Under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, the new government of Bangladesh has made a good beginning. Newly appointed ministers in various ministries have started attending office and are making hopeful statements to the media.
To tackle the challenges facing the new administration, the Prime Minister has pledged to work even on Saturdays, the weekly holiday.
At the first cabinet meeting, special emphasis was placed on keeping prices of essential commodities under control during the holy month of Ramadan, improving the law and order situation, and ensuring uninterrupted gas and electricity supply.
All ministries have been instructed to remain above corruption. Most importantly, the new Prime Minister has directed that the “Family Card” project be launched before Eid-ul-Fitr to ease public suffering.
The Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has declared that the days of mob terrorism are over. Altogether, the positive start of the new government has restored a sense of peace and relief among the public.
Over the past year and a half, efforts were made by the interim government to improve the law and order situation. Yet, due to mob violence and other factors, fear and insecurity could not be fully eliminated from public life. In a democratic country, emphasis is placed on protecting four fundamental freedoms: Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Fear and Want, and Freedom of Movement. Among these, without a life free from fear, no citizen can truly enjoy their rights.
In developing countries, people’s expectations are often modest. Most are not overly concerned about who holds power; their primary concern is ensuring livelihood and security of life and property. Since the new government assumed office, fear and anxiety have gradually begun to recede from society—an important development at this moment.
This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on business, trade, and both domestic and foreign investment. Those in charge of the government will gradually strive to further improve the situation. There will be plenty of time to assess what has been achieved and what has not.
As the English proverb goes, “Morning shows the day.” Since the government’s first four days have begun well, it is hoped that the middle and the end will also be positive.
No government can fully meet all public demands, as human needs are endless. However, the new government must continue striving to fulfill its electoral promises. At present, establishing the rule of law is most important.
Attention should also be given to repairing weakened constitutional and state institutions. From the Prime Minister’s statements, it appears that he is conscious of these responsibilities.
Tarique Rahman spent 17 years in exile in London. In light of that experience, he appears organized, liberal, and positive in outlook. He has already pledged to remove vengeance and retaliation from politics.
Perhaps as a result, a previously banned political party has begun reopening its offices in various districts, viewing the government’s start as a good sign. However, they too should remember that there is no need for haste. The formation of a Truth Commission for national unity and reconciliation is also not impossible.
In short, we believe that under the new government, positive changes will soon be felt in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. Therefore, we welcome this promising beginning and extend our best wishes to all concerned in the government.
