Govt has brought visible changes in first 100 days: PMO

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has claimed that Bangladesh has witnessed rapid, visible, and positive changes during the first 100 days of the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which assumed office with what it described as an overwhelming public mandate.

The remarks were made on Monday during a press conference marking the government’s first 100 days in office by PMO spokesperson and Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin.

Mahdi said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working from day one to implement electoral promises on a priority basis since taking oath on 17 February.

He said the prime minister has moved away from “VIP culture” and adopted a people-oriented style of governance.

“Previously, victims had to wait for months outside Ganabhaban to meet the prime minister. Now, the prime minister himself is reaching out to the people,” he said.

He cited the prime minister’s open question-and-answer session with students at the University of Dhaka and his interaction with children after stopping his convoy on the road as examples of “humane and public-oriented politics.”

The spokesperson said the government has taken measures to restore people’s rights and send a strong message against corruption.

According to him, authorities have already seized assets worth Tk4,264 crore belonging to the controversial S Alam Group. He also said Bangladesh signed “historic agreements” with three out of ten countries to facilitate the repatriation of money allegedly laundered abroad.

Mahdi further said the phrase “Except Israel,” which had been removed during the previous administration, is being reinstated on Bangladeshi passports “in line with national values and interests.”

The government has also set a target to transform Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, he added.

Highlighting achievements during the first 100 days, the spokesperson said the government introduced a women-centered “Family Card” programme within the first month of taking office.

He added that agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 for small farmers have been waived, including interest. The government is also planning to introduce a subsidised “LPG Card” to reduce cooking costs for households.

Mahdi said the historic canal excavation programme initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman has been revived to boost the rural economy.

He also announced plans to launch employment exchanges across the country and provide state-recognized identity cards to nearly 200,000 freelancers.

The government has initiated the use of artificial intelligence in traffic management for the first time in the country’s history, the spokesperson said.

As part of the “Green and Clean Dhaka” master plan, authorities plan to introduce 250 electric buses to reduce pollution in the capital.

He also said work is progressing rapidly to inaugurate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by 16 December.

Remembering those killed during the student-led mass uprising, Mahdi said parliament has passed the “July Fighters Immunity Act” to provide legal protection to participants in the movement.

More than 100 injured activists from the movement have been sent to Russia and Singapore for advanced medical treatment, he added.

Referring to judicial reforms, he said a court in Meherpur sentenced a rape convict to death within just 29 working days in the case involving the rape of a nine-year-old child, calling it a rare example of swift justice.

Speaking about the recently concluded first session of the 12th parliament, Mahdi said a record 94 bills were passed within a short period.

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He also praised Tarique for sitting in the third row of general seats in parliament instead of crossing the floor, describing it as a “rare demonstration of respect for parliamentary traditions.”

Quoting the prime minister, Mahdi concluded the press conference by saying: “We will work, we will build the nation. Bangladesh comes first.”

He said the government remains committed to building a dignified and self-reliant state by utilising the collective efforts of the country’s 20 crore people.

Other members of the Prime Minister’s Press Wing were also present at the press conference.