Tarique Rahman chairs first cabinet, sets three priorities
Staff Reporter :
The first meeting of the new cabinet under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Bangladesh Secretariat, where the government outlined three immediate priorities for action.
The meeting, attended by members and advisers of the newly formed cabinet, began around 3:00pm with the Prime Minister in the chair. Following the cabinet session, the Prime Minister also held a separate meeting with secretaries to discuss administrative coordination and implementation of policy commitments.
At the cabinet meeting, the government initially set three priority areas: controlling the prices of essential commodities, improving the law and order situation, and maintaining a normal supply of electricity and energy, including gas and power.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said it is customary to hold a cabinet meeting on the first day of a new government. He confirmed that all cabinet members and advisers were present and that the Prime Minister issued directives to them.
He added that the government is preparing a 180-day priority plan, details of which will be announced later. “Initially, we have prioritised keeping essential commodity prices under control and ensuring supply, further improving the law and order situation, and ensuring there are no disruptions in the power and energy sectors,” he said.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahuruddin Swapan said that in view of the holy month of Ramadan, special emphasis is being placed on keeping prices stable, maintaining a tolerable law and order situation for citizens, and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply—particularly during Tarawih prayers and Iftar hours.
To implement these priorities, the respective ministers are expected to submit their action plans to the Prime Minister within the next one or two days. Further steps will be taken in accordance with his directives.
After the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman convened a meeting with all government secretaries.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the Prime Minister reminded the secretaries that the people had delivered their verdict in line with the electoral manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He called on them to work sincerely to implement the commitments outlined in that manifesto in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
“We have told everyone that we will not consider any personal affiliations,” Salahuddin said. “We will assess everyone based on merit.”
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land ASM Saleh Ahmed told reporters that voters had endorsed the BNP’s manifesto and that fulfilling its promises in line with public expectations would require professionalism and the effective use of the secretaries’ expertise.
The new cabinet members were sworn in on Tuesday afternoon. In addition to the Prime Minister, the cabinet comprises 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. Under the Rules of Business, the Prime Minister allocates ministerial portfolios. Ten advisers have also been appointed with the rank of minister or state minister.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister and cabinet members paid homage at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar before proceeding to the Secretariat for the day’s official engagements.