Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin has described the prime minister’s “28 steps in 28 days” as an unprecedented course of action.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday from his verified account, Mahdi highlighted the government’s achievements during its first month in office.
“Today is March 17. Exactly one month ago, the BNP formed the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, elected by the people. In just 28 days, he has worked tirelessly at every moment of running the state to fulfill electoral commitments. These steps are not merely administrative actions; they are a clear reflection of accountability to the people,” he said.
He added: “These initiatives have illuminated every sphere of social protection, economy, administration, education, health, security, and state values.”
The 28 steps, as outlined in Mahdi Amin’s post, include:
Social protection and humanitarian assistance
- Family card program: 37,567 families received family cards with Tk 2,500 monthly support each. Implemented in 21 days, demonstrating the government’s humanitarian priority.
- Honorarium for religious workers: Monthly stipends for imams and muezzins of 4,908 mosques, priests of 990 temples, heads of 144 Buddhist monasteries, and priests/pastors of 396 churches.
- Eid relief and gifts: Sarees, three-piece outfits, and haji towels for poor constituents; Eid gifts for all sanitation workers.
- Institutional zakat system: Initiative to channel zakat to the poor and support welfare programs following consultations with religious scholars.
Agriculture and rural economy
- Farmer cards and loan waivers: About 27,000 farmers received long-awaited farmer cards; loans up to Tk 10,000 waived for nearly 1.2 million small and marginal farmers.
- Nationwide canal excavation program: 20,000 kilometers of canals and water bodies to be excavated; projects started in 54 districts to improve irrigation, reduce waterlogging, and create jobs.
Administrative reform and good governance
- Weekly office and office hours: Prime minister working Saturdays; officials required to be present by 9am.
- Reduction of VVIP protocol: Prime minister’s ordinary movements prompted traffic management changes; public encouraged to follow traffic laws.
- Limited airport formalities: Presence restricted to a senior minister, chief whip, cabinet secretary, and principal secretary to the prime minister.
- Cancellation of MPs’ special privileges: Duty-free cars and government plots no longer accepted, reducing state expenditure and restoring public trust.
Economy and market stability
- Market monitoring and fuel stability: Measures to prevent price hikes during Ramadan and Eid; spot LNG purchases to maintain electricity supply amid global fuel volatility.
- Easing foreign investment: Prior central bank approval removed for repatriation of foreign investment up to Tk 100 million.
- Ensuring workers’ wages and bonuses: Timely payment of overdue wages and Eid bonuses; Tk 2,500 crore allocated for export-oriented industries including garments.
- Revival of sick and closed industries: Gradual reopening of state-owned factories to boost employment.
- Local initiatives and job creation: Lists of underused economic zones, EPZs, BSCIC areas, high-tech parks, and industry clusters prepared; ecosystems initiated with local universities and potential businesses.
Education and human resource development
- Cancellation of re-admission fees and lottery: Annual re-admission fees eliminated; modern admission tests or interviews introduced; teachers’ benefits increased.
- Support for higher education abroad: Up to Tk10 lakh collateral-free bank guarantee with state funding.
- Recruitment of religious teachers: 9,000 teachers hired to strengthen moral and religious education.
- Sports development and Notun Kuri program: School fields open for children; new initiatives in culture, sports, and Quran recitation;
- Sports teachers appointed at upazila level.
Health and public welfare
- E-health cards and medical centers: E-health cards launched; recruitment of 100,000 health workers, 80% women.
- Dengue prevention campaign: Weekly national cleanliness drives coordinated with local administration and communities.
Law and order and security
- Action against extortion: Swift action by intelligence and law enforcement agencies; maintaining law and order is top priority.
- Women’s safety and pink buses: Fully women-operated pink buses launched; cyberbullying prevention measures.
State Discipline and values
- Limiting state iftar and saving electricity: Half fans and ACs used in government offices; iftar limited to prevent waste.
25. Eviction of illegal shops: Cox’s Bazar Sugandha Sea Beach cleared of illegal shops after 20 years; coordinated efforts nationwide.
26. Martyred Army Day: February 25 declared and observed as National Martyred Army Day; emphasis on transparent Pilkhana killings trial.
27. Third terminal of Dhaka airport: Rapid launch initiative via high-level meetings, multiparty discussions, and strategy.
28. Free internet at airports and trains: Free Wi-Fi at Shahjalal, Shah Amanat, and MAG Osmani airports; inaugurated at Saidpur airport.
Mahdi concluded: “The measures taken in the first 28 days reflect Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s firm leadership, tireless work, and accountability to the people. His leadership embraces the hopes and aspirations of ordinary citizens, turning dreams into reality. This unprecedented journey will prepare the next generation for the country’s future, Insha’Allah. That is why he says, ‘Together we will work, build the country, Bangladesh first for all.’”
Mahdi Amin, among the prime minister’s advisers with the rank of state minister, oversees the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
