The government has allocated portfolios to eight advisers appointed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the status of minister and state minister. Officials said the responsibilities were assigned through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday.

According to the notification, among the five advisers holding the status of minister, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed have been appointed as Political Advisers. Besides, Md Ismail Zabiyullah has been given charge of the Ministry of Public Administration, while Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir will oversee the Ministry of Finance.

Among the advisers holding the status of state minister, Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam has been assigned the Ministry of Defence. Mahdi Amin has been entrusted with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Meanwhile, Rehan Asif Asad has been given charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Earlier, 10 advisers were appointed on Tuesday.

The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has paid rich tributes to the 1952 Language Movement martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city on the occasion of great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. Party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman led his party’s delegation to lay the wreath in memory of the language heroes.

Besides, the premier along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman also placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of their family. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid homage to the martyrs as the head of the government.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed police and other law enforcement agencies to quickly fulfill public expectations by gaining the trust of the people, emphasizing democratic reforms and institutional restructuring as top priorities. “The disciplined forces, including the police, must earn public trust by meeting the aspirations of the people,” he said. He made the remarks during a view-exchange meeting with the heads of various departments and organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs at the conference room of the Bangladesh Secretariat today.

The Home Minister said that after nearly a decade and a half, a political government has been formed through a transparent election, raising high hopes among citizens. “People have high expectations from us. We want to quickly implement our election manifesto to fulfill those expectations. Democratic reforms in various law enforcement agencies, including the police, must be prioritized in line with public expectations,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed, also a Standing Committee Member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), further stated that rebuilding public confidence requires restructuring institutions under the Home Ministry and improving ethical standards within the forces.

“To achieve this goal, we need to recruit the necessary manpower. Budget approval from the Ministry of Finance is also an important issue. With new recruitment and coordinated efforts from everyone, we aim to accomplish our objectives,” he added. The minister stressed the need for a comprehensive and timely development plan for police and other law enforcement agencies.

He instructed department heads to prepare suggestions and recommendations to help formulate and implement the reform plan, which will determine priority areas for action. Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Md. Delwar Hossain, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam along with heads of various departments, organizations, and relevant divisions of the ministry, were present at the meeting.

The government has issued a gazette notification forming a 15-member ‘Cabinet Committee for Family Card Distribution’, aimed at providing protection to marginalized and low-income families.The Cabinet Division issued the notification today, naming the Finance Minister as chairman of the committee.

Other members include the Women and Children Affairs Minister, Social Welfare Minister, Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Ministry of Social Welfare, Advisers Mahdi Amin and Rehan Asif Asad, Cabinet Secretary, Women and Children Affairs Secretary, Election Commission Secretariat Secretary, Finance Division Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary, Local Government Division Secretary, Planning Ministry Secretary, and Social Welfare Secretary. The notification clarified that ‘Secretary’ also includes Senior Secretary.

It said the committee will formulate a framework for implementing the Family Card programme and develop a method for selecting beneficiaries. Initially, the Family Card will be introduced in one upazila in each of the country’s eight divisions. The committee will also review whether any existing programs for women can be used as a basis, recommend creating a digital MIS by linking the National ID and National Household Database to prepare the beneficiary list, and submit a preliminary report by February 24, 2026, to distribute Family Cards before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

The notification added that committee meetings will be held as required. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will provide secretarial support, and the committee may co-opt members if necessary. The notification will take effect immediately.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been elected as the leader of the parliamentary party. He was elected parliamentary party leader in a meeting of BNP’s parliamentary party at the meeting room in Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at about 11.30 am today, BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told reporters.

Earlier, the newly elected parliament members (MPs) of BNP in the 13th national elections took oath of office at Jatiya Sangsad (JS) here. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath of office to the newly elected lawmakers at the Oath Room of Sangsad Bhaban at 10:43 am. Later, the meeting of the BNP’s parliamentary party was held.

Bangladesh resumes its democratic journey today after a long 15 years of autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn-in as Prime Minister with its party’s landslide victory in 13th national polls. Tarique Rahman charismatically led his party to win in 211 seats in the parliamentary elections widely endorsed by the world, including the European Union (EU) election observers as they called the polls fair and credible saying no instance of fraudulence or vote rigging was found.

The nation participated in a free, fair election on 12 February, 2026, for what Bangladesh was waiting for almost 20 years. The people of Bangladesh had been dreaming of such competitive festive elections for long. Their dream finally came true in the second week of this month and they got a true elected prime minister indeed. Tarique Rahman has been the first elected premier by populist votes since 2008.

The Bangladesh people really lost confidence in the electoral process as they saw three rigged elections orchestrated by the fallen Awami League the party was deposed from the power in a student-mass uprising that saw almost 1,400 people to be killed and 20,000 to be injured. But, the nation this time rebounded in democratic norm that was lost by the voter less elections in 2014, night time elections in 2018 and dummy elections in 2024.

Tarique Rahman, son of Independence Proclaimer and slain President Ziaur Rahman and three times Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, appears to be a true statesman through democratic elections. But the way of his being statesmanship was not a bed of roses. He struggled inhuman and went through a lot of sufferings even staying in exile. He struggled for democracy, he fought with a fascist government for returning the rights to freedom of expression to the people, freedom of press, the rights to vote etc, resulting in 2024 July Uprising and thereafter a free, fair election in 2026.

Tarique Rahman has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political discourse. His elevation to the premiership is seen by many within BNP as the continuation of a political legacy blended with promises of reform and modernization.

Tarique Rahman started his debut in the politics in 1988 by getting primary membership in Gabtali Upazila, the historic birthplace of his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, under Bogura district located in northern Bangladesh. He became a member of the Bogra district BNP in 1993. He got opportunity to draw public opinion in favor of his party in 1991 parliamentary elections. In the capacity of National Campaign Strategy Committee member of the party, Tarique Rahman coordinated the election campaign of five constituencies his mother Khaleda Zia was contesting. Her thumping victory in all five constituencies proved his worth as a meticulous organizer to assume a future leadership role in the party.

Tarique Rahman learned politics for the welfare of the people and the country during his early age as he was closely observing his mother’s generosity to the people and struggle for democracy against another autocrat Ershad rule. He inherited a good political norms and values from his parents and he also took over another responsibility of electioneering in 2001. Tarique Rahman proved again his leadership wisdom within the party as his strategy was a great hit in creating a nationwide wave in favor of the ‘paddy sheath’ symbol. His party won the elections with a two-thirds majority. Following the victory, the BNP Standing Committee, the highest decision-making body, unanimously appointed him as the Senior Joint Secretary-General in 2002.

Thus, when he was emerging in politics, conspiracies were there to exterminate him forever. Then, the infamous army-backed illegitimate 1/11 caretaker government came. He was subjected to intrigues by Awami League and their associates at home and abroad. His estrangement from politics was sought by the 1/11 government through a series of utterly cruel, mischievous, and conspiracy acts. He was put to physical and mental torture by law enforcement and secret service agencies to demoralize him not to continue in politics. At one stage, he was imprisoned and tortured brutally in confinement for months together, disregarding the law of the land.

At one stage, he left the country with grave spinal injury for London to get medical treatment, choosing the path of staying in exile by force. But his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his people couldn’t stop him, rather stand still with head high, struggled for the emancipation of the people of the country, leading the nation online form the UK. Tarique Rahman was in constant touch with his fellow party workers to keep their spirits high and to continue to fight against the misrule of the Sheikh Hasina government as marked with anarchy, injustice, maladministration, corruption, curtailment of people’s right to vote, abrogation of fundamental rights, and the like. The fascist regime of Hasina filed seventeen fabricated cases in absentia against Tarique Rahman as a ploy to bar him from politics. He was the victim of political vengeance of the ousted fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Even his parents’ cantonment home was raged to the ground by Hasina in a bid to harass the Zia family. Despite political vengeance and vilifications against him, Tarique Rahman’s popularity saw an astonishing rise. He stands tall as the leader of the masses. He is the true inheritor of the legacy of his father. A natural politician, Tarique Rahman kept his party united, and its grassroots base continues to expand and solidify with mass support.

Despite living abroad, Tarique Rahman was nominated acting chairman of his party as not being the son of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia but with the quality of political wisdom and leadership eminence after her mother landed in jail in 2018 during Awami League misrule that is marked a another wrath of the deposed Sheikh Hasina on the Zia family.

While in exile, Tarique Rahman didn’t stop even for one day in struggle for realizing people’s rights. His fight for years and call to rise eventually awaken the nation as the people revolted against fascist Awami League rule, toppled Sheikh Hasina from the state power and forced her to flee the country, ending her almost 16 years autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, a new day for Bangladesh history.

Bangladesh became free again after 1971 Liberation War and the obstacles imposed on Tarique Rahman’s arrival to his beloved country were removed. Then the historic day 25 December, 2025 came when the valiant son of the nation Tarique Rahman touched down Bangladesh soil, strolled barefoot, took a fistful of soil and felt Bangladesh with the inner part of his heart. Then, his vibrant voice waived in a mammoth crowd saying, “I have a plan for the people and for the country”.

But, when the whole nation was like triumphant getting him after almost 17 years, Bangladesh got another bad news as his mother passed away just five days after his arrival. Then, on 9 January, 2026, he became his party’s chairman as many analysts see his rise inevitable.

Tarique Rahman’s rise in politics didn’t come inherently rather it was obvious for him to be at the helm of the state with leadership quality he acquired by political farsightedness, insights, dedication and wisdom. He gained steady ground through the combination of hard work, skill, and patience in the hearts of millions. He affirms the promises to take the nation out of the morass of misrule, non-governance, oppression, coercion, subjugation and present the people with the rights they could not enjoy under a fascist regime in hold of state power for more than one and a half decades. His promises win people’s hearts resulting in bringing landslide victory for BNP in national polls. Today, Bangladesh reemerged as a democratic country and restarted its democratic course as Tarique Rahman sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The chief adviser’s special assistant on ICT and Telecommunications, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, left Bangladesh for Germany on Saturday through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. HSIA executive director SM Ragib Samad, also Bangladesh Air Force group captain, said that Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb left Bangladesh for Germany by an Emirates flight EK 583 at about 9:55am on Saturday.

An official of the ministry said that he had taken farewell from both ICT and Telecom divisions on February 9 and February 10.

‘As the new lawmakers’ gazette has published, he will go back to his own work,’ he added.

Posts, telecommunications and information technology ministry’s public relations officer Jashim Uddin could not be reached over the phone despite several attempts. On March 5, 2025, Yunus-led interim appointed Taiyeb as the special assistant to the chief adviser with the status of a state minister. On January 14, 2026, Taiyeb was also appointed as a member of the board of directors at the Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Taiyeb graduated from the electrical engineering department at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

A group of left-leaning students of Dhaka University staged a celebratory procession, dancing to the song titled Razakar Al-Badar Kichui Rabe Nare, on the Dhaka University campus on Friday. The procession began at the Teachers-Students Centre, led by a truck equipped with a music box, a day after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a decisive victory defeating Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections. It paraded through Jagannath Hall, VC Chatwar, Hall Para, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union and Madhu’s Canteen before concluding at the TSC.

Event organiser cultural activist Faria Motin Ilalala told New Age that although a significant number of people in the country voted for Jamaat, the majority of the country’s people still upheld the spirit of the War of Independence.

‘When we took these anti-razakar songs to the streets, we have witnessed public enthusiasm, which claim that people no longer care about the Liberation War are baseless,’ Faria noted.

Our existence is rooted in the Liberation War, she added, mentioning, ‘This programme does not support the BNP; rather, it has been organised to inform the next generation about the history of the Liberation War.’

She also said that their message to the BNP was that whatever role the party played in the coming days, they would remain prepared to criticise and protest any actions reminiscent of past governments.

Another organiser Anamul Hasan Onoy, a student of the political science department, said that anti-Bangladesh Jamaat forces had been attempting to revive their old anti-Liberation War politics over the past one and a half years ahead of the election.

‘We saw how recognised war criminals’ photos were displayed at the TSC and how they were being idealised. We witnessed their aggressiveness and rhetoric,’ he said.

He added that through the election, the country’s people had resisted anti-1971 forces. ‘Although Jamaat is now effectively in the opposition, it is an alarming matter for Bangladesh.’

As part of strengthening our stance against the anti-1971 agenda and preparing to consign them to their final political grave, we have staged this programme, he mentioned.Bangladesh cultural tours

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the 13th national election is one of the good elections in the country’s history in any standard. He made the remarks at an official briefing from the Central Results Collection and Presentation Centre at Election Commission (EC) here.

The CEC said, “If you judge, it can be considered a pretty good election. I am feeling good. We promised to present an election in a festive atmosphere. We promised to present a completely neutral and credible election to the nation and we do believe we have achieved it. Everyone is recognising this.”

Expressing his gratitude to media and the country’s people, he said, “We are grateful to journalists, people, voters and political leaders.”

“With the overall cooperation of all, we have been able to present an acceptable election,” he said.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that the people of the country are now free from today. He said that pro-democracy people of the country have once again made the BNP victorious; and described this victory as a win for Bangladesh and for democracy, pledging to build a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh in the days ahead.

“Alhamdulillah, this victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who yearn for democracy. From today, we are all free.”

Tarique Rahman made the remarks at a post-election press conference held in the Ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel in the city today. BNP Chairman said the people have paved the way for establishing democracy in the country by overcoming all obstacles. However, he noted that their journey must begin amidst a fragile economy left behind by fascism, dysfunctional constitutional and statutory institutions, and a weak law and order situation.

“After more than one and a half decades, a parliament and government accountable to the people are set to be established through direct voting. Everyone to remain united so that no anti-democratic force can re-establish fascism in the country or turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” he said.

Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt congratulations to the 51 political parties that participated in the election, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Ganadhikar Parishad.

“In a democratic state and politics, political parties are essentially the lighthouses of democracy. If the government and the opposition each play a responsible role from their respective positions, democracy will undoubtedly become institutionalized,” he said.

Calling upon every democratic political party that participated in the election to share their ideas for nation-building, he stated, “Our paths and opinions may be different, but we are all united for the sake of the country. I believe national unity is our strength, and division is our weakness.”

He specially thanked the interim government and the Election Commission for successfully holding a peaceful, free, fair, and impartial election, dispelling all public doubts. Tarique Rahman also praised the role of all election-related officials, the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and domestic and international media and observers.

Tarique Rahman expressed deep respect for those who were martyred or injured in the movement to establish democracy over this long period from the Liberation War of 1971 to the war to protect the freedom of the country and its people in 2024. He prayed for salvation of their departed souls. He also mentioned that the absence of the uncompromising leader and former Prime Miniter Begum Khaleda Zia weighs heavily on the party during this joyous moment.

He said, “In anticipation of such a democratic time for establishing people’s rights in the state and politics, she fought uncompromisingly against fascism. She never compromised with autocracy or fascism.”

Referring to BNP’s 31 point ‘roadmap for state repair’, he said, through consultations with other parties and the public, BNP has formulated its election manifesto. Highlighting BNP’s signature to the July Charter, Tarique Rahman assured that every commitment made to the people will be implemented in phases. BNP chairman said his party didn’t bring out any victory processions even after an absolute victory to maintain peace and order, but celebrating the triumph by offering gratitude to Allah.

He asserted, “My statement is clear: peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No injustice or illegal activities will be tolerated.”

He further said, “Regardless of party, opinion, religion, or caste, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Justice will be the ideal. If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will go in vain.”

He urged everyone to be cautious so that any misunderstandings arising from electoral competition do not turn into revenge or retaliation. While appealing to the pro-democracy people, the BNP Chairman said, “Just as we played role in the struggle to establish democracy, let us now each to play our part from our respective positions to build Bangladesh as a safe and humane state by controlling corruption, maintaining law and order, and ensuring accountability to the people.”

Concluding his speech, the BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman once again congratulated and thanked all democratic forces, expatriate Bangladeshis, and the freedom-loving people across the country for the victory.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Khandakar Mosarrof Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, Sultan Salauddin Mahmud Tuku,among others were present during the press conference.

Journalists from the local and foreign media joined the press conference. After concluding the written speech Tarique Rahman answered different questions from the journalists.