PM asks ministers to undertake 180-day action plan to implement election pledges
He asks ministers to undertake 180-day action plan to implement BNP’s election pledges
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, improving law and order and increasing electricity and fuel supplies at the forefront of his government's priorities immediately after assuming office.
The prime minister made the announcement today (18 February) while chairing the first meeting of the new cabinet members and advisers at the Secretariat.
"In line with the government's priorities, the prime minister had directed ministers to stabilise essential commodity prices, maintain a smooth supply chain, further improve law and order, and ensure there is no crisis in the power and energy sectors, particularly gas and electricity," Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters after the meeting.
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"Every government usually adopts a 100-day programme. We will take a broader 180-day programme," he said, adding that details would be announced soon.
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the prime minister had earlier announced a 31-point reform agenda aimed at state restructuring, which the elected government would now pursue through a priority-based 180-day programme.
The prime minister later held a separate meeting with senior secretaries, calling for their full cooperation in ensuring the administration works in a dynamic and efficient manner.
The government's first day in office was marked by a packed schedule. Ministers paid tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar in the morning before arriving at the Secretariat at noon.
Several ministers held introductory meetings with officials of their respective ministries and spoke to journalists ahead of the cabinet session at 3pm. Some continued discussions with ministry officials later in the afternoon.
Meeting with secretaries
During his meeting with secretaries, the prime minister emphasised that government policies and development plans must be implemented on time. He assured officials that no action would be taken against anyone on the basis of political affiliation or past activities, but made clear that there would be no compromise on competence and performance.
Tarique also sought plans for the swift implementation of the "Family Card" pledge included in the party's election manifesto. According to officials present, existing social safety net schemes – including the Food Friendly Programme, TCB family cards, Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and Open Market Sale (OMS) – were discussed.
Following the meeting, the home minister informed journalists that the prime minister highlighted how the public had delivered their mandate based on the BNP's election manifesto. "Consequently, the prime minister called upon the secretaries to be sincere in implementing those manifesto pledges in accordance with the constitution and legal framework," he said.
