PM Hasina
Will ensure a level playing field for better business in Bangladesh: PM Hasina tells Japanese businesspeople
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged Japanese business leaders to come to Bangladesh for exploring the potentials of business and investment opportunities that are waiting for them.
“We shall keep on improving the business environment and ensure a level playing field for you all to do businesses in Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister made the appeal while interacting with the selected Japanese business leaders (CEOs) at Hotel Westin here.
She said that even under the duress of Covid-19 pandemic, the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Japan continued to grow significantly and crossed USD 4 billion milestone for the first-time during the Fiscal Year 2021-22.
“The number of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh has gone up steadily in the last few years especially since 2014 when we entered into our ‘comprehensive partnership’, and Japan’s commitment under the Big-B initiative,” she said.
Hasina said she is sure that Japanese businesspeople are also following this increasing trend, and would be positively inclined to either expanding their existing businesses, or opening new ones in Bangladesh.
“I want to assure you that my government and all relevant agencies are keen to help you and our other friends from Japan in business endeavours in Bangladesh,” she said.
Seeing the exemplary outcome of the two countries’ bilateral relations in the last five decades, Bangladesh’s expectation is for a larger footprint of Japan in Bangladesh in the coming years, she said.
“We have already resolved a number of regulatory and policy issues raised by Japanese companies in Bangladesh,” she added.
In this connection, the Bangladesh premier said she herself took initiative to form the Bangladesh-Japan Joint Public-Private Economic Dialogue (PPED), and it held the 5th round of PPED on April 11 just before her arrival in Japan.
Also read: Bangladesh a role model for women's participation in UN peacekeeping: PM Hasina
She said Bangladesh has one of the most liberal foreign investment regimes in South Asia.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh is fast emerging as a highly lucrative location for investment in terms of competitive cost, abundant human resources, sizeable domestic consumer market with high purchasing power and growing middle class.
Moreover, she said Bangladesh is striving to be the economic hub of the region by way of improving access to regional and international markets.
“We are establishing economic zones, high-tech/software technology parks across the country. Bangladesh has been developing a planned infrastructure base to place itself as a hub of connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia,” she said.
“Our Embassy here in Tokyo is ready to cooperate and facilitate your ventures in Bangladesh." She said.
Top business leaders from Japan came up with future plans regarding investment in Bangladesh.
PM Hasina arrives at the Japanese Prime Minister Office for talks
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Japanese Prime Minister Office to hold the summit meeting with her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio.
On her arrival here, the Bangladesh premier was received by Kishida Fumio at the entrance hall of his office.
Hasina was given a ceremonial guard of honour on arrival there. She took salute and inspected the guard of honour.
Also read: PM to inaugurate, lay foundation stone of 50 industries and infrastructures tomorrow
After the summit meeting, both the prime ministers are expected to sign a joint statement. They will also witness the exchange of bilateral agreements or memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) between the two countries.
PM Hasina is now on a four-day official visit to Japan at the invitation of her Japanese counterpart Kishida.
PM Hasina gets red carpet welcome on arrival in Tokyo
A red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Tokyo Tuesday afternoon on a four-day official visit at the invitation of her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.
On arrival at Haneda International Airport at 4:45pm local time (BD Time 1:45pm), the premier was received by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs YAMADA Kenji. She was given static guard of honour at the airport.
From the airport, Hasina was taken to the Akasaka Palace. On her way to the Palace, both sides of road was decorated with the flags of two friendly countries --Bangladesh and Japan to welcome the Bangladesh premier.
Also Read: PM Hasina reaches Tokyo to begin four-day official visit to Japan
Earlier, A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourage departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:56am (BD time) for Tokyo.
Sheikh Hasina will stay in Tokyo till April 28 on the first leg of her two-week tri-nation official visit to Japan, the USA and the UK.
As per the foreign ministry officials, during her visit Bangladesh and Japan are likely to sign eight memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) or agreements including one on defence cooperation without purchase.
The MoCs or agreements would be signed during a meeting between the two Prime Ministers (Sheikh Hasina and Kishida Fumio) of the friendly countries on April 26.
Eight MoCs or deals are likely to be signed between the two countries in the sectors of agriculture, metro-rail, industrial up-gradation, ship recycling, customs matters, intellectual property, defense cooperation, ICT and cyber security cooperation etc in presence of the two leaders after the formal bilateral meeting between the heads of government of the two countries at the Prime Minister's Office of Japan.
Also Read: PM Hasina off to Tokyo on first leg of a two-week official visit to Japan, USA and UK
PM Hasina will have a courtesy call on Emperor of Japan Naruhito on April 26 and a guard of honour will be given to the Bangladesh Prime Minister there.
The formalities of the meeting will conclude with a dinner hosted at the residence of the Prime Minister of Japan in honor of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
This is the sixth visit of PM Hasina to Japan. Earlier, the PM visited Japan in 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019.
During the visit, the PM is scheduled to attend an investment summit and a community reception along with a few bilateral meetings.
She will also hand over the “Friends of Liberation War Honour” to a few Japanese nationals, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The prime minister is expected to return home on May 09 after visiting the USA and then the UK.
Perpetrators of 1977 massacre and BNP-Jamaat arsonists face punishment: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that those who were involved in the killings of hundreds of Bangladesh Air Force members through illegal court martial in 1977 are getting punishment for their crimes.
Punishment is also being meted out to the perpetrators of arson violence and terrorism carried out in the name of movement launched by BNP and Jamaat during 2013-15, she said.
“Those who were involved in injustice got punishment, getting punishment and will get punishment,” she said at an event at her official residence Ganobhavan.
The prime minister was talking to the family members of Bangladesh Air Force personnel who had been sentenced to death through illegal court martial in 1977 during the regime of then military ruler General Ziaur Rahman.
Also Read: 2002 attack on Hasina's motorcade: 4 get life imprisonment, 44 others 7 years’ jail
Victims and relatives of arson terrorism by BNP-Jamaat nexus in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were also present there.
Hasina said that she is empathetic to the family members of the victims as she and her younger sister lost father, mother, brothers, sister-in-laws and other family members in a day on August 15 in 1975 when Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated.
She said Bangabandhu endured life-long sufferings for Bangladesh and its people.
“My only aim is to ensure that people of this country remain in good shape,” she said.
She regretted that arson terrorism and fire incidents at market places are taking place causing immense miseries to the innocent people at a time the country is moving towards economic prosperity.
“Those who are doing this are incurring hatred of the whole nation. I think that Allah will also not tolerate this,” she said.
She said that BNP-Jamaat’s activities had been as barbaric as was done by Pakistani military.
“Ziaur Rahman used to write the verdict of capital punishment while smiling,” she said.
She said that after that Zia’s wife and then their sons resorted to arson terrorism as they do not want any good for the country and its people.
She mentioned that she can understand the pain of the family members and relatives of the victims. “I am always beside you, I share your pain,” she said.
Nurunnahar Begum, wife of victim Sargent Delwar Hossain, and Maksuda Parvin, daughter of Sargent Morshedul Alam, also spoke at the programme.
A heart-rending situation prevailed while the relatives spoke. A visibly moved PM consoled them with motherly affection.
Victim of arson terrorism Sub Inspector Moqbul Hossain and Mohammad Salauddin Bhuiyan expressed their feelings in the programme.
Two separate documentaries on these subjects were also screened at the programme.
The prime minister presented Eid gifts to the victims and relatives.
PM Hasina allocates Tk 9 crore as Eid gift for Bangabazar fire victims
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has allocated Tk nine crore as Eid gift for the shop workers, traders and owners at Bangabazar who have been affected in a devastating fire incident recently.
The money has already been sent to their mobile phone, said Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah.
Read More: Traders of Bangabazar set up around 800 temporary shops at the site.
PM Hasina's Ashrayan project is enabling Bangladesh’s inclusive growth, India Today writes
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ‘Ashrayan Project’ under which homes are built for homeless and displaced people in Bangladesh, has played a key role in achieving the goals of poverty eradication, hunger eradication, gender equality and women's empowerment, among others, India’s leading English-language magazine India Today writes.
Her innovative Shelter Scheme, to transform Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country by 2041, has been able to bring about positive changes in inclusive development by aiming to provide houses for landless, homeless, and marginalized people in 64 districts of the country, writes the magazine in its April 15 issue.
Whereas examples of low-interest loans for land purchase are found in several countries around the world, Bangladesh becomes the first country to offer free land ownership with houses to its marginalized citizens in order to bring its backward communities into the mainstream, India Today notes.
Read: 4 lakh coastal people took refuge at Ashrayan homes during Sitrang: PMO
“Beneficiaries under this scheme are not only provided with accommodation, but they are also provided with various training, daily allowances during training, and loans after training to make them economically self-reliant,” the report states.
“The scheme includes empowering women by giving them half ownership of land and houses, providing free electricity connection, providing clean water by installing one shallow tube well for every 10 families, and providing food assistance under three months of VGF to the resettled families initially,” it reads.
The India Today report also lauded PM Hasina’s development, known as the "Sheikh Hasina model".
The 'Ashrayan Project' is a unique example of how a house can be a major tool for overall family welfare and social development.
Read: Ashrayan Project: Govt thoroughly scrutinizing “irregularities”
In its report, India Today highlighted the experience of two beneficiaries of the project.
For 30 long years, Moksedul, a brick kiln labourer, waited for a house that he could call his own.
His long-held desire has been granted, as he has been assigned a semi-furnished house in his own name.
Moksedul told India Today that he can live very well with his family now.
Meanwhile, sixty-five-year-old Piara Begum is a resident of Patharghata in Barguna who lost her family home to the river thirty years ago.
Read: No laxity in costruction of Ashrayan houses to be tolerated: Project Director
She used to live with her husband on the banks of the river until he died of cancer 16 years ago.
“Finally, Piara Begum's misery has come to an end after she is allotted a house built by the Bangladesh government on the occasion of ‘Mujib centenary’ under the ‘Ashrayan' scheme.” India Today writes.
“I have been suffering all my life. I never dreamed of a house. Now, I have got a semi-furnished house with land. The prime minister has given me a house. I am very happy. As long as I live, I will pray for the prime minister,” she told India Today.
The “Ashrayan” project was undertaken in 1997 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. And since its inception, approximately 5,07,244 landless and homeless families have been rehabilitated at various stages under this shelter initiative.
Read More: I’m everyone’s PM irrespective of party affiliation, says Hasina
Through this initiative, the society's backward community has been given access to semi-finished housing and two decimals of land.
Not up to us to decide who will go to heaven and who will go to hell: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged all religious-minded people, including Aleem and Ulema, to remain vigilant so that no one could tarnish the image of Islam.
“Let’s ensure that our sacred religion is not tarnished through various means. Aleem, Ulema and religious-minded people must keep an eye on this issue,” she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country – in the fourth phase – joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
She said that Islam is the religion of peace, and those engaged in terrorism and militancy are tarnishing the image of this religion of peace.
“They are on the wrong path. All of us have to pay special attention to this matter,” she said.
The PM said that the last judgement will be made by the Almighty Allah.
“Who believes in Islam and who does not, we cannot decide that. It is very regrettable that sometimes we see some people unnecessarily trying to undermine other religions or different mazhab (sects) of Islam,” Sheikh Hasina said.
She said that this is against the lessons of Islam and ideology of the Prophet (PBUH). “This kind of attitude is not acceptable. Allah will judge everyone and everything… Allah will decide who will go to heaven and who will go to hell.”
Everyone will perform rituals of their own religion, and it is stated in the constitution of Bangladesh, she said.
“One cannot go to heaven by killing people. Killing innocent people will lead one to land in the fire of hell… People must be aware of this,” the PM said.
She said that all, irrespective of religion and background, gave their blood to attain the independence of the country.
“Everyone will perform their religious rituals, maintaining communal harmony. We run our country keeping faith in Allah. Everyone has equal rights and we believe that,” she said.
Terming militancy and terrorism as menaces of society, she said that these take away lives and misguide people. “Steps must be taken to keep people away from these menaces.”
She urged Aleems, Ulemas and Khatibs to be vigilant as sometimes quarters with vested interest misguide impressionable children to the wrong path.
“We cannot let children get involved in terrorism. Islam’s messages of peace and values must be ingrained in them,” she said.
She also asked all to remain alert regarding rumours, corruption, and repression of the weak. In this connection, she requested the imams to deliver special Khutba during Jummah prayers.
Regarding the establishment of model mosques, the prime minister said that her government has constructed the mosques so that people can follow the right path of Islam, and can learn more and understand the true essence of Islam.
Mentioning that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was dedicated to the religion, she highlighted different actions taken by him for the cause of Islam, such as establishing Islamic Foundation, buying a ship named “Hizbul Hagar” for transportation of Hajj pilgrims, taking measures to organise Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh and allocating land in Tongi for it, giving land for Kakrail Mosque and Baitul Muqarram National Mosque, introducing recitation from Quran on BTV and Bangladesh Betar, and introduced holiday on Eid-e-Miladunnabi etc.
Earlier at Ganabhaban, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina released commemorative postage stamps and a first day cover inscribed with the picture of model mosques on the occasion of the construction of a total 564 model mosques and Islamic cultural centers, covering all districts and upazilas of the country.
A documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.
Regarding the establishment of model mosques, the prime minister said that her government has constructed the mosques so that people can follow the right path of Islam, and could know and understand the essence of Islam accurately.
Saying that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was dedicated to the religion, she highlighted his government's steps in promotion of Islam.
She mentioned the establishment of Islamic Foundation, purchase of a ship named “Hijbul Hagar” for transportation of Hajj pilgrims, took measure to organise Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh and allocated land in Tongi for it, gave land to Kakrail Mosque and Baitul Muqarram National Mosque, introduced Quaran Telwat in BTV and Betar, introduced holiday on Eid-e-Miladunnabi.
Earlier at Ganabhaban, PM Hasina released commemorative postage stamps and first day cover inscribed with the picture of model mosques on the occasion of the construction of a total of 564 model mosques and Islamic cultural centers in each district and upazila of the country.
A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.
With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme.
With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme.
PM Hasina unveils 50 more model mosques across Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country in the fourth phase joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
With the new ones, she has so far inaugurated 200 mosques out of 564 being built at a cost of Taka 9,435 crore all over the country.
The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024
Earlier, she opened 50 mosques each in the first phase on June 10, 2021, in the second phase on January 16 this year and the third phase on March 16.
The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaj along with air-condition system.
Also Read: Mujibnagar Day: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu
Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.
Being imbued with the spirit of Islam and following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prime minister has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country.
The purpose of the project is to publicise Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminate the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those.
Also Read: Protect overseas job seekers from frauds, middlemen: PM Hasina
It would also put concentration on creating awareness against terrorism and violence against women along with disseminating development activities of the government.
Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques having 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.
Tungipara Upazila in Gopalganj district and Bishwanath Upazila of Sylhet district were also connected to the programme where the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties' leaders, government officers, alem-ulama and common people were present.
Also Read: US Congress introduces resolution commending Bangladesh, its socioeconomic progress
A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.
With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme.
Investigate if BNP-Jamaat are behind recent fire incidents to cripple economy: PM Hasina asks authorities
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the authorities concerned to investigate whether opposition BNP and Jamaat, who had unleashed a campaign of terror and arson attacks during 2013-14, are involved in the recent fire incidents in the country.
“It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire and cripple the economy,” she said.
The prime minister said this while speaking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Her call came even as another massive fire broke out in Dhaka's New Super Market gutting scores of shops early Saturday.
Also read: Intelligence agencies urged to probe if sabotage is behind frequent fire incidents: Fire Service DG
Hasina, also the president of Awami League, asked to investigate whether the fire incidents in various markets were conspiracy or sabotage to hurt the economy.
She asked to increase surveillance in important markets across the country.
“Everyone should be more aware. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to guard (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue,” she said.
She also said that unwanted crowds must not be allowed to gather during the fire fighters' battle to control the blaze and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter.
The PM said that when the first fire incident occurred it was thought to be an accident.
“But after the couple of other fire incidents at the same time of the first one… the fire incidents are taking place after 6am. Surveillance should be increased and other markets have to remain alert,” she said.
She also mentioned that it has been noticed that when the fire service comes they face obstacles by some people.
“Why will they face obstacles and while they tried to douse the fire some people with sticks and blunt instruments attacked the fire fighters. Who are these people?, " she wondered.
She said that a careful study of the four recent fire incidents at shopping malls in the city suggests these have been either planned or manipulated.
“We know that some political parties are there to wage movement after Eid, cripple the economy and oust the government. Yes, you can oust the government, but what are the faults of these common people and businessmen,” she asked.
She said that businesspeople have been the worst sufferers as fire incidents hit them at a time when they looked for brisk business.
“This will not be spared easily, and we have increased our surveillance in this matter,” she said.
She also urged the people to remain alert.
Recalling the arson terrorism by the BNP-Jamaat clique in the recent past, she suspected that they might resort to another path aimed at hurting the economy.
"It should be properly investigated," she asserted.
“In the past they burnt the common people and now wonder whether they have taken a different path to cripple the economy. We have to unearth this mystery,” she said.
She requested all to remain alert regarding BNP-Jamaat’s change of strategy of taking to arson terrorism in another form.
“We have to keep this under watch,” she added.
Prothom Alo is enemy of AL, democracy and people: PM Hasina tells parliament
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday came down heavily on the Prothom Alo saying that the Bengali language daily is the enemy of her ruling Awami League party, democracy and the people of the country.
“The name of the paper is Prothom Alo (first light), but it lives in darkness. Prothom Alo is the enemy of Awami League, democracy and the people of the country,” she told the parliament.
The premier made the remarks, joining the discussion on a motion placed by her in the House, marking the 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of the Bangladesh National Parliament. This was also her valedictory speech in the 22nd session of the current parliament.
She said the newspaper asked a 7-year old child to tell a lie, handing him Tk 10. They recorded his remark –-‘We want freedom of rice, fish and meat’--- and published it.
“I am very sorry to say that they never want the stability to remain in this country,” she said.
Hasina said the newspaper was very glad in 2007 when the emergency was declared and two newspapers got engaged wholeheartedly.
In an obvious reference to Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, she said, “A loan shark was with them (the newspapers). He is very a favourite person of the USA.”
The PM said the USA never raised the question how this person, who was the managing director of Grameen Bank, a statutory firm, got millions of dollars.
“He (Dr Yunus) runs social business in a place like the USA and makes investments at home and abroad. Did they (the USA) ever want to know from where the MD, who used to draw salary from the government, got millions of dollars? They didn’t” she said.
“Now we have to hear words (lesson) from them about corruption and the fight against corruption. And about human rights,” she said.
These people (Dr Yunus and others) tried to destroy democracy in this country and played ducks and drakes with the fate of the people.
The PM criticised the USA saying that the country talks against corruption, but they’ve been advocating for convicted persons in graft charges.
“They want to bring such a government here, scraping democracy, which would have no democratic existence –-- (that means) undemocratic trend,” she said, adding that “some local (so-called) intellectuals who live on selling their intellects obey them.”
She said the USA has been sheltering Bangabandhu’s convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury ignoring requests from Bangladesh on many occasions for deporting him.
Talking about the Article 70 of the Constitution that prevents floor crossing by an MP, the prime minister said this has created the scope for a government to complete its tenure in the country.
“Many people raise objections to Article 70. Those who raise this objection probably lack experience. But this article 70 has helped stability of the government in our country. As a result, the country has been able to witness development,” she said.
She said the Jukta Front government of 1954 did not survive due to floor crossing by elected representatives. Earlier the same game was played in 1946.
The PM said she believes and the people of the country also believe that the AL government has been able to change the fate of the people as it has been in power for 14 years in a row.
“Now the difference between villages and cities has reduced…..We are providing civic amenities to every village,” she said.
The premier raised a comparative scenario regarding the socio-economic development in many indicators between 2006 (at the fag-end of BNP-Jamaat regime) and 2022.
She said the per capita income rose to US$ 2,824 in 2022 from only US$ 543 in 2006, while the size of GDP to Tk 4600,000 crore from Tk 415,072 crore, the size of budget to Tk 678,064 crore from Tk 61,000 crore, the size of annual development programme to Tk 227,566 crore from Tk 21,500 crore, the reserve of foreign currencies to US$ 32.63 billion from US$ 0.74 billion, the export income to US$ 52.97 billion from US$ 10.05 billion, the remittance inflow to US$ 21.03 billion from US$ 4.8 billion, the allocation against the social safety sector to Tk 113,576 crore from Tk 2,505 crore, the life expectancy to 73 years from 59 years, the access to drinking water to 98.7 percent from 55 percent, the electricity generation to 25,227 megawatt from 3,882 megawatt, the beneficiary of electricity in the country to 100 percent from 28 percent, the literacy rate to 75.6 percent from 45 percent.
The PM said the economic growth was 5.40 percent in 2006 which rose to 7.50 percent in 2022, the inflation was at 10 percent in 2006 which came down to 5.5 percent in 2019 and 8.57 percent in 2022
She said the poverty rate declined to 20.5 percent in 2022 from 41.51 percent in 2006, the extreme poverty rate to 10 percent from 25.1 percent, the child mortality rate per thousand births to 21 persons from 84, the mother mortality rate per 100 thousand births to 161 from 370.
PM Hasina also highlighted the massive development of Bangladesh in the digital arena.