Democracy, dev to go hand in hand: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said democracy and development would go hand in hand in Bangladesh.
“Our aim is to ensure the country's development from the grassroots level,” she said.
Hasina said this when German Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Fahrenholtz met her at the Gono Bhaban.
PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The government expanded the safety net programmes across the country and it would be strengthened further in the coming days, he said, quoting the PM as saying.
Talking about the communications sector, Hasina said the government is developing the country's rail, water and road communications and has given the utmost importance to development of the rail communications.
The PM said the government is establishing special economic zones in different parts of the country where Japan, China, South Korea and other countries have been investing. “Land has been allocated there for them.”
Hasina also offered land for German investors to build their industries by their choice.
Fahrenholtz handed over a message of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the PM where she wished every success of Hasina's new term in office. “I wish your country's every success as it continues on its path of economic and social development," Merkel said in her message.
Germany is pleased to continue to stand by Bangladesh's side in a spirit of partnership, Merkel said.
The ambassador said he read the Awami League's election manifesto and his country would continue its support to her government to implement the manifesto.
He added that two German delegations, one is comprised of German parliament members and another led by German parliament vice-president, would visit Bangladesh soon.
Bangladesh has tremendous potentials and there are many sectors for enhancing cooperation between the two countries, the envoy said.
He also praised the success of Bangladesh in containing terrorism and hailed the quick steps of the government during the Holey Artisan terror attack.
Many German companies are interested to invest in Bangladesh and assured the PM of providing training to Bangladeshi professionals in Germany, the diplomat said.
While discussing the Rohingya issue, Fahrenholtz said he visited the Rohingya camps for three days and talked to a cross-section of people there.
PM's Principal Secretary Nojibur Rahman, Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Md Jainul Abedin and Abul Kalam Azad, principal coordinator for sustainable development goals affairs at the Prime Minister's Office, were present on the occasion.
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