Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has renewed her determination to continue the drive against corruption for welfare of the countrymen.
Sheikh Hasina came up with the statement in her televised address to the nation on Tuesday marking the first anniversary of the current government, reports bdnews24.com.
She has been heading government in Bangladesh for an unprecedented fourth term, with three of the terms consecutively, after the Awami League won a landslide victory in the December 30, 2018 elections.
“I work for the ordinary people and never hesitate to take any measure needed for their welfare,” she said.
“The fight against corrupt people will continue. I want to warn again that whoever indulges in corruption will be punished irrespective of their identity or power.”
The Anti-corruption Commission should take steps to bring to justice those who make fortunes illegally, the prime minister said.
The government has been working since 2009 with the goal to ensure economic independence, establish the rights of the people, and increase their living standards, said Hasina.
“We haven’t made empty promises. We have the capability to fulfil them,” Hasina said.
The Awami League had announced “Vision 2021” prior to the 2008 elections with an aim to make Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021, she said.
The World Bank had acknowledged Bangladesh as a lower-middle income country in 2015 as per capita income crossed $1,200, Hasina noted.
Bangladesh has developed a “strong economy” over the time and it cannot be stopped by putting obstacles, said the prime minister. The Annual Development Plan has reached Tk 2.02 trillion and 90 per cent of the budget is implemented with the country’s own funds, according to her.
Bangladesh has been placed among the top five countries in the world based on the economic progress index, Hasina said.
The International Monetary Fund has ranked Bangladesh 30th on an index based on purchasing power parity or PPP while PricewaterhouseCoopers says the country has the potential to become the 23rd largest economy in the world by 2050, the prime minister said.
“The economic growth of Bangladesh will overtake India and other Asian countries in 2020,” she added, referring to the World Economic Forum.
Bangladesh posted 8.15 per cent growth in GDP last fiscal year and was able to keep inflation below 6 per cent, she told the nation.
“Prices of commodities for regular consumption were normal except for the increased price of onion, which basically depends on imports,” said Hasina.
She highlighted the progress Bangladesh made over the past decade as the people’s standards of living and purchasing power have increased. Her speech also focused on infrastructural development, especially the Padma Bridge, which she called “a dream coming true”.
“Padma Bridge is now visible. We are constructing it with our own funds.”
Hasina also mentioned the ongoing Dhaka Metro Rail project, the feasibility study on underground rail in the capital, and construction of elevated expressway from the airport to Kutubkhali to ease traffic congestion.
The first ever underwater tunnel in the country is also being constructed under the Karnaphuli River, she said.
As part of her government’s development work, urban facilities have been ensured in the rural areas, said Hasina. Almost 95 per cent of people have got power connection in their home while 97 per cent have proper sanitation system, she said.
“A few unwanted incidents took place in some educational institutions last year”, the prime minister said. “We have not patronised those involved in the incidents and took administrative and legal steps against them. With the help of the people, we have fought those who spread rumours and created unrest,” she said.
Dengue, the mosquito-borne disease, was a menace last year that even caused deaths despite preventive measures by the authorities, Hasina said. She extended sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones due to the disease. She recalled her instructions to prevent Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries dengue virus from spreading further.
The new year is an important one for the nation as it is celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with the yearlong programmes scheduled to start on Mar 17, Hasina said.
The government has declared 2020-2021 as Mujib Year while Bangladesh will also celebrate the golden jubilee of independence in 2021.
“These won’t be mere formalities, rather they will aim to instill a new spirit into the nation to carry it forward for making true the dream of the Father of the Nation.”
The prime minister finished by soliciting the people’s help and promised to march ahead by using the past experiences and confronting new challenges.