Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
‘World Bank should support countries hit hard by Covid-19, Russia-Ukraine war, climate change’
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (January 23, 2023) urged the World Bank and other international organizations to strengthen their support for countries hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change.
The PM said this when World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Axel van Trotsenburg, paid a courtesy call on her at her office this morning.
PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh had achieved an impressive 8-plus percent GDP growth before Covid-19 broke out, but it declined due to the pandemic. When Bangladesh was regaining the growth momentum, it was hit hard again by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Read more: World Bank: Recession a looming threat for global economy
Developing countries like Bangladesh are dealing with the challenges brought about the economic fallout, including soaring food and fuel prices, she said.
The PM focused on her government’s measures and endeavours to fight the climate change, including projects undertaken with financing from Climate Trust Fund, to mitigate the adverse impacts by creating green-belt, afforestation, sustainable housing and livelihood.
She said developed countries shares responsibility for climate change but unfortunately, they are not complying with their commitments to assist the climate vulnerable countries.
BANGLADESH MADE INCREDIBLE DEVELOPMENT: WB MANAGING DIRECTOR
The World Bank Managing Director praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Bangladesh’s incredible development journey under her leadership.
The per capita income in Bangladesh was only some US $50 in 1972, which is now US $2824, he added.
Read more: World Bank okays $250m for Bangladesh for better environmental management, green investments
Talking about the current context, Axel van Trotsenburg said that developing countries like Bangladesh need to create employment opportunities for youths to face the current challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war.
Employment generation is also needed for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he added.
He said the World Bank has been assisting Bangladesh since 1972 and will continue to stand beside the country.
“I’ve come here to strengthen the World Bank’s partnership with Bangladesh,” said the WB senior official.
Read More: World Bank a key partner of Bangladesh’s economic growth: Finance Minister
About the development of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the country has gained fast development in the last 14 years thanks to the continuation of political stability, the government’s tireless efforts to implement its political visions and its desire to work for the people.
PM’s International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Ambassador-at-Large Mohammd Ziauddin, PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, and Finance Senior Secretary Fatima Yasmin were present at the meeting.
Raise own funds for development: PM Hasina urges public universities
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called upon the public universities to raise their own funds through the alumni associations for their own development and welfare programmes.
“Every university has an alumni association and through this they can create their own funds for the development of universities and the implementation of projects for the welfare of students,” she said.
The premier made this call while the members of the Standing Committee of Bangladesh University Parishad (Bangladesh University Council) comprising vice chancellors of various public universities,called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Read more: ‘Always a proud moment to see our girls doing so well’: PM tells MasterChef finalist Kishwar
After the meeting, Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary KM Sakhawat Moon briefed the reporters.
Placing importance on maintaining good relations with students the PM said, besides studies students should be made useful for the development of the country.
“Students of Bangladesh are very talented, if they are given a little chance, they can bring a higher degree from abroad after completing their university studies,” she said.
To this end, she called upon the university teachers to be more responsible and attentive to make the students suitable.
She said that to fulfill the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build a golden Bengal, golden boys and girls should be raised in the universities.
The prime minister said that university students should be involved in sports, cultural activities and creative activities in addition to studies so that they stay away from terrorism and militancy.
Read more: No condition for IMF loan to Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells Parliament
For this purpose, Hasina urged to take the initiative to start the inter-university sports competition again.
She recalled that once upon a time there was rampant use of weapons in university shootings, but after Awami League came to power, there is no clanking of weapons and terrorism and militancy in the country have been suppressed with a firm hand.
Pointing out that the government has given importance to the development of the skills of the youth, she said that steps have been taken to ensure that the youth can become entrepreneurs and provide jobs to others instead of chasing jobs after studying.
PM Hasina said that whenever Awami League comes to power, the rate and quality of education in the country increases.
In this context, she mentioned that her government has given importance to development of education, research, production and excellence as well as skill development.
At the same time, the prime minister said that the government is gradually moving the country towards industrialization by maintaining the balance of the environment.
Read more: AL never considers what it gets in return of working for the people: PM Hasina
Hasina said that the government has developed Digital Bangladesh under the guidance of her information and communication technology advisor Sajib Wazed Joy.
She expressed her determination to build a developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh in 2041 by maintaining this continuity of development.
In the event, the vice-chancellors of government universities raised various problems of their respective universities and the PM gave a patient hearing with assurance to solve those gradually.
‘Always a proud moment to see our girls doing so well’: PM tells MasterChef finalist Kishwar
Kishwar Chowdhury – the Australian cook of Bangladeshi origin, who placed third in the most popular reality show on food, MasterChef Australia, and won the hearts of Bengalis worldwide for putting everyday Bangladeshi home-cooked food under the limelight – recently met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.
Posting photos with the Bangladesh PM and her sister on her Facebook page yesterday, Kishwar shared the experience she called “one I’ll remember for years to come.”
Read More: Kishwar Chowdhury: The woman who brought traditional Bangladeshi dishes in MasterChef Australia
“I had the immense privilege of being invited into the home of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and creating some signature dishes that reflected my visits during winters in Bangladesh,” she wrote.
“What I thought would be a quick meet and greet, turned into long conversations over several cups of cha, ‘Tungipara Roshogolla’ and my first time trying ‘Mukhsolli Piththa’.
Also read: Masterchef Australia finalist Kishwar honoured by Australian High Commission
“It was an incredible experience sharing food, learning heritage family recipes and hearing stories of a bygone era of the lived history from two sisters who, despite having lived through so much, hold food, family and heritage at the very heart of their home,” Kishwar added.
'PM Hasina should get Nobel prize for hosting Rohingyas'
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should get the Nobel prize for her humanitarian and responsible policy in hosting the Rohingyas, the speakers said during a discussion Wednesday.
They were addressing the discussion "Rohingya's: Victims of Genocide and Looking for Answers" organised by the Entrepreneurship Economics Program of the Dhaka School of Economics.
The speakers also urged the international community to play a strong role in the repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh.
Munshi Faiz Ahmad, former ambassador of Bangladesh to China and former head of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, said Rohingya repatriation should get utmost priority now.
Read more: Hasina breaks down in tears while talking about everyday ordeals of Rohingyas
"More international pressure must be applied on Myanmar to overcome the Rohingya crisis. Considering world peace, Rohingyas must be resettled in their country for long-term results," he added.
Faiz also highlighted the importance of the five-point proposal placed by Hasina at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly session to solve the Rohingya crisis.
Muhammad Mahboob Ali, professor of Dhaka School of Economics and Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Economics Programme, said: "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should get the Nobel Peace Prize for the generosity she showed in sheltering the Rohingyas."
Read more: UN asked to resolve Rohingya crisis: PM
Also, as the chief guest of the programme, Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, urged more people to get admitted to Masters of Entrepreneurship Economics or postgraduate diploma in Enterprise Development at the Dhaka School of Economics to get proper knowledge and skill.
No condition for IMF loan to Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells Parliament
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that the loan Bangladesh is taking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has no significant conditions attached with it.
“IMF provides loan to a country only when it has the capacity to repay the loan. We’re not taking loan (from IMF) with any conditions,” she said replying to an opposition lawmaker in the House.
Taking the floor on a point of order, Jatiya Party lawmaker Mujibul Haque Chunnu said Bangladesh is now meeting some conditions to get loan from IMF and already raised the electricity tariff and will increase gas price due to the loan and this will lead to soaring prices of commodities and inflation.
PM Hasina said the government is providing subsidy to power and gas. “My question is that which other country of the world provides subsidy to electricity and gas. We’ve increased the electricity generation and ensured electricity supply. But all will have to exercise austerity in using electricity,” she said.
Read more: Bangladesh to be first in Asia to receive loan from IMF’s ‘Resilience and Sustainability Fund’
She said the price of electricity was raised by 150 percent in England following the Ukraine-Russia war. “We’ve just enhanced the price of electricity by only 5 percent and also raised the price of bulk gas to some extent now,” she added.
The PM said the spot price of LNG which was only US$ 6 is now US$ 68 US dollar in the international market. “If so, how much subsidies will the government provide? The government provides the subsidies from the public money,” she said.
She said the commodity prices have soared throughout the world. In Bangladesh, the government provided fair price card and TCB card for the lower and middle-income people so that they can purchase some essential commodities including rice at subsidized rates, she added.
The premier said, “We’re providing huge subsidy to agriculture. Now if we need to provide Tk 40,000-60,000 crore to electricity-gas generation and supply then how will we provide this?”
She said the inflation came down slightly in December and January last in the country. The food inflation is 13.3 percent in a country like England. The same situation prevails in all other countries of the world. But Bangladesh has not fallen into such situation yet, she added.
The PM put emphasis on austerity in usage of electricity and gas. The use of electricity was reduced by 50 percent in Prime Minister’s Office and Ganabhaban. If all take such measures, they can practice austerity in the use of electricity, she said
Read more: Pay production cost to get smooth supply of gas, electricity: PM Hasina tells industries
Sheikh Hasina said she clearly told the businesspeople that the government can provide uninterrupted gas supply to them, if they agree to pay the same rate what the government spends to procure gas from international market.
“If they want uninterrupted gas supply, they would have to pay the same price what the government needs to procure gas. There is no reason to provide subsidy here,” she said.
In reply to a question from Jatiya Party MP Syed Abu Hossain, the PM said the risk of food crisis has emerged due to the overall economic and social negative impacts of the overlong Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
She said the overlong Corona pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war have impacted the global economy and Bangladesh is no exception here.
Hasina said her government has taken various measures to ensure no food shortage occurs in the country due to global economic recession and food crisis.
The measures include increasing farm production by brining all the fallow lands under cultivation, construction of modern food godowns and ensure storage of safe foods.
Responding to another question from Awami League lawmaker M Abdul Latif, the premier placed the statistics on the progress building 10 mega projects.
Sheikh Hasina said she clearly told the businesspeople that the government can provide uninterrupted gas supply to them, if they agree to pay the same rate what the government spends to procure gas from international market.
“If they want uninterrupted gas supply, they would have to pay the same price what the government needs to procure gas. There is no reason to provide subsidy here,” she said.
In reply to a question from Jatiya Party MP Syed Abu Hossain, the PM said the risk of food crisis has emerged due to the overall economic and social negative impacts of the overlong Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
She said the overlong Corona pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war have impacted the global economy and Bangladesh is no exception here.
Hasina said her government has taken various measures to ensure no food shortage occurs in the country due to global economic recession and food crisis.
The measures include increasing farm production by brining all the fallow lands under cultivation, construction of modern food godowns and ensure storage of safe foods.
Responding to another question from Awami League lawmaker M Abdul Latif, the premier placed the statistics on the progress building 10 mega projects.
Govt to build Tk 5651 cr elevated road in Kishoreganj haor region
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday approved a Tk 5,651.13-crore project for the construction of an elevated road from Mithamoin upazila sadar to Karimganj upazila in Kishoreganj district, aiming to ensuring smooth and uninterrupted road communication in the haor region.
The approval came from an Ecnec meeting presided over by Ecnec chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the NEC Conference Room in the city.
"Today the meeting approved a total of 11 projects with an overall estimated cost of Tk 10,640.58 crore. "Out of the total cost, Tk 7,827.50 crore will be drawn from the fund of Bangladesh government while Tk 2,880.18 crore from foreign sources as project assistance," said Planning Minister MA Mannan at a press briefing.
Of the 11 projects, six are fresh projects while five are revised ones, he said.
The Planning Minister said that the main objective of the elevated road construction project is to establish smooth road communication in the haor region from Mithamoin Sadar to Karimganj upazila connecting the Mithamoin cantonment.
Read more: 8 projects costing almost Tk 5000 crore gain Ecnec nod
Besides, some 13.40 kilometer existing road from Nakbhanga circle to Morichkhali bazar would be widened to establish smooth and uninterrupted all weather road communication of Itna, Mithamoin and Austagram upazilas with Kishoreganj Sadar, Dhaka, Sylhet and other districts.
The main project operations include construction of 15.13 kilometer elevated road, widening of 13.40 kilometer existing road, construction of four bridges, construction of 13 toll plazas, toll monitoring buildings and check posts and construction of 13 kilometer temporary submersible roads.
State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, the members of Planning Commission and concerned secretaries were present at the briefing.
Replying to a question if the draft EVM procurement project was placed at the meeting or not, the Planning Minister said that neither the project was in the agenda nor the Prime Minister wanted to know anything about it.
"But, the draft project is under process and you'll know about it when it will progress further," he said.
In the meeting, a brief on the country's current economic situation was made, which was appreciated by all, he added.
Talking about the PM's directives, the Planning Minister said that the authorities concerned were asked to complete the development works within the stipulated timeframe and maintain the quality of works.
Read more: Ecnec approves Tk 7,189cr Cumilla-Brahmanbaria 4-lane highway project
Mannan said the PM put emphasize on proper scrutiny before making expenditures.
State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam informed that the PM directed all to remain cautious in expenditure as well as maintaining austerity in expenditure.
The other projects okayed in the meeting are construction of multipurpose hydraulic elevator dam on Srimai River under Patia upazila of Chattogram with Tk 133.53 crore, Protecting Sheikh Hasina Cantonment area from the erosion of Karkhana, Bighai and Payra Rivers under Barishal district, 1st phase with Tk 676 crore, Padma River dredging and protection of left embankment from Majhirchar to Moksedpur via Narishabazar under Dohar upazila in Dhaka, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 528.06 crore, Adaptation initiative for the small islands and river Char lands in the coastal areas vulnerable to climate change with Tk 77.86 crore, Matarbari coal-based power station construction project (roads and highways department portion, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 364.81 crore.
The remaining projects are construction of multilane tunnel under Karnaphuli River, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 315.29 crore, Establishment of global maritime distress and safety system & integrated maritime navigation system (EGIMNS) project, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Tk 92.46 crore, Inclusive sanitation at 25 towns in Bangladesh with Tk 2,210.70 crore, Climate Change Adapted Urban Development, Phase II (CCAUD), Khulna with Taka 491.28 crore and Ghorashal, 4th unit re powering project, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 99.46 crore.
Militancy dishonouring Islam instead of dignifying it: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon Alem and Olama (Islamic scholars) to instil humanitarian values among people and guide them against terrorism, militancy and drug addiction.
“These are destroying families and the society as well,” she said while virtually inaugurating 50 more model mosques across the country from her official residence Ganabhaban.
She also requested all, particularly the children, not to get involved in militancy, saying, “Militancy is dishonouring Islam instead of dignifying it.”
Sheikh Hasina urged the guardians and teachers of educational institutions to be cautious as children and youths are targeted by militants.
“We can develop our society in a beautiful manner by erasing miseducation, differences, conflicts, terrorism, and militancy through realising the true sense of Islam,” she said.
The prime minister said that through the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres, people would get true knowledge on Islamic values and culture.
This will help in not being misled in the name of religion, alongside contributing immensely to stop terrorism, militancy and repression on women, she added.
Also read; PM Hasina urges affluent section to stand by destitute people
She said that the government has undertaken the projects of constructing model mosques so that no one can mislead people in the name of Islam.
The PM said the model mosques would enhance people’s knowledge of Islam – a religion of peace, fraternity and friendship.
“It would help stop terrorism, militancy and repression on women, with imparting the true knowledge of Islamic values and culture on people,” she said.
Describing the Alem and Olama as the “Orasatul Ambia”, she said people of the country respect the Khatibs and Imams of mosques.
“Make sure that none can mislead people using our religion. You can educate people to refrain from getting involved in social ills that include drug addiction, child marriage, repression of women, food adulteration and corruption through your daily sermons and khutba during Jummah,” she said.
Also read; AL always fulfills election pledges made to the nation: PM Hasina
She said religion cannot be used as a political weapon.
“Our target is to put an end to torture and repression, using religion,” she said.
The PM said Islam ensures free exercise of religions by people of all faiths.
“Irrespective of political identity and opinion, we can build a developed, prosperous and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ – with equal respect to every religion and with the non-communal spirit,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League has always been a “servant of Islam”, and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stopped racing, gambling and alcohol sales.
She mentioned that Bangabandhu established madrasa board, allocated land for Baitul Mukarram Mosque and Ijtema ground – to uphold Islam.
“Bangabandhu had taken initiatives to hold Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh and incorporate the country as a member of the OIC,” she said.
Following the ideals of the Father of the Nation, she said they have taken various programmes to dignify Islam that includes constructing 564 model mosques at each of the upazilas and districts.
The prime minister said that she has so far opened 100 model mosques across the country while the rest will be opened in phases.
The government is now building three storey model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in every upazila and four storey mosque in every district.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Ministry Md Faridul Haque Khan and its Secretary Kazi Enamul Hassan spoke at the function from the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Rajshahi, Shariatpur and Chouddagram of Cumilla district sites were also connected to the programme, where the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties, government officers and common people were present.
A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.
IMF to support Bangladesh’s aspirations of becoming a higher-income country by 2041: DMD
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assured of continued support to Bangladesh’s aspirations to become a developed and higher-income country by 2041.
IMF Deputy Managing Director Antoinette Monsio Sayeh made the assurance during a meeting today (January 16, 2023) with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Bangladesh aspires to become a developed, prosperous, and higher-income country by 2041. The IMF will continue to support this aspiration,” the IMF senior official was quoted as saying.
Read more: Bangladesh Bank expects first instalment of $4.5 b IMF loan to arrive by next month: Spokesman
She said the IMF has a long-standing partnership with Bangladesh. “The IMF cherishes this partnership. I have come here to strengthen the partnership further,” Sayeh was quoted.
She said the whole world is facing challenges due to the staggering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
In this situation, emerging economies like Bangladesh are facing various problems, particularly inflation, price-hike of commodities and pressure on foreign exchange reserves, the IMF deputy managing director said.
The IMF will assist in Bangladesh’s efforts to face these problems, she assured.
Read more: IMF DMD arrives in Dhaka today to finalize $4.5 billion loan
The prime minister said the pace of the country’s progress has slowed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and resulting sanctions, counter-sanctions.
Bangladesh is also facing difficulties due to price hike of commodities, she said, adding that the government has widened the social safety net and expanded food programmes to support the lower income people.
Sheikh Hasina told the IMF official that her government has undertaken development programmes targeting poverty alleviation and food security.
She said Bangladesh is bringing fallow lands under cultivation to boost food production.
Read more: IMF’s DMD due in Dhaka on Jan 14 to finalise $4.5bn loan deal
Lower-income people are suffering due to high inflation even in many developed countries, she added.
‘SEEKING IMF ASSISTANCE NOT AS BAILOUT, BUT AS PRE-EMPTIVE MEASURE’
The PM said Bangladesh has sought assistance from the IMF as a pre-emptive measure. “We have sought assistance from the IMF not as a bailout, but as a pre-emptive measure.”
The IMF deputy managing director praised the socio-economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She said Bangladesh has been maintaining some 6 percent GDP growth over the last decade.
Read More: IMF loan is like a character certificate: PM’s advisor Mashiur
Besides, women empowerment, girls’ education, community clinics and ICT came up for discussion during the meeting.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, PM’s International Relation Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, Senior Finance Secretary Fatima Yasmin and IMF Resident Representative in Dhaka Jayendu De were present at the meeting.
At the meeting, the IMF delegation handed over two photographs to the prime minister, which were taken when Bangladesh signed the IMF’s Articles of Agreement on August 17, 1972 to obtain its membership.
Read More: IMF acknowledges Bangladesh’s outstanding socioeconomic progress: Finance Minister
PM inaugurates 50 more model mosques to disseminate the essence of Islam
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated 50 model mosques along with Islamic cultural centres, in the second phase.
She inaugurated the mosques — located in different parts of the country — joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Read more: PM Hasina urges affluent section to stand by destitute people
According to ministry information, the mosques and Islamic cultural centres are located at Bhanga upazila and Nagarkanda in Faridpur; Kapasia in Gazipur; Sadar upazila in Gopalganj; Sadar upazila, Katiadi in Kishoreganj; Gior upazila, Saturia in Manikganj; Sadar upazila, Monohardi in Narsingdi; Goalanda upazila in Rajbari; District headquarters, Bhedarganj upazila in Shariatpur; Dhunot upazila, Nondigram in Bogra; Niamatpur upazila in Naogaon; Baraigram upazila in Natore; Sadar upazila in Chapainawabganj; Bhangura and Sujanagar upazila in Pabna; Kazipur in Sirajganj; Rajshahi City Corporation; Gangachara and Kaunia in Rangpur; Sadar upazila in Thakurgaon; Sadar upazila in Sherpur; District headquarters in Pirojpur; Sadar upazila and Kasba in Brahmanbaria; Sadar upazila and Manikchari in Khagrachhari; Chandina and Chauddagram in Comilla; Rupsha in Khulna; Khoksa and Bheramara in Kushtia; District headquarters and Gangni in Meherpur; Debhata in Satkhira; Gowainghat in Sylhet; District headquarters and Jagannathpur in Sunamganj; and Chunarughat in Habiganj district.
These model mosques include separate places for ablution and prayers, and are air-conditioned.
Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, corner for people with special needs, place for burial ritual, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sales centre, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.
Earlier, on June 10, 2021, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first phase of 50 model mosques, out of total 564, simultaneously across the country, aimed at preaching the true messages of Islam and to eliminate religious misconceptions.
Read more: AL always fulfills election pledges made to the nation: PM Hasina
The purpose of the project is enhancing Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminating the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy.
Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques with the elevator facility and a floor space of 2,360.09 square metres each are being constructed in 64 districts and city corporation areas.
Under category B, 475 mosques are being built with a floor space of 1680.14 square metres each, while 16 mosques under C category in coastal areas will have a floor space of 2,052.12 square metres each.
PM Hasina urges affluent section to stand by destitute people
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged the affluent section of the society to stand beside the destitute people as her government has been working to arrange houses for all homeless people of the country.
“Not a single person will remain landless and homeless in Bangladesh. That is our goal,” she told the representatives of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) during a meeting at her office here.
In the meeting 36 banks donated a total of Tk 113.25 crore for the construction of houses for homeless people under Ashrayan-2 project, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon while briefing reporters.
The premier said most of the country's homeless and landless people have already been given houses and the remaining people will also get abodes. “Nothing can be greater than the smile and satisfaction of the people who got Ashrayan houses,” she added.
She said many people who got Ashrayan houses on two-decimal lands are also growing vegetables, rearing chickens, opening cottage industry and shops there. “They’re finding a way to make a (decent) living. The life of the people is changing for the better,” she said.
Hasina asked the well-off section to come forward in the construction of houses for landless and homeless people. “Not only the government, but we all together will take the country forward on the path of development,” she said.
The PM thanked the BAB and bankers for providing donations on different occasions saying, “I don't even need to tell you (for providing assistance). You all come spontaneously and help during any disaster and crisis.”
Also read: AL always fulfills election pledges made to the nation: PM Hasina
Focusing on the outcome of her government’s initiative to open banks in the private sector, she said three lakh graduates were employed due to the establishment of private banks. “It's a big matter,” she added.
PM Hasina said the country is marching toward prosperity overcoming all natural and manmade disasters.
Referring to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war on the global economy, she said, “We’re not in big trouble, unlike other countries. We are overcoming it.”
Also read: Work collectively for a fair economic order: PM at Voice of South Summit
PM’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the event, while BAB chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder also spoke on the occasion.