United News of Bangladesh

The BNP-led government has implemented a series of election manifesto pledges within its first 100 days in office, according to an e-book published by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. It said the government, which assumed office on February 17 following a major political transition after 17 years, spent the first 100 days addressing political instability, a fragile economy, weak law and order and deep social divisions. The e-book, released by the PM’s Press Wing on Wednesday, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working with commitment to reach people directly and implement the public welfare-oriented promises. It also said the government has already taken a series of initiatives across key sectors, bringing visible changes in public life. Social protection and welfare According to the publication, 53,096 families have received Family Cards, while 20,748 families have been issued Farmers’ Cards. Besides, around 5.5 million families are receiving subsidised rice at Tk 15 per kg while senior citizens and persons with disabilities are receiving a 25 per cent fare discount on metro rail and train services. The government has also arranged advanced medical treatment abroad for 152 injured persons from the July movement in countries including Russia and Singapore. Economy and finance The e-book said foreign exchange reserves rose to 34.38 billion US dollars as of May 20, while inflation declined to 8.71 per cent. Besides, revenue collection increased by 13.6 per cent in the second quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year. It also said the government has managed the cooking oil market through subsidies amid pressure. Agriculture, infrastructure and communication Canal re-excavation work has begun on 666 canals across the country. The final approval has been given for the “Padma Barrage” project, expected to directly benefit 37 per cent of the population. Meanwhile, a deal has been signed to add 14 Boeing aircraft to expand the national carrier’s fleet while land services have also been fully digitised. Education, health and employment The e-book said over 20 million children have been vaccinated against measles, achieving near universal coverage. Around 65,569 government primary schools have been brought under uninterrupted internet connectivity. The government ensured payment of salaries, bonuses and allowances before Eid for all industrial workers. Sports and religious affairs A “Notun Kuri” Sports” programme for students aged 12–14 is ongoing, while sports equipment has been distributed to 550 educational institutions and clubs. Monthly allowances are being provided to imams, muezzins and other religious leaders in nearly 6,000 institutions. Training has also been given to more than 38,000 butchers on scientific meat processing ahead of Eid. Defence, sovereignty and foreign affairs A modern “Ground Master-400” radar system has been installed to monitor airspace up to 650 kilometres inland and 833 kilometres over the Bay of Bengal. Besides, the government is also reintroducing the phrase “Except Israel” in Bangladeshi passports, which had been removed by the previous Awami League regime. Anti-corruption and governance The e-book said assets worth Tk 4,264 crore belonging to S Alam Group have been seized. “Agreements have been signed with three countries to recover laundered money, while negotiations with others are ongoing.” It also said 10 cabinet meetings were held by May 24, taking 60 decisions, of which 37 have been implemented and 23 are in progress.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday assured the country’s people not to be worried over the global crisis caused by the Middle East war but urged them to exercise restraint and avoid extravagance in state functions and family spending. “Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices, including diesel, have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering,” he said. Addressing the ‘Independence Award-2026’ ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, Tarique said the government is spending hundreds of crores of taka every day in subsidies in the fuel and energy sector to maintain stability and keep the situation normal. He said the government is continuing all possible efforts to ensure public welfare as this is a government of people and accountable to them. He said the new BNP-led government has started its journey amid a fragile economy weakened by corruption and mismanagement along with a weak governance structure and a deteriorating law and order situation. Restoring peace and security in public life through improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is one of the government’s key priorities, Tarique observed. Stating that Bangladesh currently has a large working-age population, he said creating employment opportunities for this group is one of the major challenges at present. “Not only the economy, the education system also suffered a major setback during the fascist rule. Unfortunately, even during the interim government period order in the education system has not been restored,” the Prime Minister said. In today’s competitive world, the education system must be modernised and made job-oriented to ensure survival, he said, adding that work has already begun to make the education system more practical. Tarique said more than half of the country’s population are women and no initiative can succeed easily unless a safe Bangladesh is ensured for them. He said the government has identified each sector and started implementing its action plans. The Prime Minister said the government earlier presented its election manifesto to people and signed the ‘July Charter’ with a commitment to state reform. PM confers ‘Independence Award’ on Khaleda, others “ People have supported all our commitments. Now it is time for implementation. We have already started working on fulfilling our promises,” he said. Tarique said his government will implement the party manifesto and every clause and word of the signed July Charter. “Personally, I believe that change in mindset is more important than changes on paper. The BNP government has proved it repeatedly whenever it has had the opportunity to run the state,” he said. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh gained independence at the cost of many lives and has now completed 55 years as an independent nation.“We have both achievements and shortcomings. To build a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, we must avoid revenge, retaliation and unnecessary controversy,” he said. Quoting BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said, “National unity is our strength, division is our weakness.” Tarique said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy but they should not turn into hostility. “We must remain alert about the country’s interest as anti-Bangladesh forces are still waiting for opportunities.” He remembered the role and contributions of all national leaders of the country’s independence and Liberation War history including Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with deep respect and affection. “If we, for narrow partisan interests, fail to respectfully acknowledge the roles of our national leaders in history, then future history will not forgive us. I believe that hesitation in accepting historical truth reflects inferiority,” Tarique said. Earlier, the Prime Minister conferred the ‘Independence Award-2026’ on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and five institutions, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country. He recalled that BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman introduced the award. The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honour, given in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals and institutions to the nation. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the programme and presented brief profiles of all the award recipients. Prime Minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the programme organised by the Cabinet Division. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the programme. The Cabinet Division earlier announced the names of the nominees for this year’s Independence Award through a press release on March 5. The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honour introduced in 1977 and awarded annually on the occasion of Independence Day on March 26.