Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, announcing that detailed monthly reports of its activities will be presented to the nation. He made the statement during a press briefing marking the one-month anniversary of the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Swapon also urged citizens to refrain from hoarding fuel or creating artificial shortages. He assured that the government has taken all necessary measures to maintain a stable energy supply and has no plans to raise fuel prices.
The minister outlined a series of initiatives launched in the government’s first month to enhance public welfare and social security. A pilot project for the Family Card programme has been initiated to support low-income households. Measures are also underway to waive interest on agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for marginal farmers. In addition, smart Farmer Cards will provide direct access to fertiliser, seeds, and financial assistance.
Swapon noted that stipends for imams and muazzins have been introduced, while canal dredging and other infrastructure projects are ongoing. He urged the media to provide constructive criticism to help identify government shortcomings.
Addressing another issue, the minister stated that July 2020 election fighters will receive collective indemnity through legislation to be passed in the upcoming parliamentary session.
The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Farmer Card programme on Pohela Boishakh, starting in Tangail, with 21,000 cards to be issued initially. Swapon also confirmed the abolition of VIP protocol for the Prime Minister and stated that parliamentarians will no longer receive duty-free vehicles or plots.
On public health, recruitment of 100,000 health workers—80 percent women—is underway, with plans to issue e-health cards. The minister emphasised that timely payment of salaries and bonuses in the garments sector before Eid ensured no labour unrest, supported by a Tk 2,500 crore allocation. Steps have also been taken to curb extortion and close illegal shops.
Swapon said Shahjalal Airport’s third terminal will open soon, and free internet service is being extended to major airports nationwide. He added that over 400 Bangladeshi expatriates stranded in Iran due to regional conflicts were repatriated at government expense. He criticised past administrations for failing to develop domestic gas production.
The minister concluded by urging citizens to remain calm and avoid purchasing excess fuel unnecessarily, reiterating that the government is ensuring uninterrupted energy supply.
