The economic condition of Bangladesh will never be like that of Sri Lanka, says Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
"Bangladesh is moving forward in all indicators due to the country's massive development spree. The comparison of the economy of Sri Lanka with the economy of Bangladesh is purpose-oriented. It's part of a conspiracy. Those who are saying that Bangladesh will be Sri Lanka are either deliberately spreading propaganda or they don't know about it," he said on Saturday.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking as the chief guest at an introductory meeting of the presidents and general secretaries of the new committees of the Dhaka North City unit of Awami League in Dhaka’s Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).
Highlighting the incumbent government's development activities, he said, the country's Padma Bridge is being implemented with its own funds.
"Today, after the propaganda against Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Metro Rail, now the propagandists are spreading rumors that Bangladesh will become Sri Lanka," he added.
After overcoming the Covid-19 crisis, the economy of Bangladesh stands at a balanced level up to the grassroots level and there is no such crisis in Bangladesh, he continued.
Issuing a warning against the rumour mongers, he reiterated that Bangladesh will never be like Sri Lanka.
"Our capital account is not open, unlike in Sri Lanka, no one can send dollars abroad if he or she wants," he said, adding that if anyone wants to send money abroad for any education or medical work, he or she has to open an account to send it.
Talking about megaprojects, he said Padma Bridge is not dependent on foreign loans as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is building it with the people's money.
No such megaproject is implemented with the help of foreign loans, he continued.
Praising the construction of the Padma Bridge, Quader said Sheikh Hasina, the worthy daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has shown the abilities of Bangladesh to the world.
