United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called for a zero-tolerance policy on drugs to make educational institutions, including universities, and their surrounding areas drug-free and protect students and young people from substance abuse. He made the remarks when a delegation of Uttara University, led by its founder and Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Yasmeen Ara Lekha, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the morning. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the VC briefed the President on the university’s academic activities, education and research initiatives.  The delegation also highlighted various facilities, challenges and problems faced by the university. The President assured the delegation that the issues raised will be addressed. During the meeting, the VC also formally invited the President to attend the university’s upcoming convocation as chancellor. Mirza Fakhrul accepted the invitation and assured the delegation of his presence at the convocation. The President’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary, along with the university’s advisers, assistant professors and members of its Board of Trustees, were present at the meeting.  

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of former MP Salahuddin Ahmed, who died at a hospital in the capital on Tuesday night. In a condolence message on Wednesday, the President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. Salahuddin, BNP commerce affairs secretary, breathed his last at Evercare Hospital Dhaka at 8:10pm on Tuesday, said his son Tanvir Ahmed Robin, member secretary of Dhaka South City BNP.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for concerted efforts by the government, families and society to end ensure girls’ safety and education, end child marriage, and create opportunities for them to achieve their full potential. “Child marriage is not just a marriage. It is the end of a childhood, a disruption of education and a waste of potential,” he said while addressing a programme marking International and National Girl Child Day 2026 at Bangladesh Shishu Academy. This year’s theme is “No More Child Marriage, Girls Will Conquer the World.” President Fakhrul stressed the need to ensure girls’ safety on their way to school, in educational institutions and in the online world, including on social media platforms. He called for prompt investigations, effective trials and strict enforcement of the law in cases of violence against women and children, rape and sexual harassment. “There is no alternative to strictly implementing a zero-tolerance policy in this regard,” he said. He urged families and children to become aware of the national helplines 109, 1098 and 999 so that they can seek assistance quickly in emergencies. A single phone call at the right moment can play an important role in protecting a child’s life and childhood, he said. The president stressed that girls’ education is a fundamental right, while ensuring their safety is a collective responsibility. “Birth of a girl child is not a burden; it marks the beginning of unlimited possibilities,” he said, urging people to recognise girls as assets and future leaders rather than liabilities. Addressing the programme, Mirza Fakhrul said child marriage could lead to early motherhood, health risks, economic dependence and an increased risk of violence, while depriving girls of opportunities to develop their abilities. He called for positive changes in attitudes at the family, social and state levels, alongside sustained and well-planned investment in girls’ welfare. The president said boys and girls should be given equal importance when discussing their aspirations and future careers. “Alongside asking boys about their ambitions, we must also ask girls, ‘What do you want to become when you grow up?” he said, adding that society must help them turn their dreams into reality. The president also called for making adolescent-friendly healthcare and mental health services more accessible in every upazila. Highlighting poverty as one of the major causes of child marriage, Fakhrul said strengthening the economic capacity of families was essential to protecting girls’ futures. He called for effective delivery of free education, stipends, nutritious food at schools and social protection benefits to help girls from poor families continue their education. Strengthening birth registration verification, expanding opportunities for girls to pursue higher education and extending social protection coverage to vulnerable families were also important, he said. The president highlighted Bangladesh’s longstanding initiatives to promote women’s development and empowerment. He said the institutional journey began with the establishment of the Department of Women’s Affairs in 1976 and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in 1978 under the initiatives of late President Ziaur Rahman. The ministry was later transformed into the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. He also credited initiatives introduced during the government of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, including compulsory primary education, food-for-education programmes and free education and stipends for girls up to the higher secondary level, with playing an important role in expanding girls’ education. Fakhrul said the present government is also undertaking various programmes to promote girls’ education, safety and economic empowerment. He stressed that the benefits of state initiatives must reach every girl, including those living in remote villages, so that gender identity, safety concerns and family financial constraints do not limit their aspirations. Referring to the achievements of Bangladeshi women, the president mentioned mountaineer Nishat Mazumder’s ascent of Mount Everest and the success of the national women’s football team on the international stage. He also said women and girls have demonstrated courage and played leading roles in the Liberation War, the country’s long democratic movements and, in particular, the July uprising. Women in Bangladesh are continuing to establish their capabilities in education, healthcare, technology, the media, business and public administration, he said. “If books had been replaced with wedding sarees in these girls’ hands during their childhood, would we have witnessed their achievements today?” he asked.= The president said the slogan “Girls Will Conquer the World” was not merely poetic but reflected Bangladesh’s real potential. Quoting National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, he said women and men have made complementary contributions to human civilisation and its progress. The president also called on parents to treat daughters as possibilities rather than burdens and ensure equal dignity and opportunities for sons and daughters. He urged parents to teach boys from an early age to respect girls and value their opinions. “Before saving for marriage, invest in your daughter’s education and welfare,” he said, urging families to help girls develop skills, become self-reliant and build their own futures. Addressing girls directly, Fakhrul urged them to remain aware of their rights, pursue education, acquire skills and prepare to stand on their own feet. He encouraged them not to be afraid of dreaming big and to remain determined in pursuing their goals. He also urged girls not to remain silent if they faced injustice, abuse or harassment, advising them to inform trusted parents, teachers or relevant authorities and seek help through the appropriate helplines when necessary. The president called for political commitment, administrative efficiency, social participation and, above all, a change in public attitudes to ensure that girls could achieve their full potential. He said religious leaders, teachers, marriage registrars, elected representatives and media professionals have important roles to play in bringing about the necessary changes. The president called for building a Bangladesh where every girl could be born safely, grow up without fear, pursue education, acquire skills, become self-reliant and proudly claim ownership of her country and future. “No more child marriage. No more discrimination. A girl’s dreams will not be stopped. Girls will move forward. Girls will conquer the world,” he said. He called on everyone to work together to ensure a healthy, safe, dignified and bright future for all girls in Bangladesh and wished children in Bangladesh and around the world safe, successful and fulfilling lives.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called on journalists and media workers to remain united to protect their professional interests and rights. He made the call when a 44-member delegation of Thakurgaon Journalists Forum, Dhaka, led by its president Manik Muntasir and general secretary Delwar Hossain, met him at Bangabhaban. The president said it would be difficult to create an environment for independent, impartial and responsible journalism unless media workers’ job security, fair salary structures and other benefits were ensured. Describing the failure to ensure journalists’ welfare and legitimate rights as unfortunate for society, he stressed the need for media professionals to set aside their differences and work together to protect their professional interests. Journalists play a vital role in serving the state and society, he said, urging them to remain fearless and responsible in reporting the truth and exposing irregularities, corruption and injustice. He also highlighted the important role of mainstream media and professional journalists in combating unethical journalism, misinformation and disinformation on social media. During the exchange of views with journalists from Thakurgaon working in Dhaka, the president expressed his deep affection for his home district. “I want to remain connected to the roots from which I came and where I grew up,” he said. Expressing his determination to keep Thakurgaon free from communalism and drugs, he sought journalists’ active cooperation in achieving the goal. The president congratulated the forum’s members for holding important positions and discharging their responsibilities in various national media outlets.  He also thanked them for their positive contributions to the development of the country and Thakurgaon, as well as for standing beside the people in their struggle to establish their rights. He urged the journalists to remain vigilant about development initiatives undertaken in the district alongside their professional duties and to highlight Thakurgaon’s achievements and successes at the national level. The forum’s leaders congratulated the president on assuming office and apprised him of various professional problems and challenges faced by journalists. They sought government support to establish journalists’ legitimate rights and ensure necessary professional training. They also drew the president’s attention to the need for a permanent office for the organisation and emergency medical treatment for its critically ill members. The president assured them of necessary cooperation and wished the organisation continued success and the overall well-being of its members. The president’s military secretary, secretary, press secretary and other senior Bangabhaban officials were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged affluent people to work alongside the government to strengthen social welfare initiatives and ensure equal access to healthcare for underprivileged people. He made the call when a delegation led by Professor Dr Md Rashedul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (BSCRS), met him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, Professor Rashedul Islam informed the President that world-class colon and rectal surgery is now available in Bangladesh, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment. He also said Bangladeshi colon and rectal surgeons have established a strong reputation internationally. Professor Rashedul Islam formally invited the President to attend the international colorectal surgery conference, BSCRS Congress 2026, scheduled to be held on October 27 as the chief guest. The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he would attend the event. The President's military secretary and secretary, along with members of the BSCRS and specialist colorectal surgeons, were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said Bangladesh has world-class medical facilities and further improving the quality of healthcare services could reduce the tendency among patients to seek treatment abroad. He made the remarks when a seven-member delegation of the Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh, led by its President Prof Dr Md Shahinul Alam, met him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. The President said professionals should perform their duties rising above political considerations so that they could discharge their responsibilities more effectively. During the meeting, Shahinul, also chairman of the Department of Hepatology at Bangladesh Medical University, informed the President that liver transplantation services are now available in Bangladesh. He also expressed concern over the alarming rise in fatty liver disease in the country due to diabetes, dietary habits and changes in lifestyle, saying the number of hepatitis B patients is also increasing gradually. Shahinul formally invited the President to attend the upcoming conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) as the chief guest. Mirza Fakhrul accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he will attend the event. The President's military secretary and secretary, along with liver specialist physicians who are members of the Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh, were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday questioned why Bangladesh still needs foreign workers to operate various strategic installations, ports, specialised institutions and even private companies despite producing a large number of graduates for more than five decades after independence. He made the observation when a delegation of Daffodil International University, led by Chairman of its Board of Trustees Dr Md Sabur Khan, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. The President said the primary objective of both public and private universities should be to produce skilled manpower capable of meeting the country’s needs. He urged universities to focus on higher education in a way that helps develop skilled human resources in line with the country’s requirements. During the meeting, Sabur Khan briefed the President on the university’s overall academic activities. He said the university has a dedicated patent development department that assists researchers in securing patent rights and commercialising their innovations. The Board of Trustees chairman also said the university provides education in various employment-oriented fields, including research, production and multimedia, nutrition and food, fisheries, and information and communication, contributing to its improved position in global rankings. The President expressed satisfaction after hearing about the university’s activities, thanked the delegation and urged the university to maintain the quality of its education. Sabur Khan formally invited the President to attend the university’s upcoming convocation. The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he will attend the programme. The President’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary, along with the university’s vice-chancellor, Pro-VC, members of the Board of Trustees, deans and registrar, were present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged British lawmakers to play a role in strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. He made the call when a delegation of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh met him at Bangabhaban. The delegation was led by Apsana Begum, chair of the APPG and a British MP of Bangladeshi origin. Shockat Adam, MP, and Lord Qurban Hussain of the House of Lords were also present. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. The President said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its long-standing relations with the UK, describing the country as an important economic and development partner and one of Bangladesh’s largest export markets. Appreciating the UK’s democratic traditions and governance practices, he stressed the need to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation through reciprocal visits, exchanges between parliamentary committees and training programmes for officials. Mirza Fakhrul also expressed hope that, at the initiative of the APPG, a Bangladesh-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group will be formed in the Jatiya Sangsad. At the beginning of the meeting, Apsana Begum congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as President. She also praised him for successfully continuing the struggle for the restoration of democracy despite enduring immense repression and persecution over a long period. Welcoming the delegation, President Alamgir said the contributions of members of the British Parliament’s APPG to Bangladesh’s democratic restoration will be remembered by the people of Bangladesh. The delegation congratulated Bangladesh on holding a free and fair national election. In response, the President said the 2026 parliamentary election was accepted as free and fair both at home and abroad. He further said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to strengthen various institutions in Bangladesh drawing on the experience of British institutions. Mirza Fakhrul added that the British Parliament is regarded as a model for Bangladesh’s Parliament. The President’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary were also present at the meeting.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called for preserving the authentic history of the War of Liberation and ensuring due recognition, honour and dignity for genuine freedom fighters. He made the call when a 12-member delegation of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council, led by its Convenor, Freedom Fighter Naim Jahangir, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. The President said the nation remembers with profound respect the sacrifices and contributions of the freedom fighters. He said it is the responsibility of the state to ensure their honour and dignity and prepare an authentic list of genuine freedom fighters. Mirza Fakhrul stressed that everyone must exercise responsibility and caution in preserving and presenting the history of the War of Liberation to prevent any confusion or ambiguity. He also emphasised the importance of continuing the country’s democratic journey by giving the highest priority to national interests. The President stressed preserving Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and the historical values of the War of Liberation. During the meeting, the delegation raised various demands and welfare-related issues concerning freedom fighters. They also alleged that during the previous authoritarian period, fake freedom fighters had been included in the official list and that the history, ideals and spirit of the War of Liberation had been distorted for political purposes. The delegation also informed the President of their plan to organise a peaceful gathering on their own initiative.  Mirza Fakhrul listened to their views and assured them that the issues raised regarding the welfare, honour and dignity of freedom fighters will be duly considered. The delegation included senior members of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council and its Dhaka Metropolitan unit. The President’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary were also present.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon young people and social and voluntary organisations to raise awareness against drug abuse and build a strong social movement to combat it. He made the call during a meeting with a 38-member delegation of Ahban, a social and cultural organisation comprising talented young students and professionals from Thakurgaon district, at Bangabhaban. The delegation was led by Ahban Convener Lukman Sharif and Member Secretary Dr Tahmid Ahmed. The President said the country’s progress will be hampered if the younger generation cannot be protected from the devastating impact of drugs. Referring to how drug abuse is destroying the promising lives of many young people while also harming families and society, he said it is essential to build an effective social movement involving people from all walks of life to eliminate drug abuse. Mirza Fakhrul said people must be mobilised to develop a community, while education, culture, science, knowledge and human values must be promoted. He noted that social and voluntary organisations across the country can play an important role in bringing about positive social change and promoting people’s welfare. At the meeting, the President praised various social, cultural and voluntary initiatives undertaken by Ahban, including the Thakurgaon School-based Science Fest, football tournaments involving persons with disabilities, medical camps, winter clothing distribution, and Gen-Z Carnival, among others.