PM Hasina says Bangladesh to become middle-income country in 3 years

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has affirmed that Bangladesh would become a middle-income country within the next three years.

Speaking at a function at the Gono Bhaban yesterday, she said, “We've already stepped into that stairs as Bangladesh has been declared a lower middle-income country.

“I can assure you it won't take 2021, before that time we would be able to establish ourselves as a middle-income country... Perhaps it would take 2-3 years… I've that conviction.”

Earlier, she opened the Cox's Bazar International Airport construction project through videoconferencing from her official residence.

Addressing the function, the PM said, “Bangladesh doesn't want to stay at the lower ladder… it wants to climb to the peak and we'll do whatever necessary for that.”

She mentioned that the government has to overcome so many obstacles while accomplishing any task.

In this connection, she said the BNP-led 20-party alliance could not slow down the pace of the country's development despite carrying out arson attacks and vandalism.

For further development of an independent and sovereign country like Bangladesh, the PM said, all would have to work with utmost sincerity from their respective positions.

Mentioning that Bangladesh was moving ahead on all fronts, she renewed her vow to turn the country into a peaceful abode in South Asia.

On upgrading the Cox's Bazar Airport, she said her government wanted to improve it to international standards considering the security of the vast maritime areas that Bangladesh gained from Myanmar and India.

The airport could be a hub between the East and the West, she said, emphasising further stretching of its runway to 10,500 feet to facilitate much larger aircraft.

“Landing of international aircraft is not only important from tourism perspective, but also for refuelling purpose,” she said, adding that her government had taken steps to rehabilitate those affected due to the work.

At the function, the PM said it was her initiative to establish road connectivity among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN).

With the signing of the Motor Vehicle Agreement among these countries, she hoped that this road connectivity would be materialised within the next six months.

“As a result, trade and commerce would be expanded in this region. We can invest in joint venture with Nepal and Bhutan for hydropower or we could also purchase power as scopes are there.”

Hasina, also chief of the ruling Awami League, said the people of Cox's Bazar would be benefited by the implementation of the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.

The rail network would now reach Gundum and it would further stretch to Kunming of China through Myanmar, she added.