The new Awami League-led government, which is going to be formed today, may face a number of tough challenges during its fresh term in office.
Besides dealing with the western countries, the government has to tame the ongoing conspiracies, propagandas and subversive activities of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which has boycotted the January 7 polls after failing to realise its demand of holding the polls under a caretaker government or a neutral administration.
Arresting the surging prices of essential commodities will be another key challenge as masses, who have mandated the party to power again, want the government’s strong role in curbing the prices of commodities.
The government has to work hard in maintaining diplomatic balance with foreign countries, especially with the United States of America which has given views about the polls different from that of other countries.
Amid such challenges, Awami League president Sheikh Hasina will take oath as the Prime Minister of the country for the fourth consecutive term.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday invited AL president Sheikh Hasina to form the new government as her party achieved and absolute majority in the 12th parliamentary election.
During a meeting, the President, in line with the Constitution of Bangladesh, invited Sheikh Hasina, the incumbent Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament, to form the cabinet as the majority of lawmakers were elected from Awami League in the 12th general polls.
President Mohammad Sahabuddin will administer oath to the prime minister and her cabinet colleagues at 7:00pm on 11 at Bangabhaban.
Sources say that some important ministries, including finance and foreign affairs may have new faces in the cabinet. Many of the ministers of the incumbent cabinet may be shown the door for the poor performance as AL president wants to form a smart cabinet.
People expect that the new government will ensure good governance and work for rooting out corruption and generating employment as per poll pledges to make the country a developed one by 2041 and a peaceful abode in South Asia.
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said that a new game of politics would begin against communalism, militancy, arson terrorism and corruption as the game of elections is over.
He claimed that the future of BNP is only bleak because of its politics of mistakes.
“The game of elections was ended on January 7 last. BNP is a fake party. Its progarmmes, leaders and one-point movement are fake ones...their (BNP) future is only dark,” he said.
People opine the AL in its new tenure should work to fulfil its electoral pledges so that it can live up to the expectations of the common man.
They also stress that a section of AL leaders and activists, who allegedly indulged in corruption, nepotism and other misdeeds, should be brought to book.
The last three terms of Sheikh Hasina has been considered one of the most successful ones since Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s cabinet.
International community highly acclaimed Sheikh Hasina’s last three terms for boosting country’s economic growth despite the global recession and corona pandemic.
Common people say that they do not want to get in politics rather they want to live a decent life.
“It is the duty of the government to ensure a congenial atmosphere so that people of all walks of life may live happily. Prices of essential commodities mark a sharp rise for months. It is our top expectation that the new government will contain the prices at any cost,” Anwar Hossain, an employee of a private company, said.
“The zero tolerance policy against corruption should not be confined to a word. The government must bring the culprits, irrespective of party affiliation, to book,” he added.
Awami League insiders say the party president must outline some measures to respect the sentiment of the people.
Taking cognizance of people’s desire, Sheikh Hasina may bring about major changes in her next cabinet, they say.
AL insiders say the party president may bring new faces in some ministries to bring dynamism in running government and build a smart Bangladesh.
The Awami League-led alliance contested the January 7 polls boycotted by the BNP-led alliance.
The election was held in peaceful and festive environment in 298 constituencies out of 300 on January 7. The voting in Noagaon-2 was suspended following the death of a candidate there.
The AL secured 222 seats while independent candidates won 62, Jatiya Party won 11 seats and Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Kalyan Party got one seat each.
