Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed ministers and lawmakers of BNP to exercise restraint in their speech and conduct.
Presiding over the first meeting of BNP parliamentary party at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday, Tarique, who also serves as the BNP Chairman and Leader of the House, issued these directives to ensure disciplined governance.
During the session, which concluded at 1pm, the prime minister emphasised the importance of caution when engaging with the media. He specifically instructed members to refrain from making comments on matters outside their designated responsibilities.
Addressing the gathering of 209 BNP MPs, Tarique highlighted the party’s commitment to public welfare. “We started implementing promises before the ink on the voters’ fingers dried. This is the BNP; this is the BNP people want to see,” he stated.
Welfare programmes and national initiatives the prime minister announced the rapid implementation of the ‘Family Card’ programme, a key electoral pledge, alongside a nationwide canal-digging initiative.
He also alerted members to intensify cleanliness activities in preparation for the upcoming dengue season.
Regarding the “July National Charter,” Tarique acknowledged that while some parties have registered ‘notes of dissent,’ the government would move forward with implementing the feasible components.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed further clarified that the government would implement the portions of the Charter to which the BNP has agreed.
Directives on discipline, austerity
In a move to ensure administrative efficiency, the prime minister instructed younger cabinet members to be present in their offices by 9:00 AM. He also advised all members to strictly adhere to traffic laws during their commutes, noting that he personally follows these regulations.
Tarique called for austerity in daily life, citing the economic pressures created by global tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Parliamentary appointments
The parliamentary party has entrusted Leader of the House Tarique Rahman with the responsibility of selecting the new speaker and deputy speaker. The election for these positions is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the commencement of the session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
The meeting also featured speeches from Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
