DHAKA, Jan 16, 2021 (BSS) – Planning Minister MA Mannan today said that the capacity of Bangladesh in various fields has increased a lot over the years as the country is now implementing many mega projects alongside different development schemes.
“We’ve now many things to be proud of. We’re now implementing mega projects like Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant…this proves that our capacity has increased a lot,” he said while speaking as chief guest at a seminar titled “The Banking Policy of Bangabandhu and Daily Industry Best Rated Bank Award-2020”.
The seminar was jointly organized by Daily Industry and Global Economist Forum at Daily Industry’s conference room in city’s Purana Paltan area.
Mannan also mentioned that all the countrywide rail tracks would be converted into dual gauge in phases while the work on Dhaka-Chattogram dual gauge rail track has so far witnessed 80 percent progress. Besides, the Bangabandhu Satellite is now making round in the orbit, he added.
Referring to the ongoing work of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Mannan said as more advanced technology would be used in this plant, the local youths could explore their job opportunities here.
He said it is the duty of the government to implement the budget when it is passed in parliament. He said, adding the Prime Minister always wanted to know about the possible outcome of the real beneficiaries before giving approval to a project at the ECNEC meeting.
Turning to the scenario of different sectors before the country’s independence, the Planning Minister said the condition of various sectors including the banking and financial sector was not very good during that time.
But, after the country’s independence, the war-ravaged economy of Bangladesh started to rebound gradually under the dynamic and farsighted initiatives taken by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Mannan also noted that after the country’s independence, the country’s GDP growth reached to a healthy number within the next two years.
He also urged all irrespective of their class and creed, to work together for nation building and also to save the country from the clutch of the evil forces.
The Planning Minister said there could be differences in opinion and there is nothing objectionable in it. “But, it’s not fair to exercise power to establish any opinion. None can make any kind of extremist statement.” he added.
The CEO of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority and Secretary to the government, Sultana Afroz attended the programme as special guest with President of Global Economist Forum and editor of Daily Industry Dr Enayet Karim in the chair.
Executive Editor of Daily Industry Ibrahim Khalil Jewel presented the keynote paper on the Banking policy of Bangabandhu.
Managing Directors and CEO’s of different banks and concerned officials of Daily Industry and Global Economist Forum, were present, among others, at the programme.