RANGPUR, Feb 10, 2019 (BSS) – Commerce Minsiter Tipu Munshi here today
said Bangladesh will become successful in achieving the sustainable
development goals (SDGs) utilising strength of the youths by 2030 next.
“For this, everyone should be awakened for proper implementation of the
SDGs at local levels,” he said while addressing a workshop styled
‘Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Local Levels’ as
the chief guest.
The divisional commissioner’s office with assistance of the Governance
Innovation Unit (GIU) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) organised the
workshop with the slogan of “Strength of youth, prosperity of Bangladesh” at
Parjatan Motel in the town.
Chief Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the PMO Md Abul Kalam Azad participated
in the workshop as the main discussant.
Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Joynul Bari presided over the workshop
moderated by Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)
Kazi Md Aminul Islam.
Senior Secretary (General Economics Division) to the Planning Commission
Dr Shamsul Alam, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md
Raisul Alam Mandal spoke as special guests.
Deputy Director of the GIU at the PMO Mohammad Ali Newaz Rasel delivered
keynote presentation on planning of the government for development at local
levels in the workshop.
The Minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is still working 12-14
hours a day at the age of 72.
“Sheikh Hasina has not disallowed sleeping for herself or for her family
members. But, she has done it for the country. We also have to wake up in the
same manner like the Prime Minister,” he said.
Regarding the government’s commitment for implementation of the 2030
agenda declared by the United Nations, Tipu Munshi said, the workshop has
been arranged to achieve the goals and types of development juncture of
Bangladesh.
“We have to take Bangladesh forward utilising strength of the youths
maintaining the development momentum with 169 countries in the world. The
government is committed to implement the SDGs and its election manifesto,”
Tipu said.
Abdul Kalam Azad said Bangladesh has increased its per capita income by
four times and generation of electricity by six times raising per head
average annual income from US$625 to US$1,800 in last 10 years.
“Bangladesh will be transformed into a middle-income country with strength
of the youth by 2021 next,” Azad predicted.
Kazi Aminul Islam said the per capita annual income must be increased to
US$18,000 from current annual per capita income of US$1,800 in next 23 years
to transform Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041.
“To attain this goal, the work-oriented and life-oriented innovative powers
of the youths should be properly utilised ensuring a congenial atmosphere in
the country free from militant, terrorism and corruption,” Chairman of BIDA
added.
The Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Upazila Nirbahi
Officers, Upazila Chairmen, Municipality Mayors, heads of different
government departments, young entrepreneurs, civil society members,
professionals and business community leaders from all eight districts in
Rangpur division participated.