Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Begin Secretariat Duties

Following his official inauguration as the head of the newly formed administration, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the 11th Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, is set to commence his executive duties at the Bangladesh Secretariat tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 February 2026. This first working day is expected to be a rigorous introduction to the nation's civil service machinery, marked by high-level meetings and a focus on administrative reform.

A Morning of National Remembrance

Before delving into the bureaucratic intricacies of the Secretariat, the Prime Minister will pay homage to the nation's foundational history. At 10:00 am, Mr Rahman is scheduled to visit the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar. There, he will place a floral wreath to honour the sacrifices of the 1971 Liberation War, a customary gesture of respect observed by incoming heads of government to signal their commitment to the country’s sovereignty.

Establishing the Executive Agenda

Following his return from Savar, the Prime Minister will arrive at his office within the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat at approximately 12:30 pm. His inaugural afternoon will be dedicated to establishing a rapport with the senior echelons of the civil service and his newly appointed cabinet.

The schedule for the day highlights a clear strategy of immediate engagement:

Introductory Session: An initial meeting with officials of the Cabinet Division to familiarise himself with ongoing administrative protocols.

Special Cabinet Meeting: At 3:00 pm, the Prime Minister will chair a special session of the Council of Ministers. This is expected to be the venue where the government's immediate priorities and "100-day plan" are outlined.

Secretarial Dialogue: At 4:00 pm, he will hold a comprehensive exchange with the various Ministry Secretaries—the highest-ranking bureaucrats in the country—to discuss policy implementation and governance efficiency.

Prime Minister’s Inaugural Working Schedule

Significance of the First Day

Observers suggest that the decision to hold a special cabinet meeting and a meeting with secretaries on the very first day reflects the Prime Minister’s desire to project an image of "active governance." Having spent 17 years in political exile before his recent return, Mr Rahman’s swift move into the Secretariat is seen as a message of stability to both domestic stakeholders and the international diplomatic community.

The Secretariat has reportedly been placed under heightened security, and all departments are operating at full capacity to facilitate the Prime Minister's arrival. This first day will likely set the tone for the 13th Parliament's approach to transparency and bureaucratic accountability.