ISHWARDI, Pabna – Fuel loading has begun at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) that paves the way for the start of experimental production at the country’s first nuclear power plant in Pabna’s Ishurdi Upazila. The uranium loading began at the first unit of the plant after 3:30pm today and the authorities said they need 21-30 days to complete the process through which the country enters the nuclear era.

“Authorities have begun loading of uranium (fuel) into the reactor of the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) for generating electricity,” said former project director Dr Shuwkat Akbor. “Fuel loading process will require around 21-34 days to complete. With this, production process of power plant has begun,” he said.

Initially, one percent of electricity will be generated, and later it will be two percent to 30 percent with an expected initial production of 300 MW of electricity, said a technical expert engaged in the plant said. The electricity is expected to be added to the national grid between late July and early August this year. Fakir Mahbub Anan, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology, said all activities are being carried out according to the international standards.

“Safety is the first priority of Bangladesh. This nuclear power plant will further advance the historic relations between Dhaka and Moscow,” he while inaugurating the fuel loading ‘Physical Start-Up of Unit-1’ of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant at the project site. He said that after completion of fuel loading and others technical processes 300 MW of electricity will be commercially generated from the first unit by end July or first August.

“It will be possible to complete the whole process in stages and go into full-scale production by December this year or early next year (2027), he said. Prime Minister’s Advisor on Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad said, “Today is a significant day for Bangladesh. Bangladesh has taken a step forward in terms of technology.”

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser, Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology and Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of Ministry to Science and Technology spoke on the occasion. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent a video message.

“Today, Bangladesh has joined the group of nations that use peaceful nuclear energy as a reliable source of sustainable development. Undoubtedly, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will become a key element of the country’s energy system. For Rosatom, this project marks another important step in the development of the global nuclear industry and in strengthening friendly relations with our international partners. We are pleased to work together with our Bangladeshi friends in building a modern and reliable nuclear power plant and see strong prospects for further cooperation,” said Alexey Likhachev.

According to the agreement, Russia provided uranium as main fuel of the unit of the plant. Russia will also supply fuel for the entire plant. According to project details, once the Rooppur project is completed, the plant will be operated by the Nuclear Power Plant Company of Bangladesh or NPCBL. It said that manpower structure and training have been provided by Russia. Initially, the power reactor will be commissioned under Russian operators while Bangladeshis will be as collaborators and gradually take over the leadership after three years.

Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation – Rosatom’s Engineering Department constructed the RNPP with Russian Economic and Technical Assistance. The construction work is being carried out through a general agreement with the Russian Federation. Earlier, a survey agreement was signed in 2013 and a construction agreement was signed in 2015. The construction cost of the project has been estimated at $12.65 billion, with two units having a total of 2400 MW generation capacity.

The project is being implemented by Russia’s latest technology III+ VVER 1200, among the most advanced reactor designs. The key safety systems including active safety systems, passive safety systems, five layers systems and core catcher. Each unit has a generating capacity of 1200 MW. The lifespan (production time) of this power plant is 60 years. After that, this capacity will be extended for 20 years and 20 years so electricity can be generated from this project for 100 years, according to project experts.

The construction work of the first unit of this project has been completed, in which the production process has started through fuel loading. The construction work of the second unit is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Dhaka: Security has been beefed up at all airports across the country, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following an intelligence alert over possible extremist attacks on key installations. Airport sources confirmed on Monday that surveillance has been intensified at sensitive points, particularly at Shahjalal International Airport. A warning letter issued by the Bangladesh Police headquarters prompted authorities to take immediate precautionary measures.

Following the alert, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued a high-level warning, instructing all law enforcement units operating at airports to strengthen security arrangements. Officials said additional personnel—both in uniform and plain clothes—have been deployed, while intelligence monitoring has been increased. Security checks at all arrival and departure points have also been tightened, with instructions to report any suspicious activity immediately.

A senior official at the airport said that although no specific threat has been identified, precautionary steps have been taken in advance. “Instructions have been given to strengthen security at all airports. This is part of our routine preparedness as well,” the official said.

He added that airports with limited nighttime operations have also been instructed to enhance security during night hours, and strict monitoring is being ensured at all entry points to prevent any lapse. The alert follows intelligence information suggesting that a banned extremist outfit may be planning coordinated attacks on key state installations.

According to an internal letter issued by police headquarters and signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan, several individuals linked to the outfit have recently been in regular contact, raising concerns of a potential threat.

The letter also mentioned that two dismissed army personnel were reportedly in communication with a detained extremist suspect, Istiak Ahmed Sami, also known by aliases Abu Bakkar and Abu Mohammad. Potential targets listed in the alert include the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as well as police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues and other key infrastructure.

Law enforcement officials said the group may attempt to carry out attacks using various methods, prompting heightened concern over national security. In response, police headquarters has directed all relevant agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, enhance surveillance and improve intelligence coordination to prevent any potential incidents.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought US$ 2 billion fund from development partners to meet the Bangladesh’s immediate energy needs and safeguard its economic stability.

“The situation before us demands urgency, solidarity, and decisive action. Immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of our collective agenda,” he told the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit. “We urge the intentional community to respond swiftly and positively to this call,” he said.

Highlighting the ongoing global energy crisis, the Bangladesh prime minister said the crisis is a stark reminder of their shared vulnerability and interdependence. No nation- regardless of its size or strength- can overcome this challenge in isolation, he said, adding that it demands a coordinated and forward-looking Asian response, to strengthen regional energy security, address immediate supply disruptions, and support the most vulnerable countries.

Tarique Rahman said the energy crisis has already disrupted Bangladesh’s economy. “In response, we have taken a range of short-term measures to contain the impact.”

He said the measures include demand-side management through the rationing of government office and market hours; stabilisation fuel supplies through emergency imports and diversification of sourcing; and consumption controls, including fuel rationing and limits on retail sales to prevent hoarding and panic buying through initiatives such as ‘Fuel App’.

The premier said Bangladesh is concerned that the scale and consequences of this crisis could exceed those of the 1970’s oil shock, which triggered a decade of stalled development in the 1980s.

Since gaining independence in 1971, he said, Bangladesh has worked relentlessly to drive economic growth, lift millions of out poverty, and improve the quality of life for its people.

“Today, these hard-own gains are in danger, facing the real threat of reversal,” he added. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is not alone in facing this risk, “nor can we overcome it through national effort alone”.

This moment calls for a decisive and co-ordinated global action, to contain the impact of the ongoing energy crisis, particularly to protect vulnerable countries, including the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), from its severe economic and social impact, he said.

Tarique Rahman appreciated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening this timely and important Summit. Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and heads of the government and states of Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste and representatives of different countries took part in the online summit.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered concluding remarks at the meeting. While Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered his speech at the summit from his Sangshad Bhaban office this afternoon, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser M Humayun Kabir were present.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that the government has taken necessary steps to formulate and implement action plans based on a 180-day programme to implement the commitments made in the election manifesto.

“In line with the election manifesto, several important programmes have already been taken up on a priority basis and significant progress has been achieved in implementing those,” he said in reply to a starred question from treasury bench member from Pabna-5 Md Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswasin in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said his government has initiated the ‘Family Card’ programme, considering the family as the core unit of development.

The programme has been launched with providing Taka 2,500 per month through ‘Family Card’ to the female heads of 37,814 families in 13 districts and three city corporations primarily to give protection to marginalised and low-income families, he added.

The Prime Minister also said the ‘Farmer Card’ programme was launched on April 14 aimed at ensuring agricultural development and providing benefits to farmers such as subsidized agricultural inputs, irrigation facilities, and easy access to agricultural loans and machinery. In the pre-pilot phase, he said, the programme is being implemented in 11 agricultural blocks across 11 upazilas in 10 districts.

Additionally, as per the ruling BNP’s election pledge, Tarique Rahman said agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000 in crops, livestock, and fisheries sectors have been waived. To this end, he said, the government has already allocated a budget of Taka 1,567.96 crore, benefiting about 13 lakh 17 thousand 500 farmers across the country.

The Prime Minister said under the 180-day priority programme of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, honorarium and festival allowances have already been sent to the bank accounts of 9,102 people working in mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries/pagodas and churches under a pilot scheme.

The process of expanding the programme is underway, he added. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that an initiative has been taken to introduce ‘e-Health Cards’, and a project is awaiting approval to this end. Under the project, providing medical services through the e-health card to the people of five districts- Khulna, Noakhali, Bogra, Sirajganj and Narsingdi- will be launched within 180 days, he said.

About the canal excavation program, the Prime Minister said, the canal excavation/re-excavation programme under the government’s 180-day plans started on March 16. Until June this year, the Ministry of Water Resources, Local Government Department and Ministry of Agriculture will excavate/re-excavate 1,204 kilometers of canals, he said.

Besides, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will re-excavate/renovate 1,500 kilometers of canals through Kabikha (food for work), Kabita (money for work) and TR (Test Relief) during this period, the premier added.

“Our plan is to excavate and re-excavate a total of 20,000 kilometers of canals and rivers in the next 5 years,” the Leader of the House said.

Tarique Rahman said that 1.5 crore saplings of various species have already been produced for afforestation with the aim of planting 25 crore trees and creating green jobs in five years.

“The produced saplings will be planted in the upcoming monsoon this year,” he added.

About the education sector, the Prime Minister said activities are going on to distribute uniforms among 2 lakh government primary school students free of cost in this fiscal year.

In addition, the implementation of the ‘One Teacher One Tab’ plan has started in various schools in phases, he said, adding, free Wi-Fi will be introduced in 2,336 technical institutions and 8,232 madrasahs across the country within 180 days to modernize technical and madrasa education.

About the infrastructural development, the Prime Minister said a committee formed at the central level is working to determine playgrounds and develop infrastructure in urban and rural areas across the country. He said the government has a plan to create open playgrounds on 8 bighas and 10 bighas of land in each union and upazila respectively.

About the IT sector, Tarique Rahman said a committee has been formed to effectively operate the Hi-Tech/Software Parks and ICT Centers and to take effective initiatives to start PayPal’s operations in Bangladesh.

In line with BNP’s election pledge, he said sports allowance has been introduced for national athletes under the salary structure. “Initially, a plan has been made to bring 500 athletes under this allowance, of which 129 athletes have been provided with allowances in the first phase,” the BNP chairman said.

Noting that the loan limit for language student visas has been increased from Taka 3 lakh to Taka 10 lakh without security, the Prime Minister said this loan has been simplified for students going to Japan on the basis of a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before obtaining a visa.

About the energy sector, he said as part of generating 20 percent renewable electricity by 2030, a total of 35 megawatts of electricity has already been added to the national grid through the National Rooftop Solar Programme and net metering.

Regarding employment, Tarique Rahman said the government has decided to recruit five lakh government employees, out of which the process of recruiting 2,879 people against vacant posts in the Ministry of Public Administration and subordinate offices and organizations is underway.

DHAKA – Praising the armed forces for their contributions to safeguarding national security, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed them to protect sovereignty of the country and uphold dignity of the constitution, rising above party-affiliation and opinions. He also called upon the members of the armed forces to maintain public trust, and stay committed to serving the nation with integrity, dedication, and sacrifice.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the call while addressing a Darbar for the military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium here, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. Earlier, on his arrival at the venue, the premier was received by his 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, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.

“The armed forces are not the property of any particular individual, family or party. The armed forces are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state,” the premier said, adding, commitment to the constitution and the unwavering trust of the people must be the core base of the armed forces to walk the path.

“Protecting the independence and sovereignty of the country is the sole and sacred responsibility of each of our members,” he added.

In the past, the Prime Minister said, there had been attempts to weaken the army and make it controversial through various incidents and activities. Referring to the Pilkhana massacre, he said the army was damaged through that incident and in subsequent times, there were attempts to make the force controversial for various activities.

Highlighting the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to modernizing the army, Tarique Rahman said that it is important to nurture the patriotism and strong spirit that had developed in the army since that time.

“If there are united armed forces, no one can defeat Bangladesh,” he added.

Terming the Bangladesh Army’s participation in the UN peacekeeping mission as a major achievement, the premier said this achievement reached a higher level internationally during the BNP government. He said that the armed forces are not only an indispensable force in times of war, but also play a role as vigilant guards to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and an important role in dealing with any natural disaster.

The role of Bangladesh Armed Forces is globally recognized in establishing peace in war-torn countries by being members of UN peacekeeping missions outside the country’s borders, the Prime Minister said.

“We want an armed force that will be respected by external powers and trusted by the country’s people,” he said, adding, the armed forces must always maintain a high ideological position without compromising professionalism.

Addressing the Darbar, the Prime Minister highly praised the professionalism, discipline, and contributions of the armed forces in safeguarding national security and enhancing Bangladesh’s image in the international arena.

He particularly commended their role in maintaining the overall law and order in the country since August 2024 and in ensuring the smooth and successful completion of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Tarique Rahman assured full government support to enhance the future capabilities, modernization and effective participation of the armed forces in national development. Senior military and civil officials stationed in Dhaka, along with members of different ranks, attended the Darbar. Members stationed in other parts of the country joined the event through video teleconference.

A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to former Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in an attempted murder case linked to the 2024 July uprising. haka Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain passed the order on Tk 50,000 on bond considering her illness and gender, said Public Prosecutor M Omar Faruq Faruqi.

There is no legal bar to the release of the former Speaker as she has not been shown arrested in any other cases, said court sources. A Dhaka court on April 7 sent her to jail in the case following her arrest the same day.

According to the case statement, Ashraful alias Fahim suffered bullet injuries to his left eye in the Azampur Bus Stand area of Uttara on July 18, 2024 during the mass uprising, which ultimately led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.

Later, he filed a case against 25 named individuals, including Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and 120 unnamed ones. Following the fall of the Awami League government, she resigned on September 2, 2024.

Abdul Hamid was elected Speaker after the Awami League came to power through the 2008 general election. Following his election as President, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was elected Speaker on April 30, 2013. Since then, she had been serving as Speaker until the government’s fall. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was a Member of Parliament from Rangpur-6 constituency.

SANGSAD BHABAN – The Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed in the Parliament today to modernize the existing laws as well as enhance the state’s recognition of those who contributed during the Great War of Liberation in 1971. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council Act of 2022 to officially categorize and honor “Associates of the Liberation War” alongside “Bir Muktijoddhas.”

The bill, placed and moved by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, emphasizes the preservation of the ideals of the Liberation War and the realization of its core goals: equality, human dignity, and social justice. A significant highlight of the amendment is the formal distinction between those who fought on the front lines and those who provided critical support from within the country or abroad.

According to the draft, “Bir Muktijoddha” remains the designation for those who actively engaged in combat or military training against the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators between March 26 and December 16, 1971. This category specifically includes women who were repressed by the occupation forces (Biranganas), as well as medical staff who served in field hospitals.

The Bill said: “Bir Muktijoddha” means those who have undergone war preparation and internal training in villages and towns within the country from 26th March to 16th December 1971 and those who have crossed the borders of Bangladesh and enrolled in various training camps in India with the aim of participating in the Liberation War and have actively participated in the Liberation War against the invading and occupying Pakistani armed forces and their domestic allies in order to achieve the great independence of Bangladesh.

As per the bill, “Associates of the Liberation War” means those who, from 26 March to 16 December 1971, were present in the country or abroad, to inspire the brave freedom fighters and to accelerate the liberation war and the achievement of Bangladesh’s independence, to play the role of organizers, to form world public opinion, to obtain diplomatic support and to gain psychological strength.

Financial management of the Council is also addressed in the bill. It provides for the establishment of a dedicated “JAMUKA Fund” which will be maintained through government grants, private donations, and international aid. The fund will be managed via a Personal Ledger account under the government’s public account system, with provisions for the Council to take out loans with prior government approval for necessary expenditures.

The bill also grants JAMUKA the authority to appoint administrators or form 11-member ad-hoc committees for organizations related to freedom fighters if their executive committees are canceled or dissolved.

The statement of the bill notes that while previous laws in 2002 and 2022 focused on listing and welfare, this 2026 amendment is necessary to ensure the “ideals of the Liberation War remain upheld in national life” and to provide distinct recognition to those who accelerated the victory through non-combat support roles. This bill follows the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Ordinance of 2025, which is set to be repealed and replaced by this comprehensive act upon passing.

Paying tribute to freedom fighters while opposing the bill Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Md Shafiqur Rahman prayed for the souls of those who led the bloody war of independence.

He stated that while the country became independent with hopes of humanity and justice, the reality after liberation was the opposite. He argued that the Liberation War became inevitable because the mandate of the people was denied, yet the post-independence rulers quickly forgot this.

Shafiqur Rahman noted that multi-party democracy was eventually replaced by a one-party BAKSAL system. He highlighted that in 1975, Parliament abolished multi-party democracy after only seven minutes of debate, banning all political parties. He commented that multi-party democracy only returned to Bangladesh after 1975 under President Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as a leader loved by the people.

Regarding the JAMUKA act, the opposition leader claimed the current definitions were not introduced by post-independence governments or during the tenures of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Instead, he attributed the specific inclusion of certain definitions to the previous Awami League administration, which he labeled as ‘fascist.’ He concluded by calling for national unity and a political culture rooted in responsibility and compassion rather than division. Later, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said that the NCP has no objection to the Jamuka bill and requested the Parliament to bring it to the attention of the Parliament. Then, he put the bill to a vote and it was passed by voice vote.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today reaffirmed that his government is committed to expanding women’s education, ensuring women empowerment and equal opportunities in education.

“The current government is committed to expand women’s education and ensure empowerment and equal access to education for women…The government is positively considering the nationalization of one women’s college in every upazila sadar to achieve this goal,” he said.

The premier said this while responding to a tabled question from treasury bench lawmaker from Naogaon-4 constituency Ekramul Bari Tipu in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Addressing the lawmaker from Naogaon-4, Tarique Rahman said that the government would take initiatives to gradually nationalize eligible educational institutions, including Manda Thana Adarsha Girls’ School and College in Naogan, in line with existing policies and subject to necessary financial provisions.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Reiterating that four crore families across the country will be brought under the Family Card programme gradually, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today told the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that the BNP government considers family, not the individual, as the fundamental unit of development.

“The philosophy of the current government is ‘family, not the individual, as the fundamental unit of development’,” he said. The Leader of the House said this while replying to a tabled question from treasury bench member from Noakhali-1 Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said that the current government has taken the Family Card programme based on the vision of ensuring social security for citizens through a family-centric development approach.

In the initial phase, he said Family Cards were distributed to 37,814 families across 10 districts and three city corporations on March 10, 2026. The premier stated that the government has a plan to gradually bring about four crore marginalized and low-income families under this program in the future.

Referring to the Noakhali-1 (Chatkhil and Sonaimuri) constituency, Tarique Rahman expressed the hope that female members of poor families in the area would soon be brought under the Family Card programme to promote empowerment and self-reliance.

Former speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, has been arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). She was taken into custody from her residence on Road 8/A in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, at around 4:30am on Tuesday.

Additional Commissioner of DB, Shafiqul Islam, confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the DMP’s media division, M N Nasir Uddin, told journalists on Tuesday morning that Chaudhury is currently being interrogated.

“As far as we know, cases have been filed against her over incidents during the July movement at Banani and Uttara police stations in the capital. There is also a case against her in Rangpur,” he said.

The DC added that she is now being questioned and further steps will be announced later. According to sources, a case was filed against Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in connection with the fatal shooting of gold worker Muslim Uddin in Rangpur during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The murder case, lodged on August 27, 2024, names Chaudhury and 16 others, including former commerce minister Tipu Munshi. Munshi is currently in jail following his arrest in the same case.

Chaudhury was elected a member of parliament from Rangpur-6. After the 2008 Bangladesh election, the Awami League assumed power and Abdul Hamid was elected speaker. Following his elevation to the presidency, Chaudhury was elected speaker on April 30, 2013. She went on to serve four consecutive terms, most recently as speaker of the 12th National Parliament on January 30, 2024.