Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the new government, having received a strong mandate from the people, is moving ahead with a clear action plan to fulfil its commitments over the next five years.
“Our priorities are to protect national interests, maintain policy continuity, ensure economic stability and carry out institutional reforms. We are now moving directly from commitments to implementation,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day international conference Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
The conference is being held from October 3 to 5 under the theme “Fragments, Frontiers and Futures: Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten.” Around 200 speakers, more than 300 delegates and over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries are taking part.
Former Serbian President Boris Tadic, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara are among the participants, along with government officials, diplomats, policymakers, researchers, business leaders and technology experts.
Tarique Rahman said the government had taken initiatives to make Bangladesh an attractive investment destination and transform the country into a strong hub for production and investment.
“We want to create extensive employment opportunities in production, services, exports and all other sectors,” he said.
He stressed the need for policy certainty and continuity in long-term policies to give investors confidence.
Social Protection, Healthcare and Education
The Prime Minister said government social protection programmes would prioritise the most disadvantaged people.
Under the Family Card initiative, financial assistance would reach mothers in every family, starting with the poorest and most marginalised communities. The Farmers Card would connect farmers with government incentives, agricultural services and markets, while the Health Card would ensure access to healthcare. The Universal Card would eventually bring integrated government services under one system, he said.
On healthcare, Tarique Rahman said the government was working to recruit 100,000 health workers, around 80 percent of whom would be women.
He said they would provide primary healthcare, health advice and referral services at the grassroots level, with special attention to maternal and child health.
On education reform, the Prime Minister said education should prepare students for real life rather than being limited to obtaining certificates.
“We are working to ensure a joyful learning environment,” he said.
He said culture, sports, values and ethics would be incorporated into the curriculum to help build children’s character. Students would also have opportunities to learn a third language, while technical and vocational education would be expanded alongside general education.
The government has also taken initiatives to provide free uniforms, schoolbags, midday meals and stipends from the first grade and expand free education for girls up to the graduate level, he said.
Jobs, Technology and Agriculture
Describing the country’s large young population as a key driver of national progress, Tarique Rahman stressed skills development and suitable employment opportunities.
“The government is focusing on improving language skills, creating employment opportunities, technological transformation and wider use of artificial intelligence. We are supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups. We want our young people to compete on the global stage and transform brain drain into brain circulation,” he said.
On agriculture, he said access to technology, irrigation, agricultural finance and markets was being made easier.
Support would also be provided to fisheries, livestock and rural entrepreneurs, while agricultural processing and agro-product export industries would be developed alongside food security.
“A strong rural economy can build a strong Bangladesh,” he said.
Water and Environment
The Prime Minister said the government had planned to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals and waterways over the next five years.
The Padma Barrage project was being advanced and a master plan for the Teesta was being prepared for water conservation and management, he said.
He said these initiatives would support agriculture and strengthen climate resilience.
Tarique Rahman also said 250 million trees would be planted over the next five years.
Bangladesh is expanding solar power use, promoting waste recycling and developing environment-friendly green factories, he said.
“Of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories, 53 are now in Bangladesh,” he said.
Institutional Reform and Rohingya Crisis
Stressing institutional reforms, the Prime Minister said strong state institutions were essential for development.
“We are strengthening institutional transparency and accountability. Human rights, democratic values and freedom of expression must be protected,” he said.
He also stressed equal application of the rule of law and said state institutions should remain dedicated to serving the people.
On the Rohingya crisis, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was still hosting around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees.
“Our main objective is to ensure their swift, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar,” he said.
He called for continued international political support and financing, while stressing that the root causes of the crisis must be addressed.
“The crisis originated in Myanmar and its solution must also be found in Myanmar,” he said.
Bay of Bengal Cooperation
Describing the Bay of Bengal as a major pillar of Bangladesh’s future economic potential, Tarique Rahman said its geographic and strategic location provided opportunities to deepen global connectivity through seaports, waterways and the coastal economy.
He highlighted the potential of shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy and regional supply chains.
The Prime Minister called for deeper bilateral and multilateral engagement to turn the region’s shared geography into shared prosperity.
“Cooperation can be further expanded in trade, energy, education, technology, climate and maritime sectors. New markets can be opened and more opportunities can be created for young people. We can build stronger cooperative relations based on equality, fairness and justice,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh would continue to work with regional and global partners while safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.
“Because peace and harmony are the foundations of shared prosperity and development,” he said.
He called for transforming the Bay of Bengal region into an area where all states can prosper together, benefit equally and extend meaningful cooperation to their citizens.
“Bangladesh is fully prepared to play its rightful role in this regard,” he said.
The five thematic pillars of BOBC 2026 are geopolitics, security and strategic competition; artificial intelligence, cyberspace and information power; trade, connectivity and strategic growth; and climate, resilience and human security.
