Following the formation of the new government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, after the BNP’s overwhelming victory in the 13th parliamentary election, voices from across society are setting out clear expectations.
Many are calling for consistent policies and effective governance to restore public trust and promote more inclusive progress.
They say the new government should prioritise building strong, independent and accountable institutions across the judiciary, education, healthcare, the economy and environmental protection.
Job-oriented education, accessible and quality healthcare, a stable and corruption-free economy, efficient administration, and development that safeguards public health and natural resources must also be ensured, they add.
Members of the legal community argue that public trust rests on fair and independent institutions, and that such trust can only be secured through deep structural reform.
Turning political pledges into concrete action will be the first major test for the new administration, said Supreme Court senior lawyer Sarwar Ahmed.
He emphasised the need to uphold the “July Charter” and guarantee genuine judicial independence.
“The same expectation existed under the caretaker government, but it was not fulfilled,” he told TIMES. “This time, we hope the elected government will deliver.”
Education specialists say long-term national progress hinges on a modern and forward-looking education system, making reform in the sector a central public expectation.
Education must be modern, demand-driven and career-oriented, said Professor Mohammad Ali Zinnah of the Institute of Education and Research at the University of Dhaka. Otherwise, he warned, the country’s demographic dividend could turn into a demographic burden.
He called for stronger links between industry and academia, an expansion of technical and vocational training, and allocating at least 5 per cent of GDP to education.
Health specialist Dr Zakir Hussain identified two main challenges: the quality of care and the coverage of care.
“There is a shortage of nurses, paramedics and specialist physicians, while the health budget remains low relative to GDP,” he told TIMES.
He said strengthening primary healthcare, reforming governance in private hospitals and introducing social health insurance were essential. Without professional autonomy and freedom from political interference, he added, quality healthcare cannot be ensured during any government.
Youth aspirations are closely tied to the broader economy. Without jobs and economic stability, education alone cannot deliver meaningful results. Business leaders are therefore placing stability at the top of their agenda.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice President Md Rezwan Selim summed it up in a single word – “stability”.
He said political unrest, mob violence, port disruptions and strains in the banking sector had weighed on industry and exports. When entrepreneurs’ funds remain tied up in banks or supply chains are repeatedly disrupted, sustaining production becomes increasingly difficult.
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry has voiced similar concerns. It said global geopolitical uncertainty, high interest rates, an unstable energy supply and weak policy coordination have dampened the investment climate.
Many are urging the new government to redefine the country’s development vision with a stronger focus on environmental protection.
Environmentalist Atiq Rahman told TIMES that development must not come at the expense of public health or environmental sustainability. Safeguarding clean air, water and natural ecosystems, he said, should be central to future planning.
Media professionals are also setting out their expectations. Meer Raihan Masud, media development officer at BBC Media Action, said he hopes the government will address what he describes as partisan journalism, which he believes has distorted the media landscape.
“I want this government to eradicate partisan journalism, which may eventually lead to a fair and free media landscape in Bangladesh. Freedom of expression must be ensured at any cost,” he said.
Students, meanwhile, are calling for an end to prolonged session delays and postponed examinations. They want regular classes and timely assessments, as well as steps to reduce disparities between urban and rural educational institutions.
Marginal farmers are voicing economic concerns of their own. Ataul, a farmer from Gaibandha, said rising costs of fertiliser, seeds and irrigation have not been matched by higher crop prices.
Expectations are also growing among Bangladeshis living overseas, who remain a vital pillar of the national economy.
Expatriate Tanzid said migrant workers should not be seen merely as sources of remittances, but as development partners. He called for more proactive embassies, an end to harassment at airports, expanded skills training and structured reintegration support for returnees.
At the grassroots level, daily wage earners are voicing concerns of their own. Rafik, an auto-rickshaw driver, said extortion on the roads must end. Homemaker Reshma Khatun urged tighter control of essential commodity prices.
Entrepreneur Ashikur Rahman emphasised the need to uphold the rule of law and strengthen anti-corruption measures.
In the sporting arena, national hockey player Rakibul Islam said progress to international standards would be difficult without grassroots infrastructure, financial security for athletes and transparent election processes within sports federations.
