PM's austerity drive marks governance shift

The government on Wednesday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening governance, reducing public expenditure and improving public services.

The administration has prioritised administrative efficiency, institutional accountability, fiscal discipline and economic recovery while seeking to ease public hardship and promote transparency across state institutions.

The measures include the prime minister's decision to deposit 10 per cent of his monthly salary into the state treasury, reduce VIP protocol arrangements, discourage the naming of publicly funded institutions after political figures, respond more actively to public complaints raised on social media and cancel the traditional post-budget state banquet to reduce expenditure.

The prime minister has urged cabinet members to voluntarily contribute a portion of their salaries to the state treasury while making it clear that the initiative is entirely optional. 

According to Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, the prime minister's monthly basic salary is Tk 115,000, of which Tk 11,500 is deposited into the state treasury each month.

Ministries are being monitored to ensure the timely implementation of projects. The report said more than 70 per cent of cabinet decisions have already been implemented.

Under its "Bangladesh First" policy, the government is pursuing economic diplomacy to expand trade, attract foreign investment and strengthen technological cooperation with partner countries, including China, Malaysia and other countries in South and Southeast Asia. Officials said the policy aims to generate employment, diversify export markets and attract productive foreign investment.

Measures to support domestic industries include easier access to credit, tax concessions, uninterrupted energy supply and reforms to improve the ease of doing business.

The initiatives are aimed at boosting local production, reducing import dependence and enhancing the competitiveness of export-oriented industries.

The government also plans to introduce a new national pay scale for public employees for the first time in more than a decade.

 The revised salary structure would be implemented in phases to minimise pressure on the national budget while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

As part of its austerity programme, ministries and agencies have been directed to curb unnecessary foreign travel, ceremonial events and non-essential administrative spending. The administration has announced measures to strengthen financial accountability improve procurement transparency and expand digital public services.

The administration has revised VIP movement protocols by reducing unnecessary security convoys and traffic disruptions during official travel. Officials said the changes are intended to minimize public inconvenience caused by road closures.

The prime minister has directed that no government-funded institution, project or infrastructure be named after himself, members of his family or any political dynasty. 

Government officials said a proposal to name the Keraniganj Technical Training Centre (TTC) after former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia was rejected in line with the policy.

The government has directed ministries to monitor public complaints and governance issues raised on social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), and take action where necessary.

As part of its cost-cutting measures, the government cancelled the traditional post-budget banquet for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the decision saved around Tk 5 million. Ruman said expenditure on hospitality and miscellaneous expenses at the Prime Minister's Office had fallen significantly compared with previous years.

To reduce traffic congestion and minimise disruption associated with VIP movements, important cabinet meetings are now being held at the Secretariat instead of the Prime Minister's Office. 

Officials said the move is expected to reduce traffic disruption, improve administrative efficiency and lower operational costs.

SA /SKS