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and effective steps to implement priority-based election pledges. “The government will work for the country and remain accountable to the people.

“If the country’s 20 crore people work together and the youth and women are empowered, Bangladesh will surely become a dignified and self-reliant state.”

Presenting the government’s activities, Mahdi listed initiatives in social protection, agriculture, labour, education, health, infrastructure, employment, economy, sports, justice, administration, and state reform.

On social protection, he said the government has launched farmer and family cards, started honorariums for religious leaders, and withdrawn the extra monthly charge on prepaid electricity meters.

Under the food-friendly programme, 55 lakh low-income families are receiving 30kg rice a month at Tk 15 per kg. Subsidised LPG cards are also planned, he said.

In agriculture, the government has waived small farmers’ agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest.

It has also taken up a countrywide canal re-excavation programme and announced three months’ financial and food support for farmers in the haor areas affected by heavy rain.

Mahdi said the government plans to complete the Padma Barrage project and start work on the Teesta Barrage.

On labour and industry, he said that a Tk 60,000 crore fund has been announced to reopen long-closed factories and bring fresh momentum to the economy.

Airfare for general Hajj pilgrims has also been reduced.

On infrastructure and urban development, the spokesperson said preparations have begun for a Teknaf-Tetulia economic corridor.

Work on the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is moving ahead with a target to open it by December 16.

He also mentioned high-speed free Wi-Fi at airports and on trains, removal of illegal structures from footpaths with hawker rehabilitation, and a Green and Clean Dhaka master plan.

The government has taken an initiative to introduce 250 environment-friendly electric buses to control air pollution in Dhaka.

Following the measles outbreak, Mahdi said almost all eligible children have been brought under the vaccination programme.

The process of acquiring 100 ambulances is underway, he said, adding that the government plans to gradually raise health allocation to 5 percent of GDP.

On education, he said bank guarantee facilities for higher education abroad have been expanded. A model has been prepared to gradually distribute school uniforms, shoes, and jute schoolbags to students from the primary level.

A pilot project will begin in July in several schools in each upazila under a public-private partnership, he said.

Education for girls up to the honours level has been made free. Free Wi-Fi, smart classrooms, mid-day meals, transparent admission, technical education, industry-academia linkage, and labour market-based curricula are also being prioritised.

Mahdi said agreements have been signed with three of 10 countries to bring back laundered money, while the rest are at the final stage.

The government has repaid $90.66 million in foreign loans. Fixed assets of S Alam Group worth Tk 4,264 crore have been seized, he said.

The government has set a target to make Bangladesh a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

Other initiatives include planting 25 crore trees in five years, Sports and Notun Kuri programmes, sports cards and allowances for athletes, and sports villages with indoor facilities in 64 districts.

The spokesperson also mentioned the passage of 94 bills in parliament’s first session and said the BNP remains firm in implementing the July charter with the “note of dissent”.