Government Priorities and Regional Vision
Dhaka — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the new government is moving ahead with a clear action plan to fulfill its commitments over the next five years, citing a strong mandate from the people. Speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day international conference ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026’ on Saturday, Rahman outlined the administration's immediate focus areas.
“Our priorities are to protect national interests, maintain policy continuity, ensure economic stability and carry out institutional reforms,” Rahman said. He emphasized that the government is now moving directly from campaign commitments to implementation.
Rahman called for transforming the Bay of Bengal region into an area where every state could prosper together, benefit equally, and extend meaningful cooperation to its citizens. The prime minister was addressing the conference organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
Conference Details and International Participation
The BOBC 2026 is being held under the theme “Fragments, Frontiers and Futures: Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten” from October 3 to 5. The event is drawing significant international attention, with around 200 speakers, more than 300 delegates, and over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries taking part.
Notable attendees include former Serbian President Boris Tadic, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, and former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara. They are participating alongside other officials and experts, including former and incumbent state officials, diplomats, policymakers, researchers, business leaders, technologists, and experts from various countries.
Economic Strategy and Investment
Addressing the economic landscape, the prime minister said the government has taken initiatives to make Bangladesh an attractive investment destination and transform the country into a strong hub for production and investment. Tarique Rahman emphasized that continuity in long-term policies would provide investors with necessary assurance, reinforcing the administration's commitment to stability.
Social Protection and Welfare Initiatives
The prime minister stated that the government’s social protection programmes prioritize the most disadvantaged people. Under the Family Card initiative, financial assistance will reach mothers in every family, beginning with the poorest and most marginalised communities.
Expanding on welfare measures, Tarique Rahman noted that the Farmers Card will connect farmers with government incentives, agricultural services, and markets, while the Health Card will ensure access to healthcare for all. He added that the Universal Card would eventually bring integrated government services under one umbrella, streamlining public service delivery.
Healthcare Workforce Expansion
Tarique Rahman said the government is working to recruit 100,000 health workers, around 80 percent of whom will be women, to provide primary healthcare and referral services at the grassroots level. The prime minister noted that the government is giving special attention to maternal and child health as part of this broader strategy.
Education Reform and Youth Development
On education reform, the prime minister said education should prepare students for real life rather than just obtaining certificates, aiming to ensure a joyful learning environment. Tarique Rahman stated that culture, sports, values, and ethics will have an important place in the curriculum to help build children’s character.
The prime minister said students would be given the opportunity to learn a third language, while technical and vocational education would be expanded alongside general education. The government has taken initiatives to provide free uniforms, schoolbags, midday meals, and stipends from the first grade, while expanding free education for girls up to the graduate level.
Describing the country’s large young population as a key driver of national progress, the prime minister said skills development and suitable employment opportunities are essential to harnessing the demographic advantage. The government is focusing on improving language skills, creating employment opportunities, technological transformation, and wide [source text cuts off].