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Remarkable progress recorded last fiscal


Published : 23 Oct 2019 08:49 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 12:22 AM

In the recently concluded fiscal, the country achieved remarkable progress in almost all indices. Based on the fiscal statistics, it was learnt that per capita income stood at $1909, earlier $1751. At the same time, revenue growth increased by 16.87 percent. During the fiscal, revenue collection was Tk 251836 crore, goods and services export was $46.87 billion, 14.29 percent higher compared to that in the previous year.

This data came in the annual report on the activities of the 2018-19 fiscal of the concerned ministry and departments. The report was approved after being placed at the cabinet meeting on Monday last. According to the financial report, during the fiscal, foreign direct investment was $3.889 billion, 50.73 percent higher than that in the previous year. At the same time, $332.22 million investment was made at the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA). A total of 19548 employment opportunities were created in the 458 organizations in eight export processing zones under BEPZA.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) governing body approved setting up 88 economic zones in the coming days in the same fiscal. At the end of the fiscal, BEZA created a ‘Land Bank’ of 33594 acres of undisputed land. According to the report, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the industrial sector has risen to 35.14 percent this financial year, 1.4 percent up from the previous year. Of the total loan allotment of TK 21800 crore for the agriculture and rural credit, Tk 23615.25 crore has already been disbursed. Electricity subsidized population is now 94 percent which was 90 percent earlier.

About the country’s highways, the report showed that in the same period, 30.6 kilometers of highway was upgraded to four lanes. 894.75 kilometers of highways had surfacing while 1636.60 kilometer highways was widened. A total of 128 bridges and 561 culverts was constructed. Metrorail (MRT 6) has achieved 46.5 percent progress while Padma Bridge construction work has progressed 81 percent. In communication advancement, railway advanced one step ahead. Banalata Express and Panchagarh Express was introduced. Two brand new Boeings were added to Biman’s fleet. A total of 139.63 lakh cubic feet inland waterways dredging was completed.

The report showed that the government distributed 352197882 free books among the students. 197 private secondary schools were brought under government facilities. The government has also established Sheikh Hasina University, Netrokona, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University. Enrollment in the technical education increased by one percent and now stands at 16.25 percent.

The local government department established 58 union complexes, 110 union parishad complexes and 5400 kilometers of upazila, union, and village roads constructed. Ninth wage board for journalists was facilitated, as per the report. The report further said, in 94 hospitals telemedicine was introduced. Five government medical universities were established in Naogaon, Nilphamari, Magura, Chandpur and Netrokona.

In the concluding fiscal, the government also increased the capacity of the law enforcement agencies and modern equipment was procured for them. Special tribunals were formed in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet and Rangpur. A total of 2252 officials from 36 BCS and 1224 officials from 37 BCS were appointed in different positions.

Under the Prime Minister’s initiatives, 10 branding and flagship project implementation is being monitored intensively. The Prime Minister has also been awarded with Humanitarian Award, Special Distinction Award, Vaccine Hero and Champion of Skill Development for Youth Award. Besides, she also obtained Dr Kalam memory international excellence award 2019, and Tagore Peace award.

Planning Minister MA Mannan said, by ensuring accountability and good governance, the government achieved the success. He hoped the achievement will increase further in the future. Former caretaker government advisor, Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam said, the country is continuously developing, this is a big challenge to keep up the development in the coming days. Accountability and good governance is a must to uphold development.