BNP Government’s First 100 Days: A Mix of Hope and Disappointment
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Following the February 2026 national election, in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured an overwhelming majority and formed the government, a wave of new expectations emerged. After years of political deadlock, protests, and uncertainty, people largely hoped for change, stability, and economic relief from the new administration. After taking the oath as prime minister on 17 February, Tarique Rahman began his tenure with promises of “people-friendly governance” and reforms. However, as the government completes its first 100 days, a more nuanced picture has emerged—one that reflects achievements alongside notable limitations, where hope is accompanied by shades of disappointment.
According to the government, within this short period the administration has moved forward with several important initiatives. As part of its election pledges, priority has been given to programs such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, canal excavation projects, strengthening social safety nets, and agricultural support schemes. Ensuring a peaceful environment for workers in industrial areas during Eid and initiating steps toward economic reconstruction have also been highlighted as government achievements.
Last Monday, the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and adviser Mahdi Amin outlined the government’s first 100 days of activities, stating that after prolonged political instability and movements, the new government has embarked on a democratic journey. According to him, a significant portion of cabinet decisions has already been implemented, and the process of returning state assets for public welfare has begun.
However, alongside these accounts of progress, another side of reality has become increasingly evident—one where public suffering, dissatisfaction, and anxiety are more pronounced.
Soon after the government took office, instability in the energy market emerged due to the war situation in the Middle East. Fuel supply shortages, long queues at petrol pumps, and market uncertainty created pressure on the public. The impact spread from rising transportation costs to increases in the prices of daily necessities.
At the same time, a new concern surfaced with the outbreak of measles. From March onward, rising infections across the country placed additional strain on the health sector. Reports of thousands of infected children and a growing number of deaths have caused widespread anxiety. Health experts point to long-standing weaknesses in the vaccination system, lack of administrative coordination, and the effects of prolonged political instability as factors that have complicated the situation. Although the government has launched emergency vaccination drives, experts believe it will take time to achieve the desired results.
The political situation remains fully unstable. Various forces that emerged in the post-July uprising political reality are still active. Pressure continues, particularly regarding the implementation of the government's reform promises, administrative restructuring, and maintaining a political balance. Varied political realities are constantly forcing the government to act with calculation.
The most criticism is being directed toward the law and order situation. There is widespread public discussion regarding an increase in allegations of theft, mugging, occupation, and extortion across various regions. The expectation of the general public was that the security situation would visibly improve along with the political change. However, a perception has developed across different layers of society that this change is not yet distinct.
In the economic sphere as well, the government is facing harsh realities. The government must balance its path amid the pressure of foreign debt, global market volatility, and a fragile economic structure. Although there has been policy progress in some areas, the reflection of relief in the lives of ordinary people remains limited. The soaring prices of daily commodities have created additional pressure on the lives of the lower and middle classes.
Therefore, the 100-day assessment is not one-sided. On one hand, there are messages of change, some visible initiatives, and administrative activity; on the other hand, public suffering, political pressure, a health crisis, and anxiety over law and order persist. The public's expectation was for rapid change, but reality indicates that overcoming long-standing crises is time-consuming.
