Democratic process behind development
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said an uninterrupted democratic process for the past 13 years has been behind the unprecedented development of Bangladesh.
"You've noticed the change in Bangladesh in 13 years. And this development has been achieved only because the democratic process continued in the country with the Awami League in power for these 13 years," she said.
The PM was addressing a civic reception accorded to her in Abu Dhabi on Friday on the occasion of her official visit to the United Arab Emirates. She joined the event virtually from her place of residence in the capital of UAE.
Hasina said there was no continuation of democratic process in Bangladesh for several years after 1975.
"There was a black chapter after 1975. That dark cloud is gone. We're now taking Bangladesh forward following the ideology of the Father of the Nation."
She said Bangladesh is marching forward and no one would be able to take it backwards anymore.
Mentioning that the country faced a problem during Covid-19 pandemic, the premier said there is another new problem due to the situation created by the war between Ukraine and Russia.
"So, we are in another abnormal situation... Fuel prices are going up and various problems have surfaced in the international arena. We are also facing some problems. But I believe that we can overcome this in Bangladesh."
The PM asked the expatriates to tell their families and relatives back home not to leave any land uncultivated to attain food autarky even in case of any global food crisis.
Describing her government's development activities, Hasina said there is no scope for anyone to remain unemployed in the country unless he or she wishes to. "If anyone takes a little initiative, the person will not remain unemployed."
The premier asked the overseas job seekers not to go abroad through illegal channels. She advised them to take loans from the Probashi Kallyan Bank instead of selling their land to meet migration expenses.
Hasina urged the expatriates to abide by the rules and laws abroad to uphold Bangladesh's image. "You've to protect your own dignity, ensure your own security, and uphold the dignity of both home and host countries."
About the demands put forward by expatriates, she said the government has taken steps to ensure prompt passport services for them, and to strengthen surveillance to stop harassment at Bangladesh's airports by installing more closed circuit cameras.
Hasina said problems over luggage delivery services at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would be over once the ongoing construction work of the third terminal is completed.
During the event, the PM virtually unveiled the foundation stone of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Building of the Bangladesh English Private School and College.
Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad also spoke at the programme.
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