Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in his first address to the nation after forming the government, urged business leaders to keep commodity prices within reach of ordinary citizens during Ramadan. The speech, broadcast live on BTV and Bangladesh Betar at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, emphasized that the BNP government is committed to dismantling all forms of corruption and irregular syndicates. Rahman said the administration assumed responsibility with a pledge to uphold the rights of the people and the state after the fall of a mafia network.

He noted that the new government inherited a fragile economy weakened by corruption and misrule, and restoring law and order and curbing corruption are its top priorities. The Prime Minister also directed uninterrupted gas, water, and electricity supply during iftar, tarabi, and sehri hours, while urging citizens to avoid waste. He further announced that BNP lawmakers would not accept tax-free car imports or plot benefits and called for austerity among all public and private employees.

Rahman invited suggestions and complaints from citizens and traders on how to stabilize the market and protect both buyers’ and sellers’ interests.