The BNP government has been on a “relentless journey” to consolidate democratic values, ensure good governance and fulfil its election pledges during its first 180 days in office, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahadi Amin said Monday.

Speaking at an exchange of views with journalists marking 180 days of the government, he said the government is pursuing a dignified and balanced foreign policy guided by the principle of “Bangladesh First”.

He also highlighted a series of welfare, economic, administrative and institutional initiatives taken during this period.

Mahdi said the government’s journey has focused on accountability, transparency and people’s welfare, with Allah’s blessings, as it works to build a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

The exchange of views was held to mark 180 days of the government at the International Conference Centre “Shapla” at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.

The Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson presented statistics on the government’s activities and achievements over the past 180 days as well as and future plans.

He said the people’s power was ensured through the free, fair and neutral 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 after a long wait, and the representative government took oath on February 17.

“The government’s 180-day journey is a direct reflection of accountability, transparency and responsibility to the people,” Mahdi said.

He said the government, formed through the continuation of the anti-discrimination movement and a 15-year-long struggle against fascism received unprecedented public support.

Outlining various initiatives taken to implement the government’s election manifesto and welfare programmes, Mahadi said implementation began immediately after the election in line with the manifesto, the 19-point programme of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, the BNP’s 27-point programme and the joint movement’s 31-point programme.

At its first cabinet meeting, the government waived loans including interest of up to Taka 10,000 for 1.3 million farming families, he said.

The adviser said the government has also introduced the “Krishak Card” for farmers and “Family Card” for women, while initiatives for a “Probashi Card”, honorariums for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths, as well as nationwide canal excavation and tree plantation programmes, had been revived.

Referring to measures taken during Ramadan and Eid, Mahadi said the government has worked to prevent artificial syndicates and keep commodity prices under control while ensuring workers’ salaries and bonuses.

He also said Taka 2,000 crore has recently been released to clear outstanding dues of retired MPO-listed teachers.

In the education sector, the adviser said a record number of ordinances have been converted into laws in parliament and a revised anti-terrorism ordinance has been used to ban a “fascist political organisation”.

The government also introduced new subjects into the education curriculum, provided free education for girls up to graduation, launched mid-day meals in primary schools and took initiatives to provide free Wi-Fi facilities and opportunities for students to attend parliament, besides organising sports and innovation competitions, he said.

Mahdi said initiatives have also been taken to introduce 200 electric buses in Dhaka and an AI-based traffic management system.

Highlighting the government’s tough stance on law and order, the PMO spokesperson said steps have been taken to establish a police and administration free from political harassment.

He also said the United States has raised its travel advisory for Bangladesh to Level 2 and that visible progress has been made in several widely discussed cases, while legal procedures concerning the repatriation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina are continuing.

On the energy crisis, Mahadi said the government has been holding discussions with leading companies from Malaysia, China and the United States to find solutions.

Mahadi expressed hope that the government would continue working under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a prosperous, self-reliant, humane, secure and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

The programme was moderated by Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. PM’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon also spoke at the programme.

Ministers and advisers responded to questions from journalists on various issues.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health SM Ziauddin Haider, Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Affairs Saimum Parvez and Chief Coordinator at the Prime Minister’s Office Prof SM Abdul Awal, among others, attended the programme.