Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali. Photo: Collected
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Sunday (24 March) said that after forming of the present government through the January 7 polls, Bangladesh has been able to move to a much better position within a short period of time braving different obstacles.
"I think we've been able to move ahead within a short time and it's not at all unthinkable and unimaginable. Rather we've now been able to move in a better position," he said.
The Finance Minister was addressing a session on "Industry, Education and Health" under the seminar titled "Unpacking the Economic Manifesto of the Awami League: Trends and Challenges for Tomorrow's Bangladesh" as the chief guest held at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Conference Room in the capital.
Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, PM's Adviser on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, PM's Education and Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury spoke as special guests.
Presided over by BIDS Director General Dr Binayak Sen, Sabbir Ahmed, member, drafting committee of Awami League's manifesto, spoke as distinguished discussant.
Besides, four separate presentations were made by BIDS research director Dr Kazi Iqbal on "Aspiration and Reality: Election Manifesto 2024 and the Industrial Sector", BIDS research director Dr SM Zulfiqar Ali on "Quality of Education", by BIDS research fellow Dr Badrun Nessa Ahmed on "Educated Unemployment" and by BIDS research director Dr Md Abdur Razzaque Sarker on "Universal Health Coverage: Prospects and Challenges".
Noting that many new investments are coming to the country while many such investment offers are awaiting, Ali said many countries like Germany, Korea, UAE are ready to make fresh investments and there is nothing to worry about. "We're moving ahead," he added.
Since independence, the Finance Minister said Bangladesh has been able to reach its highest peak under the dynamic and able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"Bangladesh is eyeing towards the next stage...although there are some barriers, but there are clear indications for availing support from various development partners. It's the expectations of the countrymen that the country remains in the right path towards its next stage of development," he added.
The Finance Minister said whatever the new government has been able to deliver to the nation within this short period is not bad, rather it is good while the foreign currency reserve is now gradually increasing ruling out all the speculations by the vested quarters.
Messenger/Sumon
