Tarique urges ministers to work above influence and nepotism

He also issues directives to take measures to ensure that the prices of daily essentials remain stable during Ramadan

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed his cabinet ministers to carry out their duties with absolute integrity, rising above any form of personal influence or nepotism.

Emphasising a "firm stance" against corruption, he also ordered immediate measures to keep the prices of daily essentials stable during Ramadan.

These directives were issued on Wednesday during the first cabinet meeting at the Secretariat.

The details of the meeting were shared with the media by Nurul Hoque, state minister for the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

"The prime minister reminded us that given the immense public mandate this government holds, the people expect good governance and accountability,” he said. “He directed those of us in charge of different ministries to work beyond the reach of influence or favouritism.

“Specifically, he demanded a robust position against corruption."

Nurul said Ramadan begins tomorrow and, with that in mind, the prime minister has instructed that commodity prices be kept stable.

“He [Tarique Rahman] said electricity supply during Sehri, Iftar and Taraweeh must remain uninterrupted, law and order must remain normal, and the government’s commitments – such as family, farmer and health cards -- should see some immediate visible progress.”