Govt working relentlessly to establish democratic values, good governance: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said the BNP government is working relentlessly to establish democratic values and good governance in the country.

“After a long wait, the people’s power was established through a free, fair and impartial parliamentary election on 12 February, installing a genuinely people’s government today (17 February).

In its 180 day journey this government has translated its accountability, transparency and responsibility to the people,” he said.

Mahdi Amin made the remarks while presenting details of the government’s overall activities, major achievements and future development plans at a special views exchange meeting at PMO in Tejgaon today marking the completion of six months of the present government in office.

The PMO spokesperson said the government is enjoying unprecedented public support, which was constituted through a 15 year long struggle against discrimination and fascism.

“The historic homecoming of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the huge crowd at the funeral of Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia, and people’s participation in post-election programmes manifested that the BNP government firmly stands on huge public support,” he said.

Highlighting various aspects of implementation of the election manifesto of BNP and welfare-oriented initiatives, Mahdi said immediately after the election the government began implementation of the electoral pledges which was drawn accommodating the 19-point programme of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, BNP’s 27-point programme and 31-point agenda of BNP.

He said in the first cabinet meeting, bank loans 13 lakh farmers up to Taka 10,000 and its interest were waived.

Besides, the government has introduced the ‘krishak card’ for farmers, ‘family card’ for women and ‘probashi card’ for expatriate Bangladeshis to provide them with financial and other facilities.

Honorarium for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths has also been introduced very quickly, Mahdi Amin said.

Apart from taking a number of welfare oriented programmes, Mahdi Amin, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said, canal excavation and tree plantation programmes are going on successfully across the country. 

Referring to measures taken during last Ramadan and Eid, the PMO spokesperson said prices of essentials was under control as the government took measures against artificial syndicates and ensured timely payment of the salaries and bonuses of the workers in mills and factories.

He also said that Taka 2,000 crore had recently been disbursed to clear outstanding dues of retired MPO-listed teachers.

Mahdi Amin said a record number of ordinances promulgated by the last interim government were made into laws in parliament and fascist political organization has been banned under the amended anti-terrorism ordinance.

In the education sector, Mahdi Amin said, new subjects were incorporated in the curriculum, free education up to graduation has been introduced for girls, and mid-day meals and free Wi-Fi facilities has been introduced in primary schools. 

The PMO spokesperson mentioned that opportunities were created for students to witness parliament proceedings directly while various sports events and cultural competitions are were arranged for them.

He said initiatives were taken to introduce 200 electric buses and an AI-based traffic management system in the capital city Dhaka.

Highlighting the government’s tough stance on law and order, Mahdi Amin said a police and administration system free from political harassment had been established.

The United States had upgraded Bangladesh’s position at Level 2 in its travel advisory manifested visible progress in this area.

Progress has also been made in several widely discussed cases while the legal process for bringing back Sheikh Hasina from India is underway.

Regarding the energy crisis, Mahdi Amin said discussions are underway with leading companies of Malaysia, China and the United States to resolve the situation.

He said the government is pursuing a dignified and balanced foreign policy based on the principle of Bangladesh First.

The PMO spokesperson expressed hope that the government would continue working tirelessly under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a prosperous, self-reliant, humane, secure and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly presided over the meeting while Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman delivered the welcome address. Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony moderated the meeting.

Prime Minister’s advisers Nazrul Islam Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Ismail Zabihullah, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman also spoke at the meeting.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Affairs SM Ziauddin Hyder, SDG Chief Coordinator Professor SM Abdul Awal and members of the Press Wing were also present.