Next stop, Smart Bangladesh: PM lays out renewed vision at BASA meet

Dhaka, Jan. 25 — Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said her government wants to turn Bangladesh into a developed country with income per capita hitting at least $12,000 by 2041.

“We want to build Bangladesh as a developed country by 2041. We have been able to raise our per capita income $2824. But we don’t want to remain stagnant at this stage, rather want to move forward in phases. Our goal is to attain at least $12,000 per capita income by 2041,” she said.

The premier was addressing the annual conference of Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) here.

Sheikh Hasina said now Bangladesh is the 35th largest economy in the world as the country has already jumped up five steps, which is not a small matter. “But keep it in mind that the faster you move forward, the more conspiracy and plots you will face,” she added.

Noting that many had not wanted Bangladesh to achieve independence, she said, “So, many don’t like our progress. Those who had not supported us during our liberation war now can think that we (Bangladesh) are moving ahead defying them.”

She described herself as a dedicated person to serve the people. “I’ve come (in power) not to enjoy the power rather to give something to the people,” she added.

Mentioning that her government made the country as Digital Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said they have now announced that the country would be built as developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041.

In Smart Bangladesh, there would be a smart population equipped with IT knowledge, smart economy and smart government (means e-governance), she added.

The Prime Minister thanked the government officers and employees as the country is marching forward due to their sincere works.

“Today, Bangladesh has been able to move forward. The wheels of our economy remained moving even during the Covid-19 pandemic. So, I would like to thank you all. It has been possible because everyone worked with sincerity,” she said.

State Minister for the Public Administration Ministry Farhad Hossain, Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain and PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah also spoke at the event.

BASA President and also Shipping Secretary Md Mostafa Kamal delivered the welcome speech, while BASA secretary general and also additional secretary of Industries Ministry SM Alam gave the vote of thanks.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from United News of Bangladesh.