Three elements are essential for the development of a nation: first, the institutionalisation of democratic politics; second, sound economic management; and third, an effective foreign policy. If these three areas are managed correctly, a country moves forward.

However, the current government inherited a fragile situation in all three spheres. Bangladesh was adrift due to a shattered economy, divided politics, and a misguided foreign policy when the current BNP-led government took charge under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Starting a task from scratch still allows for progress, but beginning from a negative point requires first returning to zero before moving forward. BNP started its journey from a negative state, primarily due to one and a half years of misrule under Dr Muhammad Yunus. During this time, Yunus ruined the country’s economy, deliberately polarised politics, and led foreign policy astray. Bringing Bangladesh back on track from this state is a tough challenge. The BNP must overcome this situation to restore normal rhythm to the country.

The task is difficult and cannot be solved overnight. Conversely, allowing this situation to persist for too long will create a negative mindset among the public. Therefore, the government must take swift action.

Looking at the performance of the past six months, one thing is clear: there is no lack of sincerity on the government’s part. The government is trying. However, work on the ground is not reflecting the direction set by the top leadership. Executive orders are not being implemented at the field level, posing the biggest challenge for the current administration. If plans and directives are not executed properly, the country will fail to turn around. Invisible obstacles appear to hinder the implementation of specific programs across every sector. Decisions are stalling in both administrative and local spheres. The government must quickly identify the reasons behind these delays and take decisive action; otherwise, the general public will perceive a disconnect between words and deeds.

If we look at economic recovery first, the reflection of the government’s initiatives is noticeably missing. To revitalise the economy, the government announced four priority areas:

Reopening Closed Factories: Restarting idle manufacturing units.

Securing Energy Supply: Ensuring uninterrupted gas and electricity to keep factories running.

Financial Support for the Private Sector: Assisting private businesses with financial incentives.

Withdrawing Harassing Cases: Dropping false and retaliatory cases filed against businessmen and industrialists during the Yunus administration.

The government diagnosed the problem correctly and prescribed the right remedies. However, those responsible for administering the treatment are failing to do so, offering various excuses instead. Consequently, conditions are not improving.

Accomplishing these four major goals will set the country’s economic trajectory on a positive path. Upon taking power, the BNP government issued specific directives on these matters. The head of government formulated individual plans for each area and ordered their implementation. Yet, execution is hampered by complexities and a lack of interest at the ground level.

The Prime Minister issued at least eight executive directives to reopen closed factories, including a specific plan announced on May 1st. Why have these factories not reopened despite explicit instructions? It is necessary to identify who is disobeying or failing to execute top-level commands. Those delaying or obstructing implementation must be singled out immediately and replaced with capable individuals. Identifying people who slow down operations with excuses is the first step toward achieving planned outcomes.The government must ensure that field-level execution follows orders without delay or pretext. As the late President Ziaur Rahman said, “We need less talk and more work.” Today, Bangladesh needs dedicated workers more than talkers. Without efficient and responsible personnel in the field, implementing well-thought-out plans remains difficult.

Yunus left the country’s politics intentionally divided. By creating the “July Charter,” he built a maze that makes political unity difficult to achieve. Falling into this trap, political parties now face off against one another, taking their struggles from parliament to the streets. Amid attacks and counter-attacks, parties are reverting to an old political culture.

The BNP aims to change this trend by introducing a new political dynamic. The Prime Minister has signaled courtesy and goodwill through restrained and measured language. However, do local grassroots workers and central leadership embody the political culture practiced by the party chairman and Prime Minister? Political analysts note that some BNP leaders still practice politics in the old style, giving opportunities to the opposition.

Recently, the opposition conducted a long-march program, and the ruling BNP did not obstruct it—a rare gesture in Bangladesh’s political history. As a result, the opposition could not generate heat on the streets. However, overzealous members of the ruling party occasionally cause political tension. At this juncture, Bangladesh cannot bear the burden of political unrest or violence. Street agitation will worsen the economy and overall stability. Therefore, tolerance and healthy political practices must be adopted at all levels, and this must happen quickly.

Bangladesh’s foreign policy is similarly stuck in an undercurrent of indecision. Questions surrounding the future of Bangladesh-India relations, the nature of economic ties with China, and relations with Middle Eastern nations remain vague and unclear within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Is the foreign policy operating in line with the “Bangladesh First” policy announced by the Prime Minister? These questions are coming to the fore once again, highlighting the need for a clear framework detailing the country’s foreign policy direction.

Six months have passed under this government. The general public is burdened with various problems and seeks relief. People no longer want promises; they want to see visible results.