The challenges before the new government are political, economic and diplomatic, said Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today.

"These three challenges lie ahead. It is not so easy to protect Bangladesh from the repercussions of the global crisis in these three sectors," he said.

He was speaking to journalists before the new cabinet paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his portrait at Dhanmondi-32 in the capital.

"We have been able to hold a peaceful and fair election overcoming the crisis today. This has been possible for the magic touch of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he said.

"There had never been flowers on our path. We had to cross a thorny path from birth," said the AL leader.

"We got independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu and under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina, we will build Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu. The main target of the government is to implement the election manifesto of the party," he also said.