Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday made surprise visits to several ministries at the Secretariat soon after arriving at his office on the first working day.

The Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at around 9:05am and immediately began the visits, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

He first went to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, where he entered different rooms, spoke to officials and staff, and advised them to prevent wastage and ensure efficient use of resources.

He suggested reducing unnecessary use of lights, limiting air-conditioner usage, and making better use of daylight by opening curtains to cut electricity consumption.

The Prime Minister also told officials that loving the country truly means caring for it from the heart. “This country belongs to all of us,” he said.

During his visits to different ministries, he also advised officials and staff to maintain cleanliness of offices, including desks, chairs and other furniture, and to take proper care of government assets.

“Government property is the country’s property, and it must be preserved with care,” he said.

The Additional Press Secretary said the Prime Minister also visited the Ministries of Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare, Environment and Forest, Social Welfare, Fisheries and Livestock, and Housing and Public Works.

Officials and employees appeared surprised by the sudden visits, with many seen becoming alert and active.

After completing the visits, the Prime Minister returned to his office and attended a meeting of a special committee on the farmers’ card programme.

Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid, along with secretaries and senior officials of the relevant ministries, were present at the meeting.