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Created: 26 December 2025

DHAKA, Dec 26, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar tonight.

Earlier in the evening, he paid homage at the grave of his father, BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. During the visit, Tarique Rahman was seen shedding tears as he stood at his father's grave for the first time in nearly 19 years.

His journey to the National Martyrs' Memorial was delayed due to thousands of people lining both sides of the road to greet him. He waved to the crowds from his vehicle, acknowledging their support.

As he could not reach the memorial altar before sunset in line with official rules, senior BNP leaders paid tribute to the Liberation War martyrs on his behalf at 5:06 pm. Later, Tarique Rahman arrived at the memorial around 10:00 pm and personally laid a wreath along with senior party leaders. He also signed the visitors' book while remaining in his vehicle at 10:37 pm.

BNP Standing Committee Members Goyeshwar Chandra Roy and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Member Amanullah Aman, Lutfozzaman Babar, Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq and General Secretary Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury were present during the tribute. 

BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan was also present.

Quoting Tarique Rahman, Shayrul Kabir Khan said the BNP Acting Chairman thanked all those present, including law enforcement personnel, for their patience, saying he was delayed due to the massive crowds along the roads.

Tarique Rahman returned to the country on Thursday after nearly 17 years in exile in London. On his return, he received a massive public reception, with millions of people gathering along the 300 Feet Road in the capital to welcome him. Following the reception, he visited Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

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Created: 17 April 2024

DHAKA, April 17, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the cabinet meeting today asked all concerned ministries to remain vigilant about the ongoing unrest in the Middle East due to Iran-Israel tension and take necessary steps to tackle any adverse effect in Bangladesh.

"The honorable Prime Minister urged all concerned, including cabinet members and ministries, to keep sharp eyes on the reality (triggered by Iran-Israel unrest) prevailing in the Middle East and take necessary preparations for the possible impacts on us in this regard," said Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain.

He was addressing a press conference at the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon after the cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Mahbub said the premier also urged the concerned ministries to start taking preparations to tackle the possible impact in Bangladesh induced by the unrest in the Middle East.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the concerned authorities to decide quickly whether the previous decisions which are under implementation would be implemented or not, he added.

She asked the authorities concerned to inform the cabinet in details over the under implementation decisions citing the reasons if these are not implementable, the cabinet secretary said.

Noting that 16 laws are yet to be delisted in the country, Mahbub said the premier instructed the concerned ministries to take steps to delist the laws soon.

The cabinet secretary said that the cabinet gave in principle and final approvals to drafts of 'The Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) Act, 2024' and 'The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 2024'.

He said the principal secretary of the PMO placed the draft of the MIDA Act in the cabinet aimed at forming an authority to carry out the ongoing development activities centering the Matarbari deep sea port in Moheshkhali in an integrated process.

Under the law, Mahbub said, Prime Minister will be the chairman of the governing board of the authority while it will be governed by a 17-member board.

Apart from the governing board, the government will appoint a principal executive officer who will run the office as the chief executive officer, he added.

The main objective of the authority will be preparing a master plan for the specific area of around 55,968 acres of land and implementing it, the cabinet secretary said, adding, the prime target of forming the authority is to bring discipline in the development activities there to promote foreign investments and turn the area into a development hub.

Speaking about 'The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 2024', he said it is basically the Bangla version of the existing English one and there is no change in this version.

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Created: 17 April 2024

Edmonton, Alberta, April 16, 2024: The Alberta Parliament in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, was not just a venue but a beacon of cultural exchange this afternoon. It resonated with the solemn celebration of the Bengali New Year, marking a significant moment in the cultural calendar.

MLA Jackie Lovely, in a gesture of inclusivity and warmth, extended a heartfelt welcome to leaders of the Bangladesh community at the Legislative Building, setting the tone for a brief but significant meeting between Bengali-speaking community leaders and the Honorable Speaker of Parliament, Nathan Koper.

In his address to the esteemed guests, Speaker Nathan Koper conveyed heartfelt wishes for a joyous Bengali New Year and expressed his anticipation of visiting Bangladesh soon. He emphasized strengthening the bilateral relationship between the Alberta government and Bangladesh.

The essence of the Bengali New Year, with its vibrant festivities such as village fairs, traders' halkhata, Mangal Shobhayatra, Nagordola, and Ramna Botmule Chayanot Asar, where men and women don colorful attire, encapsulates not only the spirit of celebration and tradition but also aspects of individuality, universality, secularism, and humanity. The recognition of these traditional elements of the Bengali New Year finds resonance even in the distant halls of the Alberta Legislature in Canada.

The session commenced with Speaker Nathan Koper introducing various organizations, including the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, Bangladesh Canada Association of Edmonton, Edmonton Bengali Association, and Alberta Bengali Society, all of which have been instrumental in preserving and promoting Bengali traditional life, culture, and art. Notable guests included Bir Muktijoddha Delwar Jahid, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, Executive Director of Step to Humanity Association, and President of Bangladesh North American Journalist Network, along with other esteemed leaders such as Din Islam, Janmejoy Das Chowdhury, Bikash Talukder, and Rozina Meena.

During the afternoon session, MLA Jackie Lovely presented a statement on Pahela Boishakh. Additionally, veteran libertarian Delwar Jahid held a separate meeting with government caucus MLA Jason Stephan, further fostering dialogue and understanding. Babu Indra Chowdhury, the United Conservative Caucus Community Outreach Coordinator, infused the event with energy and vibrancy, ensuring a lively atmosphere.