Extensive public engagement and steady implementation of its election pledges have been among the major achievements of the BNP government’s first 180 days in office, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Monday.

He made the remarks while presenting the government’s activities and achievements during its first six months at a press interaction at the International Conference Centre ‘Shapla’ at the PMO in Tejgaon.

Mahdi said the government has continued working to implement its election manifesto while maintaining accountability and responsibility to the people.

“Wherever the Prime Minister has gone across the country during numerous public-engagement programmes over the past six months, large numbers of people have gathered,” he said, adding that the government is moving forward with a sense of responsibility and accountability towards the people.

The PMO spokesperson said the government demonstrated “the highest level of freedom of expression” during the period, alongside respect for the rule of law and human rights.

“Sometimes that freedom of expression has crossed the limits. We have seen provocation and indecent behaviour, but the government has continued with the highest degree of patience and tolerance,” he said.

Mahdi highlighted what he described as a vibrant Parliament, where lawmakers have engaged in debate and criticism and raised issues through reasoned arguments.

He said more than 100 ordinances were converted into laws during the first session of Parliament after its formation, describing the move as unprecedented in the country’s history.

The PMO spokesperson also said the amended anti-terrorism ordinance was enacted into law, leading to the institutional banning of a political organisation that, he alleged, had established fascist rule.

He said the government’s 180-day performance could broadly be viewed through 10 areas, including unprecedented public support, strong democratic values, implementation of election pledges, addressing domestic and global challenges, inclusive development, improving the lives of people across professions and social groups, financial-sector reforms, stability in law and order and establishment of justice, infrastructure, environment and sustainable development, and a sovereign and dignified foreign policy, alongside Tarique’s leadership.

Mahdi acknowledged that solving all problems within six months after 16 years of what he described as fascist rule would be difficult.

“However, one thing can be said with certainty today: in every area, this elected, transparent and accountable government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has demonstrated the highest sincerity, accountability and responsibility,” he said.

He said the government would work collectively to build a prosperous, self-reliant, humane, safe, merit-based and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

“The people are the sole source of this government’s power and its source of inspiration. This government is truly a government of the people,” he said.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s leadership, Mahdi said Tarique Rahman has broken the so-called VIP culture by placing himself among ordinary people.

He cited the Prime Minister’s participation in grassroots programmes, including canal-digging initiatives, and his interactions with schoolchildren as examples of his approach.

The PMO spokesperson also described the Prime Minister’s lifestyle as simple and frugal, saying the government has been embraced by people with “deep emotion, feeling and affection” after a long period.

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said one of the government’s key achievements in the first six months was restoring the dignity and respect of ordinary people in the state and society.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to the home of the family of Ramisa, a child who was killed in Mirpur, Shibly said such gestures demonstrated the government’s accountability to ordinary citizens.

He also referred to an incident during the Prime Minister’s recent travel on a public bus, saying Tarique Rahman noticed that traffic movement was unusually smooth and instructed the authorities to ensure that ordinary people did not face inconvenience because of his movement.

“This is the Bangladesh we aspire to – a Bangladesh where the Prime Minister does not separate himself from the people but becomes one of them,” the press secretary said.

He said the government’s six-month record should be viewed in terms of its responsiveness to citizens and its commitment to accountability.