Govt Earns Public Trust in First Six Months: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and adviser Mahdi Amin speaks at a press conference marking 180 days of the Tarique Rahman-led government at the PMO in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The current elected government has become a symbol of public trust within its first six months in office, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and adviser Mahdi Amin said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, he said the government had inherited what he described as the consequences of 16 years of “fascist rule” and had taken steps to address the country’s political, economic and institutional challenges.

The press conference was held to mark 180 days of the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Mahdi Amin outlined the government’s achievements, reform initiatives and future plans during its first six months.

He claimed that there had been no political harassment during the period and that the government had ensured a high level of freedom of expression.

On democracy and political reforms, Mahdi Amin said people had been able to exercise their voting rights in the recently held 13th parliamentary election after what he described as disputed elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024.

He said more than 100 ordinances were converted into laws during the first session of parliament. An amended Anti-Terrorism Ordinance had also been used to legally ban what he described as a “terrorist political organisation” that had established fascist rule.

Economy and energy

On the economy, Mahdi Amin said the cabinet waived farmers’ loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, at its first meeting after taking office, benefiting about 1.3 million farming families.

The government has also introduced Farmer Cards, Family Cards for women and Expatriate Cards for migrant workers, he said.

He said VAT and taxes had been reduced on more than 60 products to help control commodity prices during Ramadan.

Regarding the energy crisis, Mahdi Amin said the government had taken several initiatives to address gas and electricity shortages inherited from the previous government.

He said the government had held discussions with major companies from the United States, China and Malaysia and claimed that significant progress had been made in addressing the gas shortage through Petronas following talks between Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Health and education

On healthcare, Mahdi Amin said work had begun to upgrade every upazila health complex to 151 beds.

The government also plans to recruit 100,000 health workers and provide Tk 100,000 in assistance to people suffering from serious diseases, he said.

He said major reforms were planned in education, including the introduction of new subjects in Classes Four and Six from next year.

Free Wi-Fi, school uniforms and bags have also begun to be provided at educational institutions, while tuition-free education for girls up to the undergraduate level has been ensured under the prime minister’s direction, he said.

Law and foreign policy

Mahdi Amin claimed that law and order had improved, with steps taken to establish a service-oriented police force and administration free from political influence.

He also cited progress in investigations and trials into the murders of Sohagi Jahan Tonu and Shaheed Osman Hadi.

He said an accused in the murder of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had also been arrested after many years.

Regarding former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Mahdi Amin said Bangladesh had formally requested her extradition from the neighbouring country and that the legal process was continuing.

On foreign policy, he said the government had moved away from what he described as a “subservient foreign policy” and adopted the principle of “Bangladesh First.”

He said Bangladesh was seeking to maintain relations with all countries based on equality, fairness and dignity.

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s election as president of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as a source of pride for the country internationally.

Describing Tarique Rahman’s lifestyle as simple, Mahdi Amin said the prime minister had moved away from VIP culture and sought to remain connected with ordinary people.

He said the prime minister had repeatedly visited grassroots areas and even participated in canal excavation work.

The press conference also highlighted government measures to move away from corruption-prone mega projects towards environmentally friendly and cost-effective initiatives, reopen abandoned factories, keep previously closed ports operational around the clock and increase remittance inflows from Bangladeshis working abroad.