of the commission in phases,” he said.

He added that the interim government had constituted the commission with competent and experienced individuals, and its findings would be given due importance. Salahuddin, a Standing Committee Member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stated that the commission had put forward 70 recommendations.

“We will implement all the recommendations in phases,” he said.

Referring to the Pilkhana carnage cases, he noted that several appeals are currently pending before the Appellate Division. “The judicial process will be completed,” he affirmed. Describing the Pilkhana killings as one of the most heinous incidents in global history, Salahuddin said the perpetrators were driven by forces that do not believe in Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

“They aimed to undermine the Bangladesh Army and weaken the country. Those who do not believe in Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty could have harbored such intentions,” he added.

BDR carnage took place on February 25-26 in 2009 at the headquarters of the BDR paramilitary force in Pilkhana, Dhaka. The mutineers in 33 hour upheaval killed 74 people, including BDR DG and his wife, 57 army officers, two of their wives and 15 others.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today adorned newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir with the rank badge. The premier pinned the rank badge at a ceremony at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said sources at Prime Minister’s Office. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury were present on the occasion.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government will further modernise and consolidate the border force so that its members can carry out their duties with patriotism and professional excellence. “After a long struggle, a government elected by the people’s verdict is now in power. On issues concerning the country, we will further modernise and consolidate the border force. And our (border force) members will perform their duties with patriotism and professional excellence,” he said.

The premier made the remarks while speaking at a views exchange meeting at the Army Multipurpose Complex in the Army Headquarters here this afternoon on the occasion of the National Martyred Army Day commemorating the BDR (Now BGB) carnage on February 25 and 26 in 2009. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui and family members of Pilkhana carnage martyrs spoke on the occasion.

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and senior officers were present. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s spouse Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman were also present. Referring to the historic roots of the border force, he said that they are embedded in the nation’s independence.

“On March 26, 1971, when Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman proclaimed independence from Kalurghat Betar Kendra in Chattogram, members of the then EPR were on duty alongside the Army and witnessed that historic moment,” Tarique Rahman said.

Since the beginning of the great Liberation War, the border force along with the Bangladesh Army has been making unforgettable contributions to the country, he added. Later, the premier said, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman placed special emphasis on strengthening the border force through infrastructural development and reforms. The number of qualified and talented army officers sent to BDR on deputation was increased, he said, adding, in 1978, the force was reorganised in military fashion, with wings converted into battalions and two new battalions added, marking a significant milestone in its history.

At the onset of his speech, Tarique Rahman recalled the valiant martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, those who sacrificed their lives in the 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 mass uprising with due respect. He also paid deep tribute to the 74 brave martyrs, including 57 patriotic army officers, who embraced martyrdom in the brutal killings on February 25 and 26 in 2009 at Pilkhana in the city, the then BDR (now BGB) headquarters.

The premier prayed for the eternal peace of the souls of the martyrs and conveyed profound condolences to the bereaved families. Describing February 25 as a bloodstained and grief-stricken day in the nation’s history, the Prime Minister said that whenever this day comes, nature itself seems to fall silent under the weight of memory and mourning, and the air carries the cries of that horrific moment.

“The brutal incident of February 25 and 26 in 2009, left a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which still lingers today, despite the passage of time,” Tarique Rahman said. “Standing on the grounds filled with the memories of the martyrs today after 17 years of the incident, my voice is growing heavy. I came before you not only as an elected public representative but also as a member of an army family and as the son of a fellow soldier,” he added.

Noting that in that horrific incident of 2009, 74 lives were lost, including 57 talented and patriotic army officers, the premier said each name represents the extinguishing of a family’s light, the painful chapter of losing a loved one, the history of a child becoming fatherless and an unfinished epic of dreams. “When I visited the graves of the martyred army officers at Banani Military Graveyard after returning to the country, I realized your unbearable struggle, immense sacrifice and the agony of seeking justice over the past 17 years,” Tarique Rahman said.

Stressing that remembering the Pilkhana tragedy with state honor is a national responsibility, he said, “If we do not give national recognition to the incidents of February 25 and 26 in the history, future generations will not forgive us”.

Therefore, the premier said the current government will work to preserve the memory of those days. About the army, he said the army has a glorious history in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and in the nation-building after the independence, adding, “Army is the symbol of our sovereignty. I think, the Pilkhana tragedy was an ill-attempt to foil that sovereignty”.

Stating that the Pilkhana incident exposed the weaknesses of the country’s national security framework, the Prime Minister put emphasis on making national security framework more modern, timely and strong, keeping pace with the globe.

“Our government will work toward this goal. Simultaneously, we reiterate our commitment to establish long-term security arrangements for the education, treatment, and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families,” Tarique Rahman said. Later, the prime minister took iftar with Pilkhana carnage martyrs’ families.

DHAKA – The government has appointed Md. Ali Hossain Fakir as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) replacing Baharul Alam, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs today. Prior to his promotion, Md. Ali Hossain Fakir was serving as Additional Inspector General of Police and Chief of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN).

A member of the 15th batch of the BCS (Police) cadre, Fakir hails from Bagerhat district. Over the course of his career, he has held several important positions within the police department, earning recognition for his professional competence and leadership.

The official notification issued by the Home Ministry confirmed that the promotion takes effect immediately. Earlier, the government has cancelled the remaining tenure of contractual appointment of Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh Baharul Alam following his application.

A notification, issued by the Ministry of Public Administration today, said the remaining period of his contractual appointment, made under a gazette notification dated November 20, 2024, has been annulled.