The government has requested a 180-day action plan to fulfil its manifesto commitments.

Prioritising controlling commodity prices, improving law and order, and ensuring a stable supply of electricity and fuel, the government will adopt a 180-day action plan to implement the pledges made before the election. All members of the cabinet have been asked to submit their plans to the Prime Minister within the next day or two.

This directive was given on Wednesday, 18 February, at the Bangladesh Secretariat during the first meeting of the new cabinet members and advisors, led by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, began around 3 PM with the new cabinet members and advisors. Afterwards, the new Prime Minister held a meeting with the secretaries.

Following the meetings, the new Home Secretary, Salahuddin Ahmed, and the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Zahir Uddin Swapan, briefed the press on the decisions and discussions.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Zahir Uddin Swapan said, "The Prime Minister has advised us all. Controlling commodity prices during Ramadan is the top priority at the moment. He has also given instructions to maintain law and order and ensure a normal electricity supply, so there are no electricity disruptions during Iftar and Tarawih prayers."

The Information Secretary stated that the relevant ministers would submit their action plans to the Prime Minister within the next day or two, and further steps would be taken according to the Prime Minister's instructions.

Secretary Zahir Uddin said, "Our Prime Minister, on behalf of the party, has announced a 31-point action plan for state reform. This programme was not just for the BNP; all democratic political parties were involved... We will adopt a 180-day programme on a priority basis."

Home Secretary Salahuddin Ahmed said that the government's priorities include initially controlling commodity prices, further improving law and order, maintaining the supply chain of goods, and ensuring there are no problems in the energy sector; the Prime Minister has given instructions to pay attention to gas and electricity.

In addition, following the meeting, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam stated that the Prime Minister had given directives on how each ministry should work for the people. She instructed the ministries to keep in mind the promises that the BNP had made to the public and to work accordingly.

DB Tech/IH/SM