Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin today announced that the government has embarked on 60 landmark initiatives since February 17, marking significant progress in its first two months in office. “We all know that the current government marked the completion of two months of its tenure on Friday. I am presenting 60 of the effective steps taken by the Honorable Prime Minister in the last two months reflecting the people’s aspirations to ensure progress of the state and every citizen,” Amin stated at a press conference at the PMO.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiatives include the completion of a pilot project for distributing ‘Family Cards’ to households to empower women economically and socially. So far, 37,567 families have received these cards, with each beneficiary receiving a monthly cash assistance of Taka 2,500. Additionally, the government has launched ‘Farmer Cards’ offering 10 benefits and financial support to over 22,000 farmers in 10 districts. Furthermore, loans worth up to Taka 10,000 for nearly 1.2 million smallholder and marginal farmers have been waived.
Mahdi Amin further highlighted the government’s legislative achievements, noting that 133 ordinances were resolved in the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, with 16 ordinances, including the Human Rights Commission ordinance, set to be reintroduced as bills. Efforts have also been made to maintain fuel prices through subsidies and diplomatic measures, and a nationwide project has been launched to excavate 20,000 kilometers of water bodies.
The government has added 35 MW of electricity to the national grid via rooftop solar and net metering, aiming for 10,000 MW from renewable sources by 2030. A pilot project for fuel cards and measures to stabilize commodity prices during Ramadan have also been implemented. Monthly allowances for religious leaders and modernizing the zakat system are part of the government’s social welfare initiatives.
In international affairs, the government has introduced the “Expatriate Card” and reduced Hajj costs. Employment strategies include filling 468,220 vacant government posts and facilitating foreign investment by lifting central bank approval requirements for certain repatriations. The government is also focused on expanding labor markets in European countries.
In education and health, 100,000 health workers are set to be recruited, and admission fees waived. Unsecured bank guarantees for higher education abroad have been arranged. A five-year strategic framework aims to transform the economy into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.
Mahdi also noted Prime Minister’s personal sacrifices, such as forgoing duty-free cars and government plots, to reduce state expenditure. Initiatives like the Padma Barrage Project and efforts to combat dengue and river pollution are underway.
The spokesman emphasized that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises and building a prosperous Bangladesh. The international community has acknowledged the Prime Minister’s leadership, with congratulations pouring in from around the world.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, Speech Writer Mahfuzur Rahman, and other officials attended the briefing.