A 6-month push for better governance
The BNP government has sought to portray its first 180 days in office as a period of political stabilisation, institutional reform and renewed public engagement, with the administration highlighting its record on democratic governance, law and order and counter-terrorism.
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Monday that extensive engagement with citizens and steady progress in implementing election pledges were among the government’s major achievements since taking office.
Presenting the government’s six-month performance at a press interaction at the International Conference Centre ‘Shapla’ at the PMO in Tejgaon, Mahdi said the administration had continued to implement its election manifesto while maintaining accountability to the public.
“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, describing the government’s approach as one based on responsibility and accountability.
Mahdi said the government had also maintained what he described as the “highest level of freedom of expression”, 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.
Focus on counter-terrorism and law
The PMO spokesperson highlighted the enactment of an amended anti-terrorism ordinance as one of the government’s major institutional measures.
He said the legislation had enabled the authorities to formally ban a political organisation that he alleged had established what he described as “fascist rule”.
The measure, he said, formed part of a wider effort to strengthen the rule of law and prevent threats to the country’s democratic institutions and public security.
Mahdi also described the current Parliament as vibrant, saying lawmakers had engaged in debate, criticism and reasoned argument.
More than 100 ordinances were converted into laws during Parliament’s first session after its formation, a development he described as unprecedented in Bangladesh’s history.
He said the government’s performance could broadly be assessed across 10 areas: public support, democratic values, implementation of election pledges, responses to domestic and global challenges, inclusive development, improvements in people’s lives, financial-sector reforms, law and order and justice, infrastructure and sustainable development, and a sovereign and dignified foreign policy.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, he added, had been central to these efforts.
Mahdi acknowledged that resolving the country’s problems within six months would be difficult after what he described as 16 years of “fascist rule”.
“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 continue working 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,” Mahdi said.
Emphasis on people-centred leadership
The PMO adviser also praised Tarique Rahman’s leadership style, saying the Prime Minister had sought to move away from the traditional VIP culture by interacting directly with ordinary citizens.
He referred to the Prime Minister’s participation in grassroots programmes, including canal-digging initiatives, and his interactions with schoolchildren as examples of his approach.
Mahdi also described Tarique Rahman’s lifestyle as simple and frugal, saying the government had been received by people with “deep emotion, feeling and affection” after a prolonged period.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said another major achievement had been restoring the dignity and respect of ordinary citizens in state and society.
Referring to Tarique Rahman’s visit to the family home of Ramisa, a child killed in Mirpur, Shibly said such gestures demonstrated the government’s accountability to ordinary people.
He also cited the Prime Minister’s recent journey on a public bus, saying Tarique Rahman noticed that traffic was moving unusually smoothly and instructed officials to ensure that ordinary citizens were not inconvenienced by his movements.
“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,” Shibly said.
He said the government’s six-month record should ultimately be judged by its responsiveness to citizens and commitment to accountability.
The programme was moderated by Shibly. PM’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Political and Industries Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon also spoke.
Several state ministers, advisers, special assistants and senior PMO officials attended the event.
The government’s presentation of its first 180 days comes as it seeks to demonstrate that its electoral mandate has translated into institutional reform, greater public engagement and stronger security measures, including a firm stance against terrorism and threats to democratic governance.
