Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday questioned why Bangladesh did not witness development in 29 years – 21 years after 1975 and 8 years after 2001.
“…Those who were in power during this period don't believe in the spirit of the Liberation War and that's why they didn't make efforts to develop the country,” UNB quoted her as saying.
The prime minister said this while joining an event marking the end to general work of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel's south tube which goes beneath the river Karnaphuli.
She officially announced completion of the tunnel's south side.
The PM joined the event, organized by the Bridges Division in Chittagong, virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League has done everything possible to push the country ahead, following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Briefly describing the development works initiated by her government, the prime minister said that they have significantly reduced poverty in the country and now people do not beg for food.
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, she said the world is suffering and many countries have declared recession, although Bangladesh is still moving ahead.
To this end, she reiterated her call to people to boost food production and produce whatever they can in every inch of land. “We will produce our own food without begging to anyone.”
She again suggested all to exercise austerity in using electricity, water and fuel as coronavirus outbreak, Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions have hiked price of every item in international market and inflation is a huge problem.
“We are not beyond the adverse impact of this, rather we are already facing the impact. But, we are still able to keep the wheels of our economy rolling,” she noted.
The prime minister again called upon the countrymen to be cautious, aware and frugal. “If we do so, we can move forward.”
Karnaphuli Tunnel first such project in South Asia
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under Karnaphuli river is the first such project in South Asia and is an astonishing infrastructure.
“Bangladesh is now a changed country and none would be able to stop the ongoing progress and advancement of Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister said that after inauguration of the Karnaphuli Tunnel next month, road communication between Cox's Bazar and Chittagong, Dhaka would be much easier and faster.
Besides, country's economy will get momentum and tourism, economic activities, trade and commerce in the entire Chittagong region will be further expanded and strengthened, she added.
Karnaphuli Tunnel has been constructed to develop Chittagong city like Shanghai of China following the “One City, Two Towns” model, she said.
The PM said that the new town at Anwara Upazila, end of Karnaphuli Tunnel will be developed in a planned manner to this end, while steps have been taken to connect Cox's Bazar with Dhaka and Chittagong through rail link.
Referring to development of the region, Sheikh Hasina said, Chittagong is a crucial commercial city of Bangladesh and her government has been implementing major program for its development.
In this regard, PM Hasina mentioned that steps were taken to develop the port city Chittagong with new structures and it will help strengthen the economy of Bangladesh significantly.
