“We’re working for the development of the country and the nation. The message of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is that we’ll go on with our development activities whether anyone is beside us or not,” he said while speaking at a seminar on challenges in achieving SDGs organised by English daily the Bangladesh Post at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.
The goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
The minister said they are monitoring the activities of the ministries concerned so that the SGDs are successfully attained by the deadline.
“Our economic growth as well as the per capita income has been increased. As a result, we’re spending more money for achieving the SDGs. If any development partner comes to help us, we’ll welcome it. But if they don’t, that’s fine. We’ll implement those with our own money as we’re constructing the mega project of Padma Bridge,” he added.
Mannan said although Bangladesh among the low-lying countries is the worst sufferer of climate change, big countries did not come up with their promised assistance.
He, however, said the country will have to go forward to save the nature whether they provide help or not.
The minister asked youths to remain vigilant so that government projects, where public money is spent, are implemented properly.
Muhammad Zamir, former ambassador and analyst, said the country will be able to attain the SDGs successfully like MDGs, urging all to come forward to this end.
He laid emphasis on increasing interactive social engagement.
Former Chairman of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Kazi Reazul Hoque underscored the need for ensuring the rule of law in the country to attain the SDGs. “People from all classes will have to be given equal chance in all works. Or else, SDGs won’t be attained. The administration should be more active to ensure fair justice for all.”
He also alleged that he hardly got any assistance from government officials in his nine-year tenure.
“Now, police are conducting good drives but where were they in the past? State institutions must be strengthened to control all sorts of crime,” Reaz said, adding that the government should bring all criminals under justice.
Shahab Uddin, the editor-in-chief of the Bangladesh Post, presided over the function.