Secretariat ready to welcome new PM Tarique

Bangla Press Desk:  The Secretariat has completed preparations to welcome Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his first working day in office, enforcing multi-layered security across the compound and surrounding areas.

Authorities redecorated Building No 1 to receive the new prime minister. Workers arranged flower plants around the entrance to enhance the appearance of the premises, where he will chair cabinet meetings.Officials expect the prime minister to begin office at the Secretariat on Wednesday, while ministers will also arrive for official duties. Law enforcement agencies have tightened security in and around the complex in anticipation of their arrival.By 9am, members of the Special Security Force, President Guard Regiment, police, Rapid Action Battalion and intelligence agencies had taken positions in front of Building No 1. Authorities installed archways, restricted entry and cleared vehicles from the immediate area. Officials also placed nameplates of ministers at their respective offices in other buildings.

According to the day’s schedule, the prime minister and cabinet members will pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. He will also visit Zia Udyan to pay respects at the graves of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave his Gulshan residence at 10am for Savar. Security agencies have ensured tight security at the National Martyrs’ Memorial ahead of his visit.

He will return to the Secretariat around 1pm, offer prayers and have lunch before attending a cabinet meeting at 3pm. At 4pm, he will hold a views-exchange meeting with secretaries.

The Prime Minister’s Office said it had instructed relevant departments to complete all necessary preparations to implement the schedule.

Tarique Rahman and members of the new cabinet took oath on Tuesday.

Source: daily Sun

BP/SP