The BNP-led government completed two months in office on Friday, during which it says it has begun implementing several pre-election pledges and taken 60 measures aimed at public welfare.
The initiatives were highlighted at a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday afternoon, organized to mark the government’s two-month tenure.
At the briefing titled “60 notable steps by the Prime Minister in two months of the government—an unforgettable achievement,” Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin said: “Yesterday marked two months since the democratically elected government, led by Tarique Rahman, took oath following a public mandate. Overcoming a decade and a half of authoritarian rule, Tarique Rahman has provided firm and courageous leadership in advancing the nation towards securing the rights of the people. His return home after prolonged exile is a historic event not only for Bangladesh but also in global politics. The landslide victory in the February 12 election has been described by local and international media and observers as a resurgence of democracy and a reflection of the people’s aspirations.”
He added that progress in implementing the government’s commitments within two months had drawn attention at home and abroad.
“The current government has completed two months in office. Within this short time, it has begun implementing its election manifesto commitments. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the government has undertaken an unprecedented drive at a rapid pace. The 180-day action plan covering all sectors and aimed at transforming people’s lives is a remarkable achievement. Reflecting public aspirations, the Prime Minister has taken a range of effective steps to ensure progress for the state and every citizen—60 of which are being presented today,” he said.
The measures outlined at the briefing include the roll-out of a Family Card pilot project covering 37,567 families aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, and the introduction of a Farmer Card offering ten benefits and financial support, with over 22,000 farmers in 10 districts already receiving it.
Other initiatives include waiver of loans, including interest, up to Tk 10,000 for around 12 lakh small and marginal farmers; disposal of 133 ordinances in the first session of the 13th Parliament, with some to be reintroduced as bills after review; and a plan to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and water bodies across 54 districts.
The government has also kept fuel prices stable despite global energy pressures, added 35MW to the national grid through rooftop solar and net metering, and set a target of 10,000MW renewable energy by 2030. A pilot Fuel Card scheme has been launched.
Other steps include efforts to stabilise essential commodity prices, including during Ramadan; monthly allowances for religious leaders across mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries and churches; and distribution of relief and gifts during Eid-ul-Fitr, along with initiatives to modernise the zakat system.
Additional measures announced include plans to introduce a Probashi Card for expatriates; a reduction of Hajj travel costs by Tk 12,000 per ticket and introduction of the Nusuk Hajj Card; a plan to fill 468,220 vacant government posts; steps to reopen state-owned factories; and measures to strengthen the economy, attract investment and work towards a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.
The government also outlined initiatives to expand overseas employment, reopen the Malaysian labour market, recruit 100,000 healthcare workers—80 percent of them women—and abolish re-admission fees in schools while increasing scholarships.
Education-related measures include free school uniforms, shoes and bags for primary students, as well as the launch of sports allowances and talent development programmes.
Environmental initiatives include a plantation drive targeting 25 crore trees over five years and long-term climate and coastal protection plans. Other steps include digitalisation of land services, online tax systems, environmental and health reforms, transport initiatives including electric buses and women-friendly transport services, and law and order measures including anti-extortion drives and dengue prevention campaigns.
The briefing also highlighted steps to strengthen foreign relations, economic diplomacy and efforts to repatriate laundered funds.
The spokesperson added that ensuring protection of human rights in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a key commitment of the BNP’s manifesto, and said the government’s record in safeguarding human rights over the past two months has met public expectations.
