PM's 28 initiatives in 28 days

After winning a landslide victory in the recently concluded 13th national parliamentary elections; the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government under the leadership of party's Chairman Tarique Rahman and he took several steps towards public welfare. Later, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's advisor Mahdi Amin highlighted the 28 initiatives taken by the PM in last 28 days as an "unprecedented campaign of action.

On Tuesday (March 17), Mahdi Amin shared a post on Facebook highlighting the Prime Minister’s 28 initiatives.

Mahdi Amin said, “Today is March 17. Exactly one month ago, under the leadership of the democratically elected Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the BNP government was formed. In just 28 days, the Prime Minister has worked tirelessly in every moment of state administration to fulfill the election pledges. These initiatives were not merely administrative activities but also a clear reflection of the Prime Minister’s to the people.”

In his Facebook post, he outlined the government’s actions over the 28 days, stating that these measures have illuminated every aspect of social protection, economy, administration, education, health, security, and state values.

The 28 initiatives of the Prime Minister over 28 days, as outlined by Mahdi Amin, are as follows:

Social Protection and Humanitarian Assistance

1) Family Card Program – As part of fulfilling the election manifesto, the government has issued family cards to 37,567 families, providing a monthly allowance of 2,500 BDT per card. Implementing such a large promise in just 21 days demonstrates the government’s humanitarian priority.

2) Honorarium for Imams, Muazzins, and Religious Servants – Monthly honoraria have been provided to 4,908 mosque imams and muazzins, 990 temple priests, 144 Buddhist monastery heads, and 396 church priests and caretakers.

3) Eid Relief and Gift Distribution – Sarees, three-piece dresses, and Haji handkerchiefs have been allocated to underprivileged citizens in election areas, as well as gifts for sanitation workers.

4) Institutionalized Zakat System – An initiative to launch an institutional Zakat system was started after consultations with Islamic scholars to ensure aid reaches the poor and supports welfare activities.

Agriculture and Rural Economy

5) Farmer Cards and Loan Waivers – Nearly 27,000 farmers received long-awaited farmer cards; loans of up to 10,000 BDT for around 1.2 million marginal farmers were waived to support cultivation.

6) Nationwide Canal Excavation Program – 20,000 km of canals and water bodies are being dredged, already started in 54 districts, to improve irrigation, reduce waterlogging, and create employment.

Administrative Reform and Good Governance

7) Weekly Office Hours – The Prime Minister works on Saturdays; officials are required to be present by 9 a.m.

8) Reduction of VIP Protocol – Significant changes in traffic arrangements due to the Prime Minister’s simple public movement, encouraging citizens to follow traffic laws.

9) Limited Airport Formalities – Only a senior minister, chief whip, cabinet secretary, and the Prime Minister’s principal secretary will be present at airport events.

10) Abolition of Special MP Privileges – Historic decision to refuse duty-free cars and government plots, reducing state expenditure and restoring public trust.

Economy and Market Stability

11) Market Monitoring and Energy Stability – Measures to prevent price hikes during Ramadan and Eid, including spot LNG purchases to maintain electricity supply amid global energy instability.

12) Facilitating Foreign Investment – Central bank approval requirement for foreign investments up to 100 crore BDT removed.

13) Ensuring Workers’ Salaries and Bonuses – Payment of pending wages and Eid bonuses to all industrial workers; 2,500 crore BDT allocated for garment and export-oriented industries.

14) Revival of Sick and Closed Industries – Gradual reopening of government-owned closed factories and industrial units to increase employment.

15) Local Initiatives and Job Creation – Identifying underutilized economic zones, EPZs, BSCIC areas, high-tech parks, and industry clusters to create ecosystems with potential businesses and local universities.

Education and Human Resource Development

16) Abolition of Re-admission Fees and Lottery – Re-admission fees abolished in all educational institutions; modern entrance exams or interviews replace lottery systems, along with improved teacher benefits.

17) Support for Higher Education Abroad – Up to 1 million BDT in state economic assistance through non-collateral bank guarantees.

18) Religious Teacher Recruitment – 9,000 teachers appointed to strengthen moral and religious values.

19) Sports Development and New ‘Kuri’ Program – School grounds open for children; new initiatives in culture, sports, and Quran recitation; recruitment of 18 sports teachers at the sub-district level (3 per 6 sports).

Health and Public Welfare

20) E-Health Cards and Medical Centers – Launch of e-health cards; recruitment of 100,000 health workers, 80% of whom will be women.

21) Dengue Prevention Campaign – Weekly national cleanliness drives coordinated with local administration and community participation.

Law & Order and Security

22) Action Against Extortion – Intelligence and law enforcement agencies taking rapid measures; maintaining law and order is a top priority.

23) Women’s Safety and Pink Buses – Directive to operate entirely female-run pink buses; cyberbullying prevention measures.

State Discipline and Values

24) Limiting State Iftar and Saving Electricity – Reducing fan and AC use in government offices; limiting Iftar events to prevent waste.

25) Removal of Illegal Shops – Clearance of illegal shops at Cox’s Bazar Sugandha Sea Beach after 20 years; coordinated nationwide initiatives.

26) National Martyrs’ Day for Soldiers – February 25 declared as “National Martyrs’ Day for Soldiers” while emphasizing transparency in the Pilkhana killings trial.

27) Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport – Decision made through high-level meetings and multi-party discussions to expedite the terminal’s opening.

28) Free Internet at Airports and Trains – Free Wi-Fi provided at Shahjalal, Shah Amanat, and M.A.G. Osmani airports in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, with inauguration at Saidpur Airport.

At the end of the post, Mahdi Amin said that the initiatives taken in the first 28 days of government reflect Tarique Rahman’s strong leadership, tireless efforts, and accountability to the people. His leadership embodies the hopes and sentiments of ordinary citizens, turning dreams and aspirations into reality. These unprecedented initiatives taken by Tarique Rahman are expected to prepare the new generation for the country’s future, Insha’Allah. That is why he (the Prime Minister) says, “Together we will work, build the nation, Bangladesh first for all.”

Meanwhile, the State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, urged the countrymen to have faith in the government and said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we are working for the welfare of the people with utmost sincerity from our respective positions in running the country. Therefore, you should have faith in the BNP government."

When asked about the measures taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the past 28 days, Minister Tuku told this reporter that every promises made in BNP’s election manifesto will be implemented gradually. To ensure these programs are carried out without corruption, irregularities or misuse of power, the government is playing a highly generous and positive role in safeguarding the independence of newspapers known as the conscience of the nation. In this regard, the government will not tolerate any interference. Journalists will be able to perform their professional duties fully independently and impartially.

Emphasizing responsible journalism, the minister said that constructive and positive media roles are crucial for national development, upholding democratic values and maintaining social order. He expressed hope that objective and fact-based reporting will allow journalists to play a leading role in nation-building.

Highlighting various government development initiatives, Sultan Salauddin Tuku said that relentless work is ongoing to implement the Prime Minister’s commitments for the overall welfare of the people.

It is worth mentioning that Mahdi Amin is an influential politician of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He is the education and research advisor to the BNP chairman. He also served as the spokesperson of the BNP's central election management committee in the recently concluded 13th national parliamentary election.

Recently, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman appointed Mahdi Amin as an advisor in the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Ministry of Labor and Employment with the rank of State Minister to ensure proper supervision and dynamic administration.

On the other hand, after forming the BNP government with an absolute majority in the 13th national parliamentary elections, Tarique Rahman’s cabinet made a significant surprise by appointing Sultan Salauddin Tuku, elected as a member of parliament from Tangail-5 (Sadar) constituency for the first time, as State Minister of three ministries.

Subsequently, to ensure proper supervision and operational efficiency, first time, as State Minister of three ministries. BNP’s central publicity secretary Tuku, was appointed State Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock by Tarique Rahman.

Despite unimaginable persecution, harassment, attacks, lawsuits, imprisonment and numerous tempting offers under the previous fascist regime, Tuku remained steadfastly loyal to the Zia family and BNP without faltering. BNP leaders and activists believe that this responsibility was entrusted to him in recognition of his countless sacrifices,  dedication, organizational skills and long political experience.

Known everywhere for his leadership skills, organizational competence, and worker-friendly approach, Sultan Salauddin Tuku was elected as President of the Chhatra Dal in 2009, General Secretary of the Jubo Dal in 2017, and President of the Jubo Dal in 2022. Subsequently, he was elected as the central committee’s publicity secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 2024, a role he continues to hold to date.