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BSS-10
PM-INDUSTRIALISATION-AGRICULTURE
PM stresses industrialization not only depending on agriculture
DHAKA, Nov 12, 2019 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed
industrialization not only relying on the agriculture to generate more
employment, promote exports and socioeconomic development of the country.
“Since Bangladesh is a country which is largely dependent on the
agriculture, we will have to go for industrialization alongside the
agriculture to generate more employment, promote exports and ensure
socioeconomic development of the people,” she said.
The premier said this while giving an introductory speech at the 34th
meeting of the board of governors of Bangladesh Export Processing Zones
Authority (BEPZA) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.
Sheikh Hasina, also chairperson of BEPZA Board of Governors, presided over the
meeting.
The prime minister simultaneously put emphasis on giving special
attention to increase food production, saying, “We will have a look at the
matter that food production doesn’t decrease as the demand for food never
ends rather increases with soaring up the population”.
She also asked the authorities concerned to set up industries by taking
all initiatives to protect the environment and said, “We’ll have to go for
industrialization by protecting environment.”
Praising the role of BEPZA for attracting foreign direct investment and
for industrialization, the premier asked for giving further attention to this
end
Describing Bangladesh as the most lucrative destination for investment, the
prime minister gave credit to the youth work force, prolonged political
stability and continuation of the democratic process for this.
She went on saying, “Bangladesh has become the attractive destination for
investment as we have been able to maintain political stability, continuation
of the democratic process and develop a vast youth work force.”
The premier said, “We need to make youth work force more efficient by
giving them with proper training.”
Turning to special economic zones, she said 100 special economic zones are
being set up across the country.
BEPZA’s Executive Chairman Major General S M Salahuddin Islam gave a
presentation on the activities of the regulatory body and progress on the
implementation of decisions taken in its previous 33rd meeting of the board
of governors.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan,
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Textiles and Jute Minister
Golam Dastagir Gazi, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources
Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury and State
Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian were present on the
occasion.
PM’s Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman moderated the function while PMO
Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and concerned
secretaries were present.
MORE/AHJ/GMR/1435 hrs