March 31, 2024 (BDRunner ): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought stronger support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to accelerate Bangladesh’s efforts in socio-economic development of the people. ADB Vice President (Sector and Theme) Fatima Yasmin sought this support when she met the Prime Minister at Ganabhaban on 31 March.
Fatima Yasmin said Bangladesh is one of ADB’s top priority countries and ADB’s assistance to Bangladesh has increased fivefold to 3.4 billion US dollars from 2009 to 2023.
She further told the Prime Minister that ADB is interested in implementing projects like river restoration, river based tourism, recreation centers and irrigation. Because it is prioritizing projects in climate change adaptation, human and social development, technical education and health sector.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister’s speech writer. Nazrul Islam quoted Sheikh Hasina and told reporters, “Our main goal is socio-economic development and inclusive progress of the people. Because the government is giving special priority to the development of rural people.”
The Prime Minister told the ADB Vice President that his government is focused on increasing the purchasing power of the people of the country. Because it will help expand industrialization and create more job opportunities.
Sheikh Hasina sought ADB’s assistance in sectors such as climate change adaptation, agriculture, river dredging and restoration.
She called on the ADB Vice President to take up more people-centric projects – so that a large number of people can benefit.
The Prime Minister referred to his government’s initiatives in 1996-2001 to open up various branches in the private sector, to take it forward and revitalize it – thereby expanding employment.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary of the Prime Minister M. Tofazzal Hossain Mia and the Secretary of the Economic Relations Department. Shahriar Quader Siddiqui was present.
