In its 75 years of existence, the Awami League has not only helped liberate Bangladesh but also transformed the country once dubbed a “bottomless basket” into an economic force, according to remarks made by vice chancellors of various public universities as well as former foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
This transformation had been possible because of the "magical leadership" of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they said at a seminar in Dhaka on Friday, organized by the Education, Research and Development Forum (ERDFB) to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Awami League.
Dr Md Sazzad Hossain, a member of the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) and president of the ERDFB, chaired the event, while Dr Mohammad Badruzzaman Bhuiyan, vice chancellor of Barisal University and general secretary of the ERDFB, moderated it.
Dr Momen was present as the chief guest, and Dr Zeenat Huda, general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, presented the keynote paper.
Among others who spoke at the seminar were the VCs of Chittagong Medical University, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Science and Technology University, and Rangamati Science and Technology University.
Momen highlighted that Sheikh Hasina had been at the helm of the Awami League for 43 years, leading the party through its "successful and glorious" history.
“She has managed the country efficiently by prioritizing the expectations of the people,” he said.
“Under her leadership, Bangladesh has transitioned from the World Bank's list of low-income countries to a lower-middle-income country.”
“This government has initiated the largest projects in the country's history, with their implementation becoming increasingly visible,” the former minister continued.
Dr Zeenat Huda emphasized that a stable political environment was a prerequisite for national development, a condition met through the Awami League's leadership over the past 75 years.
“Bangladesh is now a hub of international trade and investment. The government has allocated 100 economic zones and is developing hi-tech parks. Iconic structures like the Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel and metro rail are now realities,” she said.
“In essence, from a bottomless basket, Bangladesh has become the economic tiger of South Asia under the Awami League's leadership,” she added.
“The country has progressed from a low-income nation to a middle-income country, developing in all areas. This achievement has been possible due to the the skillful and magical leadership of the Awami League, the party closely tied to the birth and liberation of Bangladesh,” she said.