Govt marks first five months in office, claims return of stability

Highlights:

• The adviser outlines government's first 150-day achievements.
• Cites reforms in governance, economy and public services.
• Says administration prioritises accountability, welfare.
• Reiterates 'Bangladesh First' foreign policy.

The government remains committed to building an inclusive, discrimination-free and prosperous Bangladesh, said Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin today (18 July) highlighting its achievements over the first 150 days in office.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Mahdi, who also serves as the PMO spokesperson, outlined the administration's major initiatives and policy priorities during its first five months.

He said the government's performance could be grouped into five broad areas: earning public trust, implementing its election manifesto, addressing immediate challenges, safeguarding national sovereignty and freedoms, and the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Governance and economy

Highlighting governance reforms, Mahdi said the government had focused on strengthening accountability, administrative transparency, human rights and the rule of law.

He cited the speedy trial of child rape and murder cases, progress in several high-profile investigations, amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, enactment of key legislation and joint force operations to improve law and order.

On the economy, he pointed to a five-year programme to plant 25 crore trees, plans to introduce 250 electric buses in Dhaka, AI-based traffic management, an automated cargo release system at Chattogram Port, easing inflation, higher foreign exchange reserves and increased remittance inflows.

"Ministers have decided not to take duty-free vehicles or government plots as part of efforts to reduce public expenditure," he said.

Welfare and public services

Referring to the government's election pledges, Mahdi said separate cards had been introduced for farmers, women, athletes and expatriates, with plans to integrate them into a Universal Card.

He also highlighted initiatives including free education for female students up to honours level, smart classrooms, free Wi-Fi, mid-day meals, education loans for higher studies abroad, a startup fund, free dengue tests at government hospitals, recruitment of one lakh healthcare workers and plans to strengthen healthcare services at the upazila and union levels.

Immediate challenges and foreign policy

Mahdi said the government had maintained stable energy supplies despite global pressures, strengthened market monitoring to keep prices of essential commodities under control, ensured workers received wages and festival allowances before Eid, enacted an anti-gambling law, taken steps to recover laundered assets and worked to boost exports.

He also referred to progress on the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, waste-to-energy projects and efforts to reopen closed industrial units.

On foreign policy, Mahdi said the government was pursuing diplomacy based on the principle of "Bangladesh First", giving priority to national interests while expanding trade, investment and overseas employment opportunities.

Speaking about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, he said the prime minister had consistently emphasised public welfare, participatory governance and service-oriented leadership since assuming office.

"The prime minister has always believed that the aspirations and expectations of the people must be reflected in the way the state is governed. Over the past 150 days, the government has not only addressed problems but also laid a strong foundation for a discrimination-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh.

"We want to continue working with the same unwavering commitment, patriotism, and sense of responsibility in the days ahead," he added.