Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would not take any advice that would cause damage to the country.

"Once upon a time, the state was run with advice [from others]. But I don't do so. My word is -- the country is mine and I know it better how we will develop the country. We will take advice, but it will not cause any damage to the country," she said.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) virtually from the Gono Bhaban, Hasina said the World Bank had earlier advised (a previous BNP government) to stop operation of the railway and BRTC buses which are massively used by the masses.

In line with the advice, a plan was adopted to close down the railway across the country for which an agreement was signed at that time, the PM said.

Hasina said her government, after assuming office, had decided to reopen the railway for the welfare of the people.

She said she had set up a separate ministry and provided necessary allocation for it in the budget just for the reopening of the railway.

"We keep everything [railway and BRTC buses] open and the people are now getting its benefits which is the biggest thing."

The premier said no country could be developed unless its communication, power and roads were developed. She said her government has been working tirelessly for the development of water, rail and airways alongside the road to ensure the overall development of the country.

She appreciated the government officials for carrying out nation building activities as they were considering the tasks as their own and performing their duties accordingly.

Stating that the government is going to place the national budget for 2021-22 fiscal year in parliament on June 3, Hasina lauded the officials for their hard work in preparing projects which were being taken up under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) or placed for approval.

She asked officials to make necessary amendments to the projects if required.

The PM's cabinet colleagues and officials concerned attended the meeting from the NEC conference room and Cabinet Division through videoconferencing.