Rural cooperatives can remove poverty

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said there would be no poverty in Bangladesh if multidimensional rural cooperatives can be established.

"It is now proven that if we can build multidimensional rural cooperatives, there will be no poverty in Bangladesh. Poverty will totally be eradicated," she said.

The PM was addressing a function, marking the 49th National Cooperative Day and awarding of recipients of the National Cooperative Award at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. She joined the programme virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

The theme of the day this year is: "Philosophy of Bangabandhu, Development in Cooperatives".

Hasina said those involved in the cooperative movement have a bigger role in freeing the country from poverty.

"You will have to continue your work in that direction. What we want is to free Bangladesh from hunger and poverty."

The premier said the people of the country would march forward whatever hurdles come in their way as they snatched their victory through the Liberation War.

She asked those involved in the cooperative movement to develop a marketing system to sell their products and produce.

"If we don't develop a marketing system, then we won't be able to sell our products and it will discourage all…so, marketing is very important."

Hasina urged all involved in cooperatives to take effective steps so that people do not lose their enthusiasm and interest.

Stating that the government believes in the policy of the Father of the Nation, the PM said the country can be developed through cooperatives.

She asked all concerned to discharge their duties with sincerity and responsibility. "Don't go for immediate profit. Let it [cooperatives] be a permanent, pro-productive and profitable organisation so that all members can get the shares of their profits."

Hasina also stressed the need for involving more women in the cooperative movement saying that half of the country's population are women and they should be involved in this programme in a greater way.

"The more women will be involved in various activities the greater way the corruption will be eradicated from the country."

Describing various measures taken for the overall development of the country, she said the government is taking every step so that people living in rural areas can earn their livelihoods from there.

"We'll provide all urban facilities to rural areas so that people living in villages can enjoy a better and decent life."

The PM said cooperatives are the tool for fulfilling the dream of the Father of the Nation. "Bangabandhu wanted to expand cooperative-based production and distribution management in all sectors."

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharjee and Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Rezaul Ahsan also spoke at the event.

Earlier, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Tazul Islam, on behalf of the PM, handed the National Cooperative Award to cooperative societies and individuals in different categories in recognition of their contributions to the sector.