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PM Sheikh Hasina Applauds Bangladesh’s Resilient Economy Amid Global Recession
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.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued forecasts of rain or thundershowers for Dhaka, Rangpur, and five other divisions, commencing from 9 am today and extending over the next 24 hours. This weather forecast encompasses Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions, where accompanying gusty or squally winds are anticipated during the rainfall. Additionally, Chattogram division is expected to experience some activity, albeit in fewer places, with the potential for hail in isolated areas.
The BMD bulletin highlights that various areas within these seven divisions may witness significant thunderstorm activity, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, with isolated occurrences of hail.
Temperature levels across the nation are projected to remain consistent, both during daytime and at night. Over the past 24-hour period, Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature in the country at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, experienced the lowest temperature at 21.2 degrees Celsius.
Dhaka witnessed the most substantial rainfall, measuring up to 87mm. Residents in the affected divisions are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions and stay informed about further forecasts from the BMD.
The Jashore Education Board has achieved the highest pass rate of 92.32% among the nine boards in the 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination, according to official data.
Conversely, Sylhet remained at the bottom with a pass rate of 73.35%, continuing its trend from last year when it also recorded the lowest pass rate of 76.06%.
Data from the education board website reveals that the Dhaka board secured a pass rate of 83.92%, while Rajshahi board achieved 89.25%, Cumilla board 79.20%, Barishal board 89.13%, Chattogram board 82.80%, Dinajpur board 78.40%, and Mymensingh board 84.97%.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the results of this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Students have been able to access their results through the official website.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the 2024 Hajj program (1445 hijri) in Ashkona, the capital, today, May 8th.
Subsequently, she exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims at the Ashkona Hajj camp.
The maiden Hajj flight is set to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saudi Arabia on Thursday (May 9).
Dedicated Hajj flights will also operate from Chattogram and Sylhet airports, landing at Jeddah and Medina airports.
This year, 85,257 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to undertake the holy journey. Among them, 4,562 will be under government management, while 80,695 will be managed privately.
The Hajj is tentatively scheduled for June 15th, contingent upon the moon sighting.
In attendance were Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Shahadat Hossain Taslim.
Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, while Religious Affairs Secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the welcome address.
