ZCZC
BSS-23
WEBINAR-LDC GRADUATION
Bangladesh now example before those who once criticized it: speakers
DHAKA, March 13, 2021 (BSS) – Speakers at a webinar today said that Bangladesh is now an example before those who once were critical about the country and the pioneer of such gains is Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself.
They also suggested the government to utilize the potentials for gaining the eligibility for graduating from the least development country (LDC) status to a developing country as well as about the possible operations to face the upcoming challenges.
The speakers said this at a webinar titled “Graduation to developing nation: Huge gains from Prime Minister’s development march” organized by Canadian University of Bangladesh.
Chaired by founder and chairman, board of trustees of Canadian University of Bangladesh, Dr Chowdhury Nafeez Sharafat, the webinar was addressed, among others, by BSEC chairman Shibli Rubaiyat-Ul-Islam, former caretaker government adviser AB Mirza M Azizul Islam, CPD distinguished fellow Dr Mostafizur Rahman, PRI executive director Dr Ahsan H Mansur, Canadian University of Bangladesh VC Dr Sheikh Mamun Khaled and trustee board adviser Mohammad A Arafat.
BSEC chairman Shibli said although Bangladesh fared better in three indices (for LDC graduation), but the country would have to do a lot more to go into the final stage.
“We’ve many challenges before us. All want to move forward. We’ve been able to multiply our per capita income by four times in the last 12 years. If we can maintain this trend, it won’t be tough to raise it to $5,000,” he added.
Former adviser to the caretaker government Mirza Azizul said that there are some challenges before the country in respect to the graduation from the LDC status while the country has all the capacity to face these challenges.
“Now we need to make us much more capable through effective implementation of proper plans and time-bound programmes. Side by side, we also need to reduce disparity in the domestic economy and thus work for gaining balanced growth,” he added.
Azizul also suggested for improving competitive edge by various sectors of the country as well as ensuring diversification of exportable iteams, skills development, expansion of technologies, and reducing the production cost.
He also opined for signing more bilateral trade agreements or sub regional trade agreements apart from joining blocks like BIMSTEC.
Executive director of PRI Dr Ahsan H Mansur said Bangladesh is now an example for those who once criticized the country while many countries are now feeling proud of Bangladesh.
He said the country needs to do a lot more things with due importance to ensure smooth transition to the final stage.
Ahsan said Bangladesh needs to adopt more moderate policy, otherwise there will be problem in signing trade agreements with the neighboring countries. “We’ll have to vie for attaining GSP plus facility. China and Japan are big markets for Bangladesh and we’ll have to grab those.”
He also put emphasis on giving utmost priority for gaining competitive edge.
CPD distinguished fellow Dr Mostafizur Rahman highlighted some advantages of the LDC graduation. At the same time, he cautioned for remaining aware about the impacts of the graduation process.
In this regard, he listed four impacts — firstly the market advantage; secondly there will be changes among Bangladesh’s relationship with other countries; thirdly the impact on the own domestic policies and lastly on environment.
Chair of the webinar Nafeez urged all to keep trust on the bold leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to keep up the momentum of development.
BSS/ASG/GM/MMA/13019HRS