Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson and Adviser to the Prime Minister (with the rank of state minister) Mahdi Amin on Saturday said the trust and confidence of the people are the greatest strengths of any government, adding that public support and constructive feedback will continue to inspire the administration in the days ahead.
He made the remarks at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office, marking the BNP government's first five months in office.
At the beginning of the press conference, Mahdi Amin paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the July-August 2024 student-led mass movement. He described July 18 as a "bloody chapter" in Bangladesh's history and said the sacrifice of students and ordinary citizens paved the way for a mass uprising, which was followed by the formation of a democratically elected government. He also prayed for the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The spokesperson said the government has completed 150 days in office, describing the period as a continuous test of accountability and an opportunity to fulfill its commitments to the people. Since assuming office, he said, the administration has prioritized transparency, good governance, public welfare and meeting public expectations.
According to Mahdi, the government's achievements over the past five months fall into five broad areas: earning public trust, implementing election pledges, addressing immediate national challenges, safeguarding citizens' freedoms and Bangladesh's sovereignty, and demonstrating the Prime Minister's leadership.
He said the government has taken steps to rebuild democratic institutions, strengthen accountability in public administration, uphold the rule of law and restore economic stability. He also highlighted progress in ensuring speedy trials, arresting long-absconding suspects, enacting key legislation and improving law and order.
On the implementation of the ruling party's election manifesto, Mahdi said the government waived agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, including interest, for 1.2 million farmers within its first week in office. He also cited the continuation of rice sales at Tk15 per kilogram for 5.5 million low-income families, the introduction of special identity cards for women, farmers, athletes and expatriates, and plans for a universal citizen card. He added that easier access to credit is being expanded for women and young entrepreneurs.
The government is also planning to issue official identity cards to 200,000 professional freelancers, he said. Other initiatives include free education for female students up to the undergraduate level, smart classrooms, free Wi-Fi in educational institutions, school meal programmes, curriculum reforms, higher salaries for teachers and student loan facilities for higher education abroad.
Referring to the recent floods, Mahdi said the government has prioritized relief, rehabilitation, emergency food and cash assistance, and support for affected farmers, fishermen and women entrepreneurs.
On foreign policy, he said the government is pursuing a balanced diplomatic approach based on the principle of "Bangladesh First." He highlighted the Prime Minister's recent visits to Malaysia and China, saying they resulted in agreements on investment, labour market expansion, trade and infrastructure development.
He also referred to the reopening of Indian visa services, stronger economic engagement with Middle Eastern and European countries, and efforts to expand international partnerships while safeguarding Bangladesh's national interests.
Highlighting the Prime Minister's leadership style, Mahdi said he has moved away from traditional VIP culture by maintaining direct communication with citizens, visiting disaster-hit areas, reducing official protocol, prohibiting the use of his personal photographs at government events, and allowing schoolchildren to observe parliamentary proceedings.
Concluding the briefing, Mahdi said the government's achievements over the past five months were made possible by the people's unwavering trust and support.
"We will continue to work with patriotism, responsibility and commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people. We will work, we will build the nation—Bangladesh First," he said.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, Speech Writer Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Press Secretaries Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud) and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, and Assistant Press Secretaries Asrofa Emdad, KM Nazmul Haque and Gazi Shahriar Pamy were present at the press conference.
The BNP government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office on February 17 after securing a landslide victory in the February 12 general election. The press conference marked the completion of the administration's first five months in office.