New Cabinet Sets Focus on Prices, Power and Law Order

On their first day in office under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, members of the new cabinet outlined key plans aimed at transforming the country.

Their priorities include stabilising law and order, controlling commodity prices, improving power and energy supply, strengthening health and education, and building a democratic economy free from corruption and mob culture.

The cabinet has pledged a 180-day action plan concentrating on three main areas: controlling prices, ensuring steady electricity and energy, and restoring normalcy in law and order.

This morning (18 February), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his ministers paid tribute at the National Memorial and the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia before arriving at the Secretariat, where they were greeted by bouquets from secretaries and senior officials.

Ministers shared both personal and government agendas with journalists, with some speaking again after the cabinet meeting in the afternoon. Analysts noted that focusing on these three priorities is timely and crucial.

Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said if the government succeeds in reducing prices, improving energy supply, and strengthening law and order, many other crises would also ease. She highlighted that implementing plans like halting new admission fees for promoted students, reforming the banking sector, and ending mob incidents could bring fundamental change.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, warned that mob incidents would no longer be tolerated and stressed the importance of law and order.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir promised action over empty promises, pledging to prevent market syndicates and ensure sufficient supply to keep prices stable during Ramadan and afterward.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke of ending patronage-based economics, deregulating to ease investment, and increasing revenue collection. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman signalled a firm stance on judicial reform and rule of law.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque announced that no new admission fees will be charged for students promoted to the next class, and curricula will be reviewed to ensure high-quality education.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bokul vowed to build a corruption-free health ministry, ban syndicates, and ensure doctors report to work on time, stressing that the ministry will operate for the welfare of the people.