Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that there will no-longer be hunger and poverty in Bangladesh if Awami League is voted into power again in the upcoming general election.
"If people cast their votes for the Boat [Awami League’s election symbol], and we get the chance to serve the country by forming the government, I can tell you, without any hesitation that there will be no hunger and poverty by 2020," she said on Sunday.
She made the statement while inaugurating 66 Sheikh Russel Mini-Stadiums in 66 upazilas, Youth Training Centres in six districts, and a multi-sports indoor complex in Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Pratisthan (BKSP)—via videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Sheikh Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, said the government has been able to reduce the poverty rate to 21% and—will be able to reduce it further in the coming days.
She said the 100th anniversary of the birth of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, will be celebrated in a hunger and poverty-free atmosphere in Bangladesh.
"We will be able to march forward; further towards development," she added.
Talking about the development of sports, Sheikh Hasina said sports are closely related to education.
She said: "The more students get involved in sports, the more they are able to gain courage and become healthier. It will also help bring more pride for the country and the nation."
Sheikh Hasina said the government has paid special attention to this so that the students and youth get involved in sports.
She added: "We want sports to further flourish in the country."
She furthered that sports and cultural activities can help in keep youths away from drugs and militancy.
She said the government has planned to establish Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Pratisthan in all divisions and the finance minister has shown an adequate interest in this regard.
"We will provide funds and the students who will come out from there will become involved in sports," the prime minister said.
She also briefly described various steps taken by her government and programs for the welfare of Bangladesh’s youth.
State Minister for Youths and Sports Dr Biren Sikder also spoke at the video conference.
Later, the prime minister spoke to a cross-section of people via the video conference.
