Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina started the New Year - 2020 with fresh vigour putting forth her best performance ever with having no file pending at her office. The fact that the premier has disposed all the pending files is a testament to the sheer efforts she made for the welfare of the people, reinforcement of democracy and development of the country.
Last year also marks the best ever performance of her administration as it achieved various milestones throughout the year dealing with numerous challenging tasks. Giving top priority to the seven megaprojects, her government not only embarked on to develop the country to the next level but also it has successfully spurred hope and aspiration amid general people for a better tomorrow.
In the last fiscal, the government has allocated Tk 40,000 crore to implement the mega projects to strengthen the country’s communication network, and to develop the power and energy sector to boost the economy. Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Hasina, who has been serving as the prime minister for the fourth time, the government has completed almost 84 per cent of work of the countries much hyped Padma Multipurpose Bridge.
The government has completed more than 60 percent of work of metro rail. It has successfully integrating the construction work of the country’s first 2400 megawatt-capacity nuclear power plant at Rooppur is another milestone. Also under strict monitoring to meet deadlines, the construction work of the left four megaprojects are going on in full swing.
It is envisaged that once these megaprojects are completed, drastic changes will occupy the country communication, transport, and infrastructure and power sector. Apart from the megaprojects, certainly there are numerous achievements to justify the credentials of the government and its efforts.
Last year the government has taken a massive initiative to construct 3,54,000 kilometres of new roads in 482 upazilas of 64 districts. Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in gender parity in school enrolment with more girls in school than boys. The present government has successfully reduced the country’s poverty rate by 50 percent in the last ten years. According to global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Bangladesh is among 10 countries with a combined population of 2 billion to have made statistically significant progress towards achieving SDG 1.
The visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has turned Bangladesh into a lucrative destination for foreign investors over the last years. The government is providing continued support for increasing FDI inflow and has already completed standard operation measures for providing smooth services to attract more foreign investors. Considering the country’s prevailing investment-friendly atmosphere and overall development, foreign companies have continued showing their zeal to invest here.
As a part of ‘Vision 2021’ the government is working to provide power to every corner of the country. The country’s power sector has recently achieved a milestone by providing electricity to Sandwip through submarine cable. Where the grid power is not reachable, the electricity is being provided through the solar mini grid. The Power Division hopes every person of the country will be covered under the power facilities within the next couple of years.
Over the past years, the government has been working relentlessly to reach broadband internet in every corner of the country. Already, the government has successfully connected 2400 unions with high-speed internet connectivity through optical fiber. Earlier in last year, providing internet services to remote Moheshkhali, the government declared the island as the country’s first digital island. It is indeed a path-breaking example of the ways in which Bangladesh is bringing 21st-century services and dreams to its citizens.
Under the incumbent government, remittance inflow to the country is touching new heights every passing year notwithstanding multifarious limitations and challenges. As reported by this daily on Monday the country’s remittance inflow has made a new record standing at $18.34 billion at the end of 2019, which is 27 percent higher than that of the previous year.
With the integration of ‘Community Clinic Health Assistance Trust Act’, millions of people are now getting services from the community clinics whereas just a decade ago healthcare facilities in the rural areas were very poor. In April last year, World Health Organisation placed Bangladesh as the top primary healthcare provider among South and South East Asian (SEA) nations, and the country’s community clinics are responsible for this success.