Hasina: political turmoil slowed GDP growth

Bangladesh's 6.51 percent economic growth for the current fiscal year despite the political turmoil was a big achievement, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said yesterday.

GDP growth this year could have crossed 7 percent if there had been no political turmoil from January to March, she said. "I believe we could have gained over 7 percent GDP growth rate had there been good and peaceful environment in the country.”

She spoke at a meeting with senior officials of the defence ministry at its office. Prudent economic policies and steps by the government have led to the attainment of over 6 percent growth rate on average for the last five years, she said. 

The government's main aim is to free the country from the cycle of poverty by any means and thus present them a better life, move the country ahead as a dignified nation not relying on others as well as keep intact the sovereignty and independence of the country and make massive socio-economic development, Hasina added.

Earlier on May 14, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the provisional GDP growth in the current fiscal year reached 6.51 percent although the government was earlier hopeful of achieving 7 percent growth.