Dhaka: The government has laid a strong foundation for building a democratic, discrimination-free, and prosperous Bangladesh during its first 150 days in office by restoring public confidence, rebuilding institutions, stabilizing the economy, and delivering on key election pledges, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Saturday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, addressing a press conference at the PMO to mark the government’s first five months in office, Amin noted that the administration, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, achieved “multi-dimensional and unprecedented successes” despite inheriting a devastated economy, weakened institutions, and a dysfunctional governance system. “The government’s achievements over the past five months have opened a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history and paved the way for building a humane, discrimination-free, secure, merit-based, prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh,” Mahdi stated.
The PMO spokesperson highlighted the government’s achievements grouped into five areas: earning people’s trust, protecting societal interests, addressing immediate challenges, safeguarding sovereignty and democratic freedoms, and providing statesmanlike leadership. He emphasized measures to control inflation, restore financial discipline, recover laundered money, and ensure transparent development project implementation to reinforce good governance.
Mahdi also underscored ongoing efforts to rehabilitate flood victims and rebuild the health and education sectors, which were severely damaged over the previous 17 years. Among major achievements, he cited the swift disposal of high-profile criminal cases, including the Ramisa rape and murder case verdict within 19 days, and another child rape case in Meherpur within 29 working days.
Courts delivered verdicts in 10 death reference and appeal cases under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act within a month on a priority basis. Law enforcement agencies arrested Mozaffar Hossain, a convicted killer in the assassination case of former President Ziaur Rahman, after he had remained absconding for 45 years. Mahdi added that initiatives have been taken to bring back other fugitives, including former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, through Interpol.
Parliament passed 94 reform-related bills within its first 25 working days, transforming ordinances promulgated by the interim government into law. Legislation relating to the July-August mass uprising and counter-terrorism has also been enacted. Economic indicators highlighted by Mahdi include inflation falling to 8.71 percent and foreign exchange reserves standing at US$36.58 billion. Remittance inflows have reached record levels, including US$3.75 billion in March, reflecting growing confidence among overseas Bangladeshis.
The government withdrew monthly charges on prepaid electricity meters to provide relief to consumers and announced plans to upgrade upazila hospitals to 101-bed facilities while establishing primary healthcare units in every union and urban ward. Plans are also in place to expand ICU services, pathology facilities, and emergency care at upazila hospitals while launching door-to-door health screening programs.
Mahdi announced a nationwide program to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years and introduce 250 environment-friendly electric buses in Dhaka. Additionally, AI-based traffic management in key areas of the capital and automated cargo release at Chattogram Port are being implemented, alongside plans to relocate four inter-district bus terminals outside Dhaka to ease traffic congestion.
The rollout of Family Cards, Farmers’ Cards, and Sports Cards marks the beginning of election pledge implementation, with a pilot Probashi Card program to be launched soon. The government declared 2026-27 as the Nazrul Year, banned the use of the Prime Minister’s photographs on government banners, expanded scholarships for students, and introduced several education and youth-focused initiatives.
Mahdi emphasized strengthening the Armed Forces, noting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s regular attendance at military exercises and efforts to boost morale. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s leadership style as people-centered, rejecting a lavish lifestyle and excessive protocol. “He has shown through his actions that he represents people of every profession, religion, ethnicity, and community. He is truly the Prime Minister of the people,” Mahdi asserted.
The spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Initiatives to improve education and social welfare include free education for female students up to honors level, free school uniforms, and environmentally friendly jute school bags for disadvantaged students. Expansion of smart classrooms, free Wi-Fi in educational institutions, nutritious mid-day meals, and new textbooks focusing on sports, culture, vocational education, and joyful learning by 2027 are also planned.
A Tk 500 crore startup fund for young entrepreneurs, plans for sports villages in all 64 districts, and support for students seeking higher education abroad through bank-backed education loans were announced. Reviewing the government’s response to immediate challenges, Mahdi highlighted effective market monitoring during Ramadan and Eid, preventing illegal cattle imports during Eid-ul-Azha, and unveiling a Tk 9.38 lakh crore national budget based on a “Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction (3R)” strategy.
The government established a Tk 40,000 crore bank recapitalization fund, initiated efforts to reopen closed industries, passed the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, and intensified efforts to recover assets allegedly laundered abroad. On foreign policy, a balanced diplomatic approach centered on “Bangladesh First” was adopted, restoring Bangladesh’s international standing. Prime Minister’s visits to Malaysia and China strengthened bilateral ties and attracted investment commitments.
India resumed visa services for Bangladeshi citizens following diplomatic engagement, while the government restored the “Except Israel” endorsement on Bangladeshi passports. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership style was described as people-centered, breaking with traditional VIP culture, and interacting directly with citizens during district visits. The Prime Minister prohibited personal photographs on government banners, encouraged children to visit Parliament, expanded scholarships, and promoted sports, innovation competitions, and education programs.
The government’s disaster response during recent floods was cited, with relief, rehabilitation, and financial support provided promptly to affected families, farmers, women entrepreneurs, and fishermen. Mahdi concluded by emphasizing that governance must reflect people’s aspirations, characterizing the first five months as laying the foundation for “a democratic, humane, discrimination-free, and prosperous Bangladesh.”
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly also addressed the press conference, highlighting efforts to decentralize information flow and empower district information officers. He urged journalists to focus on positive social issues contributing to a prosperous, value-based, and inclusive Bangladesh. Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon reiterated the government’s commitment to press freedom while expressing concern over unethical journalism, urging media professionals to uphold ethical standards.
Prime Minister’s Speechwriter Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony, Suzauddhowla (Suzon Mahmood), and Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries KM Nazmul Haque, Asrofa Emdad, and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar Pamir, among others, attended the press conference.