Masudul Hasan :
Another New Year ‘2018’ has appeared among us with many dreams and possibilities. With the arrival of the New Year, it is our expectation that lives of all the people would be full of happiness and prosperity and the country’s image would be brightened more in the international arena.
We want that the government attaches priority to bringing economic prosperity in the country. The notion of our country, which was considered as a completely aid-dependent country in 1970s, has slowly started changing since 1990s. The aid-dependent Bangladesh has started its journey towards a commerce-dependent country. Overseas assistance to Bangladesh is now less than 2 percent of its GDP. Export earnings increased by 20% while remittance by 10%.
From aid-dependent to a commerce-dependent country is one of the remarkable achievements in the country’s 47 years of its history.
About 47 years back, newly independent Bangladesh had started its economy with an empty hand. With war-ravaged infrastructure and about 7.50 crore people, the country’s economy was in the doldrums at that time. Foreign reserve was almost nil. The reserve is strong now. It has been possible due to hard work and dedication made by our people under the leadership of the present government, led by Sheikh Hasina. The economy, gradually built up, is now our own power and inspiration. Many people in international arena are now appreciating our power.
At the beginning of the New Year, we should take a fresh vow to build a ‘Golden Bengal’ free from hunger, poverty and injustice, keeping the current development spree going. On the occasion, we should make renewed vow to bring smile to the faces of the countrymen.
Bangladesh is moving ahead economically and it will continue its progress. Bangladesh is now a role model of development with its economic growth of over 7.24 percent and increased per capital income. Country’s poverty rate reduced to 22 percent and it will further come down.
Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal recently said that 2018 will be good and happy one for Bangladesh’s economy while Bangladesh would attain 8% growth by next fiscal (FY19). He said if the country could properly utilize resilient and vibrant young generation properly, then it will be possible to attain 8% growth easily.
By 2021, it is hoped that, we will be able to make Bangladesh a hunger and poverty-free nation and it’s our goal.
According to sources, at present the country’s economy stands at about $180bn, and according to the World Bank, that will rise to $322bn by 2021. The garment exports are likely to hit $27bn this year, 10% more than 2015.
According to economists, the Bangladeshi economy has undergone a major transformation over the past two decades. This change has been spearheaded by the rapid expansion of the garment industry, which has helped reduce poverty and raise the employment of women.
The result has been a sustained increase in per capita income. It is important to recognize that Bangladesh is making important progress toward its goal of middle-income status.
Bangladesh also stands out in terms of development indicators. Poverty has been nearly halved since 1990. Inequality remains low and stable. Our country also stands out among low-income countries in terms of life expectancy, child mortality, and access to water and sanitation.
In addition, there has been good progress on financial inclusion. This includes efforts to enhance access and usage of financial services. Bangladesh compares very favorably with other developing countries across a broad range of FI indicators. These are all impressive achievements.
We need to work with dedication and sacrifice so that the country can keep up its ongoing progress. Bangladesh is our beloved motherland. So, everybody should work with utmost sincerity and devotion so that our country can stand in the world community with dignity.
We want to see that Bangladesh will live in the world as a dignified nation keeping its head high, which was the main essence of the independence. This country is ours. So we have to build up the country as a prosperous one as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Though a lot of development took place, more needs to be done. We want a poverty and exploitation-free country where everyone will live with equal rights and dignity, fulfilling the dream of Golden Bengal. The goals, for which our freedom fighters shed their blood, would be fulfilled if we can turn Bangladesh into a strong, developed and rights-based country.
We all should come forward and uphold the development and democratic process, being imbued with the spirit of our Liberation War. Let us engage ourselves in the services for the country and its people. Let this be our pledge at the moment.
(Views are of the writer, not of the newspaper)
