The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has completed its first six months in office amid a host of challenges, including high inflation, electricity and fuel shortages, gas supply constraints, limited employment opportunities and administrative sluggishness.
Although the prime minister and senior members of the government have made visible efforts to implement the 180-day action plan announced soon after taking office, the benefits of several policy initiatives have yet to translate fully into improvements in people's daily lives.
As a result, while the government has taken some positive steps in social protection, the economy, administration and diplomacy, rising prices, energy shortages, public safety and employment remain major concerns.
Tarique Rahman announced the government's first 180-day action plan the day after taking the oath as prime minister on February 17. The new government inherited a fragile situation marked by economic difficulties, a weakened banking sector, high inflation, concerns over law and order, and longstanding administrative bottlenecks.
To address these challenges, the prime minister has remained personally engaged at the grassroots level while regularly directing the cabinet and administration. By keeping administrative activities running even on holidays, visiting different parts of the country and participating in development and social programmes, he has sought to foster a culture of urgency and efficiency within the government.
Social protection and economy
Among the more notable aspects of the government's first six months are several initiatives in social protection and the economy.
Analysts have viewed the introduction of the “Family Card” for low-income households, the “Farmer Card” to support farmers, agricultural loan waivers, increased food reserves, credit support for young entrepreneurs, new programmes in health and education, and initiatives to attract foreign investment as positive steps.
The government's ability to present the national budget within three and a half months of taking office, while prioritising support for marginalised people without increasing the direct tax burden, has also been seen as a significant move.
The government says the withdrawal of additional charges on prepaid electricity meters, steps to improve fuel supplies and measures to strengthen food security are among its key achievements.
In terms of long-term development planning, the government has also advanced projects such as the Padma Barrage and the Teesta Master Plan, alongside initiatives aimed at creating jobs and encouraging young people to become entrepreneurs.
Diplomatic balancing act
On the international front, the government has sought to maintain a balanced diplomatic approach.
Efforts to strengthen ties with China, expand economic and trade engagement with the United States and maintain a pragmatic relationship with India have been viewed positively by those familiar with foreign policy.
Growing interest among foreign investors since the elected government took office has also been seen as a potential sign of renewed confidence in the economy.
Rashed Khan, political assistant to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, told Dhaka Tribune that the government had taken charge after “20 years of misrule” and had been working to address the country's problems from the very beginning.
“Six months is a very short period. We hope the situation will improve further over the next six months,” he said.
High prices remain biggest concern
Despite these initiatives, the biggest question facing the government remains the cost of living.
Prices of essential commodities continue to put pressure on low- and middle-income households. Although the government has taken various measures to control inflation, the expected relief has yet to become fully visible in the market.
At the same time, gas shortages are disrupting production in industries and businesses. Import costs, production expenses and supply management in the power and energy sectors remain major long-term challenges for the government.
Rashed Khan said the government was working to resolve the crisis.
“The crisis was caused by a fault in the gas pipeline. The government is working to resolve the issue. We hope the crisis will be overcome within a few days,” he said.
Banking sector remains a major challenge
Reforming the banking and financial sector has also emerged as one of the government's major challenges.
Although work has begun to restore discipline to a sector plagued by longstanding irregularities, non-performing loans, weak management and a crisis of confidence, the process has yet to gain the desired momentum.
Analysts say recovering laundered money, controlling defaulted loans and establishing accountability in the banking sector will be crucial. Without progress on these fronts, it will be difficult for the benefits of broader economic reforms to reach ordinary citizens.
Employment test
Employment is another major test for the government.
A large number of young people enter the job market every year. Although the government has promised to create more jobs through increased public and private investment, new industries, skills development and entrepreneurship, visible results are difficult to achieve within just six months.
As a result, job creation is likely to become one of the key indicators by which the government's performance will be assessed over the next six months.
Administrative capacity under scrutiny
Questions have also been raised about the government's administrative capacity.
There are concerns that all levels of the cabinet and administration have not been able to keep pace with the speed demonstrated by the prime minister and senior political leadership.
Bureaucratic complications, delays in implementing decisions and gaps in accountability are slowing a number of government initiatives, according to officials and others familiar with the administration.
The key challenge now, they say, is not merely the political leadership's willingness to act, but its ability to translate that political will into effective action at every level of the administration.
Political challenges remain
The government also faces several unresolved political issues.
Political allies believe greater engagement is needed on implementing the July Charter, carrying out the referendum verdict, pursuing constitutional reform and maintaining coordination with parties that were partners in the simultaneous movement against the previous government.
They also believe the concept of a “Rainbow Nation”, which the BNP promoted before coming to power, needs to be reflected more visibly in the structure and functioning of the state.
Political analyst and Dhaka University teacher Dr Abdur Razzaque Khan told Dhaka Tribune that he was not satisfied with the government's performance over the past six months.
“I am not satisfied with the government's activities over the past six months. The problems that existed after August 5, including mob violence, have not stopped. At the same time, rising prices and the energy crisis have made people's lives more difficult,” he said.
He said expectations of the government were high, but those expectations had yet to be fully reflected in reality.
“People have many expectations from this government, but we are yet to see them reflected in reality. However, six months is a very short time. Let's see what they do over the next six months,” he said.
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, viewed some of the government's initiatives positively.
He said the delivery of emergency services under social protection programmes and the announcement of the budget within three months of taking office were important steps.
However, he said concerns over the prices of essential commodities, energy supplies and public safety had yet to be fully addressed.