Govt marks two months in office, highlights 60 key initiatives
Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, outlined the government’s achievements and future plans. He said a 180-day priority action plan has already been adopted to implement the election manifesto.
The BNP government today (18 April) completed two months in office and unveiled a list of 60 major initiatives taken during this period to advance state reform, public welfare, and inclusive development.
Besides, a 180-day priority action plan has been adopted to implement the election manifesto, said Mahdi Amin, spokesperson to the Prime Minister's Office, at a press conference at the PMO in Tejgaon of the capital.
He read out the written statement before the media and outlined the government's achievements and plans in various sectors.
Agriculture, social protection
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Under a pilot scheme to empower women, 37,567 families have received "Family Cards" providing Tk2,500 monthly.
A "Farmer's Card" programme covering 22,000 farmers in 10 districts has also been introduced, while loans of up to Tk10,000 for nearly 12 lakh small and marginal farmers have been waived with interest, Mahdi said.
Parliament, legal reform
For the first time in parliamentary practice, 133 ordinances were settled in the first session. Sixteen of these, including those related to enforced disappearances and human rights, will be reviewed further and tabled as bills, he said.
Energy, environment, infrastructure
Fuel prices have been kept stable through subsidies despite global pressures. Rooftop solar has added 35 megawatts to the national grid, with a target of 10,000MW by 2030. A pilot "Fuel Card" system has also been launched. Excavation of 20,000km of canals and water bodies has begun in 54 districts, the spokesperson said.
Religious, social services
Monthly allowances for 4,908 imams, muezzins, and clerics of other faiths have been introduced. Hajj expenses have been cut by Tk12,000 per ticket, alongside the introduction of a "Nusuk Hajj" card, he read out.
Employment, industry
A five-year plan has been adopted to fill 468,220 vacant government posts. Initiatives are underway to reopen closed sugar, silk, and jute mills, and to build innovation ecosystems linking universities with economic zones and hi-tech parks, he said.
Economy
The government has set a target of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 and raising GDP growth to 8% by 2030. Payment of workers' wages and bonuses ahead of Eid was ensured, said Mahdi who holds the rank of a state minister.
Labour market, migration
Malaysia's labour market has been reopened, while new bilateral agreements have been signed with eight countries, including seven in Europe, he said.
Technology, healthcare
Steps are underway to introduce PayPal and other payment gateways. The government has announced recruitment of 100,000 healthcare workers, 80% of them women, and plans to roll out e-health cards, the spokesperson continued.
Education, sports
Re-admission fees have been scrapped and scholarships have also been doubled. Students seeking higher education abroad can now access bank guarantees of up to Tk10 lakh without collateral. Sports have been made compulsory from class four, and recruitment of sports teachers at the upazila level is planned, he said.
Governance, austerity
The prime minister has opted to use his private residence instead of a state residence and is covering travel expenses personally, the statement said. Protocol measures have been reduced, and ministers and MPs have declined duty-free cars and government plots.
Public health, law enforcement
A national cleanliness drive has been launched to combat dengue, while vaccination campaigns for measles have resumed. Measures have been taken against extortion and to promote a more citizen-friendly police force.
Transport, urban services
Electric buses and women-only "pink bus" services have been introduced in Dhaka. Laws have been amended to impose stricter penalties on river encroachment.
Media, connectivity
The government pledged to ensure freedom of speech and media. Free internet services are being introduced at major airports, on trains, and in thousands of educational institutions.
Diplomacy, justice
Efforts are underway to strengthen economic diplomacy, improve relations with neighbouring countries, and recover laundered money through legal cooperation with 10 countries.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and other officials of the press wing were present at the press conference.
