Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given ministers and state ministers a strict 180-day deadline to deliver on their responsibilities, warning that failure to meet expectations could result in reassignment or removal from the cabinet.
The ultimatum, linked directly to the BNP’s election manifesto commitments, was issued during several cabinet and inter-ministerial meetings held over the past week, according to government sources.
The prime minister has made clear that any negligence or failure to achieve assigned targets within the six-month period would trigger consequences, including changes in ministerial portfolios or exclusion from the cabinet.
The new government formally began its work on 18 February, one day after the cabinet took oath.
From the outset, Tarique adopted a firm stance aimed at increasing administrative efficiency.
During meetings with the cabinet secretary and senior secretaries, he stressed that all work outlined in the election manifesto must be completed within specified timelines. He also emphasised the importance of completing daily responsibilities within the same day.
Sources said the prime minister warned that if ministers failed to produce expected results within six months, he would consider alternatives or adopt what he described as “different thinking.”
The prime minister’s priority agenda includes improving law and order, controlling the prices of essential goods, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.
To ensure accountability, the government has introduced a system to regularly monitor the performance of ministers and state ministers.
A senior BNP policymaker and serving minister said the relatively small size of the cabinet means several ministers currently hold multiple portfolios.
He said future redistribution of responsibilities remains possible, with competence and performance serving as the main criteria.
According to officials, the prime minister has repeatedly reminded ministers that BNP received its electoral mandate based on public trust in its manifesto.
He said fulfilling those commitments was both a political and moral obligation.
He also instructed officials to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution, laws, and official rules of business, regardless of political affiliation.
Government officials will be evaluated based on merit and competence, he said.
Failure to meet deadlines could lead to accountability measures, while successful delivery would enhance both government performance and public confidence.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told journalists that the government is working to implement a priority action plan within the 180-day timeframe.
He said improving law and order and ensuring stable prices and adequate supply of essential goods during Ramadan were among the government’s immediate objectives.
He added that the prime minister had warned against any abuse of power and stressed maintaining a “clean government” image through strict anti-corruption measures.
As part of its broader policy agenda, the government has prioritised several welfare programmes, including the introduction of family cards, farmer cards, health cards, and honorarium allowances for imams and muezzins.
The prime minister instructed officials to ensure transparency in implementing these programmes and prevent irregularities.
He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that any proven misconduct would result in strict legal action.
