National

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has warned that no irregularities will be tolerated in the Health Ministry, stressing his commitment to integrity and accountability.

He made the remarks while addressing the Annual Conference 2026 of the Dhaka University Economics Department Alumni Association at the Raowa Club Convention Centre in Mohakhali.

The minister expressed his determination to perform his responsibilities honestly and uphold the reputation of the Health Ministry.

Recalling his university days, classmates and memories of the Liberation War, Sakhawat paid tribute to his late teachers and classmates and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls.

He said his studies were disrupted when he was a student of the 1969-70 batch due to the Liberation War.

After the war, when students returned to sit for their examinations, they approached then department head Dr MN Huda and requested special consideration, citing their participation in the Liberation War.

He recalled that, with the sincere support of their teachers, arrangements were subsequently made to regularise their academic status.

Reflecting on the role of his teachers in his life, Sakhawat said their guidance and affection had helped him reach his present position.

Regarding his responsibilities as Health Minister, he said he wanted to fulfil the important responsibility entrusted to him by the Prime Minister with the utmost dedication.

“My main goal is to serve the country by upholding the reputation of the Economics Department,” he said.

Economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, former interim government adviser Wahid Uddin Mahmud Chowdhury, Dhaka University Economics Department Chairman Dr Ferdousi Nahar and DU Economics Department Alumni Association President Syed Ali Jowhar Rizvi, among others, attended the event.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India at an appropriate time after necessary progress is made in bilateral discussions, stressing that Bangladesh’s national interests will remain the top priority.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar.

Kobir said Bangladesh wants to maintain a positive and effective relationship with India as a close neighbour.

“We want a positive relationship with India. Why wouldn’t we? They are our neighbours. We should have a working relationship.”

However, he stressed that Bangladesh would not compromise its national interests in dealing with India or any other country.

Regarding the timing of a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, the state minister said there was no need to rush a head-of-government-level visit.

He said the visit could take place whenever the necessary groundwork and substantive discussions between the two countries are completed.

“If we reach an agreement based on our national interests tomorrow, we can go next week, or the week after. There is no rush here,” Kobir said.

He added that a prime ministerial visit requires adequate preparation and meaningful discussions beforehand, saying Bangladesh and India are currently working to establish that groundwork.

Hasina extradition issue

Regarding the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Kobir said Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty and the issue remains part of ongoing bilateral engagement.

He said Hasina fled to India following the July 2024 mass uprising, while judicial proceedings in several cases against her have already concluded and others remain pending.

Kobir said bringing back Hasina and other alleged offenders who fled to India remains an issue linked to the expectations and sentiments of the people of Bangladesh.

“There are more criminals who have fled to India. This is a natural demand of the people of Bangladesh and a matter of their sentiment. We want to engage with India by giving priority to this process,” he said.

Newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andaleeve Rahman has called upon the heads of departments under the ministry to work together to ensure transparency, accountability and accurate information in government activities.

He made the call at an introductory meeting with ministry officials and employees at the Secretariat.

Before the meeting, officials and employees welcomed the new minister with flowers. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Shabuj also greeted him.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, among others, attended the meeting.

Andaleeve Rahman said the media is one of the pillars of democracy, stressing the importance of creating an environment for free and open journalism.

He said the government’s main objective was to restore democracy and end the culture of control over the media that existed under the previous government.

Referring to the July Movement, the minister said there was no scope to undermine the contributions of journalists and the media.

He said people have the right to receive accurate information and that it is the government’s moral responsibility to clearly communicate its activities to the public.

Expressing confidence in the experience and expertise of ministry officials, Andaleeve Rahman said they would work together to provide accurate information and ensure that government decisions serve the interests of the country and its people.

He stressed that greater coordination among government departments would help prevent wrong or unjustified decisions and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has asked the members of the Navy and Air Force Selection Board to prioritise merit, competence, leadership, discipline, integrity, loyalty and professional suitability when recommending officers for promotion, without being influenced by political ideology or personal preference.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2026 at Air Force Headquarters.

The board will consider eligible Bangladesh Navy officers holding the ranks of captain, commander and lieutenant commander, and Bangladesh Air Force officers holding the ranks of group captain, wing commander and squadron leader for promotion to the next ranks.

The Prime Minister said the Navy and Air Force play an important role in protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty, while also contributing to internal peace, discipline and stability and supporting civil authorities during disasters.

Before opening the selection board, Tarique Rahman adorned Chief of Naval Staff Khandker Misbah Ul Azim with the Admiral rank badge and congratulated him on his appointment as the new Navy chief.

Admiral Misbah expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy and sought his guidance to develop the force into a modern and capable navy.

In his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He also recalled the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the 2024 mass uprising and those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during movements for democracy and people’s rights.

Tarique Rahman thanked the chiefs and members of the Navy and Air Force for their service and sacrifices.

PM inspects Air Force technology

The Prime Minister later inspected several operational and research facilities of the Bangladesh Air Force.

At the Air Defence Operations Centre (ADOC) in Dhaka Cantonment, he unveiled the inaugural plaque of the Air Defence System Integration (ADSI) and observed its activities.

He also visited the Air Command Operations Centre (ACOC), where he watched live footage showing fighter aircraft intercepting simulated enemy aircraft and helicopters conducting troop insertion, based on feeds from UAVs operating from Chattogram.

At the Aerospace Research and Development Complex (ARDC), the Prime Minister observed research activities and inspected various locally developed UAVs, including drones, kamikaze drones, interceptor drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs.

He also observed a quadcopter flight.

Tarique Rahman expressed hope that developing advanced aerial systems through the Air Force’s own technological capabilities would strengthen Bangladesh’s research, innovation and technological self-reliance.

The 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 Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Defence Secretary and senior military officials attended the programme.

Newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today received his first ceremonial salute and began his first official engagements at Bangabhaban after taking charge.

The President arrived at Bangabhaban at 11am, where a smart contingent of the Bangladesh Police mounted unit welcomed him and escorted him to the Credential Field.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) then accorded him a guard of honour. A combined military band comprising members of the Army, Navy and Air Force played a welcome tune during the ceremony.

Following the guard of honour, President’s Military Secretary Major General A S M Bahauddin, Public Division Secretary AJM Salahuddin Nagari, Press Secretary Sarwar Alam and PGR Commander Brigadier General Ghulam Ariqul Alam welcomed the President and his family members with floral bouquets at the Octagonal of Bangabhaban.

The President later proceeded to his office, where he signed official documents and began his formal duties.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has made significant progress in implementing the BNP government’s electoral pledges during its first six months, according to a progress report on the government’s 180-day action plan.

Several initiatives aimed at strengthening emergency response, expanding fire and rescue infrastructure and improving disaster services have moved forward, with some nearing completion.

Under the pledge to establish a Civil Defence and Emergency Response Control Centre, the project document has been prepared and sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The process of creating manpower posts for the Emergency Response Control Centre (ERCC) has also been completed.

The initiative achieved 80 percent progress by August 6, with the remaining work expected to be completed after issuance of the necessary government order.

The initiative to create 92 posts for seven new fire service units under the “Expansion of Fire Service and Civil Defence Unit (1st Revised)” project recorded 70 percent progress. A proposal for creating 72 posts is currently under consideration by the Cabinet Division.

The remaining work is expected to be completed after Cabinet Division approval and issuance of the government order.

100 ambulances planned

The government is also expanding ambulance services to improve emergency response during natural and man-made disasters.

Under the “Expansion of Ambulance Services of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate (Phase-II, 1st Revised)” project, the first phase involves procuring 50 ambulances.

The initiative had achieved 20 percent progress by August 6. A tender for 50 ambulances was invited and opened on April 23, but the Tender Evaluation Committee found the submitted documents inadequate and decided on July 19 to invite the tender again.

The Fire Service has now initiated the procurement of 100 ambulances during the 2026-27 fiscal year, comprising the re-tendering of 50 ambulances and an additional 50.

The department expects to complete procurement of all 100 ambulances within the fiscal year.

The progress report said these initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to fulfil its electoral commitments within the first 180 days by strengthening emergency response capacity, expanding fire and rescue services and ensuring faster assistance to people during disasters and accidents.

Newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today paid tribute to the martyrs of the Great Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar.

The President placed the wreath at 10:27am and then stood in solemn silence for some time in memory of the martyrs.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force later accorded the President a guard of honour.

After the ceremony, Mirza Fakhrul signed the visitors’ book at the National Memorial.

In his message, the President expressed his deepest respect for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. He described the National Memorial as an enduring symbol of the nation’s pride, sacrifice, unity and patriotism.

He also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, recalling their contributions to the country and the struggle for democracy.

The President pledged to work collectively to build a peaceful, just, democratic, welfare-oriented and prosperous Bangladesh, while upholding the spirit of the Liberation War, constitutional ideals and the dignity of the martyrs.

He prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the Liberation War martyrs and for continued peace, prosperity and welfare for Bangladesh.

Later, the President planted and watered a Magnolia Grandiflora sapling on the National Memorial premises before leaving.

Earlier, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain received the President upon his arrival.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Military Secretary to the President Major General A S M Bahauddin, Public Division Secretary AJM Salahuddin Nagari, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam and the GOC of Savar Cantonment were present.

The government has decided to connect the island district of Bhola with Barisal and Dhaka through a new highway network.

The decision was taken at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to undertake a project to construct a highway along the Rahmatpur–Hizla–Mehendiganj–Bhola route, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said.

Three proposals were discussed at the meeting, after which the Rahmatpur–Hizla–Mehendiganj–Bhola route was selected.

Tarique Rahman stressed the development of an integrated road network to overcome geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand opportunities for trade and economic activities.

He also instructed the authorities to expedite the initiative to bring Bhola under the national road network.

According to project officials, the proposed route will require widening existing roads, constructing new road sections and building three small bridges. A feasibility study will be conducted on an urgent basis to facilitate quick implementation.

The new road link is expected to reduce travel time and transportation costs between Bhola, Barisal, Dhaka and other parts of the country.

As Bhola is surrounded by rivers, residents have traditionally depended heavily on waterways for transportation. The proposed highway is expected to reduce this dependence and make the movement of people and goods faster and easier.

Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping and the Bridges Division Md Razib Ahsan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque, Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf and Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, among others, attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to launch a pilot project for developing a National e-Health Platform aimed at bringing Bangladesh’s healthcare services under an integrated digital framework.

He gave the directive at a meeting on an integrated information technology-based system for the health sector at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.

The meeting discussed the proposed structure, operational mechanism and potential applications of the platform.

Initially, the government will assess the platform’s effectiveness, feasibility, potential challenges and costs through a pilot project in several districts. Based on the findings, the platform will gradually be expanded nationwide.

The Prime Minister stressed the effective use of information technology to make healthcare services more accessible, convenient and people-oriented.

He also emphasised the secure storage of patients’ essential health information so that authorised doctors and healthcare institutions can access relevant information when needed.

At the same time, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of data security and individual privacy, saying the platform should be user-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable in the long term.

He instructed the authorities to properly evaluate the pilot project’s outcomes before proceeding with nationwide implementation.

Engineer Zakaria Swapan presented various aspects of the proposed National e-Health Platform at the meeting.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Dr S M Ziauddin Hyder and Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Health Services Division Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, ICT Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and senior officials from relevant ministries, departments and agencies attended the meeting.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has sought continued support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to keep the prolonged Rohingya crisis high on the international humanitarian agenda.

She made the call during a meeting with an MSF delegation led by its International President Dr Javid Abdelmoneim at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The MSF delegation briefed the state minister on its ongoing humanitarian activities in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. These include outpatient and emergency healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene services, maternal healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, and mental health support.

The delegation said a significant portion of MSF’s services also benefits members of the host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Shama appreciated MSF’s medical and humanitarian support for both the Rohingya refugees and local communities.

She reiterated Bangladesh’s position that safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine State remains the only durable solution to the crisis.

Against the backdrop of the prolonged displacement, the state minister stressed the importance of sustained international humanitarian attention to the Rohingya situation and called for MSF’s continued engagement to keep the crisis on the global humanitarian agenda.