On Thursday (July 20), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that despite the global economic pressures caused by the recession, Bangladesh’s economy continues to thrive. She addressed this during a meeting of the ruling Awami League-led 14-party grand alliance at her official residence, Ganabhaban. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to prepare for the upcoming challenges the country will face as it aims to achieve developing nation status by 2026.
While acknowledging the worldwide dollar crisis and its impact on Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina asserted that the nation’s economy remains resilient. She mentioned the ongoing efforts of a sub-committee, led by the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, which is examining the opportunities and challenges that come with Bangladesh’s full graduation to a developing nation.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s remarkable progress, the Prime Minister proudly declared the country as a role model of development for the rest of the world. She credited her government’s policies that have successfully reduced poverty rates, improved food production, provided housing for landless families, and increased electricity access.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Hasina also addressed the issue of corruption during the BNP’s regime and expressed her government’s determination to recover money siphoned off by BNP leaders to foreign countries. She criticized Khaleda Zia’s family, particularly her sons Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko, for their involvement in corruption, which led to the World Bank discontinuing financial support for the BNP due to corruption in the road sector.
Despite challenges in recovering funds from abroad, the Prime Minister acknowledged the success in bringing back Tk 40 crore laundered by Tarique and Koko. She reiterated her government’s dedication to creating employment opportunities and support entrepreneurs through various stimulus packages and training initiatives to further reduce the country’s unemployment rate, which currently stands at 3 percent.
Over the past 14 and a half years of her government’s tenure, Bangladesh has made significant advancements in various sectors, transforming the nation’s socio-economic landscape. Under the Awami League’s leadership, the country has witnessed substantial positive changes and remains steadfast in its commitment to further progress.
