Connectivity key to nat’l development

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government has been working to improve the connectivity throughout the country for economic progress and industrialisation.

"We've developed a communication network through construction of roads and bridges across the country. Besides, we've been dredging and reviving the rivers... We're reviving the rail services (on different routes) and constructing new rail lines," she said.

The premier was addressing an event, arranged at her office, through a virtual platform from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

At the event, 45 financial institutions donated some Tk 305 crore to the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund for the flood-hit people. On behalf of the PM, her Principal Secretary  Ahmad Kaikaus received the cheques from top representatives of the banks.

Hasina said a strong communication network creates a huge scope for accelerating development pace, industrialisation and business. "We've been working on this," she said.

Talking about the recently opened Padma Multipurpose Bridge, she hoped the bridge would change the fate of the people of 21 districts.

"The vast southern region has been neglected for a long time. But the scope for industrialisation has been created in this region. The economic condition of the people of this region will improve," she said.

She said Bangladesh has been able to construct the Padma Bridge with its own funding as the people of the country stood with her giving courage and assistance. "The people of my country is my big strength," she added.

In the wake of a fresh wave of Covid-19 infection in the country, the PM renewed her call to all to maintain health safety protocols particularly wearing masks.