Govt shows transparency: Mahdi  

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, people’s power was established through a free, fair and impartial parliamentary election on February 12, and a genuinely people’s government took office on February 17. In its 180-day journey, this government has shown accountability, transparency and responsibility to the people," he said.

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

The PMO spokesperson said the government is enjoying unprecedented public support after a 15-year-long struggle against discrimination and fascism.

He said 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 showed the strong public support for the BNP government.

Highlighting the implementation of the BNP's election manifesto and welfare programmes, Mahdi Amin said the government started implementing its election pledges immediately after the election.

He said the manifesto was prepared by incorporating the 19-point programme of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia's Vision 2030, the BNP's 27-point programme and its 31-point agenda.

At the first cabinet meeting, the government decided to waive bank loans and interest of up to Tk 10,000 for 13 lakh farmers, he said.

The government has also introduced the Krishak Card for farmers, Family Card for women and Probashi Card for expatriate Bangladeshis to provide financial and other facilities, Mahdi Amin said.
Honorariums for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths have also been introduced, he said.

He said several welfare-oriented programmes have been taken, while canal excavation and tree plantation programmes are being carried out across the country.

Referring to measures taken during the last Ramadan and Eid, Mahdi Amin said the prices of essential commodities remained under control as the government took action against artificial syndicates.

The government also ensured timely payment of salaries and bonuses to workers in mills and factories, he said.

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

Mahdi Amin said a record number of ordinances issued by the previous interim government had been turned into laws in Parliament. A fascist political organisation has also been banned under the amended anti-terrorism ordinance, he said.

In the education sector, new subjects have been added to the curriculum, while free education up to graduation has been introduced for girls.

Midday meals and free Wi-Fi facilities have also been introduced in primary schools, he said.

The PMO spokesperson said opportunities had been created for students to directly witness parliamentary proceedings. Various sports events and cultural competitions have also been arranged for students.

He said initiatives had been taken to introduce 200 electric buses and an AI-based traffic management system in Dhaka.

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

He said the United States upgrading Bangladesh to Level 2 in its travel advisory reflected visible progress in this area.

Progress has also been made in several widely discussed cases, while legal proceedings to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India are underway, he said.