Dhaka: A political controversy has emerged in Bangladesh following reports that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed State Minister Ishraque Hossain to resign from the cabinet. According to media reports, the reported directive came after controversy surrounding Ishraque Hossain’s participation in an anti-drug operation in Dhaka while carrying a firearm.

The issue reportedly came into focus following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday. However, an official government confirmation and confirmation that a formal resignation has been submitted are necessary to establish the latest status of the matter. The reports have sparked discussion in Bangladesh’s political circles. Further clarification is expected if the government or the individuals concerned issue an official statement.

DHAKA: Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their support for the Rohingya genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), expressing hope that the legal proceedings will help pave the way for a lasting solution to the prolonged crisis. The commitment was reiterated at a meeting of the OIC Ministerial Ad-Hoc Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations Against the Rohingya, held on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Baghdad, Iraq, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued on Sunday.

Addressing the meeting as co-chair, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir called on OIC member states to strengthen unity and take proactive steps to resolve the longstanding Rohingya crisis. Kobir, who is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the ministerial conference, stressed that justice and accountability through international legal mechanisms are essential to achieving a sustainable solution to the humanitarian crisis.

Describing the Rohingya crisis as a major challenge facing the Muslim Ummah, he urged OIC member states to pursue coordinated efforts to strengthen humanitarian assistance and support ongoing legal proceedings.

He also emphasised the need for sustained international engagement to keep the Rohingya crisis high on the global agenda. The state minister highlighted the five-point action plan presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Referring to the plan, Kobir called for urgent and decisive international action, particularly to ensure justice and accountability through established legal frameworks. He urged OIC member states to turn their solidarity with the Rohingya people into concrete initiatives to address the crisis and support efforts towards a durable solution.

At the meeting, OIC member states reiterated their commitment to supporting the case before the ICJ and expressed optimism that the judicial process could contribute to resolving the protracted crisis.

The discussions underscored the importance of collective international efforts to ensure accountability for human rights violations against the Rohingya and advance prospects for a lasting resolution. Bangladesh continues to host approximately 1.4 million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar while pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure their safe, voluntary and sustainable return.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured researchers of government support for a project to produce fuel oil from human waste, sewage, kitchen waste and agricultural residues. The prime minister gave the assurance on Saturday after viewing a demonstration of the technology at his office in Tejgaon, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud).

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Professor Dr Md Khalekuzzaman briefed the prime minister on the research, its progress and the prospects for commercial production. The researchers have been developing the technology for nearly a decade using Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), a process that converts wet organic waste into biocrude under high temperature and pressure.

Laboratory tests have reportedly achieved biocrude yields of 50 to 55 percent, with further progress in producing diesel-rich biocrude. The next step is to establish a pilot plant capable of processing one to three tonnes of waste daily to evaluate production efficiency, costs and commercial viability. The proposed facility is estimated to cost Tk 100 crore to Tk 120 crore.

According to the researchers, successful commercial-scale implementation could eventually replace 10 to 15 percent of Bangladesh’s imported crude oil and save an estimated Tk 6,500 crore to Tk 13,000 crore in foreign exchange annually.

However, the researchers acknowledged that these projections depend on successful scale-up and assessments of the technology’s economic viability. They said the project could help reduce fuel import dependence, improve waste management, curb environmental pollution and create opportunities for a domestic fuel industry.

Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, University Grants Commission member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Masud and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman Dr Md Rafiqul Islam were also present at the demonstration.

Nazirur Rahman Sohel, Dhaka — The Bangladesh government is preparing to launch a pilot Model Canal programme aimed at creating employment opportunities, diversifying livelihoods and improving environmental sustainability through the planned use of re-excavated government-owned canals and water bodies.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, will cover 20 selected canals across eight divisions, with an estimated 2,400 ultra-poor families expected to benefit. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the programme in Lalmonirhat on November 19, according to information from the ministry.

Under the concept of “Not Just Canal Excavation, but Multifaceted Use of Excavated Canals,” the government intends to transform restored canals into productive community resources rather than using them solely for drainage and water management.

The programme will promote social forestry along canal banks, fish and duck farming, seasonal vegetable cultivation and cottage industries, while preserving the natural flow and water-retention capacity of canals. It also aims to improve navigation, strengthen local livelihoods and generate sustainable employment for vulnerable households.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said the initiative builds on the canal excavation campaign launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, which sought to restore the country’s water resources and support agricultural development. According to the minister, many canals have gradually become silted up because of neglect and illegal encroachment, reducing their capacity to support drainage, irrigation and other essential activities.

The government is now pursuing a broader programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers, streams and canals over five years, in line with the BNP’s election manifesto. Four government ministries are jointly implementing the initiative, with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief responsible for 7,000 kilometres.

Dulu said the ministry completed 1,200 kilometres of canal excavation during the last fiscal year against its assigned target. He explained that the Model Canal programme would introduce a more comprehensive approach by combining waterway restoration with productive economic activities and environmental conservation. A central objective of the Model Canal programme is to create income-generating opportunities for disadvantaged families living near restored waterways.

The government plans to encourage fish and duck farming in suitable canal sections, seasonal vegetable cultivation along canal banks and tree planting under social forestry initiatives. Cottage industries and other locally appropriate economic activities are also expected to contribute to employment generation.

These activities are intended to help participating families develop more diversified sources of income while making productive use of public water resources. The programme also supports the government’s wider target of planting 25 crore trees across Bangladesh. Integrating social forestry with canal restoration could help improve vegetation cover, protect canal banks and contribute to environmental conservation.

Officials say the approach is designed to help ultra-poor households move gradually towards economic self-reliance through productive livelihoods rather than depending exclusively on social assistance or allowances. The initiative places particular emphasis on preserving the environmental and water-management functions of canals while introducing new economic uses.

According to the programme’s concept paper, activities will be planned to maintain natural water flow and water-retention capacity, helping canals continue to support drainage, irrigation and other local needs.

Restored waterways can play an important role in managing seasonal water flows and supporting agricultural production. Their effective management may also help communities strengthen resilience against water-related disasters, although outcomes will depend on local conditions and implementation.

Minister Dulu said the programme would be implemented in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Act and the Water Body Management Policy. The ministry would also respect the existing legal, administrative and technical responsibilities of relevant government departments and institutions.

This coordination will be important to ensure that commercial and livelihood activities do not undermine the public, environmental and agricultural functions of the canals.

The Model Canal initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to expanding irrigation facilities, conserving water resources and accelerating agricultural production. Under the five-year nationwide plan, the excavation and re-excavation of rivers, streams, canals and other water bodies is intended to restore lost water flows and improve the availability of water for agricultural and community use.

The government is also continuing efforts to restore waterways through public participation, following the tradition of voluntary canal excavation associated with Ziaur Rahman’s earlier campaign. By linking restoration work with farming, aquaculture, forestry and small-scale industries, the Model Canal programme seeks to create a closer connection between environmental management and rural economic development.

Its success will depend on effective coordination among government agencies, protection against renewed encroachment, responsible management of canal banks and water, and the ability of participating families to sustain their livelihood activities over time.

The planned launch of the Model Canal programme represents an effort to broaden the role of canal restoration in Bangladesh’s rural development strategy. With 20 canals selected across eight divisions and approximately 2,400 ultra-poor families expected to benefit, the pilot will test whether restored waterways can support environmental protection alongside employment generation and income diversification.

If implemented effectively, the programme could provide a framework for combining water-resource management, social forestry, agricultural development and community-based economic activities in other parts of the country. The initiative’s long-term impact will depend on how successfully the government preserves the canals’ natural functions while ensuring that local communities can benefit from them sustainably.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged global logistics company DP World to expand its investments in Bangladesh, particularly in free trade zones and rail-based inland container depots (ICDs), as the country seeks to strengthen its trade and logistics infrastructure.

The prime minister made the call during a meeting with a delegation from DP World led by Board Chairman Essa Kazim at the Secretariat on Thursday.

According to Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque, the meeting focused on expanding Bangladesh-UAE trade and investment, developing port and logistics facilities, and exploring opportunities for further cooperation between the two sides.

A major issue discussed was the 15-year concession agreement between Bangladesh and DP World for the operation and modernisation of the Chattogram Container Terminal.

Under the agreement, DP World will operate and maintain the Chattogram Container Terminal along with its overflow container yard. The partnership is expected to contribute to the modernisation of the terminal, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Bangladesh’s overall port and logistics infrastructure.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also sought information about DP World’s plans for new investments in Bangladesh, including the development of free trade zones and rail-connected inland container depots.

In response, the DP World delegation expressed interest in cooperation and investment in these areas.

The prime minister also invited DP World and other international investors to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The discussions also covered potential initiatives to improve Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, expand regional trade connectivity and develop a more modern, efficient and integrated logistics system.

The proposed investments in free trade zones and rail-based ICDs could further connect Bangladesh’s ports with inland industrial and commercial centres, supporting more efficient movement of export and import cargo across the country.

Hakikul Islam, New York: A Bangladeshi diaspora organization in the United States has submitted a nine-point set of demands to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, seeking measures to address issues involving the rights, welfare, property and interests of Bangladeshis living abroad. Leaders of the Bangladeshi Diaspora Forum handed over a memorandum containing the demands to the Consul General of Bangladesh in New York on Tuesday afternoon, September 22, 2026.

The Consul General received the memorandum and said the issues raised by the expatriate community would be communicated to the appropriate authorities, according to the forum. The memorandum was submitted while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, he attended the UNGA opening and held a series of high-level meetings and engagements.

We wanted to meet the prime minister directly

Forum convener Fakhrul Alam said the organization had hoped to meet the prime minister personally and present the demands directly. “We wanted to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and present these demands to him directly, but that was not possible,” Alam said. He said the prime minister’s New York visit was relatively brief and that his schedule was largely focused on UN-related engagements.

“We were advised to submit the memorandum to the Consul General. We were told that it would be conveyed to the prime minister,” Alam said. The forum expressed hope that the government would give serious consideration to the issues raised by expatriate Bangladeshis and take steps to address them.

Nine demands of expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the memorandum, the Bangladeshi Diaspora Forum has called for action on the following nine issues:

1. Representation in national affairs: Ensure meaningful participation and representation of expatriate Bangladeshis in the Jatiya Sangsad and in the governance of the country.

2. Direct New York-Dhaka flights: Introduce direct flights between New York and Dhaka, including service on the New York-Dhaka-New York route.

3. Priority services for expatriates: Establish effective mechanisms through which expatriate Bangladeshis can receive priority, respectful and efficient services at government offices, administrative agencies and courts in Bangladesh.

4. Protection of land and property: Protect expatriate Bangladeshis from land-related disputes and alleged land grabbing. The forum specifically called for measures to ensure that land, plots and apartments purchased by expatriates under contractual agreements are properly handed over to their rightful owners.

5. End harassment at Dhaka airport: Take effective measures to prevent harassment of expatriate Bangladeshis at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

6. Reduce complications involving dual citizenship: End what the forum describes as unnecessary harassment and complications faced by Bangladeshis holding dual citizenship.

7. Action against money laundering and illicit transfers: Take action to prevent the alleged diversion of large amounts of money abroad, including funds generated through an economy supported by remittances, and bring those responsible for illegal transfers to justice.

8. Ensure safety during visits to Bangladesh: Guarantee the security of life and property of expatriate Bangladeshis when they travel to their homeland.

9. Protect property and expedite legal cases: Protect expatriates’ residential and other movable and immovable properties in Bangladesh and establish mechanisms for the speedy resolution of related legal cases.

Expatriates make significant contributions to Bangladesh

Fakhrul Alam said millions of Bangladeshis living in the United States and other countries continue to contribute to Bangladesh’s economy and society. He said expatriates contribute not only through remittances but also through investment, business, education, healthcare and humanitarian activities.

“Leaving the country is itself a painful experience,” Alam said, adding that many Bangladeshis living abroad continue to support the country’s economy because of their connection to Bangladesh and their sense of responsibility toward their homeland.

According to the forum, successive governments have spoken about protecting the interests of expatriate Bangladeshis and have made various commitments, but many long-standing concerns remain unresolved.

Focus on citizenship, property and consular services

The forum said expatriate Bangladeshis continue to face difficulties involving citizenship rights, property ownership, voting rights, passports and National Identification Cards (NIDs), consular services and investment in Bangladesh. Forum leaders called for long-term government initiatives to address these issues and urged the government to establish more direct communication channels with Bangladeshis living overseas. They also called for expatriate services to be made more accessible, efficient and technology-driven.

The memorandum was endorsed by advisers and members of the Bangladeshi Diaspora Forum, including Dr. Mohsin Patwari, Dr. Iqbal Chowdhury, Dr. Wadud Bhuiyan, Maf Misbah Uddin, Mohammad Shah Moazzem, Attorney Sheikh Selim, Attorney Moin Chowdhury, Mohammad N. Majumder, Engineer Altaf Chowdhury, Sheikh Shahjahan and Fakhrul Alam, along with other members of the organization. The forum said it expects the government to consider the nine demands and take concrete steps to address the concerns of Bangladeshis living abroad.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the Bangabhaban here this afternoon. Upon the arrival of the Prime Minister at the Bangabhaban at 3 pm, the President welcomed him at the Octagonal and introduced his Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam told KHABOR.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the President on his recent visit to the United States, participation in the UNGA session, sideline meetings with heads of the states, UN high officials, and economic and development partners and appraised him of the government’s overall activities. The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as “visionary, resolute and guiding”.

He said the speech reflected Bangladesh’s national interests and aspirations and clearly articulated the country’s positions on major global issues. The President expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s UNGA address, sidelined meetings would further enhance Bangladesh’s dignity and position in the international arena.

“The visit played an important role in further consolidating and strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the international arena, protecting public interests, and expanding bilateral and multilateral relations,” he said.

They also exchanged views on various issues related to national and state interest. The President thanked the Prime Minister for visiting the Bangabhaban. The visit marked the Prime Minister’s first official meeting at the Bangabhaban after President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir assumed the office.

NEW YORK: Barrister Zaima Rahman is serving as a Legal Officer in the Office of the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to the UN’s official staff records. The UN Office of the President of the General Assembly lists Rahman as a P-3 Legal Officer from Bangladesh working in the Executive Office. Her position is among eight posts funded through the UN regular budget. The staff profile, updated as of Sept. 25, lists 40 colleagues in the President’s Office, representing 29 nationalities.

The UN’s team page describes Rahman as a barrister and legal and policy professional with experience in the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Rahman is the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. BSS reported that the Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary, KM Nazmul Haque, said the existing UN rules and appointment process were strictly followed in her case.

Rahman studied law and politics at Queen Mary University of London and qualified as a barrister in England and Wales through the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Her professional background includes legal and policy work in both the United Kingdom and Bangladesh, according to her official UN biography.

Publicly available professional information also shows that Rahman has worked in several legal roles in the United Kingdom, including positions involving legal assistance and court advocacy. Some of those roles overlapped during 2021 and 2022. Such employment history, by itself, does not establish whether a candidate was qualified or unqualified for a subsequent UN position.

Rahman’s appointment has attracted attention partly because the President of the 81st General Assembly is Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman. The UN elected him to the presidency on June 2, 2026, and the 81st session opened on Sept. 8. The Office of the President currently includes six Bangladeshi officials, according to BSS. The UN staff profile identifies several of them, including Deputy Chef de Cabinet Md. Abdul Alim and Senior Adviser Mafizul Islam, alongside Rahman.

The UN’s publicly available staff information provides details about Rahman’s position, grade and funding source, but does not set out the individual selection process that led to her appointment. It does not identify who nominated her or who made the final hiring decision.

That distinction is important because the UN staff profile separates regular-budget positions from officials seconded by Member States and positions supported by the Office of the President’s Trust Fund. Rahman is listed among the regular-budget positions rather than among the 20 officials seconded by Member States.

At present, the public UN record confirms Rahman’s appointment and her role as a P-3 Legal Officer. It does not, however, provide evidence that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman personally arranged or secured her appointment. Further information about the recruitment process, including any relevant vacancy announcement, selection documentation or official explanation from the United Nations, would be needed to establish how the appointment was made.

For now, the documented facts are that Zaima Rahman serves as a Legal Officer in the Executive Office of the President of the 81st General Assembly, her position is funded through the UN regular budget, and the UN publicly identifies her as a Bangladeshi legal and policy professional.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for further expansion of bilateral trade, investment and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. He made the remarks during a farewell meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu, the meeting discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis. During the meeting, Yao Wen congratulated Tarique Rahman on his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and his various engagements in New York.

The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed China’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development efforts and expressed hope that bilateral relations between the two countries would be further strengthened. The meeting also underscored the importance of expanding economic engagement between Bangladesh and China, particularly in trade, investment and development cooperation.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the meeting. Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy Liu Yuyin accompanied the outgoing ambassador.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home Sunday morning after concluding a five-day visit to New York, where he attended the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), delivered his maiden address to the General Debate and held a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings. An Emirates flight carrying the prime minister, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:21 a.m., according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd.) AKM Shamsul Islam, Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu, local MP SM Jahangir Hossain, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar received the prime minister at the airport.

Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on September 21 and reached New York the same day after a stopover in Istanbul. He departed New York on September 25 and travelled through Dubai before returning to Dhaka. During his four working days in New York, the prime minister took part in 30 engagements, including 11 bilateral meetings, eight UNGA-related engagements and 11 institutional meetings. The prime minister and members of his delegation collectively represented Bangladesh at around 80 engagements, according to BSS.

A major highlight of the visit was Tarique Rahman’s first address to the UNGA General Debate on September 24. In his speech, he outlined Bangladesh’s positions on global peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, economic cooperation and humanitarian issues, while calling for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation.

The prime minister held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Croatia, Haiti, Bhutan and Thailand. He also met the vice president of the Maldives, the crown prince of Kuwait, the UAE’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, the Saudi foreign minister and Sweden’s foreign minister. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and investment, economic cooperation, manpower exports, energy security, regional and international issues and other areas of mutual interest.

The Rohingya crisis was another major issue during the visit. Tarique Rahman called for stronger international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar and discussed the issue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih.

Climate change and the impact of rising sea levels also featured prominently in the prime minister’s engagements. He called for stronger global action to reduce emissions, greater access to climate finance and technology, and international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement and loss and damage. At a Bangladesh-Sweden-UNFPA high-level event on midwifery, Tarique Rahman outlined his government’s vision of a “Healthy Bangladesh,” with primary healthcare at the centre of health-sector reform. He said the government plans to recruit additional health workers and professional midwives while developing an integrated digital health system.

Economic diplomacy was also a significant part of the visit. At a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan Chase, the prime minister discussed Bangladesh’s economic prospects, investment opportunities and potential partnerships. During the visit, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also signed an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 11 aircraft as Bangladesh plans to expand its aviation sector and open new international routes.

Tarique Rahman also held meetings with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman, International Peace Institute President and CEO Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, among others. On September 22, Tarique Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for world leaders and their spouses before attending the opening of the UNGA General Debate. They later attended a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for leaders participating in the General Assembly.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman also took part in several high-level engagements during the visit, including the UN General Assembly’s Platform of Women Leaders, the First Spouses’ Dialogue and a high-level event focusing on maternal and child health and midwifery. The New York visit marked Tarique Rahman’s first participation in the UN General Assembly as prime minister and included a broad programme of diplomatic, economic, humanitarian and multilateral engagements.