[🇧🇩] New Government (BNP) in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Ministers’ vehicle fuel cut by 30pc, interest-free car loans for govt officials suspended

These decisions were taken at the cabinet meeting held yesterday, Thursday, according to a government press statement release issued today, Friday.

en.prothomalo.com

Ministers’ vehicle fuel cut by 30pc, interest-free car loans for govt officials suspended

Special Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 03 Apr 2026, 22: 32

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presides the cabinet meeting at the Cabinet Room of the Parliament Secretariat on 2 April 2026.Facebook/Prime Minister’s Office

As part of fuel conservation and government expenditure reduction, the Prime Minister, ministers, and state ministers will reduce by 30 per cent the monthly fuel allocated for their official vehicles.

Additionally, interest-free loans for government officials to purchase cars will remain suspended until further notice.

These decisions were taken at the cabinet meeting held on Thursday, according to a government press note issued today, Friday.

The press statement elaborated on various measures adopted at the meeting, based on a briefing by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.

According to the press release, amid the current global situation, a target has been set to save around 3,100 megawatts of electricity daily through an integrated action plan of the Power Division to address the power and energy crisis.

In implementing this plan, emphasis has been placed on ensuring irrigation for agricultural land, production, storage, and proper distribution of fertiliser, and maintaining necessary fuel supply to the industrial sector to sustain production and growth.

The press statement also stated that all forms of decorative lighting across the country must be avoided for the next three months. To raise public awareness about energy-saving measures, including avoiding decorative lighting, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will undertake campaigns in print and electronic media. If necessary, mobile courts will be deployed in sufficient numbers.

Office hours and shopping malls

Government and private offices will operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Banks and financial institutions will remain open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with banking services available from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Except for emergency services, all office buildings, shopping malls, and commercial establishments must close by 6:00 pm.

The press statement noted that the Ministry of Education will consult stakeholders and present a proposal at the next cabinet meeting regarding the implementation of energy-saving measures in educational institutions.

Quoting the Cabinet Secretary, the statement further said that to reduce fuel use and environmental pollution, the proposal to allow duty-free import of brand-new electric buses for registered educational institutions, and a total of 20 per cent duty for other cases, has been approved. It was also decided to gradually remove vehicles emitting black smoke and those that have exceeded their lifespan from the roads.

When asked about closing shopping malls at 6:00 pm, an official of the Cabinet Division told Prothom Alo that the relevant ministries will now implement the cabinet’s decision.

Other decisions

The press statement said all foreign training funded by the government will remain suspended. Domestic training expenses, excluding core training costs, must be reduced by 50 per cent. Hospitality expenses at meetings and seminars must be cut by 50 per cent, and seminar and conference expenses by 20 per cent.

In addition, travel expenses will be reduced by 30 per cent, purchases of vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and computers in the public sector will be completely halted, and fuel use for government vehicles will be reduced by 30 per cent on a monthly basis. Fuel, electricity, and gas use in the government offices must also be reduced by 30 per cent.

Furthermore, it was decided to reduce expenditure on residential building beautification by 20 per cent, non-residential building beautification by 50 per cent, and land acquisition costs by 100 per cent.​

 

[Saif]

BNP govt being tested by turmoil

The BNP-led government is navigating multiple challenges in running the country and managing its own ranks, party leaders and political analysts said.

www.thedailystar.net

BNP govt being tested by turmoil

Ministers grapple with fuel crisis, measles, backlash over reforms

Sajjad Hossain

The BNP-led government is navigating multiple challenges in running the country and managing its own ranks, party leaders and political analysts said.

Since assuming office on February 17, the government has been dealing with multiple crises, including the fallout of the US-Israel war on Iran, a surge in measles cases, and opposition demands over the July charter.

The war, which broke out in late February, has severely strained fuel supplies. Long queues at filling stations and rising fuel import costs have compounded the crisis.

The rise in measles cases has also added pressure on the government. Cases have surged since January, as routine vaccination programmes, particularly for measles, were disrupted by vaccine shortages after the previous interim government failed to release funds on time, according to government sources.

Political analyst Mohammad Mojibur Rahman said the government is facing multifaceted pressure -- political, cultural, social, and economic -- but decisions are being taken in haste. “These things will create problems for the government,” he told The Daily Star.

Mojibur, also a professor at the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University, said the party needs committed and skilled people to make governance more effective, which in turn will help tackle the crises.

“There were many talented and qualified individuals the party could have used in different ministries and other areas,” he said, adding that it should have had a think tank to guide it on ongoing problems.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed insisted the government is doing its best to cope with the situation.

“Like many other countries, Bangladesh is facing challenges from the US-Israel war on Iran. Under the prime minister’s direction, we are moving forward. Prices have not increased yet, but depending on the situation ahead, decisions may be taken if needed,” he told The Daily Star.

Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said the government has already taken several steps to handle the situation, including austerity measures.

According to party insiders, the situation has been further complicated as some cabinet members are still adjusting to key ministries after a long absence from government.

“Some of our cabinet members are inexperienced, which makes it difficult to handle complex responsibilities and urgent national challenges,” said a senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that the number of experienced officials is also limited.

A minister and a state minister said separately that fulfilling the party’s election promises had become a challenge, but they insisted the promises would be kept.

The administration is also facing political pressure over the July charter and the handling of reforms and ordinances in parliament.

Apart from these external pressures, senior leaders say the party itself is facing organisational problems that require urgent attention. Since the national polls, grassroots activities have slowed in many districts due to a lack of coordination. The party needs to reorganise quickly for the local government elections, they added.

However, Salahuddin said preparations for local polls are already underway.

“Since the election, we have been busy with many issues. Step by step, we are focusing on reorganising the party and making it stronger,” he said.

“The party is also considering holding the BNP council this year. With many important issues ahead, including the budget session, decisions are being made after considering all aspects.”

Adding to internal pressure, the party has yet to finalise candidates for reserved seats for women in parliament. Party insiders acknowledged that BNP is also trying to control the activities of some members whose conduct has harmed party image.

Political analysts said the government’s ability to manage this phase depends not only on administrative performance but also on how the BNP strengthens its organisation from grassroots to national levels with capable people.

“BNP needs to give more attention to reorganising the party now,” said Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, former professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University.

“New faces are being seen in the government. The head of government probably thinks that by giving them responsibility, he can test their ability. In some cases, the results are satisfactory, but some are falling short of what is needed,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

Opposition walks out of parliament alleging breach of political understanding

Opposition members staged the walkout under the leadership of Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman at around 7:30 pm on Friday.

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Opposition walks out of parliament alleging breach of political understanding

Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 10 Apr 2026, 21: 57

Opposition members walk out of the parliament chamber on 10 April 2026 File photo

The Opposition has walked out of the parliament in protest, alleging that the ruling party breached a political understanding and trust.

Opposition members staged the walkout under the leadership of Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman at around 7:30 pm on Friday.

Earlier, the opposition leader accused the ruling party of breaching trust over the approval of ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government.

At one stage of the debate between the ruling and opposition parties, Shafiqur Rahman said, “Today, we are walking out of parliament with regret. We will meet again in the future.”

The debate began this afternoon over the approval of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance. A special parliamentary committee had recommended approving the ordinance as it was. However, the parliament passed the bill today, Friday, with three amendments that increase government control.

After the bill was passed, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam alleged that by introducing amendments, the ruling party had broken the political understanding.

He stated that the bill was passed in an amended form through deception in broad daylight.

From the ruling party, it was stated that the amendments were introduced by a private member, not by the government. It was also said that the bill could be amended again later if necessary.

At one stage of the debate between the ruling and opposition parties over the issue, opposition MPs walked out of parliament.

The parliament approved the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance, issued during the interim government, in an amended form.

The amendments include making the Minister or State Minister for Culture the chairperson of the museum’s board, and granting the government the authority to cancel the nomination of any member at any time in the public interest.

The parliamentary special committee had recommended approving the ordinance as it was.

The bill had been brought to parliament keeping the ordinance unchanged. However, ruling party MP Anisur Rahman proposed three amendments to the bill, all of which were adopted.

After Anisur Rahman proposed the amendments, opposition members objected. However, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said that at this stage of the legislative process, such objections could not be raised, and that opposition members should have submitted their amendment proposals earlier.

Later, all three amendment proposals brought by the ruling party member were accepted, and the bill was passed in parliament by voice vote.

The ordinance had stated that the chairperson of the board would be a distinguished expert in education, history, literature, or culture, appointed under conditions set by the government.

This was amended to provide that the Minister or State Minister for Culture would serve as the chairperson of the board.

The ordinance had also stated that any member of the board could resign at any time by submitting a signed letter to the government.

This was amended to state that any member or the chairperson of the board may resign at any time by letter to the government, or the government may cancel the nomination of any member at any time in the public interest.​

The ordinance further stated that the chairperson would serve for three years from the date of appointment and would be eligible for reappointment for not more than one additional term.

A ruling party member proposed an amendment to remove this provision, and it was also adopted.

 

[Saif]

Govt drafts 5-year strategic plan

The government has drafted a five-year strategic framework proposing to designate ICT as a special priority sector and send 20 lakh workers abroad annually.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt drafts 5-year strategic plan

Designates ICT as special priority sector

Star Business Report

The government has drafted a five-year strategic framework proposing to designate ICT as a special priority sector and send 20 lakh workers abroad annually.

The draft framework has been made in line with the government’s aim of achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, according to a presentation by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission at an advisory council meeting yesterday.

It projects real GDP growth reaching 8 percent by fiscal year 2029-30 (FY30), nominal GDP at $749 billion, inflation falling to 5 percent, and gross investment rising to 37.6 percent of GDP.

The outline will go through further consultations with relevant stakeholders before being finalised.

ICT AND JOBS

As per the draft, within the ICT sector alone, the government is targeting 10 lakh direct and indirect jobs.

Of the 10 lakh ICT jobs, 2 lakh are targeted in five areas -- cybersecurity, business process outsourcing (BPO), artificial intelligence (AI) and data, semiconductors, and Industry 4.0. The remaining 8 lakh are to be created indirectly through freelancing.

A national initiative will strengthen software, hardware, and BPO industries, backed by a commitment to universal high-speed internet, the GED said.

The draft also states plans to introduce a national e-wallet, including PayPal access, for freelancers and tech professionals.

Beyond ICT, the government aims to send 20 lakh people abroad annually through short-term language and skills training.

More than 5 lakh vacant government posts are to be filled through a transparent recruitment process.

EXPORT AND ENERGY

As per the draft plan, the garment sector will see stronger “Made in Bangladesh” branding through new product innovation.

The draft aims to broaden the export base by prioritising pharmaceuticals, leather, footwear, and agriculture and fisheries-based products.

Strategic free trade agreements at bilateral, multilateral, and minilateral levels are planned with key economic blocs across East and Far East Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

On the energy front, the draft proposes ensuring supply of at least 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources -- solar, wind, hydropower, and waste-to-energy -- by 2030.

The power generation capacity is set at 35,000 megawatts, with transmission lines to be expanded to 25,000 circuit kilometres.

INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS

The outlined framework aims to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) from 0.45 percent to 2.5 percent of GDP within the next five years.

It proposes dedicated liaison officers and a formal complaint resolution system to build investor confidence, alongside a commitment to avoid sudden policy changes in tariffs, taxes, and export incentives.

To improve the business environment, it has set a target to complete digitalisation of approval processes to eliminate red tape and reduce physical contact in business transactions.

Company registrations are to be completed within 48 hours, and work permits within seven days.

A Bangladesh International Commercial Court will be established for fast-tracking commercial dispute resolution, and a Deposit Protection Ordinance is planned to ensure repayment from distressed banks as quickly as possible.

Besides, the tax-to-GDP ratio is targeted at 15 percent by 2035, to be achieved through expanded economic activity rather than a higher tax burden.

BLUE, CREATIVE ECONOMIES

The blue economy -- covering oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, fish harvesting, and shipbuilding -- will be developed as a national priority within Bangladesh’s maritime area.

The proposed framework has also set a target for the government to raise the contribution of the creative economy -- spanning film, music, theatre, gaming, VFX, and content creation -- to 1.5 percent of GDP, and create 5 lakh new jobs by 2035.

TOURISM AND SMEs

A national tourism policy update has been proposed, alongside a programme to help each village produce and market its own traditional product through design support, order-based loans, and e-commerce connectivity.

The draft also recommends that government channels low-interest loans based on each district’s heritage and renowned products, support for cottage industries, links to global e-commerce platforms.​

 

[Saif]

What sort of government does BNP want to be?

The tenure of the interim government that took charge after the uprising was not very smooth. The country went through various uncertainties during this time. However, they undertook several reform initiatives and made efforts to build consensus among political parties on different aspects of...

en.prothomalo.com

What sort of government does BNP want to be?

AKM Zakaria

Published: 18 Apr 2026, 13: 57

We are gripped with the fear of opportunity slipping from our grasp. As a democratic state, Bangladesh stumbled right at the very beginning of its journey. After 1971, we veered away from democracy, moved towards a one-party rule and fell into an extended period of military rule and authoritarianism.

The 1990 uprising gave us another chance to return to democracy. The three political alliances agreed on a framework for governing the state. But once in power, the winning party and alliances broke those commitments one by one. Their focus was on consolidating their own power and devising ways to avoid relinquishing it. In doing so, the very institutions that needed to be steadily strengthened and consolidated were instead weakened and eventually rendered ineffective. As a result, the people of Bangladesh were thrust into the throes of a prolonged and harsh authoritarian rule.


The mass uprising of 2024 overthrew this monstrous regime and created fresh opportunities and possibilities. People began to hope that this time change would come about, no matter what. Reforms would be implemented so that no government in the future can become authoritarian and carry out enforced disappearances, killings and other such horrific acts. The law enforcement agencies would remain accountable, so that governments could not use these forces at will, so that human rights violations can be brought to justice and people’s freedom of expression is ensured.

The tenure of the interim government that took charge after the uprising was not very smooth. The country went through various uncertainties during this time. However, they undertook several reform initiatives and made efforts to build consensus among political parties on different aspects of future governance. The July National Charter, prepared under the mediation of the National Consensus Commission, was a result of that effort. Although not fully inclusive, the interim government ultimately managed to hold an acceptable election, and through it, the journey of democracy has begun anew.

But once bitten, twice shy. We cannot quite shrug off our sense of fear and doubt. We cannot be certain that this opportunity will not slip away again. And the stance of BNP on several important reform issues and laws has further deepened this uncertainty.

We know that the party that won the election, BNP, had already recorded its objections or notes of dissent on several aspects of the July National Charter. Whether the people like it or not, it is only natural that a party holding a two-thirds majority in parliament will not implement provisions it objects to. However, it now seems that BNP is also backing away from matters it had agreed to in the July Charter, or is trying to reshape them to suit itself.

Let me mention a few examples among many. The July Charter outlines reforms to be carried out through laws, ordinances, rules, and executive orders. In the case of the judiciary, BNP had objections on only two issues: one was the formation of an independent criminal investigation service, and the other was the non-recognition of any organization of lawyers affiliated with political parties in elections to bar associations and the bar council. Beyond these, BNP had agreed to all other matters, including a code of conduct for judges and the establishment of a Supreme Court Secretariat. Yet we saw that the government repealed the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025.

There was extensive discussion both at home and abroad about enforced disappearances during the rule of the Awami League government. Soon after taking power, the interim government signed the international convention against enforced disappearances. It also repealed two ordinances related to the prevention of and remedy for such disappearances.

Out of the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government’s tenure, 20 have been repealed or have lost their validity. In other words, the BNP government did not want to pass these. If we consider most of the repealed or lapsed ordinances—such as the ordinance on the appointment of Supreme Court judges, the two ordinances related to the Supreme Court Secretariat, the separate National Parliament Secretariat, the three ordinances concerning the National Human Rights Commission, the two ordinances on the prevention of and remedy for enforced disappearances, the amendment ordinance of the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Bangladesh Police Commission ordinance, it becomes clear that measures related to judicial independence, accountability, good governance, human rights, and anti-corruption initiatives have been the ones most affected.

From the government’s behaviour, it is natural to assume that, like previous governments, they are trying to consolidate their authority and control over the state apparatus. We know that such initiatives tend to weaken accountability and the balance of power.

The question, therefore, naturally arises: what kind of government does BNP actually want to be? A strong, controlling government that maintains its dominance over the state apparatus, or an accountable one? In a weak democracy like ours, when a government becomes too powerful, it often leads to the spread of corruption and the onset of repressive rule, ultimately turning into authoritarianism and dictatorship. We have experienced this before.

Two government ministers have reassured us that the repealed or lapsed bills will be reintroduced. They have said the bills will undergo further review and consultation with stakeholders. However, political observers and analysts are viewing the government’s stance on accountability-related laws with suspicion.

By not passing these ordinances, the BNP has, to a considerable extent, handed over the sole agency of the mass uprising and reform agenda to Jamaat and the NCP. These two parties have now emerged as the bearers of reform.
Among the public as well, a perception has emerged that the government will reshape these laws to suit its own interests, with the aim of consolidating its power and strengthening control. Some have questioned that if the government had no such intention, it could have passed the ordinances and later amended them if any issues were identified.

We have seen that the government has passed some ordinances with amendments after “review and scrutiny.” While passing the Bank Resolution Ordinance, the government added a new clause. This clause allows the merged weak banks to be returned to their previous owners. Analysts and observers in the banking sector have not viewed positively the provision that enables ownership to be handed back to those whose corruption and plundering led to the collapse of these banks.

Again, although the importance of consultation with “stakeholders” was emphasised, amendments to the Labour (Amendment) Bill were introduced unilaterally. In defining “worker,” reducing the number of trade unions, and matters related to the provident fund, the interests of the owners were effectively protected. The opinions of workers, who are the key “stakeholders”, were not taken into account here.

It remains a major question how the repealed and lapsed ordinances will be further “reviewed,” or with which “stakeholders” discussions will be held to draft the bills. By not passing the reform-oriented ordinances necessary for building an accountable, democratic, and humanitarian state, BNP has sent a message that carries political costs, costs it has already begun to pay.

By not passing these ordinances, the BNP has, to a considerable extent, handed over the sole agency of the mass uprising and reform agenda to Jamaat and the NCP. These two parties have now emerged as the bearers of reform. They have begun movements demanding the implementation of reforms in line with the July Charter.

BNP should, in keeping with its promises, quickly introduce bills and pass these laws. However, it must remember that people will compare the new bills it brings with the repealed and ineffective ordinances. Hopefully, BNP will take this into account. Ultimately, it is through this process that it will become clear what kind of governance BNP intends to establish in the country, whether it seeks to assert full control and authority over the state apparatus, or to ensure accountable governance.

* AKM Zakaria is Associate Editor of Prothom Alo.​