Dhaka: 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.
According to United News of Bangladesh, 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 11 am, 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.
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.
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, maintaining law and order, and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during the holy month of Ramadan. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan briefed 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.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday emphasized that the ‘mob culture’ must come to an end in the country. He stated that the government is determined to completely eliminate ‘mob culture’ in Bangladesh, asserting that no one will be allowed to engage in mob activities in the name of realizing demands. He also urged officials to perform their duties with transparency and accountability, warning that no illegal lobbying would be tolerated.
The Information Minister 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 emphasized the importance of independent journalism. State Minister for Information Yeaser Khan Chowdhury was present during the visit.
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. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that not everything can be fixed immediately, but expressed commitment to solving people’s problems and moving the country forward under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced plans to ensure that passengers, particularly overseas travelers, receive their luggage at the conveyor belt immediately after completing immigration procedures, as part of a broader plan to improve airport services.
In a notable move signaling austerity, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman decided to use his personal vehicle instead of the government-provided one. BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon reported that the Prime Minister traveled to Savar, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, and the Secretariat in his own Toyota vehicle, using his personal driver and fuel.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir revealed that the government would take necessary steps to defer Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He stated that work has already begun, and the Ministry of Commerce would coordinate with the Economic Relations Division to expedite necessary procedures.