Chief Adviser's (CA) Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has highlighted the key achievements of the interim government, which completed its 100-day period on November 15, reports BSS.
The interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on August 8.
In a recent statement posted on his verified Facebook account, the CA's press secretary has presented the following key achievements of the interim government in its first 100 days:
1. Smooth transition
The interim government, the political parties, and the Bangladeshi society got their acts together and helped restore order in the first few weeks of August when police personnel were largely missing in action. Monthly crime figures show that the law and order situation has been stabilised.
2. Accountability and justice for the massacre
The interim government has invited an UN-led fact finding mission to probe the July-August massacres. It will be completely independent. The first report is expected early next month, hopefully shedding light on the brutalities.
Separately, the domestic International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is investigating the murders. The big task will be to make the trial truly international standards, so that international rights groups cannot raise questions on the quality of its verdicts.
The government has also ensured free treatment for the injured, announced Tk 3.0 million each for the families of the martyrs, and created a foundation to look after the victims and families of martyrs.
3. Major economic recovery
Economy was on the verge of collapse when the interim government took over. In 100 days, foreign exchange reserve has made a comeback. Billions of dollars of international payment obligations have been made without touching reserves. Exports have rebounded with the September shipments growing by seven per cent and the October shipments by more than 20 per cent. Banking sector has been stabilised.
4. Reform roadmap
Ten reform commissions have been constituted. The most significant ones will submit their reports by December 31. The government will hold consultations with the political parties on those reports. Once consensus is reached on the kind of the reforms, the government will announce the date for election.
Separately, a search committee has been constituted to find the new and acceptable chief election commissioner and election commissioners. Once the Election Commission (EC) is formed, it will start work for preparing voter list.
5. Overwhelming global support
Professor Yunus has got unprecedented support from almost all countries for the government and its reform initiatives. The multilateral agencies and bilateral donors have promised to lend more than eight billion dollars.
6. Zero corruption
"Have you heard any corruption stories linking the government, and its advisers and officials?" asked the CA's press secretary.
7. Efficient and peaceful management of unrests and crises
The biggest challenge of the government was to manage expectations. Scores of groups have hit the streets with demands and sudden burst of angers. The government has so far managed the protests with consultations. Rarely any force has been used to suppress the protests.
Garment sector has been hit by localised unrests. Some politically-linked factory owners have disappeared, forcing the government to manage the crises on day-to-day basis. The government has shown maximum restraint to end the unrest. A few pockets of troubles are still there. But they have not impacted export performances.
The government has also managed several devastating floods and price hike of essential food items, mostly linked with the natural disasters. Ansar protests have been peacefully managed without any troubles. A major new Rohingya crisis has been managed without anyone realising it.
8. A new direction in foreign policy
Professor Yunus has repeatedly made calls for the revival of SAARC, and also launched an aggressive move for ASEAN membership. He has said Bangladesh wants good relations with India, but it must be based on fairness and equity.
Third country resettlement of the Rohingyas has been fast-tracked to ease burden on the camps. The CA has called a new UN-led conference on the Rohingya crisis for a new direction on the issue.
9. A cultural reawakening
The last 100 days have seen unprecedented debates in the society. From the madrasa students to urban elites, and feminists to rightists - everyone is taking part in the debates. History is seen from different perspectives. Ideas are shared and debated threadbare.
