Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Prioritizes Law, Order, and Anti-Corruption

Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh has unequivocally stated that improving law and order and intensifying the anti-corruption drive are the paramount priorities of his administration. In his maiden televised address to the nation on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Rahman, who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), outlined a comprehensive 180-day action plan aimed at stabilizing the country and restoring public confidence. He acknowledged that his government inherits a nation grappling with a fragile economy, weakened governance structures, and a deteriorating security situation, exacerbated by corruption and misrule during previous administrations. Tarique Rahman emphasized that governance would henceforth be guided strictly by the rule of law, devoid of party influence or force. He asserted that all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, possess equal rights within the state, striving to build a self-reliant, secure, humane, and democratic Bangladesh. The Prime Minister announced stringent measures against gambling and drug syndicates, vowing to dismantle networks of wrongdoing across various sectors. He also urged businessmen to maintain fair prices during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, assuring that the government would protect the interests of both consumers and traders. The 180-day action plan, a key component of the government's strategy, will guide its initial efforts to address pressing national issues. This plan, a departure from the conventional 100-day plans, signifies the government's ambitious agenda for the first six months in office. Ministers are expected to submit detailed action plans from their respective ministries to the Prime Minister's Office promptly. The plan will encompass efforts to revive the economy, ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services like gas, water, and electricity, particularly during Ramadan, and address traffic congestion in Dhaka through railway network restructuring. Rahman also stressed the importance of transforming Bangladesh's large population into a skilled workforce, highlighting the need for investment in youth, technology, and expertise in the era of artificial intelligence. He promised support for students and initiatives aimed at employment generation. In a move towards austerity and accountability, Rahman announced that BNP lawmakers would forgo tax-free car imports and government plot allocations. The news is specifically relevant to Bangladesh. While India is a neighboring country, the focus of the article is solely on the internal political and governance priorities of Bangladesh under its new Prime Minister. The article does not discuss any direct implications or relations with India, other than a general mention of foreign policy in the context of national interests. The credibility of the sources, The Daily Star and bdnews24.com, is generally considered high for reporting on Bangladeshi affairs, with The Daily Star being described as a newspaper of record and having a reputation for journalistic integrity. BDnews24.com, while having faced some issues with website integrity and a perception of bias in some analyses, is a prominent news portal in Bangladesh. The article itself is a factual report of statements made by the Prime Minister and government officials, corroborated across multiple credible news outlets. The published date of the main articles reporting on these statements is February 18, 2026. The context indicates that Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17, 2026, and delivered his address on February 18, 2026..

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest