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committed and skilled people to make governance more effective, which in turn will help tackle the crises.

“There were many talented and qualified individuals the party could have used in different ministries and other areas,” he said, adding that it should have had a think tank to guide it on ongoing problems.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed insisted the government is doing its best to cope with the situation.

“Like many other countries, Bangladesh is facing challenges from the US-Israel war on Iran. Under the prime minister’s direction, we are moving forward. Prices have not increased yet, but depending on the situation ahead, decisions may be taken if needed,” he told The Daily Star.

Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said the government has already taken several steps to handle the situation, including austerity measures.

According to party insiders, the situation has been further complicated as some cabinet members are still adjusting to key ministries after a long absence from government.

“Some of our cabinet members are inexperienced, which makes it difficult to handle complex responsibilities and urgent national challenges,” said a senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that the number of experienced officials is also limited.

A minister and a state minister said separately that fulfilling the party’s election promises had become a challenge, but they insisted the promises would be kept.

The administration is also facing political pressure over the July charter and the handling of reforms and ordinances in parliament.

Apart from these external pressures, senior leaders say the party itself is facing organisational problems that require urgent attention. Since the national polls, grassroots activities have slowed in many districts due to a lack of coordination. The party needs to reorganise quickly for the local government elections, they added.

However, Salahuddin said preparations for local polls are already underway.

“Since the election, we have been busy with many issues. Step by step, we are focusing on reorganising the party and making it stronger,” he said.

“The party is also considering holding the BNP council this year. With many important issues ahead, including the budget session, decisions are being made after considering all aspects.”

Adding to internal pressure, the party has yet to finalise candidates for reserved seats for women in parliament. Party insiders acknowledged that BNP is also trying to control the activities of some members whose conduct has harmed party image.

Political analysts said the government’s ability to manage this phase depends not only on administrative performance but also on how the BNP strengthens its organisation from grassroots to national levels with capable people.

“BNP needs to give more attention to reorganising the party now,” said Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, former professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University.

“New faces are being seen in the government. The head of government probably thinks that by giving them responsibility, he can test their ability. In some cases, the results are satisfactory, but some are falling short of what is needed,” he added.