Country would be poverty-free by 2024: Muhith
If Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) growth reaches 9 to 10 percent, it will be a poverty-free country by 2024 -- long before 2030, said Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith.
The present growth rate is above 7 percent, Muhith said, adding, "In this growth rate, we would not be able to eradicate poverty; therefore, we need to increase our growth rate up to 10 percent."
Muhith made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of an international seminar at Chittagong University (CU) yesterday. Marking its silver jubilee, finance department of CU organised the seminar titled, "Finance for Sustainable Growth and Development".
The finance minister also stressed the need for decentralisation of state functions and welfare services for achieving this target.
He said Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable success in achieving Millennium Development Goals comparing to other developing countries.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Fazle Kabir stressed the need for a green economy for achieving sustainable development goals.
Mentioning the crisis in banking sector, Finance Secretary Muslim Chowdhury said deposit is low in banks but debts are high -- a phenomenon can increase the risk in the banking sector. "To mitigate this risk, we have to increase deposit in banks …"
A total of 61 papers, including 11 by foreign authors, were presented in the seminar.
CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury inaugurated the seminar chaired by finance department Chairperson Prof Shamim Uddin Khan.
Earlier, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of those killed in Nepal plane crash.
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