The government first 100 days brought a message of hope and change for the nation, says an e-diary launched by the prime minister's press office.
The 31-page publication launched on Wednesday details ministry-wise activities, implementation of decisions, and key statistics since the government assumed office on February 17, following BNP’s victory in the 13th parliamentary election.
According to the publication, the government undertook more than 200 initiatives and projects during this period, which it said have already begun to make a visible impact on public life and society.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the e-diary was intended to present a continuous picture of government activities and progress and would be updated regularly.
The diary noted that the administration faced several challenges upon taking office, including global economic pressure, a foreign currency reserve crisis, stagnant investment, lack of employment, and administrative weakness. It claimed that signs of stability in economic management, discipline in administration, and recovery in investment and employment have become evident.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the distribution of family and farmer cards, nationwide measles vaccination for children, excavation of canals, allowances for religious institutions, uninterrupted internet for government primary schools, and final approval of the Padma Barrage project.
The diary also reported that foreign currency reserves rose to $34.38 billion as of May 20, while inflation fell to 8.71 percent.
Other measures included subsidising oil prices during the West Asia conflict, expanding the Biman fleet with 14 Boeing aircraft, seizure of assets worth Tk 4,264 crore from the S Alam Group as part of an anti-corruption drive, and agreements with three countries to recover laundered money abroad.
It also mentioned discounts on metro rail and train fares for elderly and disabled passengers, training of butchers in scientific hide removal, and installation of the Ground Master-400 radar to monitor airspace up to 650 kilometres from Dhaka and 830 kilometres into the Bay of Bengal.
The phrase “except Israel” is being added again to Bangladeshi passports, the diary said.
The diary devoted a section to what it termed a “new political and family culture,” citing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s restrained administrative practices, limited VVIP protocol, and public engagements with citizens. It referred to his use of a private residence instead of the official one, personal payment for fuel, and interactions with students, farmers, and workers during visits across the country.
In its summary, the e-diary said the government’s first 100 days were a period of setting direction, reorganising administration, and rebuilding public trust. It concluded with Tarique’s statement, “Ensuring service to the people is the sacred duty of this government.”
