The first cabinet meeting of the BNP-led government was held on Wednesday at the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Members of the newly formed cabinet were present at the meeting.
After the meeting, State Minister for Finance Zonayed Saki said the prime minister directed all ministers to prioritise the implementation of the party’s electoral pledges.
He said the prime minister urged ministers to make all-out efforts to fulfil the commitments made in the election manifesto, stressing that unnecessary formalities and ceremonial programmes should be avoided so that priority tasks receive due attention.
Zonayed Saki added that the prime minister took a firm stance against corruption, reiterating his commitment to ensuring a “clean government.” He warned that no minister or cabinet member would be allowed to misuse power or engage in any form of corruption.
The meeting also focused on keeping commodity prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Thursday. Ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, maintaining law and order, and stabilising the supply chain were identified as top priorities.
The state minister said discussions were also held on short-, medium- and long-term plans to implement election pledges, including the introduction of farmer family cards and special allowances for imams and priests of other religions. The issue of holding local government elections at the earliest possible time was also discussed, with decisions expected soon.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party formed the government after securing a majority in the 13th National Parliament election. The new cabinet comprises 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, including three technocrats.
A gazette notification issued on Tuesday allocated portfolios to the ministers. In addition to serving as Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman will oversee the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Division.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government has outlined a 180-day priority plan focusing on improving law and order, controlling commodity prices, strictly monitoring the supply chain, and preventing disruptions in the power and energy sectors.
At a separate meeting with secretaries, the prime minister reportedly said the people had given the government a mandate based on its manifesto and that implementation must proceed in accordance with the Constitution, laws and the Rules of Business. He emphasized merit-based evaluation over political affiliation.
State Minister for Labour Nurul Haque Nur said the prime minister reminded ministers that the overwhelming public support for the government carries a responsibility to ensure good governance and accountability, free from undue influence and nepotism.
Nur also said discussions covered keeping prices stable during Ramadan, ensuring uninterrupted electricity during sehri, iftar and tarawih, and making visible progress on pledges such as family cards, farmer cards and health cards.
He added that the prime minister discussed possible initiatives for imams and muezzins and emphasised swift action. Nur further proposed that the prime minister consider visiting Middle Eastern countries to help reopen and expand labour markets for Bangladeshi workers, noting the historic role of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia in developing overseas employment opportunities.
