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The BNP-led government has highlighted what it described as major progress in democracy, economic management, public welfare, law and order, infrastructure and foreign policy during its first 180 days in office.
Presenting a 10-point account of the government’s performance at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, Mahdi Amin, adviser to Prime Minister Tareque Rahman and spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, said the government had focused on fulfilling its election pledges while rebuilding institutions inherited in a “deeply damaged” state.
The government assumed office on Feb 17 following the Feb 12 parliamentary election, according to Amin, who described the administration as one whose authority came directly from voters.
Amin said the government’s biggest achievement during its first six months was what he called “unprecedented” public support following years of political uncertainty.
He said the government had sought to strengthen democratic values by ensuring freedom of expression, human rights and the rule of law. He also pointed to the first session of parliament, where more than 100 ordinances were reportedly converted into laws.
The government, he said, had also begun implementing its election manifesto, drawing on the BNP’s earlier political commitments, including the 19-point programme of former president Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, the party’s 27-point reform plan and the 31-point framework agreed with its political allies.
Among the early measures, Amin cited the waiver of agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 including interest, saying nearly 1.3 million farming families had benefited.
He also highlighted proposed farmer, family and expatriate cards, employment exchanges at district level, stipends for religious leaders, and renewed canal excavation and tree-planting programmes.
Amin said the government had inherited a fragile economic structure and had started reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the financial and business sectors.
He claimed inflation had reached its lowest level in eight months and that foreign exchange reserves had increased. July, he added, recorded the country’s highest-ever monthly remittance inflow.
The government has also sought to make business easier by reducing taxes and duties where possible, expanding bonded warehouse facilities for export-oriented industries, simplifying trade and business licence renewals, and adjusting tariffs to encourage domestic production.
Amin said steps were also under way to recover money allegedly siphoned abroad through money laundering. He cited meetings with major US, Chinese and Malaysian investors as evidence of growing international confidence in Bangladesh’s investment prospects.
The government has placed considerable emphasis on health, education and social inclusion, Amin said.
He cited the release of Tk 2,000 crore to retired MPO-listed teachers as an immediate response to long-standing arrears in retirement and welfare benefits.
Plans are also under way to upgrade upazila health complexes to 100 beds, and in some cases 150 beds, while recruiting 100,000 new health workers, he said. Financial assistance for patients suffering from critical diseases has also been introduced.
In education, the government plans to introduce new subjects, expand free Wi-Fi, provide school uniforms and bags, gradually introduce school meals, and ensure free education for girls up to graduation, according to Amin.
The government has also launched youth-focused programmes covering entrepreneurship, start-ups, freelancing, skills development and innovation.
Amin claimed that law and order had stabilised significantly, with the police and administration being transformed into more public-oriented institutions.
He cited action against criminal networks, faster investigations and trials in high-profile cases, and efforts to resolve long-pending murder cases.
On infrastructure and transport, he highlighted pilot AI-based traffic management, plans for 200 electric buses in Dhaka, a dedicated pink bus service for women, and concessions for elderly and disabled passengers on trains.
The government is also pursuing the Teesta master plan and Padma Barrage project, while discussions on a Bangladesh-China economic corridor have been held, he said.
Amin acknowledged continuing gas and power pressures, attributing some of the difficulties to global conflicts and technical problems at an LNG terminal, while also blaming the previous administration for excessive dependence on imported energy.
He said the government was pursuing new investment and domestic gas exploration, including discussions with Malaysian state-owned Petronas, while also promoting solar power and renewable energy.
Tree planting, canal excavation, solar projects and three pilot SDG villages are among the initiatives being linked to the government’s broader climate and sustainable development agenda.
Amin said the government’s foreign policy was guided by the principle of “Bangladesh First”, with emphasis on equality, fairness and national dignity.
He pointed to Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s visits to China and Malaysia, saying they had opened new opportunities for trade, investment and energy cooperation.
He also portrayed the prime minister’s leadership style as distinct from traditional VIP culture, citing his visits to grassroots communities and participation in canal excavation programmes.
Acknowledging that six months was insufficient to resolve all the problems accumulated over the previous 16 years, Amin said the government remained committed to rebuilding the country through “accountability, responsibility and sincerity”.
“The government’s only source of power is the people, its source of inspiration is the people, and it is truly a government of the people,” he said.