Inflation drops, reserves rise in government's first five months: Mahdi Amin

The Prime Minister's Office has claimed that significant progress has been made in the economy, social security, health, education and administrative reforms in the five months since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office.

At a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin highlighted the government's five-month activities on Saturday (July 18).

He said that despite taking charge of a fragile economy and damaged state structure, the government has achieved visible success in a short period of time. Currently, inflation in the country has come down to 9.16 percent and foreign exchange reserves have increased to $36.58 billion. In addition, a record $3.75 billion in remittances have arrived in March this year.

Mahdi Amin said that the government's various initiatives in agriculture and social security include loan waiver of up to Tk 10,000 for 1.2 million small farmers and distribution of rice at Tk 15 per kg for 5.5 million families. In addition, initiatives have been taken to introduce loans on easy terms for women and young entrepreneurs, identity cards for freelancers, startup funds and special cards for people of different classes and professions.

Highlighting the progress in the health sector, he said that a decision has been taken to recruit one lakh manpower, 80 percent of whom are women. In addition, plans are being implemented to provide free dengue tests in government hospitals, upgrade upazila hospitals to 101 beds and form health units at the union level.

In the education sector, he also mentioned the decision to provide smart classrooms, free Wi-Fi, mid-day meals, new textbooks and free education up to honors for girl students. At the same time, he said that initiatives have been taken to provide loans of up to Tk 1 million as bank guarantees for students interested in higher education abroad.

At the press conference, Mahdi Amin said that the government is implementing the 'Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction' strategy for the purpose of economic recovery, stability and long-term development. He claims that through this action plan, the country's economy and administrative structure are being placed on a stronger and more sustainable foundation.