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.

DHAKA – Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma today said Bangladesh and India can really transform their geographical proximity into new economic opportunities through setting a forward-looking and people-centric agenda. Pranay made the remarks while talking to reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat after meeting Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Their discussion centered on cooperation in financial sector, emerging areas such as digital economy and artificial intelligence, as well as improving the ease of doing business to promote greater investment and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. They discussed ways to enhance trade and economic ties between the two friendly neighbours and make economic engagement more convenient for both sides.

“The whole idea is how we can enhance our trade and economic ties, how we can strengthen our economic connectivity and how we can promote our economic cooperation,” he said.

The Indian High Commissioner said trade is already taking place through various channels and stressed the need to make it more convenient as part of improving the ease of doing business. He said they also discussed cooperation in the financial sector and taxation reforms, as well as greater use of technology to make economic participation more inclusive.

The High Commissioner shared India’s successful experience in financial inclusion, describing the discussion as a very forward-looking conversation. The Indian envoy said the meeting was overall very positive, noting that both countries have large economies and forward-looking societies with significant potential to work together.

DHAKA- Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said metro rail has already gained people’s trust as a successful and commuter-friendly project. The tireless work and sincere efforts of the concerned officials and employees have played an important role behind this success, he said.

The minister made the remarks while exchanging views with officials and employees after visiting the Diabari metro rail depot after traveling by metro rail from the capital’s Bangladesh Secretariat Station today. Speaking as the chief guest at the meeting, the minister said development projects should be implemented by preventing wastage of public money and without compromising with the quality of the project.

The new government is determined to ensure accountability and transparency to the people, he said. He said a plan has been taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister to bring about radical changes in the country’s communication system. Considering the metro rail as the ‘backbone’ of the communication system, the possibility of launching monorail in populated areas in the future is also being considered, he said.

Alam said the government is giving importance to developing an integrated modern public transport system in the capital by giving importance to these three sectors – monorail, metro rail and buses. With the cooperation of all concerned, he said, it will be possible to ensure visible development in the communication sector in the near future.

Through this, safe travel can be ensured for the people in less time, in a comfortable and pleasant environment, the minister said. State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid also spoke. The meeting was presided over by Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque.

DHAKA – Eminent physician Dr. Zubaida Rahman said BNP’s former chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was an ‘indomitable symbol of the progress of democracy’. Dr. Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, made the remarks while speaking as a special guest at the ‘International Women’s Day 2026’ celebration and ‘Best Indomitable Woman’ award distribution ceremony here.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman and her daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman were present as special guests on the programme. Recalling the outstanding contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with deep respect, Dr. Zubaida highlighted his role for the establishment of multi-party democracy in the country. Noting that the greatest strength of a person is morale, she said despite hundreds of oppressions and injustices, Khaleda Zia was uncompromising, patient and steadfast.

“Important lessons can be learned from Begum Zia’s life about the determination of women and the courage of leadership,” Zubaida commented. She said Khaleda Zia had great feelings to the oppressed and oppressed people of the country and her strong voice was always against dictatorship and exploitation. Calling a guide for democracy-loving people, Dr. Zubaida said, Begum Zia is a mother, a warrior and a strong voice for justice.

“When women move forward . . . a nation moves forward,” Zubaida Rahman, the daughter-in-law of late President Ziaur Rahman, quoted a popular United Nations (UN) reference as saying. She said that International Women’s Day 2026 should be celebrated as a day of renewed commitment to establishing a society based on equality, dignity and justice.

Dr. Zubaida thanked the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for organizing the event beautifully. Minister for Women and Children Affairs Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, MP, presided over the event. State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin, MP, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liler, and Director General of the Directorate of Women Affairs Zeenat Ara also spoke.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, describing him as “one of the most evil people in history” in a post on Truth Social. Trump said Khamenei had been unable to evade US intelligence and “highly sophisticated tracking systems”, adding that the operation had been carried out in close coordination with Israel.

Trump said the development represented “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country”. He also claimed Washington had received indications that many within Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, military and security forces no longer wished to continue fighting, suggesting the United States could offer them “immunity”.

The US president also warned that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week, or as long as necessary to achieve our objective”. There has been no independent verification of Khamenei’s reported death, and Trump did not provide evidence to support the claim.

Iran’s tyrannical Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed Saturday in an unprecedented, joint military attack by the US and Israel called Operation Epic Fury — which President Trump said would give Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back the country.”

“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump declared on his Truth Social about 15 hours after the start of the onslaught. “This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”

The tyrant’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also killed in the joint military attack, according to Iranian state media, though it’s unclear where they died. Israeli officials told Fox News that more than 40 top Iranian security and regime figures were eliminated in the opening strikes this morning, and as many as 10 high-ranking leaders were killed in the initial strike on Khamenei’s fortified compound.

The body of the 86-year-old Khamenei was reportedly recovered in the rubble and a photograph of his corpse was shown to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior Israeli official told Reuters. US officials, including Trump, agree with Israel’s assessment that Khamenei is no longer alive.

“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,”

Trump’s post continued. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” In an address to his nation, Netanyahu said there were “many signs” Khamenei was dead. Khamenei has ruled Iran since the 1989 death of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. The attacks follow a massive US military buildup in the Middle East and come after Trump repeatedly warned Tehran that it would face consequences if it didn’t make a deal with the US to scrap its nuclear program.

Trump emphasized that a main objective of the campaign was “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

“Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world. For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries,” Trump said in an eight-minute video announcing the strikes Saturday morning. Many regime forces appear to by laying down their arms, Trump said.

“We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us,” Trump wrote. “As I said last night, ‘Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!’”

The president called on the IRGC and state police to “peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness”. “That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated,” Trump added.

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 – 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.