The Bangladesh government is working to formulate a 2021-2041 development plan to make the country a developed and prosperous one by 2041, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.
"We have started preparing a plan over what and how much development we want Bangladesh to achieve from 2021 to 2041. Bangladesh will be a developed and prosperous country by 2041," the premier said on Saturday while addressing a reception in Sydney, Australia.
The Australian chapter of Bangladesh Awami League arranged the event titled “Civic Reception of Sheikh Hasina” at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel.
The prime minister said her government always formulates long-term plans for the country, whereas the BNP government used to make plans on ad hoc basis.
The Awami League government prepared the fifth five-year plan coming to power in 1996, implemented the sixth five-year plan assuming office in 2009, and now it is implementing the seventh five-year plan, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said her government also had the Perspective Plan 2011-2020. “The country is marching forward as the government is working with such long-term plans," she added.
Hasina urged Bangladeshi expatriates to uphold Bangladesh's image abroad. "Wherever you are, you must be careful as to maintain Bangladesh's dignity."
The prime minister also asked them to remain alert so anti-liberation forces cannot come to power anymore, and the current trend of development in the country continues.
Mentioning that the government is now setting up 100 special economic zones in the country, she said her government created a huge investment scope for expatriates.
Speaking of different development activities of the government, Hasina said the government solved maritime boundary disputes with India and Myanmar, and thus got a vast sea area.
During her meeting with the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Saturday, she sought assistance from Australia so Bangladesh can utilize its sea resources.
Hasina said there are oceanography departments in Dhaka University and Chittagong University and she set up Oceanography Research Centre in Cox's Bazar.
"Now, we are thinking how the marine resources can be utilized. I sought help from Australia in this regard during discussions with the Australian prime minister. We need more knowledge on oceanography. I sought their cooperation."
President of Bangabandhu Council, Australia Sheikh Shamimul Haque presided over the event.
On the same day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Western Sydney University to visit the bust of Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed on the university campus.
The prime minister said she was deeply touched at the establishment of Bangabandhu's bust on the campus. “The bust is rightly located in front of the Institute of Ocean Governance (ICOG) to recognize Bangabandhu’s vision and pioneering role on maritime boundary demarcation through an Act of Parliament in 1974,” she said.
During the visit to the university, Sheikh Hasina again mentioned seeking Australia's cooperation for the development of Bangladesh's marine aquaculture and exchange of teachers on oceanography.
“Bangladesh is planning to develop inclusive and people-centric blue economy enhancing capacity-building with innovative financing, ensuring transfer of critical technology, and strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships and collaboration from Australia,” she said.
“As Bangladesh is going to the next stage of development through graduation from the LDC status, we need greater human capacity where Australia can contribute by providing training programs and vocational education,” she added.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
