United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first 28 days in office have seen a series of initiatives in key sectors including social protection, economy, administration, education, health and public safety, reflecting his focus on delivering on people’s expectations. In a Facebook post,Prime Minister’s adviser Mahdi Amin outlined what he described as “28 steps in 28 days”, highlighting the government’s early actions and priorities. The steps reflect the Prime Minister’s commitment to fulfilling his electoral pledges and ensuring accountability to the people, he wrote in the post. “Today is March 17. Exactly one month ago, the BNP government was formed under the leadership of the popularly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In just 28 days, he has worked tirelessly in every moment of state administration to fulfil his election pledges. These steps are not merely administrative actions as they are a clear reflection of his accountability to people,” the post reads. Among the major initiatives, the government introduced a family card programme, providing monthly financial assistance to thousands of families, and arranged allowances for imams, priests, monks and other religious leaders. It also mentioned relief distribution ahead of Eid and an initiative to introduce an institutional zakat system to strengthen social welfare. PM vows to work day and night to build Bangladesh, urges patience In the agriculture sector, the post highlighted plans to introduce farmer cards and waive small loans for marginal farmers, along with a nationwide canal excavation programme to improve irrigation, boost agricultural production, and create employment in rural areas. On administrative reforms, it noted steps to ensure discipline in offices, reduce VVIP protocols and cut special privileges for MPs, aiming to lower public expenditure and restore public trust. The post also referred to measures to stabilise markets during Ramadan and Eid, facilitate foreign investment, ensure timely payment of workers’ wages and bonuses, and revive closed industrial units. In education, it highlighted decisions to cancel re-admission fees, reform admission processes, support higher studies abroad and recruit teachers, alongside steps to promote sports and cultural activities. The post also mentioned the introduction of e-health cards, recruitment of health workers and a nationwide cleanliness drive to prevent dengue. Measures to strengthen law and order, including action against extortion and steps to enhance women’s safety such as introducing women-operated bus services, were also noted. It also mentioned steps aimed at promoting discipline and values, including limiting state-sponsored iftar events, saving electricity and removing illegal establishments in tourist areas. Other initiatives included declaring a national day in memory of martyred army personnel, efforts to expedite the opening of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and plans to introduce free internet services at all airports and important public places and establishments, it added. The post said the steps taken in the first 28 days of government formation reflect Tarique Rahman’s strong leadership, tireless efforts, and accountability to people. “Under his leadership, the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people are being addressed and turned into reality. This unprecedented journey will prepare the new generation for the future of the country, Inshallah. As he (PM) says, “Together we will work, together we will build the country, and Bangladesh comes first,” it concluded.