In dispelling the confusion being spread about the mega projects to be implemented in the country, Prime Minister Sheikh on Wednesday reaffirmed that her government remains cautious so the loans don’t become a burden.
“Once these (mega) projects are implemented, the face of our economy will change. We’re taking loans from domestic and foreign sources. However, we have a careful eye so that they do not become a burden,” she said in an address to the nation on the eve of Pohela Boishakh, the Bangla New Year’s Day.
The address was telecast live by Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels.
The nation is set to celebrate the Pohela Boishakh-1429 on Thursday amid traditional cultural festivities.
About the mega projects, Sheikh Hasina said the Padma Bridge is being constructed with its own funds as no loan was taken.
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Other mega projects were undertaken through economic studies by local and foreign experts. Many projects are being implemented on the basis of foreign partnerships.
“Our main goal is to accelerate economic activities, create employment, increase resources and make the lifestyle of people easier through infrastructure development,” Hasina said.
The prime minister also said 2022 and 2023 will be milestones for Bangladesh in terms of infrastructure development.
“The much-desired Padma Bridge will come into operation in just a few months. The bridge is expected to contribute 1.2% to GDP,” she added.
She mentioned that the metrorail will be launched on the 14km-long Uttara-Agargaon route by the end of this year.
It is expected to bring a revolutionary change in the transport system in the capital, she said, adding that the country's first underwater tunnel, Karnaphuli River Tunnel in Chittagong, will be opened in October next.
The premier further said that the first unit (with a capacity of 1,200-megawatt) of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the largest development project in the country's history at a cost of Tk1,30,000 crore, is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2023.
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Last month, the 1,320-megawatt Payra Power Plant was inaugurated ahead of the deadline. “The implementation of other mega projects is progressing fast,” she observed.
Hasina said Bangladesh's economy stood on a strong foundation in the last 13 years, which is evident in different macroeconomic indexes.
“The GDP was only $102 billion in 2009, which rose to $416 billion last year. The per capita income was increased to $2,591 now from only $702.”
She said these achievements have been made possible thanks to far-sighted political thoughts and the implementation of far-sighted economic programs.
“Today, Bangladesh has become a ‘role model' of development as a result of running the country with participation of the people, upholding the democratic trend,” she added.
On commodity prices the prime minister said her government is trying its best to bring relief to the public.
The Awami League chief also said that the coronavirus pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and the emerging situation caused by the war have led to instability in commodity prices in the world market.
Fuel prices have risen abnormally. International transport fares have also risen sharply. As a result, the prices of some products have also gone up in Bangladesh.
“However, we’re not sitting idle. We’re trying our best to bring relief to the general public,” she said.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the government is providing several essential items at affordable prices to some 10 million families through TCB by giving subsidies, she said.
Hasina mentioned that there is an arrangement to sell meat, eggs and milk at affordable prices through 15 freezer vans every day by the Livestock Department in the capital.
“So, the prices of many essential items have already come down to normal levels.”
Besides, the government has given a special allocation of over 100,330 tons of rice against over 10 million VGF cards on the occasion of upcoming Eid.
'Some media campaign as if famine prevails'
The prime minister said some media outlets are campaigning in such a way as if there is a famine in the country. “I would like to inform you clearly that there is no shortage of any commodity, including rice, in the country.
“It is normal that people will crowd TCB's stores to buy goods at affordable prices. What could be the reason for highlighting it negatively?”
Even during the coronavirus pandemic, the country’s GDP grew 6.94% in the fiscal year 2020-2021. The remittance inflow hit a record $24.77 billion in the last fiscal. The expected trend of remittance inflow continues this year, she said.
Last year, the export income was $44.2 billion. In the first nine months of this year, export earnings reached $38.6 billion, some 33% higher than in the same period last year.
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“If this trend continues, Bangladesh will set a new record in export earnings this year,” Hasina said.
About agriculture, the ruling party chief said Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in the production of rice, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and milk. “If no natural calamity hits, a bumper yield of paddy is expected in the current Boro season.”
The prime minister extended Bangla New Year greetings to all. “Although many (Bengali) traditions have been lost due to various blows, the celebration of New Year on Pohela Boishakh still survives with its own glory.”
On the eve of this auspicious moment of 1429 Bangla year, she urged all to come forward for building Bangladesh as a happy and prosperous “Sonar Bangla” where there would be no inequality or disparity among people, and no discord among religions.
“The Pohela Boishakh inspires us to adopt a liberal lifestyle by shunning all narrowness and ignorance. It gives us strength and shows a dream to live with fresh enthusiasm removing all sorts of filthiness and shabbiness from the hearts,” she said.
Hasina added that the celebration of Pohela Boishakh revived the uniqueness (of the Bengali nation) and Bangaliyana (Bengali self).
She urged all to join the Pohela Boishakh celebration programmes and enjoy the joy of the Bangla New Year, maintaining health protocol as the coronavirus has not gone completely yet.
