IMF Executive Director Dr A Virmani calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the city yesterday.Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought assistance from development partners and donor agencies, particularly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for economic development of the country.
The prime minister made the request when IMF Executive Director Dr A Virmani called on her at the PM's Office.
Hasina said the economic condition of the country remains strong although the world had faced a serious economic downturn.
However, the nation's economic growth could not reach the desired level due to repeated interruptions in the country's democratic process, she said.
Hasina said the government has enormous tasks ahead to bring about economic development of the country, but the time is short. “We want to develop the country quickly as the people voted this government to do so.”
Hasina said her government is working hard to ensure food security and social safety net by alleviating poverty.
Mentioning that her government emphasised improving the power and energy sector, she said she has already directed the authorities concerned for gas exploration and to put utmost importance on power generation.
The PM said the government is very keen for optimum utilisation of the solar energy.
She said she has already started using solar power in her office and urged all to use solar power in their offices as it is safe and cost effective.
Hasina said according to her party's election manifesto, the government has been working for establishing a 'Digital Bangladesh' to face the challenges of the 21st century.
She said her government introduced the Public Private Partnership (PPP) for developing the information technology and social sector.
Hasina attached importance to the regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence of the countries of the region.
Dr A Virmani praised Hasina for successfully overcoming the adverse effects of the global recession.
He said the worldwide economic recession failed to affect the economy of Bangladesh and the present government played the key-role for this achievement.
The IMF official said it was a tough job for the country to advance the economy strongly after recovering from the impact of cyclone Aila and Sidr and the BDR mutiny.
He congratulated the prime minister on her great success.
PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters on the meeting.
Ambassador at large Mohammad Ziauddin, Principal Secretary MA Karim and Secretary to the PMO Molla Wahedduzaman were present.