PM TARIQUE SETS STRONG TONE OF HIS GOVT IN MAIDEN ADDRESS
Govt determined to break all syndicates of misdeeds
Bangladesh to be made safe haven for all with equal rights
FE Desk
Published :
Feb 19, 2026 00:51
Updated :
Feb 19, 2026 00:51
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivers his televised address to the nation on Wednesday.— Photo: Collected
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sets a strong tone of his government in his maiden address on Wednesday night with a vow that all syndicates of irregularities and misdeeds will be dismantled.
"Our government is determined to break all syndicates of irregularities and corruption," he said, after the newly elected government began functioning earlier in the day.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman, who steered his party into state power after return from 18 years in exile, pronounced his pledge that Bangladesh will be made a "safe haven for all with equal rights".
He made a call for businesses not to turn the holy Ramadan into a "month of profiteering" as the government set price control one of its priorities.
The new premier sent in a strong message of crackdown on gambling and abuse of drugs.
UNB adds: Prime Minister Tarique urged traders to exercise restraint in the market as the holy month of Ramadan is set to begin across the country Thursday, warning against profiteering that could increase public suffering.
In his televised address to the nation, the Prime Minister reminded that Ramadan is a month of self-purification and stressed that its true spirit must be reflected in economic behaviour as well.
"If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people's suffering during this month," he said.
Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the sacred month as an opportunity for higher profit.
He urged businesspeople to remain cautious so that the prices of essential commodities do not go beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
The Prime Minister said the current government's stance towards traders -- small, medium or large -- is simple and clear: it intends to take necessary steps while protecting the interests of both businesspeople and consumers.
Tarique said the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints from stakeholders regarding measures that could help keep the market situation stable and safeguard the interests of buyers and sellers alike.
"This government belongs to all -- buyers and sellers. This government is yours. You have entrusted it with the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the strength of this government."
Referring to the government's political mandate, he said the administration assumed office with a commitment to uphold the rights of the people and dismantle mafia syndicates, following the fall of such a syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives.
The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in irregularities and corruption in every sector, he said, expressing hope that this pledge would be fulfilled.
Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility.
About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods.
Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim's faith. Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added.
Before calling upon government and private officials and the general public to practise austerity, the Prime Minister said he sought to set an example by encouraging ministers and BNP Members of Parliament to do so first.
The Prime Minister said the newly elected government's top priority is restoring peace and security through stronger law enforcement and anti-corruption measures, pledging that all citizens, regardless of their vote, will enjoy equal rights.
"As the head of government, I would like to draw the attention of the people of the country to one important matter -- whether you voted for the BNP, did not vote for it to allow forming the new government, or did not vote at all, you all have equal rights to this government," he said in a televised address to the nation.
Tarique said the BNP government believes that political views, religious beliefs and ideologies may differ, but the state belongs to all.
As a citizen of Bangladesh, he said, the rights of all Bangladeshis are also equal.
The Prime Minister said the new government has begun its journey amid a fragile economy battered by corruption and misrule during what he described as a period of fascism, along with weak governance structures and a deteriorating law-and-order situation.
"Restoring peace and security in the minds of the people by improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is the main priority of our government," he said.
Tarique said the government has identified the spread of gambling and drugs across the country as a major reason behind the deterioration of law and order. "So, law enforcement agencies are taking all necessary strict measures to control gambling and drugs. The government is making its highest efforts to ensure peace and security in public life."
He said every constitutional, government and non-government institution in the country will run according to established rules and regulations. "The rule of law -- not party or political influence or coercion -- will be the final word in running the state."
After taking oath as Prime Minister on Tuesday, he first paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar on Wednesday morning.
He then visited the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, worked at the Secretariat, and chaired a Cabinet meeting in the afternoon and continued work until 7:30pm.
Expressing gratitude to the Almighty Allah, Tarique said the country's independence and sovereignty had been protected through the sacrifice of thousands of martyrs.
He said a new government accountable to the people through their votes has begun its journey in a free Bangladesh, and he extended greetings and sincere congratulations to the nation at the start of what he described as the restoration of democracy and people's rights.
Tarique, also the chairman of BNP, said the opportunity to re-establish people's rights, dignity and respect has come because of democracy-loving citizens.
He said the country belongs to everyone -- Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, people of all political views, religions and ethnic identities, whether living in the hills or the plains.
The Prime Minister said the government wants to turn the country into a safe homeland for every citizen and aims to build a self-reliant, secure, humane and democratic Bangladesh.
Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility.
About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods.
Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim's faith. Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added.
At the first meeting of the BNP parliamentary party, he said, it was decided that no BNP MP will import tax-free cars or take plot allocations using government privileges.
Tarique said he earlier promised that if given the opportunity to govern, the BNP would follow the ideals of justice exemplified by the Prophet, adding that these parliamentary decisions reflect that principle.
He said traffic congestion in divisional cities, especially the capital Dhaka, is almost uncontrollable, causing immense public suffering in daily life.
The Prime Minister stressed that without reducing public hardship in various sectors, people will not feel relief.
To reduce population pressure in the capital, alternative arrangements are urgently needed, he said, adding that initiatives have been taken to overhaul the nationwide railway system so people can live in their own districts while commuting easily for work and business.
"As part of this plan, the activities of the ministries of railways, shipping, roads and bridges are being reorganised and coordinated. We believe that making the railway communication system across the country easy, affordable and safe will not only reduce people's dependence on city-centred living, but also improve the environment," Tarique said.
He said although the country faces many problems, it also has great potential. "If the large population can be transformed into skilled human resources, it will become a national asset."
The Prime Minister observed the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence through rapid technological progress, and said people must become skilled in at least one field to survive with dignity and prosperity in this competitive world.
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