Bangladesh economy relatively in good shape
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh's economy is more or less in a good shape now although the Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to it like it has done to other countries in the world.
"We have announced our budget…don't know how long we can do it [for implementing the budget], but we have to make our preparations. If things go well, we will be able to fully achieve it. If it's not, then we will see…we won't step back. We have placed our budget to keep our economy moving," she said.
The premier was addressing a meeting of the Awami League presidium members at the Gono Bhaban yesterday.
Hasina said Bangladeshi expatriates were facing some difficulties due to the Covid-19 and some of them had to return home.
She said many expressed fear that inflow of remittances would experience a setback during the pandemic, but it showed the opposite trend.
"Our remittance inflow has increased. It's now $39.4 billion. We are giving two percent special incentive for sending remittance….and our foreign currency reserve is now in a good shape as well."
In the national budget, Hasina said, the government fixed its deficit at 6 percent. In the last few years, the budget deficit was fixed at five percent. "We would have made it 10 percent had it been needed. But it was not required"
From the very beginning of this crisis, the government wanted to keep the country's economy moving facing all the challenges, the PM said, adding that the government also declared stimulus packages for keeping the trade and commerce operative on a limited scale.
Apart from the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has to face some other natural calamities, she said. "We have been able to face these challenges due to some timely and effective measurers."
Hasina, also the Awami League president, said efforts of the government and her party are aimed at serving the people of the country.
She thanked the leaders and activists of the AL, Jubo League, Chhatra League and Krishak League, government officials and members of law enforcement agencies for their all-out efforts for helping people during this crisis period.
About suspending all celebration programmes marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the premier said the safety and lives of people come first and that is why the government is holding events virtually.
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