Bangladesh Under Tarique Rahman: Achievements, Progress and New Prospects for Prosperity 

Author: Dr Humayer Chowdhury–Academic and Researcher,Sydney, Australia:  Introduction: Tarique Rahman: Simplicity, Compassion and a Deep Love for Bangladesh!

The true greatness of a national leader lies not in power or position, but in the nobility of character, simplicity of lifestyle, and deep love for the country and its people. The core strengths of Tarique Rahman’s leadership are humility, integrity, compassion, and a commitment to dedicating himself to the welfare of the people of Bangladesh. Understanding the hardships of ordinary citizens, standing beside them, and placing public welfare above personal comfort are important characteristics of his public service leadership. His modest lifestyle, commitment to justice, and respect for all citizens add greater meaning to his leadership.

The finest hallmark of a great prime minister is not the exercise of authority, but a genuine love for the people, the ability to bring positive change to the lives of millions, the promotion of national unity, and the achievement of economic prosperity. These ideals of leadership associated with Tarique Rahman can serve as an inspiration for building a just, dignified, united, prosperous and promising Bangladesh.

The formation of the BNP government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership on 17 February 2026 marked the beginning of an important chapter in Bangladesh’s political and economic history. Following a prolonged period of political instability and the historic changes of 2024, the new government assumed office amid high public expectations. At the centre of these expectations are economic stability, control of commodity prices, employment generation, social security, and improvements in the effectiveness of democratic institutions.

Since taking office, the government has introduced various programmes to fulfil its electoral commitments. Initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, agricultural assistance, canal re-excavation, and social protection programmes reflect an effort to place public welfare at the centre of development policy.

It is more reasonable to view these initiatives during the first few months as a foundation for future progress rather than as definitive achievements. Nevertheless, the government’s performance can be assessed in three key areas: launching programmes, making progress in implementation, and improving people’s living standards over the long term.

1. Implementation of Electoral Commitments and Social Welfare Programmes –

The adoption of a 180-day action plan to implement the government’s electoral commitments was a notable step. According to official information, approximately 200 initiatives and projects were undertaken through various ministries during the first 100 days. Regular publication of progress reports and comparisons between actual outcomes and predetermined targets would strengthen accountability.

The Family Card programme, designed to provide financial assistance to female heads of low-income and disadvantaged households, has the potential to strengthen social protection and women’s economic empowerment. Similarly, direct assistance to farmers through the Farmer Card programme could help strengthen agricultural production and food security.

The effectiveness of the Farmer Card could be enhanced by linking it to agricultural credit, fertilisers and seeds, modern technology, market information, and storage facilities. Ensuring fair prices for agricultural products and reducing farmers’ losses caused by intermediaries are equally important.

The canal re-excavation programme could support irrigation, improve water drainage, reduce waterlogging, and protect the rural environment. The long-term benefits of these projects can be secured through community consultation, scientific planning, and regular maintenance.

Initiatives to provide honorariums or financial assistance to religious leaders and people in various professions may also contribute positively to social welfare. Fair selection criteria, adequate funding, and continuity should be ensured in implementing these programmes.

2. Economic Stability, Employment and Human. Capital Development –

Controlling commodity prices, increasing investment, restoring confidence in the banking sector, and creating new employment opportunities should be among the government’s key priorities. Effective market monitoring, improvements in supply chains, and stronger connections between producers and consumers could help reduce the burden of inflation on ordinary people.

Encouraging investment in small and medium-sized enterprises, information technology, pharmaceuticals, agricultural processing, and export-oriented industries would help increase employment and productivity. At the same time, investment in quality education, affordable healthcare, and the capacity of local hospitals and health centres is essential. Integrating education and healthcare with social protection programmes would reduce financial risks for families and improve the country’s human capital.

3. The Dignity, Security and Contributions of Non- Resident Bangladeshis –

Non-resident Bangladeshis make important contributions to national development through remittances, investment, professional expertise, and international connections. The government should take effective initiatives to utilise their experience in healthcare, education, research, technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

In particular, it is essential to ensure respectful, professional, and harassment-free treatment of expatriate Bangladeshis at airports and other government service centres. While maintaining lawful immigration, customs, and security procedures, effective measures should be taken against unnecessary delays, discourteous behaviour, discrimination, and illegal demands for money.

To achieve this, the government could introduce accessible complaint mechanisms, investigations within specified timeframes, dedicated expatriate assistance desks, and digital systems for tracking the progress of complaints. Prompt legal assistance should also be ensured to protect expatriates’ property, business interests, and inheritance rights in Bangladesh.

More important than special privileges for expatriates are their legitimate rights, security, and dignity. If the relationship between the government and expatriate Bangladeshis is built on mutual trust and partnership, their contribution to national development could increase further.

4. Qualitative Reform of the Education System –

Bangladesh’s future development depends on the Path Towards World-Class Education system. Despite progress in access to education, there remains considerable scope for improvement in reducing dependence on rote learning, strengthening teacher training, developing practical skills, promoting research, and making effective use of technology.

First, examinations should move away from an excessive emphasis on memorisation and assess analytical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Second, greater emphasis should be placed on merit-based teacher recruitment, regular professional development, appropriate working environments, and ensuring access to qualified teachers in rural schools.

Third, successful education systems in countries such as Finland, Singapore, and Australia could be examined to identify reforms suited to Bangladesh’s social and economic circumstances. The curriculum should maintain a balance among Bengali and English, mathematics, science, digital skills, history, civic education, environmental awareness, and ethical values.

Fourth, digital education, online libraries, virtual laboratories, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence should be expanded. At the same time, access to the internet, electricity, and essential equipment must be ensured in rural areas. Students should also be made aware of digital security, information verification, and the limitations of technology.

Fifth, technical and vocational education should be expanded to develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of industry, agriculture, technology, and the service sector. Greater cooperation among educational institutions, industries, and research centres would increase employment opportunities for young people both at home and abroad.

Under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, one of Bangladesh’s principal diplomatic objectives is to strengthen international relations, attract foreign investment, expand exports and trade, and enhance Bangladesh’s position on the global stage. Through visits to different countries and international meetings, the government has pursued economic cooperation while seeking to protect national interests.

1. Visit to Malaysia

Strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia, expanding trade and investment, and protecting the interests of Bangladeshi workers in the Malaysian labour market have received attention. Opportunities for cooperation in technology, energy, and defence have also featured in discussions. Efforts are being made to deepen Bangladesh’s economic relations with ASEAN member countries.

If these initiatives are implemented effectively, they could create new opportunities for Bangladeshi workers and businesses.

2. Visit to China

Strengthening the longstanding economic and development partnership between Bangladesh and China has been an important priority. Discussions have covered infrastructure development, investment, the Teesta project, and regional connectivity. Reports have also referred to the signing of several memorandums of understanding and agreements during the visit.

Chinese cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis remains another important consideration. However, the actual benefits of announced projects and economic assistance will depend on the progress of implementation.

3. Participation in the United Nations General Assembly

Participation in the United Nations General Assembly provided an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s development priorities, the impacts of climate change, foreign investment needs, and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the international community.

Meetings with world leaders, the UN Secretary-General, and representatives of international financial institutions could help expand Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement and strengthen international cooperation.

4. Visit to Japan

Initiatives have been undertaken to expand economic partnership, trade, investment, and maritime security cooperation with Japan. Reports have referred to the prospect of approximately ¥1 trillion in investment over the next five years and expectations of creating 200,000 jobs.

Efforts to advance an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) could also be important for Bangladesh’s exports and investment prospects.

The government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has an important opportunity to transform its public welfare initiatives into effective and sustainable development. Transparency, accountability, and long-term planning will be essential in every area, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, rural infrastructure, economic reforms, expatriate rights, and modernisation of the education system.

The true measure of success will be tangible improvements in people’s living standards, increased employment, quality education, and the protection of citizens’ dignity. Through the collective participation of the government, civil society, educationists, entrepreneurs, and expatriate Bangladeshis, it is possible to build a prosperous, self-reliant, just, and inclusive Bangladesh.

During the first eight months of the government led by Tarique Rahman, efforts to advance public welfare initiatives, agricultural development, administrative reform, and international cooperation have been evident. However, controversial conduct by some ministers and members of parliament has raised questions about political discipline, ethics, and accountability.

The government’s ultimate success will depend on the implementation of its commitments, improvements in people’s quality of life, the establishment of the rule of law, and accountability among those in power. The public will judge the government by its actions rather than its words. This is the government’s greatest test.

However, government success can never be achieved through the efforts of one individual alone. It depends on the collective competence, integrity, dedication, and performance of the entire Cabinet, administration, and all those involved in governance. The values of humility, patriotism, integrity, public service, and accountability reflected in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership must also be practised and demonstrated by every member of his team.

The Prime Minister’s visionary leadership will become a driving force for national transformation only when his colleagues rise above personal interests and narrow partisan considerations and work together, inspired by the same ideals.