Prime Minister's Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday said the government is working relentlessly to fulfil the commitments it made before the election, adding that programmes such as family cards, agriculture cards and health cards are being implemented without any shortcomings and are under regular monitoring.
He made the remarks at a discussion held at the Dhakeshwari National Temple to mark the 45th death anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been consistently working to implement his election pledges, including introducing family, agriculture and health cards, while personally monitoring their implementation.
Referring to national identity, Rizvi said describing oneself as "Bangladeshi" carries a unique sense of belonging because it represents a sovereign nation with its own flag, map, national anthem and language.
He said people from all communities stood together during the July movement, noting that Muslims, Hindus and Christians alike were among those who lost their lives.
"Today people from all communities and ethnic groups have gathered here under one banner. We hope no one will be able to break this sense of brotherhood among us. We will work together, rebuild together and resist any threat together to protect our independent identity," he said.
Highlighting measures included in the national budget, Rizvi said individuals with an annual income of up to Tk400,000 will not have to pay income tax.
He also said the government's initial proposal to impose VAT on small neighbourhood grocery shops was withdrawn after objections, including from BNP leaders, arguing that poor shopkeepers should not bear such a burden.
Rizvi further said the price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been reduced by Tk357, demonstrating the government's commitment to easing public suffering.
At the same time, he urged the government to improve the education sector, expressing concern that nearly one-third of students registered for this year's Higher Secondary Certificate examinations were unable to sit for the tests.
He said the Education Ministry should investigate why so many students dropped out, adding that ensuring students remain in education is a key responsibility of a democratic and accountable government.