Government spokesperson highlights public welfare initiatives in first 100 days

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

Prime Minister’s advisor and spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, has said that the government, elected by the people’s vote, has been able to gain public trust by implementing visible and welfare-oriented initiatives in various sectors within the first 100 days of taking office. He claimed that after a long period of political instability and crisis, the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to establish a new trend of democracy and public engagement.

He made these remarks at a press conference held on Monday afternoon in the ‘Korobi’ hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The Prime Minister’s Press Wing organized the press conference marking the completion of 100 days of the government.

Mahdi Amin said that since forming the government, each ministry has been instructed to prepare a 180-day action plan to implement election pledges. He also noted that initiatives in social security, agriculture, health, education, technology, and infrastructure have created new hope among people.

He informed that the “Family Card” program has been introduced to strengthen women-centered social protection. In addition, initiatives have been taken to provide honorariums for imams, muazzins, khatibs, and other religious figures. Extra charges on prepaid electricity meters have also been withdrawn.

Regarding agriculture, the spokesperson said that agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka for small farmers have been waived along with interest. At the same time, the “Farmer Card” has been introduced to bring agricultural management under a digital system. He also mentioned canal excavation programs and preparations for the implementation of the Padma Barrage project in the southwestern region.

On media freedom, Mahdi Amin said the government is committed to ensuring freedom of journalists and media. However, he urged caution so that hate speech or propaganda is not spread in the name of freedom of expression.

He further stated that between February 17 and May 24, a total of 60 decisions were taken in 10 cabinet meetings, of which 37 have been implemented and the rest are ongoing.

Regarding Eid, he said the government is coordinating with various parties to ensure timely payment of salaries, wages, and bonuses for workers. Special trains and river services have been launched to ensure smooth Eid travel, along with separate compartments for women in trains and monitoring cells.

On the health sector, Mahdi Amin said that vaccines for measles have been brought in and almost 100 percent of children have been brought under vaccination coverage. He also mentioned initiatives to extend maternity leave and ensure 5 percent GDP allocation for the health sector.

The press conference also highlighted examples from the law and justice system. Rapid submission of charge sheets in the Pallabi child murder case and a quick death sentence in the Meherpur child rape case were cited as examples of swift justice.

On economy and remittances, the spokesperson said that agreements have been signed with various countries to bring back smuggled money abroad. He also said that the highest remittance in the country’s history has been recorded, reaching about 3.75 billion US dollars monthly. A “Migrant Card” initiative has also been introduced.

He further informed that nearly 200,000 freelancers are being issued state identity cards, and a special fund of 60,000 crore taka has been formed to restart closed industries and create employment.

The press conference was attended by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, Speechwriter S A M Mahfuzur Rahman, and other officials of the Press Wing.