Govt bolstering all state bodies to ensure accountability: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday said his government has taken decisive steps to reinforce the country’s constitutional institutions to ensure accountability, transparency and the effective functioning of democratic governance.

Addressing a programme at Bogura District Court premises marking the launch of an electronic bail bond (e-bail bond) system in seven districts – including Jhenaidah, Jashore, Magura, Rajshahi, Natore and Kushtia – he said the measures form part of a broader effort to build a resilient state structure and safeguard citizens’ rights.

The prime minister, also chairman of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said the country has moved beyond years of authoritarian rule to restore people’s voting rights and establish an accountable government through direct voting.

He said ensuring justice, institutional independence and citizens’ rights remain the government’s top priority.

“The demand of the time is to ensure that no dictator or fascist can ever establish autocracy in the country, stanching people’s rights. With that aim, we are working to strengthen constitutional institutions to ensure democratic accountability,” he said.

He stressed that coordination among the judiciary, executive and legislature is vital for protecting democratic rights, adding that judges play a key role in ensuring justice.

Tarique said judicial independence had been undermined through the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, later restored by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, but subsequently made partisan during the previous regime.

He said the country emerged from a “rule of darkness” through a mass uprising in 2024 and that his government was committed to establishing the rule of law.

“Courts are not places for harassment, but safe spaces for justice. If this perception is established, society will be free from mob violence,” he said.

The government aims to build a judicial system that is transparent, independent and free from corruption, he said, adding that the e-bail bond system is part of that effort.

Previously, securing bail involved at least 13 procedural steps involving lawyers, court staff, magistrates, police and prison officials. Under the new system, a judge will verify bail orders online and send them directly to prison authorities, enabling immediate release.

The system will be integrated with police CDMS, court case management systems and national ID verification, as part of plans to digitise the entire judiciary.

He also called for a shift in public mindset, saying the government envisions a country where there is no distinction in justice between the prime minister, ministers, police and ordinary citizens.

“Access to justice is not a matter of mercy; it is a constitutional right,” he said.

The prime minister noted that around 30% of prisoners remain incarcerated due to inability to afford legal representation and directed the law minister to address the issue.

The prime minister formally declared Bogura the country’s 13th city corporation, fulfilling a long-standing public demand.

He unveiled the plaque at the municipal building and urged residents to work collectively to develop the city.

“This was a long-cherished demand. Now Bogura must be reshaped as a model city, which requires joint efforts,” he said.

Tarique inaugurated the excavation work of a canal at Bagbari of Gabtoli upazila, his ancestral home district Bogura.

The prime minister inaugurated the excavation work of Chaukirdah canal in Nashipur area of Bagbari by cutting soil with a spade around 3:45pm.

Local Lawmaker Morshed Milton, Bogura Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Toufikur Rahman and Central Krishak Dal Senior Vice-President Md Helaluzzaman Talukder, among others, were present on this occasion. 

Tarique also distributed Family Card among 911 people at a programme held at Shaheed Zia Degree College ground in the Bagbari area of Gabtoli.

The anthem of the party - ‘Prothom Bangladesh Amar, Shesh Bangladesh’ was played while Tarique and his wife Zubaida Rahman, stood up and joined the singing.

During the programme, Tarique also announced that Shaheed Zia Degree College will be nationalised within a few days.

“I came to the college after two decades and I have been planning for the last 10 years to distribute the family cards among my mothers and sisters’. Today, I was able to come to my village and hand over the family cards,” he said.

The prime minister rolled out the Family Card distribution programme in Dhaka on 10 March as part of fulfilling the BNP government’s election pledge to improve the people’s living standard through women’s empowerment.

Under a pilot scheme, the Family Card will be given to 37,567 female-headed families in 14 upazilas by June and each family will receive Tk 2,500 per month.

Tarique inaugurated an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign at Ziaur Rahman Gram Hospital at Bagbari of Gabtoli upazila, accompanying his wife Zubaida.

While addressing the event, the prime minister termed the vaccination programme as one of the government’s most successful initiatives to protect child health nationwide.

“Every child must be brought under the vaccination coverage and field workers must be vigilant to ensure that no child is left out,” he said during the programme attended by locals, parents, health workers and political leaders and activists.

Tarique also unveiled the plaque of the newly constructed District Bar Association building on the district court premises.

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Morshed Milton, MP and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at that time.

Tarique returned to his ancestral home for the first time since 2006 and it is his first visit to his own district after assuming office as the prime minister following his party’s victory in the 13th national election held on 12 February.

News of Tarique’s first visit to Bogura since becoming prime minister has filled the district with a festive and spring-like atmosphere.

Numerous arches were erected and colorful gates installed at key points across the district town, which was further adorned with placards, banners and posters ahead of the prime minister’s arrival.

Different socio-cultural organisations arranged different programmes, including musical events at different places to mark the day with joy and happiness.    

The visit was seen as a new beginning of development in Bogura, which has been deprived of progress for a long period due to political ground.

The prime minister, addressing a mammoth rally at Altafunnesa Playground in Jaleshwaritola area of Bogura town, said that there would be no hide-and-seek game over the reform issue as the government will do everything transparently.

The interim government has formed a reform commission and BNP placed its proposal considering the people’s welfare, he said.   

“There will be differences of opinion in democracy, but our aim will focus on development. There is no chance to play a hide-and-seek game. We will do everything transparently,” said the prime minister.

Citing the dilapidated condition in many sectors, he said health, education, banking and communication were pushed to the verge of absolute collapse during the 16 years of misrule when a looting spree was on in the name of a mega project.

He said his party made several commitments before the national election and has now started the gradual implementation.