Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has launched an extensive review of both government and party activities after the completion of his administration's first 100 days, amid reported dissatisfaction within the BNP leadership over the performance of a significant number of ministers, lawmakers and senior party figures.
* Five ministers and state ministers reportedly receive verbal warnings
* Nearly 90 MPs placed under close monitoring
* Allegations of corruption, tender manipulation and abuse of influence under review
* PM is considering bringing new faces into the cabinet
As part of a broader drive to strengthen accountability and ensure the implementation of the government's 180-day action plan, the Prime Minister has intensified monitoring of ministers, MPs and leaders of BNP's affiliated organisations.
Party and government sources said the move is aimed at enforcing administrative discipline, preventing corruption and delivering on election commitments.
According to multiple sources, around 150 MPs, ministers and senior leaders of affiliated bodies have come under scrutiny, while nearly 90 lawmakers, including several ministers and state ministers, are being closely monitored over their activities.
Sources said lawmakers who are irregular in their constituencies, face allegations of irregularities in development projects or interfere in administrative affairs have been specifically identified.
Allegations relating to tender manipulation, contracting syndicates, lobbying and abuse of political influence are also being examined.
Five ministers and state ministers have reportedly received verbal warnings regarding their performance, while several lawmakers and party leaders have been asked to cooperate more actively in implementing the Prime Minister's reform and governance agenda.
After assuming office, Tarique Rahman introduced a performance-monitoring mechanism under which the activities of ministers, state ministers and MPs are being assessed regularly.
According to party insiders, he has repeatedly made it clear that no one found involved in corruption, irregularities, abuse of power or anti-people activities will be spared disciplinary action.
The enhanced monitoring system is intended to accelerate the implementation of election pledges, ensure transparency in public administration, prevent misuse of political influence at the local level and protect the government's image.
Allegations of negligence in development projects, lobbying, syndicate control, harassment in public services and misuse of authority are also being monitored.
The activities of senior leaders of BNP's affiliated and associate organisations have also been brought under review to strengthen coordination between the party and the government.
Sources said the Prime Minister's Office is now receiving direct reports on administrative activities at district and upazila levels.
According to officials, a special coordination and accountability cell has been formed under the Prime Minister's directive. The body includes the Finance Adviser, Principal Secretary, Private Secretary-2, Research Officer and Protocol Officer-1.
Party sources said Tarique Rahman has instructed ministers and MPs to remain accountable to the party organisation. To ensure this, organisational review meetings will be held every three months, where their performances will be assessed in the Prime Minister's presence.
BNP Standing Committee member and MP Selima Rahman told the Daily Observer that the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption from the outset.
She said ministers, MPs and party activists must work together to support government programmes and help eliminate corruption.
"If party leaders and workers embrace the Prime Minister's goals, ideals and vision, implementation of government initiatives will become easier and anti-corruption efforts will be more effective," she said.
Meanwhile, speculation over a cabinet expansion has intensified within government circles.
Sources said the Prime Minister is considering bringing new faces into the cabinet to inject fresh momentum into government activities and improve administrative performance. Senior policymakers indicated that at least five individuals could be appointed ministers or state ministers before the budget session scheduled for June 7.
Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on February 17 along with 49 ministers and state ministers. At the outset, several ministers were assigned responsibility for multiple ministries to improve coordination, but growing workloads have reportedly made the arrangement difficult to sustain.
Sources said some advisers may be reassigned while several new appointments are under consideration. Among the names being discussed are BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and BNP Chairperson's Adviser and MP Zainul Abdin Faruk.
Other names under consideration include Patuakhali-4 MP ABM Mosharraf Hossain, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Mahidur Rahman, Cumilla-9 MP Md Abul Kalam, Chattogram-8 MP Ershad Ullah and another leader from the Noakhali region.
According to sources, much of the administrative process for the proposed appointments has already been completed. If plans proceed as expected, the new ministers and state ministers could take oath before the budget session begins on June 7.
