From Mandate to Action: First 100 Days of BNP Government

The government has completed its first 100 days in office under the premiership of Tarique Rahman. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power through free, fair and credible elections on 12th February, securing a two-thirds majority. One hundred days is a short period, but within this time, the BNP government has introduced measures aimed at bringing relief, peace and comfort to society.
One of the major challenges was that law and order were managed successfully within a reasonable time. A positive change in governance has been observed. The government now places greater emphasis on public sentiment, public demand and public comfort. This change has begun not by concentrating power but by limiting it and empowering the people.
Before the ink on the ballot had dried, the government launched one of its key election manifesto initiatives, the Family Card Programme. So far, 55,000 families have received the cards and are receiving a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500. Over the next five years, 40 million families are expected to be covered under this programme. Launched on 14 April, the Farmer Card distribution has already begun, with 22,000 farmers receiving cards so far. Over the next five years, this initiative aims to reach 27.5 million by identifying landless, marginal and small farmers, providing them with seeds, training and other government support. In line with the election manifesto, a programme has also been launched to provide honorariums to imams, muezzins, khatibs and other religious leaders. So far, support has been extended to 4,908 mosques, 990 temples, 144 Buddhist temples and 396 churches.
In a cabinet decision, the government has waived off agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 with interest for small farmers. The finance ministry has allocated Tk 1,567.96 crore for this loan waiver. The government has also prioritised the health sector, under which 20 million children have been vaccinated against measles, ensuring almost universal vaccination.
Recently, ECNEC approved the Padma Barrage Project, which is expected to benefit about 37 per cent of the country’s population. The government has taken extensive initiatives to increase employment opportunities at home and abroad. A work visa process has been launched with Malaysia, and discussions are underway with various countries, including Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Brazil and Russia, in this regard.
To ensure accountability and timely implementation of policies, the government has directed all ministries to formulate 180-day action plans. In that context, all state institutions are working relentlessly with clear goals under the direction of the prime minister, and the positive impact of these efforts has already started reflecting in the lives of people. Initiatives in the healthcare, economic and infrastructure sectors have instilled new hope among citizens.
The government has also given special importance to environmental protection and combating climate change. It has decided that no project will be approved until it passes a rigorous environmental sustainability assessment. A plan has been made to plant 250 million trees in the next five years. On the other hand, the target of generating 10,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 is moving the country towards a green and sustainable energy future. In addition, a nationwide canal re-excavation programme is expected to bring long-term improvements in agriculture, irrigation and water management. Canal re-excavation, tree plantation and renewable energy investments together reflect the government’s long-term vision for addressing environmental and climate challenges.
In the economic sector, the government has set a target of building a $1 trillion economy by 2034. Special emphasis is being placed on increasing revenue collection, restoring discipline in the banking sector, reducing defaulted loans and improving the investment climate. Foreign exchange reserves have risen to USD 34.38 billion as of 20 May, while inflation has declined to 8.71 per cent. Revenue collection also increased by 13.6 per cent in the second quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The foreign policy of the current government is based on the principle of “Bangladesh First”. It emphasises economic diplomacy, multilateral engagement and regional cooperation.
In the education sector, a long-term human resource development plan has been adopted. Around 65,569 government primary schools have been brought under uninterrupted internet connectivity. The government is also expanding technology-based education and promoting sports as part of education.
To encourage sports as a profession and to honour athletes, the government has launched the “Sports Card” programme. It has also introduced “Notun Kuri Sports” for teenagers aged 12 to 14, incorporating eight disciplines: football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, chess, swimming and martial arts.
This government has taken charge of running the country at a difficult time in the political history of Bangladesh. At this time, policy decisions, administrative restructuring and the foundation of public trust are as important as fulfilling the promises made to the people. At this time, the government is facing internal structural weaknesses and various challenges, including the global energy crisis and law and order. However, the government has tried to outline a people-orientated state system through quick decisions and policies, the reflection of which we can see in the work of the government in 100 days.
A special message of the government has already become clear: public service is the main goal. A political message of change in the government’s administrative behaviour has also become clear. The prime minister’s measures of restraint in government spending, limiting VIP protocols, directing quick problem-solving at the field level and direct communication with the common people indicate his efforts to build a 'service-orientated state’.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official position of the government
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The writer is Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh