Mahdi Amin
Government on an ‘Endless Path’ to establish democracy and good governance
File Photo
Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, has claimed that the current BNP government is on an endless path toward establishing democratic values and good governance.
He said, “After a long wait, the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12 ensured the people’s power in a free, fair and impartial manner. This truly representative government of the people took oath on February 17. The government’s 180 day journey is a direct reflection of accountability, transparency and responsibility toward the people.”
He made the remarks at an exchange meeting held at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon Office at noon Monday, marking six months since the government assumed office.
Referring to the unprecedented public support for the government formed through the Anti-Discrimination Movement and the continuation of a 15 year bloody struggle against fascism, Mahdi Amin said, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s historic return home, the huge turnout at the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia, the Leader of the Nation, and public participation in various programs after the election prove that the only source of the government’s power is the people of this country.”
Highlighting various aspects of the implementation of the government’s manifesto and public welfare initiatives, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said, “Immediately after the election, implementation of programs began based on the government’s election manifesto, the 19 point program of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia’s ‘Vision 2030,’ the BNP’s 27 point program and the 31 point program of the simultaneous movement. At the very first Cabinet meeting, loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, were waived for 1.3 million farming families.
“In addition, the ‘Farmer Card’ for farmers, the ‘Family Card’ for women, the ‘Expatriate Card’ for expatriates, honorarium allowances for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders, as well as canal excavation and tree planting programs across the country have been revived,” he added.
Mentioning measures to control commodity prices by preventing artificial syndicates during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid and to ensure workers’ salaries and bonuses, he said, “Recently, Tk 2,000 crore has been released to pay outstanding dues to retired MPO teachers.”
Mahdi Amin said, “A record number of ordinances have been converted into laws in Parliament, and an authoritarian political organization has been banned through the amended Anti-Terrorism Ordinance. New subjects have been included in the education curriculum, free education has been introduced for girls through the undergraduate level, and midday meals and free WiFi facilities have been introduced in primary schools. Opportunities have also been created for students to attend Parliament, along with sports and innovation competitions. In addition, initiatives have been taken to launch 200 electric buses and an AI traffic system in Dhaka.”
Highlighting the government’s tough stance on improving the law and order situation, the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said, “A police and administration system free from political harassment has been established. The United States has upgraded Bangladesh to Level 2 of its travel advisory. The legal process for Sheikh Hasina’s return is ongoing, along with visible progress in several widely discussed cases.”
Referring to discussions with leading companies from Malaysia, China and the United States to resolve the energy crisis, Mahdi Amin said, “A dignified and balanced foreign policy is being pursued based on the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy.”
Mahdi Amin also expressed his expectation that the government would continue working tirelessly under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a prosperous, self reliant, humane, safe and welfare oriented Bangladesh.
The meeting was organized by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing and chaired by Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli. Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon delivered the welcome address.
The meeting was moderated by Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Zahidul Islam Rony. Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Agriculture Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Industries Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabiullah, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, and Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Zahid Ur Rahman also spoke at the meeting.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health SM Ziauddin Haider, Chief Coordinator for SDGs Professor SM Abdul Awal, and members of the Press Wing were also present.
