United News of Bangladesh

The BNP government has begun implementing around 200 initiatives and projects within its first 100 days in office, bringing visible changes in public life and society, said an e-book published by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The e-book, released by the PMO Press Wing on Wednesday morning and available on the PMO website, highlights the government’s key achievements, sector-wise activities and policy measures. It said the document will be updated regularly over time. It said that through these initiatives and projects, the government has brought a message of hope and positive change to the nation. According to the publication, the first 100 days of the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after the 13th parliamentary election were mainly focused on setting directions, administrative restructuring and rebuilding public confidence. It said despite economic pressure, global instability, energy shortages, limited employment opportunities and long-standing institutional weaknesses, the government quickly introduced several policy-based and people-oriented initiatives. The Press Wing said in the e-book that the government during this period placed greater emphasis on social and economic support measures directly affecting people’s lives, alongside digital and structural reforms in the administration and judiciary, and long-term economic and infrastructure planning. Among the major initiatives listed in the e-book are the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, waiver of agricultural loans, Sports Card, e-Health Card, digital land services, e-bail bond system, canal re-excavation programmes, financial allowances for imams, muezzins and religious leaders, renewable energy projects and new programmes for education and youth. It also noted that some personal and administrative decisions of the Prime Minister — including limiting state protocol, reducing government expenditure, directing quick solutions to field-level problems and maintaining direct engagement with ordinary people — have given a different dimension to the government’s political message. At the same time, the publication acknowledged that controlling commodity prices, ensuring energy security, increasing investment, expanding employment and implementing long-term reforms remain major challenges. Still, the e-book said, the government in its first 100 days tried to project an image of an active, fast decision-making and people-oriented administration. It also said many programmes are still at the early implementation stage, but the government has expressed its commitment to making the state more technology-driven, accountable and service-oriented. As per the publication, election pledges are often treated as part of political speeches, but leadership is judged by how those promises are transformed into practical action plans after assuming office. It said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election commitments and his direct political instructions for their quick implementation have now become a subject of national discussion in Bangladesh’s new political reality. The e-book also said after taking office on February 17, the government faced multiple challenges, including global economic pressure, a foreign currency reserve crisis, stagnation in investment, shortage of jobs and administrative weaknesses. “Within the first 100 days, signs of faster policymaking, stability in economic management, discipline in administrative activities and positive trends in restoring investment and employment have become visible,” it added. The e-book said this is the first time in Bangladesh that a government started implementing election promises across the country immediately after assuming office, as it believes serving disadvantaged people is the primary responsibility of elected representatives.