The Secretariat is set to receive Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

The Secretariat has finalised preparations to receive Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his first working day in office, with multi-layered security put in place across the compound and surrounding areas.

Building No 1 has been redecorated to welcome the new prime minister. Flower plants have been arranged at the entrance to enhance the premises, where he is expected to chair cabinet meetings. Officials said he will begin work at the Secretariat on Wednesday, while ministers are also scheduled to assume their duties.

Law enforcement agencies have tightened security in and around the complex ahead of their arrival. By 9:00am, 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 security archways, restricted entry and cleared vehicles from nearby areas. Nameplates of ministers have also been placed at their respective offices in other buildings.

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

The prime minister is scheduled to leave his Gulshan residence at 10:00am for Savar. Security measures have been reinforced at the memorial ahead of his visit.

He is expected to return to the Secretariat around 1:00pm, offer prayers and have lunch before chairing a cabinet meeting at 3:00pm. At 4:00pm, he will hold a views-exchange meeting with secretaries.

The Prime Minister’s Office said relevant departments have been instructed to complete all necessary preparations in line with the schedule.

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