Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the industrialists to keep their factories running to ensure that the people of Bangladesh don’t suffer amid the global economic recession. “Many countries have announced that they are suffering from economic recession. But I can say that Bangladesh is still not in such a bad condition,” she said. The government is taking measures to keep the wheels of the country’s economy running. The premier said this while inaugurating and laying foundation stones of 50 industrial units and commercial infrastructures in different economic zones on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the country’s independence.
She unveiled the plaques at an event arranged by Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) at ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar’ in Mirsarai of Chattogram, joining it through a videoconference from her official residence Ganabhaban. “I would like to request the industrialists to continue efforts to meet the demands of the country’s people by running their industries,” she said.
She reminded the industrialists of the days of corruption and the harassments they used to suffer during the rule of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during 2001-2006. “Now there is no Hawa Bhaban anymore. You don’t have to make payments of Hawa Bhaban or run from door to door to get your work done,” she said. Hawa Bhavan, better known as a second centre of power during then premier Khaleda Zia’s rule, used to be run by her son BNP leader Tarique Rahman.
Hasina said her government has been able to bring the country under all sorts of rules and disciplines. The government is developing a business-friendly atmosphere and providing all sorts of scopes and facilities for businesses, she said. “You should work for the wellbeing of the country’s people. We will extend support as much as you work for the welfare of the people. But don’t do anything that would lead the people to suffer,” she said.
The PM said the prices of commodities in the international markets and transport costs soared due to the Ukraine-Russia war, sanctions and counter-sanctions. PM Hasina referred to Vision-2021 (the political manifesto of the Bangladesh Awami League to develop Bangladesh). “Bangladesh is a changed Bangladesh now. Those who have eyes can see it,” she added.
