Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s 60 initiatives in his first two months in office are “unforgettable achievements of the government,” Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, told a press conference on Saturday.
The current government completed two months in office on Friday and has already begun implementing its election manifesto promises under the prime minister’s leadership, he said.
“The 180-day action plan adopted to change the fate of the masses is an unforgettable achievement. The prime minister has taken effective steps to ensure the progress of the state and every citizen, 60 of which are noteworthy,” Mahdi Amin said.
He noted that the country had lost faith in the government and the state system, but Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has restored that trust and confidence, brought back a transparent and accountable system, and implemented manifesto promises.
“With everyone’s collective efforts, we can build our desired Bangladesh by taking more positive initiatives, Inshallah,” he added.
The prime minister took oath on 17 February following the BNP’s absolute victory in the election.
Key initiatives
The 60 initiatives include: Family Card and Farmer Card pilot projects, loan waiver of up to Tk10,000 for 12 lakh small and marginal farmers, disposal of 133 ordinances in parliament, commitment to implement the July Charter, canal excavation, keeping commodity prices under control, providing monthly honorariums to religious leaders, and appointment of a special assistant for minority affairs.
Other measures include distribution of relief during Eid-ul-Fitr, modernisation of the zakat system, decision to launch an expatriate card, reduction of Hajj travel costs by Tk12,000 per ticket, plans to fill 4,68,220 vacant government posts, and initiatives to reopen closed government-owned factories.
On the energy front, the spokesperson highlighted measures to tackle the global fuel crisis, including increasing subsidies without raising fuel prices, purchasing from alternative sources, and setting a target of generating 10,000 MW of solar power by 2030.
Mahdi Amin also praised the prime minister’s personal austerity measures, including not using the state residence Jamuna, living in his own house, using his own vehicle and fuel at personal expense, reducing state expenditure, moving without VIP protocol, and limiting airport formalities during official visits abroad, calling them “groundbreaking steps.”
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh said the biggest achievement of the government in these 60 days is that the people have trusted Tarique Rahman and he has trusted the people.
Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said the prime minister wants good work to be done for the country, noting that aside from the global fuel crisis, the bad practices of corrupt people have comparatively decreased.
The press conference was moderated by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony and attended by other senior officials of the Prime Minister’s press wing.
