Bangladesh now economically stronger defying all odds: PM

Bangladesh has secured its place in the lower middle-income country club defying all local and international crisis, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told parliament yesterday.

“Defying all local and international obstacles, Bangladesh has made it to the list of lower middle-income countries,” she said while replying to lawmakers' queries.

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The PM added that the country is now on the “highway of development” despite all  hurdles.

Mentioning that Bangladesh is now “the role model of development”, Hasina, also the leader of the House, said, “The World Bank is now awarding Bangladesh for its success in reducing poverty in a faster way.”

In reply to another question, the PM emphasised on a smooth coordination among various UN conventions and agreements on disaster management for a sustainable development of the countries under the UN framework.

In a scripted answer, Hasina said, “Bangladesh would be a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041 if development plans can be taken through coordination of Sustainable Development Goals with Sendai Framework and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.”

Replying to another query, Hasina said 1840MW power would be added to the national grid in 2017, as her government has a plan to produce 24000MW of electricity by 2021 to ensure electricity for all.

She also said the government has a plan to import 6500MW of electricity from neighbouring countries by 2030.

Currently, she said, Bangladesh is importing 600MW power from India under sub-regional cooperation.

“Discussions are on to purchase hydropower from Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and the north-eastern part of India.” The premier said per capita power consumption in Bangladesh is now 407 kilowatts, which was 220 kilowatts eight years ago.

Mentioning that 12 mega coal-based power plants with the capacity of 9,840MW of power are now under construction, Hasina informed the House: “Highest security measures have been taken for environmental protection while constructing coal-based power plants in the country.”

She also said some 3,100MW of power would come from renewable energy.