PM Tarique begins work at PMO

Tarique Rahman began work at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon for the first time on Saturday, formally commencing his official duties from the office following his swearing-in.
Although it was a public holiday, the Prime Minister arrived at the Tejgaon PMO at 10:10am.
He was received by Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, PMO officials said.
Before entering the main building, the prime minister exchanged greetings with officials and staff members, including several who had served during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Employees lined up to welcome him.
At one point, PM Tarique noticed a staff member from a distance, called him by name and invited him forward. The employee crossed the security cordon, shook hands with the prime minister, and spoke briefly with him about his family. 
The prime minister also addressed several other employees by name, according to Ruman.
The additional press secretary said the employees were visibly emotional, while other officials and staff were surprised by the prime minister’s warmth and personal manner.
Defence Adviser AKM Shamsul Islam and other senior officials were present during the visit.
During the programme, the prime minister planted a Swarnachampa sapling on the PMO premises and offered prayers to express gratitude upon assuming office.
PMO sources said the first meeting held at the Tejgaon office in the afternoon focused on strengthening religious and social harmony. Ministers, state ministers and senior officials attended the meeting at the Cabinet Conference Room, chaired by the prime minister.
A second meeting later in the day discussed the establishment of a positive and career-oriented education system, job creation, and the expansion of sports infrastructure and training facilities. PM Tarique also presided over that meeting.
This was the prime minister’s second cabinet meeting since taking the oath of office on 17 February. The first was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on 18 February.
Speaking to journalists, Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh said Saturday marked the prime minister’s third working day and that several directives had been issued to implement election pledges.
Later, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin told reporters at the PMO gate that the government had decided to provide monthly honorariums and festival allowances to khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier in the day.
Mahdi said the prime minister reviewed one of the government’s key election commitments to support religious leaders through financial assistance.
“In today’s meeting, a decision was taken that, God willing, preparations will begin in phases before Eid to provide honorariums to respected khatibs, imams and muezzins in selected areas,” he said.
He added that the amount of the honorarium has not yet been fixed and would be finalised following an inter-ministerial meeting.
State Minister for Local Government and Cooperatives Shahe Alam was present during the briefing.
Mahdi Amin also said another major election pledge of the BNP was the creation of employment opportunities across the country based on merit and without discrimination.
He said the cabinet meeting discussed ways to develop skilled and qualified manpower for government and private-sector jobs, entrepreneurship and overseas employment.
“Discussions also focused on necessary reforms to the education system so that our workforce can become more efficient, employable and business-oriented,” he added.
He further said detailed discussions were held on sending skilled manpower abroad through coordination with Bangladeshi missions overseas and foreign embassies in Bangladesh, with relevant ministers and secretaries offering their views.
During the briefing, the adviser also highlighted the prime minister’s first visit to the Tejgaon PMO and the day’s programme.
Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present.

PM unveils stamps marking Mother Language Day
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday unveiled commemorative postage stamps marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day.
The stamps were released in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and ministry adviser Rehan Asif Asad were present at the event.
Also present were Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Public Administration Ministry adviser Ismail Zabiullah, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and other senior officials.