National

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said no politically motivated ‘ghost cases’ have been filed in Bangladesh since August 5, 2024.

“Police used to be the plaintiffs in the ‘ghost cases’. Over the past two years, police have not filed a single politically motivated ‘ghost case’ as plaintiffs,” he said while speaking to journalists after a coordination meeting on law and order, drug control, corruption and good governance in Satkhira.

The minister said if a victim or the victim’s family files a case against anyone, police will investigate the matter. He said police cannot refuse to register a case as the law does not give them such authority.

He said the Coast Guard and other relevant authorities are working together to curb piracy in the Sundarbans. Necessary administrative measures will also be taken to prevent the smuggling of drugs, arms and gold.

Regarding implementation of the July Charter, Asaduzzaman said the government would implement it in accordance with the charter.

“There are no ifs and buts here. It requires amendments to the Constitution, and we are proceeding along the path of constitutional amendments,” he said, expressing hope that the opposition would also participate in the process.

The coordination meeting was chaired by Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Kawsar Aziz and attended by local lawmakers, district administration officials, Khulna Range DIG Mostafizur Rahman, Satkhira Police Superintendent Abu Saleh Mohammad Ashraful Alam and senior BNP leaders, among others.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry can achieve 100 percent domestic employment without relying on foreign officials and experts.

“Even after half a century of this industry, foreign officials and experts are still brought in to work in many factories and buying houses. But we have the talent, skills and competence to become fully self-reliant,” he said.

He made the remarks at a discussion titled “Innovation in Apparel and Textile: Driving Competitiveness and Growth” organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology at Novo Theatre as part of the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026.

Mahdi Amin said the government is giving the highest priority to creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people and increasing demand for Bangladeshi workers in the international labour market.

He said pragmatic steps are being taken to strengthen links among technical education, industry and academia and promote public-private partnerships through curriculum reform.

Describing the RMG sector as an important part of Bangladesh’s economic heritage, the adviser highlighted its contribution to women’s empowerment and recalled the policies introduced during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman that helped lay the foundation of the industry.

He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to modernise the sector by reopening closed factories, simplifying incentives and holding discussions with stakeholders including BGMEA and BTMA.

Regarding technology, Mahdi Amin said workers’ jobs must not be taken away in the name of technological advancement. He stressed the need to maintain a balance between technological modernisation and protection of human resources.

He also called for stronger links between university education and practical factory work. He proposed postgraduate and diploma courses, internships, career fairs and the establishment of Centres of Excellence to help students gain practical skills.

The adviser said the government is also considering providing seed capital for startup projects led by young innovators.

Leaders from the apparel, textile, education, banking and government sectors participated in the discussion.

After the programme, Mahdi Amin visited innovative stalls of government and private organisations, universities and startups participating in the three-day Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said Bangladesh wants to reset its relationship with India and build a constructive bilateral partnership through direct engagement.

“We want to move towards a new relationship, which should be done through bilateral discussions, not through a multilateral forum,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kobir said Bangladesh should approach India based on mutual interests rather than being overly focused on its larger neighbour.

“We have to get out of the India fascination. India is just another country, and Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations with it,” he said.

Referring to the strained relationship with India during the previous 15 years, he said Bangladesh now wants to open a new chapter in bilateral ties.

Clarifying his earlier remarks on bilateral and multilateral engagements, Kobir said they were specifically related to India. He said Bangladesh wants to establish a good working bilateral relationship with New Delhi.

The state minister said initial engagement to rebuild relations with a country should ideally take place through a dedicated bilateral visit rather than a meeting on the sidelines of a multilateral forum.

He made it clear that Bangladesh would continue meeting other countries on the sidelines of regional and international forums whenever necessary.

Regarding recent incidents along the Bangladesh-India border, Kobir said Dhaka would seek to resolve the issues through established diplomatic channels.

He said Bangladesh would raise its concerns with India at every appropriate level while following international law, existing border protocols and bilateral agreements.

On the reported review of 101 memorandums of understanding, Kobir said the agreements were being scrutinised through the parliamentary process.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said the government plans to award Tk 1 lakh each to 100 selected teachers on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day to recognise their outstanding contributions.

He disclosed the plan to journalists before the first meeting of the national steering committee formed to organise the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The minister said teachers are the main driving force behind changes and progress in the education system. The government wants to properly recognise and encourage teachers who are doing outstanding work at the grassroots level.

He said a policy is being finalised to select the best teachers. Previously, only 12 teachers received Tk 2 lakh each, with a total award of Tk 24 lakh.

Milon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants to ensure due respect for teachers. Under the expanded initiative, 100 skilled and meritorious teachers from across the country will receive Tk 1 lakh each along with awards and recognition.

Regarding a code of conduct for teachers, the minister said teachers should set an example through their educated and responsible behaviour.

He said necessary policies and guidelines are being reviewed in line with international standards to prevent inappropriate activities on social media and protect the image of the education system.

On the dues of retired teachers, Milon said the overdue portion of their own contributions from 2016 to August 2026 has already been paid. Steps are also being taken to gradually clear the remaining government grants.

Secondary and Higher Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque said work is underway to include non-government teachers in the new pay scale. He said they would receive benefits at the same proportionate rate as government employees.

Jatiya Sangsad Whip Rakibul Islam, senior ministry officials and members of the national steering committee attended the meeting.

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari met Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in environmental protection and climate action.

During the meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat, they discussed the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management and regional environmental cooperation.

Both sides also exchanged views on addressing climate change impacts and strengthening cooperation in protecting the environment and natural resources.

Abdul Awal Mintoo expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the recent disaster in Nepal and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He wished the injured a speedy recovery and said Bangladesh stands beside the people of Nepal during the crisis.

The minister said Bangladesh is ready to provide humanitarian assistance and cooperation as needed.

He said Bangladesh and Nepal face different climate risks, but their environments and ecosystems are closely connected. Changes in Himalayan snow and glaciers, river basins, heavy rainfall and floods affect the environment and livelihoods across South Asia.

Ahead of COP31, Mintoo stressed regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and joint initiatives to address common climate challenges.

Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari expressed interest in expanding cooperation in environmental protection and climate action. He highlighted opportunities for exchanging technical knowledge and experience, capacity building and environment-friendly development.

The ambassador thanked the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for expressing solidarity with the people of Nepal and extending support following the recent disaster, saying the gesture reflected the deep friendship between the two countries.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in trade, connectivity, tourism, education and renewable energy. Both sides agreed that stronger regional connectivity and economic partnerships could create new opportunities.

They also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in clean and renewable energy to promote green and sustainable development in South Asia.

Dr Fahmida Khanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to intensify cleanliness and public awareness campaigns across the country to contain the spread of dengue.

He gave the directives at a meeting on the dengue situation and measures to combat the disease at Bangladesh Secretariat.

The Prime Minister stressed greater public participation in dengue prevention, saying the government alone cannot control the spread of the disease.

He called for raising awareness about keeping homes and surroundings clean, removing stagnant water and garbage, and preventing mosquito breeding grounds.

Tarique Rahman directed the authorities to involve disaster management volunteers, BNCC, Rover Scouts and Red Crescent workers in cleanliness and awareness campaigns at the local level.

He also directed the authorities to strengthen treatment facilities and patient-management capacity at upazila-level hospitals and ensure mosquito nets for hospitalized dengue patients to reduce the risk of transmission.

Emphasising effective implementation of the meeting decisions, the Prime Minister said, “This must be reflected on the ground.”

He directed all concerned to work in coordination and put greater emphasis on prevention through extensive awareness campaigns and grassroots participation.

Several ministers, state ministers, senior officials and city corporation administrators attended the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for stronger communication, industrialisation, job creation and expanded education facilities to accelerate the development of Thakurgaon.

He made the remarks at a civic reception held at Boromath in the district town during his two-day visit to his hometown, his first since becoming president.

The President said reopening Thakurgaon Airport could boost trade and business, but economic activities in the area must be strengthened to make the airport functional and sustainable.

He said Thakurgaon still lacks major factories and industries, leaving many people without jobs. He expressed hope that investors, particularly from China, would come forward to establish agro-based industries in the district.

Alamgir said agricultural development under the Barendra Multipurpose Development Programme had created opportunities for agro-based industries. He also urged local entrepreneurs to work together to increase investment and create jobs.

On education, the President said the process of establishing a public university in Thakurgaon had made significant progress. Land has been acquired and paid for, while a vice-chancellor has already been appointed. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the university during his visit.

He also said a medical college is expected to be established in the district, with the site already selected and student admission expected to begin next year.

The President said a sports village, new playgrounds, a modern information complex, a National University regional office, a cooperative training institute and a technical training centre would also be established in Thakurgaon.

Calling on young people to become entrepreneurs, he urged them to create employment opportunities. He also praised women who have emerged as entrepreneurs.

Alamgir urged youths to build a strong movement against drugs and directed the district administration and lawmakers to work toward making Thakurgaon completely drug-free.

He also called for an end to political conflicts and confrontations, urging political leaders and activists to pursue their own politics without engaging in clashes.

The President said people in Thakurgaon had faced persecution, arrests and false cases for political reasons in the past. He expressed hope for establishing a politics of reconciliation and building a society based on communal harmony, tolerance and equal rights.

He expressed gratitude to his parents, elders, teachers and others who supported him throughout his life and acknowledged the support of his wife during his political career. He also remembered former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her long struggle to establish democracy.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all concerned to take effective measures to ensure pollution-free rivers and a clean, liveable environment for future generations.

“Alongside ourselves, we must strive to leave pollution-free rivers and a liveable environment for the next generation. We cannot simply wait for government directives; we must also act out of our own sense of responsibility,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks at a review meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat on pollution control, waste removal, river conservation and management around Dhaka, navigability and development of the circular waterways.

The meeting reviewed measures to control pollution and remove waste from the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, Balu and Shitalakkhya rivers, as well as adjoining canals and drains.

The meeting also discussed restoring normal water flow and navigability and improving the existing circular waterways around Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman directed the authorities to implement previously adopted plans quickly and stressed stronger coordination among the concerned ministries, divisions and agencies.

Several ministers, state ministers, senior government officials and administrators of Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur city corporations attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said some political parties and individuals are trying to create confusion and unrest by taking advantage of the country’s recent crises.

Speaking at a discussion marking the 48th founding anniversary of BNP, he said the government acknowledges the existing problems and is working to resolve challenges inherited from the previous autocratic regime and the interim government.

The Prime Minister warned that no attempt to create anarchy would be tolerated and said the law would take its own course against those involved.

He also apologised to people, industrial owners and factory operators facing difficulties due to the ongoing electricity and fuel shortages.

Tarique Rahman said the government is preparing an action plan to prevent similar energy and fuel crises in the future.

He called on BNP leaders and activists to make people aware of those allegedly trying to create unrest and destabilise the country.

Highlighting BNP’s role in different national crises, the Prime Minister said the party would continue working to protect democracy and build a humane state where the rights of every citizen are ensured.

Adviser to the Prime Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin has stressed the need to ensure security, dignity and fair opportunities for working people while improving their skills to strengthen the national economy.

Speaking at a conference and general meeting of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), he said workers play a vital role in keeping the country’s economy moving and deserve fair wages, safe workplaces and better opportunities.

Mahdi Amin said workers’ skills must be upgraded in line with technological changes and global market demand. He called for greater investment in modern training and technology to improve productivity and prepare workers for emerging industries.

He also stressed stronger cooperation between employers and workers to ensure industrial stability and development.

The adviser said the quality of employment is as important as the number of jobs, highlighting the need for decent work, fair wages, social inclusion and respect for workers.

He also emphasized workplace safety, equal opportunities for women and better education and opportunities for workers’ children as key parts of workers’ welfare.