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Seven ministers, including those in charge of home, education, power and energy, and road transport, gave presentations on the activities of their ministries in the last three months.

During the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said there would be no place for extortion or drugs in the country.

Strict action will be taken against anyone involved, whether inside or outside the party. No one will be spared even if the person belongs to the ruling party, he said at a meeting.

Tarique supported the statement and called for a strict stance against all crimes. He also asked the authorities to take steps to stop gambling.

In the education ministry’s presentation, it was said that mistakes in the curriculum were being removed and corrected.

Tarique said the education programmes should be designed in a way that enables people to earn a livelihood after completing their studies.

The meeting was also informed about decisions to introduce tabs for teachers and mid-day meals for students.

Tarique directed the authorities to take action against those involved in providing low-quality food under the mid-day meal programme.

During the meeting, the dengue situation was also discussed. Tarique asked the authorities to take necessary measures so that dengue does not have a major impact.

The meeting was informed that five agreements had been signed with China. These include the construction of five 1,000-bed hospitals, one of which will be built in Nilphamari. Tarique directed that one of the hospitals be built for women and children.

In the transport sector presentation, it was said that travel during the two Eid festivals was smooth. Road and bridge construction work is also ongoing.

The meeting also discussed the Padma Barrage and the Teesta Barrage. It was said that the projects, if implemented, would help address water-related problems.

On power and energy, the meeting was told that electricity prices had not increased for 66 percent of consumers. Those using up to 75 units of electricity will not face a price hike.

The decision on power prices was taken after considering people’s overall situation. However, they said there was no alternative to raising prices due to the sector’s financial pressure. Around Tk 1 lakh crore will have to be provided as subsidy, the meeting was told.

In the law ministry’s presentation, progress in the Ramisa murder case was discussed. It was said that the verdict in the case would be delivered soon.

The meeting was also informed that progress in the Tanu murder case was satisfactory.

The law minister raised the issue of character assassination, false information and propaganda on social media. The meeting discussed ways to address such trends.

Talking to the reporters, Nurul said the meeting also discussed the economic situation.

“The government started its journey with a deficit of Tk 30 lakh crore. Despite such a large deficit, the government has managed the situation and moved forward. This was presented as a success of the government,” he said.

On the resignation of Dipen Dewan as the minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, the chief whip said that any minister in a parliamentary system may resign at any time, especially due to failure, illness, corruption or any act inconsistent with parliamentary norms.

“The minister concerned has said he resigned for health reasons. If there is any other reason, we will inform you,” he added.