DHAKA – The newly-formed government of Bangladesh has received congratulations and full support from 47 countries during discussions on Bangladesh at the 356th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. The countries expressed their commitment to work in cooperation with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, which assumed office with a public mandate through a free, fair and credible election, according to a message received here Today.

The discussion also addressed a case filed in June 2019 under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution by five worker representatives of the International Trade Union Confederation, accusing the then government of failing to comply with Conventions 81, 87, and 98.

In response, the previous government submitted a five-year labour sector reform roadmap to the ILO Governing Body in 2021. Progress on the roadmap has been reviewed in eight Governing Body sessions over the past five years, and the current government today presented the ninth progress report.

Representatives from all participating countries voiced their support for the current government. Of the 56-member Governing Body, 19 member states, 28 countries from two regional groups, and employers’ representatives praised the new government’s strong commitment to legal and administrative reforms in the labour sector and urged the rapid settlement of the ongoing case.

Bangladesh’s delegation included Minister of Labour, Employment, and Expatriates’ Welfare Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Labour, Employment, and Education Mahdi Amin. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to Geneva Nahida Sobhan and Secretary of Labour Abdur Rahman Tarafdar were also present.

At the outset of the discussion, Adviser Mahdi Amin conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to all Governing Body members and highlighted the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to labour rights, worker protection, and social justice. He noted that the Bangladeshi people had given the government a strong electoral mandate emphasizing citizens’ rights, human rights, rule of law, freedom of speech, broad-based employment creation, quality education, skills development, and merit-based growth. The adviser said these priorities align with the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

He also informed the session that a parliamentary special committee had been formed to enact the Bangladesh Labour Law Amendment Ordinance 2025 and assured that the government would expedite the process. He stressed that the government is positively disposed toward amendments developed through tripartite discussions, which will enable inclusive, sustainable, and employment-driven development.

Reaffirming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s firm commitment to institutionalizing democracy, strengthening democratic values, and ensuring workers’ rights, the adviser sought continued support from the ILO and other stakeholders. After extensive discussions, it was unanimously decided that the next session on the case will be held in March next year.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on athletes not to be affiliated with any political party or group during professional sports tenure, saying rather they should represent the country through sporting excellence. “In your (sports persons) professional sports career, you should not get involved with any political party or group, rather represent the country through your sporting excellence,” he said.

The prime minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sports card and allowance distribution programme at his office here this morning. Tarique Rahman also urged the sports persons to lead Bangladesh to a higher position in the global sports arena by winning games at home and abroad. “I believe that if you have patriotism, a strong will, and team spirit, no one can stand in your way of successful progress,” he said.

The premier said that sports is no longer just a matter of hobby, entertainment, or physical exercise, but is now recognized as a profession worldwide. “Bangladesh will also not lag behind. Before the 2026 national election, we pledged in our party manifesto that if the BNP gets the opportunity to run the state through people’s mandate, we would establish sports as a profession. The implementation phase of that promise formally began today,” he added.

Noting that defeat does not mean losing, but is part of victory, Tarique Rahman quoted Albert Einstein as saying: “A person who has never been defeated has never done anything”.

He said the government has started implementing a plan to bring sportspersons under a structured salary framework based on a specific policy so that they can pursue sports professionally without financial uncertainty for themselves and their families.

“For the first time in the country’s history, athletes are being brought under a salary structure and provided with sports allowances,” the premier said.

Highlighting the government’s other initiatives to improve the living standards of the countrymen, he said his government has already introduced Family Card, honorarium allowances for imams, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths, and a nationwide canal excavation programme.

The prime minister also said that the government is set to launch the ‘Farmers Card’ programme on April 14 from Tangail district. Stating that the government is implementing its commitments step by step, he said, “As part of that continuity, the ‘Sports Card’ has been launched today”.

Tarique Rahman said physically challenged individuals who are capable of contributing to sports will also receive sports cards. Under the theme “Sports for All”, he said the government has taken all initiatives to ensure facilities for underprivileged groups and persons with special needs, who want to participate in sports, both at home and abroad.

Highlighting the government’s plans, the premier said a wide range of programmes has been undertaken to establish sports as a profession. Noting that cricket and football are currently the most popular sports in the country, he said apart from these, there are many other sports like archery, boxing, yoga, gymnastics, carrom, weightlifting, wushu, swimming, para swimming, athletics, para athletics, karate, sepak takraw, table tennis, kabaddi, volleyball, wheelchair basketball, bridge, futsal and badminton.

“If these sports are supported by the government and private sector, those also can bring honor to the country,” he said. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that Bangladesh recently became champions in SAFF women’s futsal for the first time. He said the government has started implementing short, medium, and long-term plans to develop sports as profession. A plan has been taken to make sports compulsory from grade four in the education curriculum to ensure involvement of interested students in sports along with their studies, the premier added.

“We want our children to become interested and skilled in sports alongside their studies,” he said, adding that the Education Ministry has already begun revising the curriculum accordingly. Stating that ‘Notun Kuri Sports’, a talent hunt programme, is going to be launched nationwide in a new format, the prime minister said, “In independent Bangladesh, ‘Notun Kuri’ was initiated in 1976 to find out talented children and adolescents in different fields,”.

Although this popular programme of Bangladesh Television (BTV) was closed for many years at one point, the programme has now been re-launched on BTV, he said. ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ is going to be launched nationwide from Sylhet on April 30 to find sports talent among children and adolescents in a different way, he added.

Earlier, the premier inaugurated the sports card and allowance programmes around 10:30am. He launched the allowance programme by pressing a button on a laptop when an amount of Taka 100,000 was instantly transferred to each athlete’s accounts through Sonali Bank’s online system.

On the occasion, Tarique Rahman handed over sports cards to 129 athletes and honoured athletes who achieved success at the international level. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honour with State Minister for Sports and Youth Md Aminul Haque in the chair. Sports and Youth Secretary Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam delivered the welcome address.

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Md Ismail Zabiullah, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam and BNP Vice Chairman Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon were present on the occasion, among others. After the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister took part in a photo session with the athletes outside the Shapla Hall.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that alongside the iconic children’s talent hunt programme ‘Notun Kuri’, his government is now planning to introduce another nationwide programme named ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ aimed at hunting new talents in the sports arena.

“As you know, we pledged in our party’s election manifesto that we want to create new players for various sports in Bangladesh’s sports arena and to give the sports a professional shape,” he said.

“Therefore, alongside the “Notun Kuri” programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We have a plan to introduce interclass sports competition in every school in every district, upazila, and union level,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while distributing prize of a friendly football match at the national stadium here this afternoon. Bangladesh Football Federation organized the match on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and along with his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman enjoyed the game.

The premier greeted everyone on the occasion of Independence and National Day. Noting that the government has a goal to ensure that Bangladesh can bring more honor in international sports forums, he said his government has a plan and effort to develop skilled players so that the country can achieve better results in international competitions.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Tarique Rahman called upon everyone, especially those who are directly or indirectly involved in sports, to take a collective decision and work together to develop the sports sector.

He said that efforts should be made to build the sports sector of Bangladesh in a beautiful and inclusive manner, beyond difference of party or opinion. “I believe that sports have the ability to create bonds of friendship and brotherhood among us, just as it can bring honour for the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka City South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the function.

DHAKA – Independence and National Day Parade 2026 was held with great pomp at the National Parade Square today after 18 years. President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended as the chief guest and took the salute during the parade. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the colorful parade.

Earlier, the premier along with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of 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 received the President at the parade ground.

Jatiya Sangsad speaker, cabinet members, members of parliament, senior military and civil officials, foreign diplomats and media personalities were present on the occasion. The parade was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs with the support of the Armed Forces Division and overall management of the 9th Infantry Division. Freedom fighters, armed forces, paramilitary forces and members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence took part in the parade.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area Major General SM Asadul Haque performed as the parade commander while Commander of the 71 Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Mohammad Shafqat-Ul-Islam served as the deputy commander.

A total of 25 contingents from different forces gave salute to the President. Commander of 9 Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Md Anwar Uz Zaman led the combined mechanized contingent. The mechanized display included significant military weapons. In addition, decorated vehicles carried freedom fighters who gave salute to the President.

Fly-pasts by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, BGB Air Wing and RAB Forces and freefall jumps by adventurous Para Commando members made the parade more interesting. After the mechanized display, Bangladesh Air Force conducted a spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display. Air Commodore Mehedi Hasan led the aerial formation. State-owned Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and radio stations live telecast the parade.

According to the ISPR, in order to uphold the true history of the great independence and Liberation War to the new generation, a significant number of banners and billboards containing the spirit of the great Independence and National Day were displayed on two sides of the city roads and the National Parade Square.

These banners and billboards reflected the great Liberation War and the immortal history and heritage of the Bangalee nation. In addition, pictures of notable activities of all the forces participating in the parade have been displayed on the parade ground.

DHAKA – The government has issued directives to properly follow the National Flag Rules enacted in 1972 (amended in 2010) as it is the duty of every citizen to follow the guidelines for the proper use of the national flag. An official handout issued today said hoisting of the national flag is mandatory on the Great Independence and National Day as well as on other days designated by the government.

According to constitution, the national flag shall consist of a red circle on a green background. The flag rules further specify that the color of the flag shall be dark green with a red circle in the middle. The flag shall be rectangular in shape with proportions of 10×6 (length × width), featuring the red circle centered within the dark green field.

The radius of the circle shall be one-fifth of the length of the flag. Depending on the size of buildings, three standard flag sizes are used: 10×6, 5×3, and 2.5×1.5. The rules state that the flag must not be used to cover any part of motor vehicles, trains, or vessels, including their body, front, or rear. No other flag or colored flag may be flown above the national flag of Bangladesh. When displayed on a wall (other than on a pole), the flag must be placed flat against the surface.

In public auditoriums or meetings, the flag should be positioned behind the speaker at a higher level. If displayed across a street, it must be hung vertically. The national flag must not be lowered or allowed to touch the ground, including in cemeteries.

It must never be carried horizontally or flat; it should always be held aloft and free. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered with due respect. During formal flag hoisting ceremonies, the national anthem must be sung simultaneously. When the anthem is played and the flag is displayed, all present must stand facing the flag, while uniformed personnel should salute. When displayed on a motor vehicle, the flagstaff must be securely fixed to the chassis or radiator cap clamp. Nothing may be written or inscribed on the national flag.

DHAKA – A one-minute symbolic blackout will be observed across the country on the night of March 25. The blackout will take place from 10:30 pm to 10:31 pm nationwide, said an official handout today.

However, key point installations (KPIs), emergency facilities, and foreign missions located in Bangladesh will remain outside the purview of the blackout.

Today, March 17, 2026, marks the 106th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. He was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara, in the Gopalganj District, to Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sayera Khatun.

From an early age, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was actively involved in politics. During his youth, he developed strong political awareness and participated in various movements for the country’s independence. He was imprisoned early in his political career and, despite numerous challenges, eventually emerged as a prominent political leader.

He played a pivotal role in leading the nation toward independence in 1971. His historic March 7 speech at the Racecourse Ground inspired the Bengali people to join the struggle for freedom. On the night of March 25, Pakistani forces arrested him. After a nine-month-long war, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16, 1971.

Following independence, Bangabandhu became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh and later served as President. However, on August 15, 1975, he and most of his family members were assassinated in a military coup. His death remains one of the most tragic chapters in the country’s political history.

Over the years, his birthday has been observed in various ways. The observance became more prominent during the tenure of the Awami League government, when the day was marked with official, political, and social programs. However, the past two years passing without major formal ceremonies.

Educational institutions, political parties, social organizations, and both government and private entities continue to mark the occasion with tributes and discussions. These events often focus on his political life, his sacrifices for independence, and his role as the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary is not just a commemoration of a leader’s life—it stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, national heritage, and enduring spirit. It also serves as an opportunity for younger generations to learn about his vision, leadership, and ideals.

DINAJPUR – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government will take initiatives to establish agro-processing industries in the Dinajpur region to utilize its agricultural potential, strengthen the local economy and create employment opportunities.

“If agricultural products can be preserved and processed properly, the local economy will become stronger and employment opportunities will also increase,” he said. The premier made the remarks while addressing a civic gathering and iftar mahfil at Dinajpur Circuit House ground this evening as the chief guest. Tarique Rahman said Dinajpur holds special emotional value for him, recalling memories linked to his maternal grandparents’ home in the district.

“People usually ask where someone’s maternal home is. But whenever I think of Dinajpur, the first thing that comes to my mind is my grandmother’s house,” he said. The premier mentioned that he has many childhood memories connected with his grandparents’ home in Balubari and Ghasipara areas of the town. Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, said this personal connection has inspired him to work for the development of the region.

Referring to speeches delivered by the Deputy Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce president and local political leaders, he said they had highlighted various problems and potentials of the district, and the government would take those issues into serious consideration.

Reiterating that the government has begun implementing the commitments made to the people before the election, the premier said, “Alhamdulillah, within about one month of forming the government, we have already started implementing many of the promises we made to the people”.

As part of the implementation of the BNP government’s election pledges, Tarique Rahman said, the canal excavation programme was formally launched across the country today from Sahapara in Kaharole upazila in the district.

“For many years, our rivers, canals and waterways have been filled up. As a result, there is a water crisis during the dry season, and when water suddenly comes during the monsoon season, it damages nearby crops and homes,” the premier said.

Therefore, he said, the government has taken a plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years and expressed hope that this initiative would facilitate irrigation for agriculture and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Expressing concern over the excessive use of groundwater, the Prime Minister said, “Previously water could be found at a depth of around 100 to 150 feet, but now in many cases it requires going down 600 to 700 feet”.

“If water can be retained through excavation of canals and rivers, groundwater will gradually recharge and the arsenic problem will also begin to decline,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s initiative to empower women economically, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken a programme to provide ‘Family Card’ to four crore families led by women across Bangladesh.

“Half of Bangladesh’s population is women. We cannot move this country forward by leaving women behind,” he said.

Noting that the pilot project for the ‘Family Card’ programme has already begun and is being implemented experimentally in 15 areas across the country, including Dinajpur-6 constituency, the premier said that after the completion of the pilot scheme, the programme will gradually be expanded nationwide.

Tarique Rahman said that his government also introduced an honorarium for religious leaders as per his party’s election pledge.

“We said before the election that we would arrange an honorarium for those who serve as imams, muezzins and khatibs in mosques, as well as religious leaders of other faiths,” he said, “Alhamdulillah, a few days ago we started that programme as well”.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to national development, the Prime Minister said the administration would work with full dedication to build the country people aspire to. People from various professions and social groups of Dinajpur district attended the civic gathering and iftar event.

LGRD and Cooperative Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, local lawmaker Syed Jahangir Alam, District Bar Association President Abdul Halim, Dinajpur Chamber and Commerce President Abu Bakar Siddiq, district Jamiat-e-Islami President Matiur Rahman Kashemi and Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam spoke at the event.

Dinajpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the function while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it. Earlier, Prime Minister opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area of Kaharole upazila in the district. He formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27 pm. Later, he planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal.

KAHAROLE, Dinajpur – Highlighting various government initiatives involving the country’s commoners, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his party’s political vision is to change the people’s fortune.

“If someone earns Taka 5,000 today, we want their income to elevate to Taka 10,000 within the next few years. If someone earns Taka 2,000, we want to take such policies that will help double their income,” he said.

The premier added: “This is our political goal. This is the politics of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, this is the politics of Khaleda Zia, and this is the politics of the BNP government elected by you.”

Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing a public rally on the bank of Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area here this afternoon after inaugurating the nationwide programme to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies. The premier opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal here.

Tarique Rahman formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27pm. Later, the Prime minister planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal. Referring to his election pledges to build a beautiful country like developed nations and highlighting the role of the country’s people during the Liberation War, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure and anti-fascist movement, Tarique Rahman stressed that development programmes cannot succeed without public support.

Reflecting on the present government’s development plans and steps to improve the living standard of the country’s people, he said, “I cannot do this work alone. We need you with us . . . without your support, it is impossible to carry out this work.”

Describing the people as the true owners of the country, the premier said, “The people are the source of all power, and the people are the real owners of this country”.

He urged the countrymen to remain vigilant against attempts to create division or unrest in the country. “Some people try to create confusion with sweet words. We must remain alert against those who want to create instability in the country,” the Prime Minister said. About the newly launched canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said that the programme marked the beginning of a broader effort to build a stronger Bangladesh where citizens could establish their rights.

“Through this canal excavation programme, we want to build a Bangladesh where people can establish their rights and stand strong both economically and politically,” the premier said.

Noting that he will closely monitor the implementation of the canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said, “When I hear that the excavation of the 12-kilometre Sahapara Canal has been completed, InshaAllah I will come again to see it”.

The premier said that once the Sahapara canal excavation is completed, it will bring major benefits to agriculture in the area.

“This canal is about 12 kilometres long. When the work will be fully completed, around 31,000 farmers will receive irrigation water from it,” he said, adding, irrigation facilities from the canal will cover about 1,200 hectares of land, while nearly 350,000 people will benefit from the water in various ways.

Noting that the improved irrigation system is expected to increase crop production significantly, Tarique Rahman said, “The farmers of this area will be able to produce about 60,000 metric tons more crops than the current production, InshaAllah”.

Recalling the pledges made before the national election, the Prime Minister said the BNP government has already begun implementing several pledges aimed at supporting farmers and rural communities.

He noted that Bangladesh is home to nearly 20 crore people, most of whom live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, it is important to put agriculture on a strong foundation, because if agriculture survives and farmers remain well, the people of Bangladesh will remain well, the premier said, adding, thus, the government has been implementing different farmer-friendly programmes.

Tarique Rahman reminded the audience that his government had promised before the election to waive agricultural loans of up to Taka 10,000 including interest, and that the decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting after forming the government.

Pointing out the importance of canal excavation, the Prime Minister said many canals across the country have been filled up over time, causing water shortages during the dry season and floods during the monsoon.

“Across Bangladesh many canals that existed before have been filled up. In some places even rivers have been filled,” he said, adding, by digging canals, it will be possible to store excess rainwater during the monsoon and use it for agricultural purposes.

The premier said the government planned to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years to improve water management and support agriculture. Alongside canal excavation, he said, the government will also undertake a tree plantation programme.

“We will plant around 7,000 trees along the banks of this Sahapara canal. People will be able to move along the canal road and benefit from it,” the Prime Minister said. Tarique Rahman warned that excessive extraction of underground water through deep tube wells has caused groundwater levels to fall significantly.

“Ten years ago water could be found at a depth of about 50 feet, but now in many places people have to go as deep as 300 feet,” he said. Therefore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of conserving surface water through canal and river excavation so that underground water reserves can be preserved for future generations.

Highlighting several other programmes introduced by the present government, he said the government has already launched the ‘Family Card’ programme, which aims to reach four crore families led by women across Bangladesh. Although some areas have not yet received the cards, the premier assured that the programme would gradually expand.

“We have already started the pilot project and distributed Family Cards among 37,000 women. Gradually the programme will reach all areas, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh,” he said.

About the ‘Farmer Card’, Tarique Rahman said that a plan has been taken to launch the ‘Farmar Card’. Through this, small, marginal and medium farmers will be able to get various government benefits, he said, adding that the pilot project is going to be launched soon.

The Prime Minister announced that the government is also planning to promote agriculture-based industries in the northern region. He said discussions have already been held with major companies involved in agricultural processing and manufacturing. After the Eid-ul-Fitr, he said would sit with those industrial institutions so that more agro-based mills and industries can be established in this region, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, to create employment opportunities for local youth.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Disaster Management, Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia spoke at the rally.

Local lawmakers Syed Jahangir Alam, Md Sadique Reaz and Md Monjurul Islam also spoke, among others.Dina jpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the rally while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government has already started implementing the promises his party BNP made to the people before the national election in a gradual manner. “After the formation of the BNP government with the people’s mandate, we have started implementing all the promises made to the people before the election in a gradual manner, Alhamdulillah,” he said.

Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the monthly honorariums scheme for imams, muazzins and khadems of mosques, and heads and assistant heads of other religious institutions across the country.

At the event, he opened the programme by pressing the button of IBAS system to send the honorariums to the bank accounts of respective beneficiaries through EFT system under a pilot scheme at a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to eliminating economic disparity by creating employment, the premier said, “We promised the people before the national elections that we all will live well together by eliminating financial inequality by providing financial assistance or creating jobs for people from different classes and professions of society, who are economically disadvantaged. Now we have started implementing them”.

Highlighting several initiatives already undertaken by the government, he said the government has already introduced the ‘Family Card’ programme for economically disadvantaged women, adding that the scheme will gradually cover women across the country.

Tarique Rahman also announced that the ‘Farmer Card’ or ‘Krishok Card’ programme will be launched from April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh).

In addition, he said, the government’s canal excavation programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16.

About the honorarium scheme for religious leaders, the premier said, “From today, the honorarium programme for khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths has started. Gradually, everyone who needs this support across the country will be brought under the programme”.

He said that the government will make its utmost efforts, within the capacity of the state, to ensure economic and social security for all citizens regardless of religion, caste or profession.

Highlighting the responsibilities of the citizens, Tarique Rahman said, “If we, as citizens, properly fulfill our responsibilities towards the state and society from our respective positions, I hope that in the next 10 years, we will be able to see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, In-Sha-Allah”.

Noting that the government wants to build the country on a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, he said, “If citizens are kept weak, the state can never be strong”.

“Therefore, we want to establish our country on such a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen so that no more fascism or the evil forces of subjugation can take away the freedom of the people,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman called for being imbued with religious, social and moral values, saying, “An economically prosperous state may ensure financial comfort in people’s lives, but without acquiring patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, loyalty, solidarity, tolerance, generosity, friendship, humility, responsibility or kindness, a person cannot become a complete human being”.

“To achieve such human qualities, it is important to be inspired by religious, social and moral values,” he added.
Stating that liberal educational statements of religion are unparalleled in building a safe society free from revenge and violence, the premier said, “I believe that every religion has such positive messages for building a morally rich human society”.

“Therefore, the role of people with religious knowledge like you is very important in creating a mentality rich with religious, social and moral values,” Tarique Rahman added.

After concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman took part in a photo session with beneficiaries on the stage.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honor and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration and President of the cell formed to implement the honorarium providing programme Md Ismail Zabiullah attended the function as the special guest with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) in the chair.

Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry Munshi Alauddin Al Azad delivered the welcome address at the function.

Shaykh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Fayzul Karim, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Muhibbullahil Baki, Pesh Imam, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque; Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib, Dhanmondi Taqwa Mosjid; valiant freedom fighter Uday Sankar Chakraborty, general secretary of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram Kurigram; Dharma Mitra Mahathero, head of the International Buddhist Monastery, Dhaka; and Archbihop Bejoy N D’Cruze, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka; also spoke at the event.