The performances of ministers, state ministers, and lawmakers are under close scrutiny as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun reviewing their efforts to deliver on the BNP’s election pledges, advance development initiatives, and maintain party discipline.
The PM and his team are closely assessing whether ministers and lawmakers are regularly visiting their constituencies, maintaining coordination with local administrations, playing an effective role in development projects, and helping implement the government’s commitments on the ground.
According to PMO sources, the review also covers allegations of corruption, irregularities, lobbying, undue interference in administrative work, and abuse of power.
Three ministers and state ministers have already been verbally warned, while the lack of coordination between some MPs and local administration officials has also come to the government’s notice, said the sources.
Talking to The Daily Star, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the prime minister is evaluating the work of ministers every three months, while MPs and senior government officials are also being reviewed to see whether they are carrying out their duties properly.
He said the premier, as head of the cabinet, has the responsibility to monitor all ministers.
“If there is success anywhere, the credit goes to the prime minister. If any minister fails, people will ultimately blame the prime minister. So, it is his prime duty to monitor the functions of all ministers,” said Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member.
He said the review covers corruption allegations, delivery of administrative services under the rules of business, implementation of cabinet decisions, use of development budgets, and the pace of project implementation.
The strict position was taken in light of past experience, when allegations of abuse of power by ministers and MPs, contractor syndicates, interference in the administration, corruption, and lack of accountability during the Awami League period, said government sources.
The government does not want a repeat of such practices, which had weakened public trust in elected representatives and created resentment at the grassroots. The government now wants to prevent irregularities through party influence, reduce negligence in development projects, stop harassment in public services, and protect its image, they added.
PMO sources said MPs who do not regularly stay in their constituencies, face allegations related to development projects, exert pressure on the administration, or are linked to contractor syndicates and lobbying activities are being identified separately.
Meanwhile, at an internal meeting, Tarique said he would take action himself if allegations of corruption, irregularities, lobbying, abuse of power or anti-people activities were found.
A PMO official involved in the process said the reports would be sent to the PM after the assessment is completed.
“We are looking at how MPs are doing people-focused work in their areas, whether they are involved in irregularities, and what role they are playing in protecting the government’s image and implementing its promises,” said the official, seeking anonymity.
To strengthen accountability and inter-ministerial coordination, a cell has been formed at the PMO. The cell is monitoring ministries’ progress, priority programmes, field-level reports, and administrative coordination.
Several ruling party MPs said the initiative has created caution at the field level. They added that the work of local administration officials should be monitored more closely.
Shahadat Hossain Selim, BNP lawmaker from Lakshmipur-1, told this newspaper that over three months have passed since the government was formed, but questions remain over whether the local administration is carrying out its duties properly.
“The local administration is not cooperating with MPs. The administration has to be more sincere. This is the picture everywhere. It is a barrier to implementing the government’s commitments. I hope the prime minister has paid attention to that matter.”
An MP from Dhaka said, “The prime minister is directly observing these matters. This is giving a message at the field level. If anyone thinks that after being elected, they will not have to be accountable for five years, that is no longer possible.”
Another lawmaker, who is from Chattogram, said many field-level problems do not properly reach Dhaka, while allegations of local influence are also common. “If regular evaluations are conducted by the central authorities, it will be easier to distinguish genuine problems from those arising from personal influence.”
A Mymensingh MP said local work often remains stalled due to administrative complications, contractor-related problems or lobbying. “If the central authorities regularly ask for updates, not only the work of MPs but also the role of the administration will become visible.”
Another ruling party MP, wishing not to be named, said accountability is necessary, but the system should not be used politically.
“An allegation should not automatically make someone guilty. The allegation must be investigated, the person concerned must be heard, and then action should be taken. Otherwise, even a good initiative may send the wrong message.”
