BSS-43, 44 Bangladesh one of the highest economic growth achievers in 2020: Hasan

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Bangladesh one of the highest economic growth achievers in 2020: Hasan

DHAKA, Dec 31, 2020 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud
today said Bangladesh is one of the countries across the globe which
achieved highest economic growth amid coronavirus pandemic in 2020
under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“The economic growth of most of the countries is negative in the
year of COVID19 epidemic. But, Bangladesh has achieved about five
percent economic growth under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina. And Bangladesh is one of the countries among only 22
countries which achieved positive economic growth,” he said.

The minister told reporters emerging from a seminar of National
Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) titled ‘Liberation War,
Bangabandhu and Mass Media’ through online from the meeting room of
his ministry at Secretariat in the city.

State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hasan, Information Secretary
Khaza Mia and heads of departments under the ministry attended the
seminar with NIMC director general Shahin Islam in the chair.

Hasan said Bangladesh’s, as per a report of Bloomberg, position in
combating COVID-19 is first among the sub-continent and 20th in the
world. The economic position of Bangladesh, as per another report of
Center for Economics and Business Research of the United Kingdom, will
be 28th by 2030 and 25th by 2035, which means, the position of
Bangladesh’s economy will stand above many developed countries in the
world, he added.

He said, “One of our biggest achievements in 2020 is that Padma
Bridge is near completion with our own funding. And the per capita
income has been raised to 2006 US dollar from 1900 US dollar during
the prevailing Coronavirus situation.”

The minister said a report of IMF told that Bangladesh will cross
India in per capita income in the next year. Being a digital
Bangladesh, it has been possible to active the government, business
and educational activities through online by overcoming the obstacles
of the epidemic after maintaining physical and social distance, he
added.

Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said not a single
person died from starvation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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He said Awami League leaders and activists from all levels stood
beside the people and gave relief items to 1.25 crore people as per
the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“For this, many leaders of our party were infected with coronavirus
and died also. Three central leaders among 81 leaders died. Some
members of advisory council and lawmakers died. One-third Cabinet
members have been infected with the virus, even one member died,” he
added.

Besides, the minister said, about 600 leaders and workers died due
to the virus.

In the seminar, Hasan said if the fourth organ-media is strong among
the four organs, then the state is also strong. For this, to
materialize the dream of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh Press Council, Press
Institute and Wage Board were formed under his leadership, he added.

In the continuation, the information minister said, many steps have
been taken for proper exploration and the independence of the mass
media under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s worthwhile daughter Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We believe that constructive criticism
strength the democracy,” he added.

About challenges of BNP in 2021, Hasan said, BNP itself is in the
dark with its close eyes, that is why they are looking dark all
around. “I hope, they (BNP) will see the light in the next year,” he
added.

He said BNP is becoming isolated for its leadership and hoped that
BNP will back in the positive politics.

He said it is regretful that BNP and their allies didn’t stand
beside the people during the COVID-19 situation which was needed. They
(BNP) kept their activities in spreading hatred against government and
press conferences, he added.

The minister said they have given priority to their political
motives and party interests instead of giving priority to the people
which is really regretful.

About challenges of AL, Hasan said, Awami League is moving ahead
after facing all challenges since decades. The country is moving ahead
during the last 12 years after facing challenges and there is no
change in next year.

The minister hoped that the people of the country would take
breathe in open sky freely.

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