Bangladesh in top form due to proper planning: PM

Bangladesh has been one of the top three performers on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Index due to the government's prudent planning with specific directions, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday.

"We've taken proper planning with specific directions, and we're moving ahead in a planned way for implementing the SDGs and included those in the [8th] Five Year Plan," Hasina said.

The premier said this when Planning Minister MA Mannan, in the beginning of the weekly Ecnec meeting, informed her about Bangladesh's success in remaining in the top three positions in SDGs' implementation.

Keeping the country's development in mind, Hasina said, Awami League in its election manifesto stated various goal-oriented measures.

"We've been taking effective measures to implement those since assuming office and that's why Bangladesh has been in the top three countries in implementing the SDGs," she said.

The PM said Bangladesh was in an advanced position in implementing the Million Development Goals (MDGs).

"We're approaching the SDGs the same way."

Hasina gave credits for the achievements to collective efforts of all that included the people of the country, party leaders and activists alongside civil and military officials and members of law enforcement agencies.

The PM thanked all concerned for accepting the decisions taken by her government and working sincerely for their execution.

The government has to face the Covid-19 fallouts and keep the country's economy moving, she said, adding, "This has been possible due to the collective efforts of all."

Hasina said Bangladesh is also dealing with lots of problems, including the manmade ones, as it did in the past.

She pledged to take the country forward facing all the odds and obstacles.

The prime minister also unveiled the cover of a memorial book titled "Durjog Jhuki Hrashe Bangabandhu" (Bangabandhu in Disaster Risk Reduction)" while joining virtually a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council from her official residence Gono Bhaban while other concerned got connected from NEC conference room.

Unveiling the cover of the book, she said that measures taken by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in reducing disaster risks are exemplary for not only Bangladesh, but for any disaster-prone area in the world.

She said the people of Bangladesh could face any storm, tidal surge, cyclone and natural disaster as Bangabandhu taught Bangladeshis in this regard.

Describing the measures taken by Bangabandhu in facing any disaster as a milestone for Bangladesh, Hasina said her government is taking every measure to face disasters following the footsteps of Bangabandhu.