Government on an Unending Journey to Establish Democratic Values and Good Governance

Rebuilding Bangladesh from the ruins left by 16 years of fascist rule remains an ongoing process. Although solving all the country’s problems within just six months may be difficult, one thing is now certain: under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the elected, transparent and accountable government has demonstrated the highest level of commitment and responsibility in every sector.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s distinctive and dynamic leadership, a sovereign and dignified foreign policy, recommendations to increase the basic salaries of government employees by up to 100 percent in two phases, unprecedented public support, strong democratic values, implementation of electoral pledges, inclusive development, efforts to improve the lives of people from all professions and social classes, plans to establish a Public Administration Reform Commission soon, financial-sector reforms, stability in law and order, establishment of justice, infrastructure development, environmental protection and sustainable development- all demonstrate that the current BNP government continues its unending journey toward strengthening democratic values and good governance, said Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.

After a long wait, the 13th National Parliamentary Election took place on February 12 in a free, fair and neutral manner, ensuring the people’s right to choose their representatives. The truly representative government took oath on February 17. Its first 180 days have directly reflected its accountability, transparency and responsibility to the people.

On Monday, the Prime Minister’s Office organised a discussion at the ‘Shapla’ Hall of the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon Office to mark the government’s first six months, or 180 days, in office. The meeting presented detailed information on the government’s overall activities, major achievements and development plans for the future.

Referring to the unprecedented public support for the government, which emerged from the Anti-Discrimination Movement and the 15-year-long struggle against fascism, Mahdi Amin said the people’s participation in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s historic return to the country, the huge public gathering at the funeral of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and various post-election programmes proved that the people of Bangladesh remain the sole source of the government’s power. He said the government began implementing its programmes immediately after the election in line with its electoral manifesto, the 19-point programme of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia’s ‘Vision 2030’, BNP’s 27-point programme and the 31-point framework of the simultaneous movement.

At the first Cabinet meeting, the government waived loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, for 1.3 million farming families. It also introduced the ‘Krishak Card’ for farmers, the ‘Family Card’ for women and the ‘Probashi Card’ for expatriate Bangladeshis. The government also revived canal excavation and tree-planting programmes across the country and recently released Tk 2,000 crore to clear outstanding payments owed to retired MPO-listed teachers. Mahdi Amin said Parliament converted a record number of ordinances into laws and banned an authoritarian political organisation through the amended anti-terrorism ordinance.

The government has introduced new subjects into the education curriculum and taken initiatives to provide free education for girls up to the undergraduate level. It has also introduced midday meals in primary schools, free Wi-Fi facilities and opportunities for students to attend parliamentary proceedings. In addition, the government has organised sports and innovation competitions. The government has also taken initiatives to introduce 200 electric buses in Dhaka and launch an AI-based traffic management system.

Highlighting the government’s firm position on improving law and order, the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said the government had established a police and administrative system free from political harassment. The United States has upgraded Bangladesh to Level 2 in its travel advisory. The government has also made visible progress in several widely discussed cases and continues the legal process for Sheikh Hasina’s return.

Regarding the energy crisis, Mahdi Amin said the government had held discussions with leading companies from Malaysia, China and the United States to address the situation. He said the government was following a dignified and balanced foreign policy based on the principle of “Bangladesh First”.

Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government continues to work tirelessly to build a prosperous, self-reliant, humane, secure and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

The government has recommended increasing the basic salaries of government employees from the first to the 20th grades by up to 100 percent. It plans to implement the increase in two phases. Under the proposal, employees may receive the increased basic salary in the first year, while higher house rent and other allowances may take effect in the second year. All members of the Secretary Committee have signed the final report.

Unprecedented Public Support

The government considers the unprecedented and unwavering public support it has received over the past six months as its biggest and most notable achievement. After years of political deadlock following the voterless election of 2014, the midnight election of 2018 and the so-called dummy election of 2024, the people finally received the opportunity to freely vote for their preferred parties and candidates. 

The government’s greatest distinction, according to Mahdi Amin, lies in its commitment to turning the electoral manifesto into action rather than leaving its promises as mere words. The government continues to work relentlessly to fulfil each commitment made in the manifesto.