The BNP government led by Tarique Rahman, formed on February 17 after the 13th national election, has launched programmes in social protection, agriculture, education, health, employment, environment and citizen services during its first 180 days. A review published on August 17, however, questioned progress on energy supply, commodity prices, state reform and law and order. The government had identified price stability, public security and uninterrupted power and gas supplies as initial priorities.

The report said a recent gas crisis left most industrial establishments nearly inactive, disrupted household cooking and caused severe hardship at CNG filling stations. It attributed the shortage to faults at floating LNG terminals and delays in unloading LNG cargoes. The government has moved to add two floating LNG terminals, import gas from Myanmar, pursue 10,000 megawatts of solar power within five years and seek offshore oil and gas exploration. The prime minister expressed regret over the hardship and said a 10-year energy plan would be announced.

Official statistics recorded 99,992 cases from February through July, including 1,791 murder cases and 11,165 cases involving violence against women and children. The government cited rapid trials and other enforcement actions. It also said more than 71,000 families joined the Family Card pilot and over 20,000 farming families received Farmer Cards, while criticism persists over slow reform and administrative performance.