Make policies considering local people: PM to economists

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (May 17) called upon the country's economists to formulate their plans, policies and programmes considering the local people and reality.

"My expectations from the economists are that you will think about the people of the country and plan your policies," she said.

The premier made this call while inaugurating the 22nd Biennial conference-2024 of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at Ramna in the capital.

The Prime Minister also urged the country's economists to contribute to export basket diversification and strengthening the rural economy.

"I want from the economists that what kinds of products we have and how could we make those export-oriented," she said.

About the rural economy, Sheikh Hasina told the economists that you should think about the rural economy as number of factories and industries is being increased while market is being expanded alongside strengthening the rural economy.

Sheikh Hasina said that after independence, some foreign journalists asked Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that you don't have any wealth, how will you run the country?

In reply, the Father of the Nation said, "One thing, I have soil, there are people. I will build the country with this golden soil and people."

She said that Bangabandhu did it in just three years and seven months. "If he was alive, maybe it wouldn't have taken ten years. Bangladesh was recognised as a developed country in the world."

Mentioning that her only aim is to implement the unfinished work of Father of the Nation, Sheikh Hasina told the economists that "I want your help for it."
The Prime Minister said that she didn't stop here rather formulated "Delta Plan 2100" to prepare the country for 2100. "We have an agreement with the Netherlands as the country is also a Delta. Therefore, we will take Bangladesh forward by implementing the Delta Plan," the premier said.

Referring to the Covid-19, Ukraine-Russia war, sanction, counter sanction and last Israel's attack on Gaza (Palestine), she said "Bangladesh's economy was advancing in a way with a boom, but these international situations hindered us in the middle."

BEA President Professor Abul Barkat presided over the opening session of the two-day biennial conference.

Convener of the conference preparation committee Dr Jamaluddin Ahmed delivered the welcome speech, while BEA General Secretary Professor Md Aynul Islam gave the vote of thanks.