Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said Bangladesh would become a middle-income nation within the tenure of the current Awami League government.
The minister made the statement at a reception accorded to the brilliant students of Dr Monsuruddin Women's College in Chandpur on Saturday.
He said: “The country will become a middle-income one during the tenure of the present government. But, it will not be possible without the noble intentions of the countrymen, especially the elites.”
“We have limited wealth. The disparity among people has been decreased. Poverty reduction rate has been increased up to 2%. If the rich of this country contribute more freely, it will become easier to progress further.”
Emphasising on woman empowerment, the minister said: “About 50% of the population is women. If the women of the country will not be progressive, then the other 50% of the population, which is men, would be of no use. Therefore, our government always emphasises on the education and skill development of women.”
“Our current GDP growth is 6% but we have to achieve the GDP growth of 8%-10%. And in order to achieve the goal, there is no alternative to women empowerment.”