Govt committed to merit-based, discrimination-free BD

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Friday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a merit-based and discrimination-free Bangladesh, saying it is working to ensure equal opportunities, security and human dignity for all citizens.

Addressing a reunion of Government Bangla College alumni in the capital as the chief guest, he said the country is moving towards a society founded on merit, humanity and equal opportunities.

Referring to the ongoing floods, Mahdi Amin said the loss of lives caused by adverse weather had deeply saddened the government, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed the administration, law enforcement agencies and other state institutions to stand beside the affected people.

He said the Prime Minister has allocated Tk 2.15 crore in emergency cash assistance, while more than 1,000 shelters have been opened in the five worst-hit districts-Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari-where over 12,000 people have taken refuge.

The adviser added that 3,450 metric tonnes of rice have already been distributed among flood-affected families.

He also said leaders and activists of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are assisting affected communities in line with the Prime Minister’s directives, while the administration, law enforcement agencies and, where necessary, the armed forces are working together to ensure food, safe drinking water and sanitation.

Highlighting the government’s development agenda, Mahdi Amin said the education system is being overhauled to prepare students for future leadership and employment.

He said initiatives are underway to create new jobs, improve facilities for teachers, simplify business procedures for entrepreneurs and introduce low-interest loan schemes to encourage youth entrepreneurship.

Calling on current and former students to uphold democratic values, patriotism and national unity, he urged them to work together in building a Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity and social justice.