The BNP-led government has completed 100 days in office, focusing on policy setting, administrative planning, and public welfare initiatives, particularly in social protection.
Key measures in the first 100 days include the launch of Family Card and Farmer Card programs, stipends for religious leaders, free uniforms for primary students, and nationwide canal re-excavation and water management initiatives. The government also focused on job creation, SME support, expanded social safety nets, and higher spending on health and education.
It has additionally pursued administrative reforms, anti-corruption steps, investment promotion, export expansion, infrastructure development, and efforts to strengthen international economic cooperation.
The first 100 days have also been marked by significant challenges, including energy and electricity shortages affecting industry and daily life, pressure in the banking sector from rising non-performing loans and foreign exchange constraints, and persistent inflation driving up essential commodity prices. Public health concerns, including measles outbreaks and child deaths, have further tested the system.
Additional issues include law and order concerns, allegations of extortion and land grabbing, instability in higher education institutions, labour unrest, and political pressure both inside and outside parliament, alongside heightened public expectations following the change in government.
According to political analysts, the government has managed to send a positive signal by initiating the implementation of some electoral promises within the first 100 days. However, bringing visible and sustainable change in key sectors such as the economy, law and order, public health, and administrative reform will require further time. As a result, beyond achievements, the government’s ability to address these challenges will be the key benchmark for public and political evaluation in the coming months.
Social, economic safety initiatives
Agricultural loan waiver: To ease financial pressure on small and marginal farmers, the government has fully waived agricultural loans up to Tk10,000, including interest. According to the government’s election manifesto and cabinet decisions, around 13,17,498 farmers engaged in crop production, fisheries, and livestock sectors have been brought under this facility. The waiver covers both principal and interest across 15 state-owned and private commercial banks.
Farmer and family cards: As part of its social protection and agricultural policy, the BNP government has introduced separate Family Cards and Smart Farmer Cards for poor households and farmers. Under the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Family Card program provides selected low-income families with either Tk2,500 per month or equivalent food assistance. Meanwhile, the Smart Farmer Card under the Ministry of Agriculture serves as a digital identity card enabling landless and marginal farmers to receive Tk2,500 worth of fertilizer, seeds, and agricultural inputs directly without intermediaries. Both programs were launched on a pilot basis in March and April 2026.
Special assistance cards: To improve the professionalism and living standards of athletes, selected sportspersons are receiving a monthly stipend of Tk100,000. Along with this, digital sports cards and health insurance facilities have been introduced. Currently, 300 athletes are benefiting from this program, and the list will be updated every four months based on performance.
In addition, a pilot program has been launched to ensure financial security for imams and muezzins. Under this initiative, each selected mosque receives a monthly allocation of Tk10,000, distributed as Tk5,000 for the imam, Tk3,000 for the muezzin, and Tk2,000 for the caretaker. A total of 4,908 mosques across unions and municipalities have been included in the initial list. Similar stipends have also been arranged for priests and representatives of other religious institutions to promote secular harmony.
Canal excavation program: To modernize agriculture, improve irrigation facilities, and address waterlogging, the government has launched a nationwide river, canal, and waterbody excavation and re-excavation program. Inspired by former President Ziaur Rahman’s 1977 canal-digging initiative, the current project is being implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The program was formally inaugurated on March 16 in Kaharolupazila of Dinajpur. A five-year plan has been adopted to re-excavate around 20,000 kilometers of canals and water bodies across the country with joint efforts from the ministries of water resources, agriculture, and local government.
Key challenges
Energy crisis: Due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Iran–Israel conflict, the global energy crisis has become a major challenge for the newly elected government. Soon after assuming office in February 2026, the government faced pressure from rising global prices of oil and LNG imports. Despite pre-election promises to maintain stable fuel prices, the government was forced to increase fuel prices from April 18 due to soaring international costs, marking its first major political setback.
Power sector crisis: The energy shortage has placed unprecedented pressure on the power sector. The central bank has struggled to supply dollars for importing coal and LNG, forcing the government to pay large capacity charges to idle power plants. As a result, frequent load shedding has affected daily life and industrial production. Subsidy cuts in the power sector, as required by IMF conditions, have further complicated the situation.
Law and order, mob violence: One of the biggest concerns during the government’s first 100 days has been the law and order situation and the control of mob culture. Incidents of robbery, extortion, and organized crime have created public concern in different parts of the country, including the capital. The government claims it is strengthening law enforcement, conducting special operations, and taking action against those involved in mob violence.
Measles-related child deaths: The most alarming situation has been the outbreak of measles and child deaths. According to the latest DGHS data, at least 555 children have died since March 15, 2026. Experts blame the lack of proper treatment and coordination. However, the government claims the previous interim administration failed to take adequate measures. Critics view this as an attempt to shift responsibility. An additional Tk600 crore has been allocated for vaccine procurement, yet child deaths continue to rise, further raising concerns.
What the govt says
The government says that despite 17 years of economic and administrative instability, it has begun laying the groundwork for fulfilling electoral commitments within 100 days through expanded social safety nets, new agriculture and education initiatives, anti-corruption steps, investment promotion, and public welfare programmes. It also says work is underway to curb inflation, stabilize energy and power supply, create jobs, and strengthen administrative accountability.
At a 100-day briefing, PMO adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the government had “set an example of humane and people-centered politics,” claiming that after years of misrule and a democratic struggle, the country has moved past a deep crisis under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin further added: “Government initiatives in social security, agriculture, education, health, employment, economy, technology, and infrastructure have created new hope among the people. In its first month in office, the government strengthened women-focused social protection through the Family Card program. Monthly stipends for imams, muezzins, khatibs, and other religious leaders have been initiated as per electoral commitments. Additional charges on prepaid electricity meters have also been withdrawn.”
He said: “The canal excavation program is expected to bring long-term positive changes in agriculture, irrigation, and water management. In addition, initiatives for the Padma Barrage project have been taken to improve agriculture, water, and environmental management in the southwest region.”
State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul told Dhaka Tribune that social safety has been a top priority from the beginning.
“We have taken steps to ensure transparency in stipend distribution so that real beneficiaries receive support. Assistance programs for the poor, elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities have been expanded, and new beneficiaries are being included,” she said.
She added: “Through the Family Card and other social assistance programs, we are trying to bring some relief to low-income people. Field administration has been strengthened to ensure services reach local levels. We want no citizen to be deprived of basic services, especially women and children in education and healthcare.”
The state minister further said: “Challenges exist, but we are acknowledging them and working step by step toward solutions. We are digitizing and building databases for social safety programs to reduce irregularities and waste. Our goal is not only to provide assistance but also to create a sustainable path toward self-reliance for low-income people.”