The BNP government has been on a “relentless journey” to consolidate democratic values, ensure good governance and fulfil its election pledges during its first 180 days in office, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin said Monday.
Speaking at an exchange of views with journalists marking 180 days of the government, he highlighted a series of welfare, economic, administrative and institutional initiatives taken during this period.
Mahdi said the government’s journey, guided by the principle of “Bangladesh First,” has focused on accountability, transparency and people’s welfare, with Allah’s blessings, as it works to build a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.
The exchange of views was held to mark 180 days of the government at the International Conference Centre “Shapla” at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
The Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson elaborately presented statistics on the government’s activities and achievements over the past 180 days as well as future plans.
He said the people’s power was ensured through the free, fair and neutral 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 after a long wait, and the representative government took the oath on February 17.
“The government’s 180-day journey is a direct reflection of accountability, transparency and responsibility to the people,” Mahdi said.
He said the government, formed through the continuation of the anti-discrimination movement and a 15-year-long struggle against fascism, received unprecedented public support.
Outlining various initiatives taken to implement the government’s election manifesto and welfare programmes, Mahdi said implementation began immediately after the election in line with the manifesto, the 19-point programme of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, the BNP’s 27-point programme and the joint movement’s 31-point programme.
At its first cabinet meeting, the government waived loans including interest of up to Tk10,000 for 1.3 million farming families, he said.
The adviser said the government has also introduced the “Krishak Card” for farmers and “Family Card” for women, while initiatives for a “Probashi Card”, honorariums for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths, as well as nationwide canal excavation and tree plantation programmes, had been revived.
Referring to measures taken during Ramadan and Eid, Mahdi said the government has worked to prevent artificial syndicates and keep commodity prices under control while ensuring workers’ salaries and bonuses.
He also said Tk2,000 crore has recently been released to clear outstanding dues of retired MPO-listed teachers.
In the education sector, the adviser said a record number of ordinances have been converted into laws in parliament and a revised anti-terrorism ordinance has been used to ban a “fascist political organisation”.
The government also introduced new subjects into the education curriculum, provided free education for girls up to graduation, launched mid-day meals in primary schools and taken initiatives to provide free Wi-Fi facilities and opportunities for students to attend parliament, besides organising sports and innovation competitions, he said.
Mahdi said initiatives have also been taken to introduce 200 electric buses in Dhaka and an AI-based traffic management system.
Highlighting the government’s tough stance on law and order, the PMO spokesperson said steps have been taken to establish a police and administration free from political harassment.
He also said the United States has raised its travel advisory for Bangladesh to Level 2 and that visible progress has been made in several widely discussed cases, while legal procedures concerning the repatriation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina are continuing.
