BNP: Month One Review: Promises begin, discords follow

One month after the government led by Tarique Rahman took office, the country’s political landscape is already witnessing a mix of cautious optimism and sharp criticism.

The administration of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has begun rolling out several election pledges – from social welfare initiatives to agricultural support programmes-signalling an attempt to deliver early results.

Yet a series of controversial decisions, including key appointments, administrative reshuffles and disputes over constitutional reform commitments, have sparked debate across political circles, leaving analysts divided over whether the government’s opening month represents a promising start or the continuation of old political patterns.`

The BNP government completed its first month in office this week after securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the February 12 general election. Rahman and his cabinet were sworn in on February 17 at the Jatiya Sangsad complex, marking the first BNP-led administration following the political upheaval that saw the fall of the government of Sheikh Hasina during a mass uprising in August 2024 and the subsequent interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

The government has sought to frame its first weeks in office as an energetic start. A senior adviser to the prime minister recently highlighted “28 steps in 28 days,” describing them as an unprecedented effort touching social protection, economic policy, governance, education, health and national security.

Among the initiatives that have drawn positive attention is the launch of a social welfare programme known as the “Family Card.” Rahman formally inaugurated the pilot project on March 10, under which female-headed households receive a monthly allowance of 2,500 taka. In its first phase, 37,567 beneficiaries are being enrolled, with the government planning to gradually expand the programme to cover roughly 40 million families nationwide.

The administration has also announced measures aimed at supporting farmers and rural households. Small and marginal farmers have been granted waivers on agricultural loans of up to 10,000 taka, while a nationwide “farmer card” programme is being rolled out to facilitate access to credit and subsidies.

Another election pledge receiving attention is the nationwide canal excavation programme intended to improve irrigation and agricultural productivity. Rahman recently launched the initiative in Dinajpur district, and the government says the effort will expand across the country.

Economist Mustafizur Rahman described these steps as positive signals. Measures such as loan waivers, family allowances and agricultural support, he said, indicate that the government is thinking about inclusive development. But he cautioned that sustained economic growth would depend on boosting investment and job creation.

“If investment does not increase and revenue collection remains weak, there is a risk of falling into a debt trap,” he said, urging the government to prioritise employment generation in its upcoming budget.
At the same time, some economic decisions have drawn criticism.

Analysts questioned the circumstances surrounding the departure of central bank governor Ahsan H. Mansur and the appointment of a new governor who is perceived by critics as close to BNP supporters.

Diplomatically, the government’s first month has been marked by attempts to stabilise relations with neighbouring India, which had cooled during the final months of the interim administration.

Observers note that the appointment of Khalilur Rahman as foreign minister and early contacts between Dhaka and New Delhi have helped initiate a thaw. After the election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Tarique Rahman to congratulate him, while Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka.

Diplomatic engagement has also raised expectations that visa services between the two countries may soon return to normal operations.

The government has instructed diplomats to pursue a “Bangladesh first” foreign policy approach, emphasising balanced relations with global powers.

Responding to questions about ties with India, the United States and China, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the country would seek constructive relations with all partners while safeguarding the interests of its citizens.

Yet the government has also faced criticism for withdrawing four ambassadors who had been appointed on contract during the interim administration, a move that sparked debate in diplomatic and political circles.

Domestic political decisions have generated even stronger reactions. The government appointed administrators – many of them BNP leaders – to run 11 city corporations and 42 district councils rather than immediately holding local government elections.

It has also appointed vice-chancellors to several universities, including Dhaka University, from among academics perceived to be sympathetic to the ruling party.

Opposition groups, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), have criticised these steps as undemocratic and called on the government to announce a roadmap for local government elections.

Political analyst Mohiyuddin Ahmed said the appointment of administrators rather than elected representatives was unfortunate given the history of politicisation in local government institutions.

“Even if administrators are appointed temporarily, the government should simultaneously announce an election roadmap,” he said, adding that the appointment of vice-chancellors without following established procedures reflected a continuation of earlier political practices.

Questions have also been raised about the government’s approach to transitional justice. The interim administration had initiated proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal concerning alleged crimes against humanity, but the new government has replaced the tribunal’s chief prosecutor, a decision that has drawn scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the administration says it has undertaken sweeping changes in law enforcement and the civil administration in an effort to stabilise the security situation. A new inspector general of police has been appointed and the government says restructuring efforts are underway at field-level administration.

One of the most contentious issues during the government’s first month has been its refusal to implement the “July Charter,” a reform framework proposed earlier to introduce major constitutional changes. Although the BNP had previously expressed support for implementing the charter, the government now argues that there is no constitutional provision allowing members of parliament to take an oath as members of a constitutional reform council.

The stance has drawn criticism from various political actors and civil society groups who accuse the government of backing away from earlier reform commitments.