The BNP-led government began its first day with tributes to martyrs and senior ministers unveiling policy directives and pledges to ease life ahead of Ramadan while setting a roadmap for governance.
Homage
A day after taking oath following a sweeping victory in the 13th national election, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman began his first working day by paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.
Around 11am, he placed a wreath at the altar of the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka.
Flanked by the members of his new cabinet, Tarique Rahman laid another wreath and stood in solemn silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. The Prime Minister later signed the visitors’ book and planted a ‘Parijat’ sapling on the memorial premises.
Tribute to BNP Leaders
Later, Tarique Rahman and his cabinet colleagues paid homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The Prime Minister placed wreaths at their graves and offered Fateha and special prayers seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of his parents.
First Cabinet Meeting
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister chaired the first cabinet meeting of the new government at Secretariat.
At the meeting, he ordered keeping essential commodity prices stable, maintain law and order, and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the holy month of Ramadan.
PM orders steps to keep prices stable, ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan reporters after the meeting, saying the cabinet discussed possible urgent national issues. “In light of discussions, the Prime Minister advised all of us regarding the government’s immediate priorities.”
He said the respective ministers would submit action plans to the Prime Minister within the next couple of days. “We have calculated that addressing the urgent problems to a respectable level would require at least 180 days. A draft plan has already been prepared, and the nation will soon be informed,” he said.
On fulfilling political pledges, particularly media freedom, the Information Minister said ensuring the free flow of information and independence of the media is one of the government’s key commitments.
Deadly Against Mob Culture
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said that the ‘mob culture’ must come to an end in the country. “The government is determined to completely eliminate ‘mob culture’ in Bangladesh. Mob culture is over. No one will be allowed to engage in mob activities in the name of realising demands.”
“We want to build the ministry as a corruption-free institution,” he said, adding, “If anyone from any force is found involved in criminal activities, immediate investigation and action will be taken.”
He also urged officials to perform their duties with transparency and accountability, warning that no illegal lobbying would be tolerated.
PM Tarique Rahman to address nation at 9:45pm
Stressing the need to restore public trust in law enforcement, the Home Minister said police must become friends of the people. The image of the police that has been damaged must be rebuilt.
Fear-Free Media
The Information Minister also pledged to create a media environment free from fear and ensure protection for journalists.
After visiting the Jatiya Press Club, he stressed that media development is impossible without addressing journalists’ problems and emphasised the importance of independent journalism. State Minister for Information Yeaser Khan Chowdhury was present during the visit.
Law and Order, Mob Violence
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said efforts would be made to control mob violence and improve law and order.
“We have passed through a storm, a revolution, a mass uprising. Not everything can be fixed immediately,” he said, adding that the cabinet would work to solve people’s problems and move the country forward under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Airport Services Reform
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government plans to ensure that passengers, particularly overseas travellers, receive their luggage at the conveyor belt immediately after completing immigration procedures.
He said the initiative is part of a broader plan to improve airport services.
Austerity Signal from PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman decided to use his personal vehicle instead of the government-provided one.
According to BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon, the Prime Minister travelled to Savar, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and the Secretariat in his own Toyota vehicle, using his personal driver and fuel, signalling a shift towards austerity in official protocol.
Move to Defer LDC Graduation
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government would take necessary steps to defer Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
“We will take all required measures to defer the LDC graduation. Work has already begun,” he told reporters at the Secretariat, adding that the Ministry of Commerce would coordinate with the Economic Relations Division to expedite necessary procedures.