B Mirror Report: The government has signed agreements with three countries to facilitate the recovery of money illegally transferred abroad, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office marking the government’s first 100 days in office, Mahdi Amin said the administration had already implemented a series of major initiatives in the economy, infrastructure, health and technology sectors.
Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon also addressed the event, which was moderated by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony.
Mahdi Amin said the government had begun preliminary work to establish an economic corridor stretching from Teknaf to Tetulia to boost trade, commerce and connectivity across the country.
He also said construction of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing rapidly, with the government aiming to inaugurate the facility by December 16.
Highlighting steps taken for youth and students, the spokesperson said the scope of bank guarantees for higher education abroad has been expanded. High-speed free Wi-Fi services have also been introduced at airports and railway stations.
In addition, the government has relaunched the “Sports and Notun Kuri” programmes to help nurture the talents and athletic potential of young people.
On the health sector, Mahdi Amin said the government had taken swift and humanitarian measures, including importing measles vaccines and bringing nearly all children in the country under the immunisation programme.
He added that maternity leave benefits for working women have been extended and the government is working to gradually raise health sector allocation to 5 percent of GDP.
Mahdi Amin described the implementation of a large portion of cabinet decisions within a short period as proof of the government’s efficiency, dynamism and sincerity.
According to figures he shared, the government held 10 cabinet meetings between February 17 and May 24, during which 60 important decisions were unanimously approved. Of those, 37 decisions — around 62 percent have already been implemented, while the remaining 23 are at various stages of execution.
Addressing media freedom, the PMO spokesperson said freedom of expression and independent journalism had flourished during the tenures of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He said the current government remains committed to ensuring maximum freedom for the media and journalists.
However, he alleged that some groups were misusing this freedom by spreading misinformation and attempting to create instability through propaganda targeting top state officials, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
He said such activities are harmful to democratic values and state discipline.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Mahdi Amin said the administration is committed to human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law, but warned that spreading hatred and disinformation under the guise of free speech contradicts the spirit of democratic change.
