Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's advisor and Prime Minister's office spokesperson commented that the government elected by the people has set a unique example of humanitarian and people-oriented politics in the last 100 days. Mahdi Amin.
He said, “After a long period of misrule, the bloody July uprising and the democratic march of 16 years of sacrifice and struggle, under the visionary and people-friendly leadership of Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, the country has overcome a deep crisis and ensured the empowerment of the people.”
Mahdi Amin said these things at a press conference on the occasion of the government's '100 day anniversary' at the 'Karbi' hall of the Prime Minister's Tejgaon office on Monday (May 25) afternoon. The press conference was organized by the Prime Minister's Press Wing.
Mahdi Amin said, “In the first 100 days, the government elected by the people's vote has returned the looted state ownership to the people; the institutional structure of democracy is being strengthened. The visible steps taken by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman have changed the fate of the people.”
He also said, “BNP won an absolute majority in the 13th National Assembly elections held on February 12 this year and BNP Chairman Tariq Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17.”
“From the first day of government formation, quick, visible and effective steps have been taken to implement priority-based election promises. For this purpose, each ministry has been instructed to formulate a thematic and sector-wise 180-day action plan,” he added.
The advisor to the Prime Minister said, “Initiatives taken by the government in various sectors including social security, agriculture, education, health, employment, economy, technology and infrastructure have spread new hope among the people of the country.”
Pointing out that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman has taken quick, visible and effective steps to implement priority election promises, Mahdi Amin said, “In the first month of assuming office, the government has strengthened women-centric social security programs by launching 'Family Card'. As per the election promises, payment programs for imams, muezzins, khatibs and other religious leaders have been started. Besides, the additional monthly charges of prepaid electricity meters have been withdrawn.”
He said, “Agri-loans up to Tk 10,000 with interest have been waived off for small farmers, which was decided in the first cabinet meeting of the government. Agriculture management has been brought under the digital framework with the introduction of 'Krishak Card'.”
Mahdi Amin said that the possibility of long-term positive changes in agriculture, irrigation and water management has been created through the implementation of the canal digging program across the country, “Also, initiatives have been taken to implement the Padma Barrage project to create opportunities in agriculture, water and environmental management in the southwestern region.”
Stating that the government is working to ensure 'maximum freedom' for the media and journalists, this spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office said, “However, the politics of propaganda, hatred or vitriol in the name of freedom of speech is in conflict with the desire of a popular uprising.”
He said, “A total of 10 cabinet meetings were held from February 17 to May 24. 60 important decisions were taken in these meetings. Out of these, 37 decisions have been implemented and the remaining decisions are in the process of implementation.”
He also said, “The government has taken effective initiatives to ensure payment of salaries, allowances and Eid bonuses to workers before Eid. Continuous coordination has been done with banks, employers, labor organizations and related stakeholders.”
Meanwhile, referring to the launch of special trains and special boat services to ensure smooth Eid travel, he said, “Separate compartments have been kept in trains to ensure safe travel of women and special monitoring cells have been formed seven days before Eid.”
He added, “Removal of sacrificial animal waste within eight hours, ensuring fair price of hides and proper storage of necessary instructions have been given. Besides, it has been possible to reduce the air fare of pilgrims. Besides, preparations have been started for the implementation of economic corridor from Teknaf to Tentulia.”
He also said that the work of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing with the aim of opening it by December 16.
Highlighting the government's various initiatives in the health sector, Mahdi Amin said, “About 100 percent of children have been covered by measles vaccination and maternity leave has been increased. Besides, initiatives have been taken to ensure allocation of 5 percent of GDP to the health sector in phases.”
Referring to the government's position in the case of Shishu Ramisa at the press conference, he said, “Prime Minister, Home Minister and Law Minister have visited the family members' homes and expressed their condolences and assured speedy justice. A charge sheet has already been filed in this case. Maximum justice will be ensured as soon as possible.”
He said, “An accused for raping a 9-year-old child in Meherpur has been sentenced to death within 29 working days, which is a rare precedent in ensuring speedy justice.”
Highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the Prime Minister, Mahdi Amin said, “Now the victims do not go to the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister is reaching the door of the people. He is listening to the people, standing by their side in their suffering and extending a hand of courage and compassion.”
He said, “An initiative has been taken to add the words 'except Israel' to the Bangladeshi passport again. At the same time, a goal has been set to make Bangladesh a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. The immovable assets of the S Alam Group have been seized. Besides, agreements have been signed with some countries to bring money smuggled abroad.”
Last month saw the highest remittances in the history of the country and the monthly remittances sent by expatriates reached about 3.75 billion dollars. Initiatives have also been taken to launch Pravasi card, he said.
He said, “The Prime Minister is proving himself not as a distant powerful person, but as a representative of the people and a common man of the society.”
At the beginning of the press conference, Mahdi Amin gave advance wishes for the holy Eid-ul-Azha and after the written speech, he answered various questions from the journalists.
Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Prime Minister's Speech Writer SAM Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Roni, Mostafa Zulfiqar Hasan, Md. Sujauddaula (Sujan Mahmud), Shahadat Hussain Swadhin and other members of the press wing.
