Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his newly formed cabinet are set to undertake a series of ceremonial programs today, including laying wreaths at the National Martyr’s Memorial in Savar and paying respects at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

According to sources from the Prime Minister’s Office, the schedule for Wednesday (February 18) is as follows:

11:00 AM: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and cabinet members will pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyr’s Memorial in Savar.

12:15 PM: The delegation will offer prayers and lay wreaths at the graves of the late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

Afternoon: The first formal meeting of the new Cabinet will be held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by the Prime Minister. State broadcaster BTV will air the event live.

4:00 PM: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will hold an exchange of views with the Secretaries of all ministries and divisions.

The New Administration Takes Charge
This follows Tuesday’s historic swearing-in ceremony where BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman took the oath as the country’s 11th Prime Minister. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to the Prime Minister, along with a cabinet consisting of 25 full ministers and 24 ministers of state.

Election Context: A Landslide Victory
The 13th National Parliamentary Election, held on February 12, saw a massive mandate for the BNP-led coalition:

BNP: 209 seats (out of 297 contested).

11-Party Alliance (led by Jamaat): 77 seats (Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats individually).

With 151 seats required for a majority, the BNP’s absolute victory has sparked nationwide celebrations among party grassroots, ending a 20-year wait for governance.

The Factors Behind the "Landslide"
Political analysts attribute this sweeping victory to several key elements:

Tarique Rahman’s Return: His homecoming after 17 years in exile and his active leadership during the campaign is cited as the most critical factor.

Sympathy & Sacrifice: The perceived persecution of millions of activists under the previous Awami League administration and the sacrifices of the late Begum Khaleda Zia.

Party Unity: A remarkably disciplined organizational structure and a clear roadmap focusing on democratic restoration, administrative reform, and economic recovery.