We will create a culture where government institutions will truly serve the people of Bangladesh. He said this while inaugurating the fifth Bay of Bengal Conversation in the capital on Saturday (October 3). Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a strong institutional structure is also needed for development. We are strengthening transparency and accountability. Human rights, democratic values, and freedom of expression must be protected.
He said that the rule of law should be equally applicable to every citizen. We will create a culture where government institutions will truly serve the people of Bangladesh. On the Rohingya issue, the head of the government said Bangladesh is also fulfilling a major global responsibility; we are still giving shelter to about 13 lakh Rohingya refugees. Our goal is to repatriate them to Myanmar in a swift, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable manner. This requires continued political support and global financing. At the same time, the root causes of this crisis need to be addressed. Because this problem started in Myanmar and it has to end in Myanmar.
Regarding agriculture, Tarique Rahman said, "Agriculture is the center of our economy. We are improving technology, irrigation, financing and farmers' access to markets. We are supporting fisheries, livestock and rural enterprises. Food security must complement the agro-processing and export industries. Because I believe that a strong rural economy means a strong Bangladesh. He said water security is equally important. We plan to dig 20,000 km of canals and waterways in the next five years. We are taking forward the Padma Barrage project for water conservation and management. We are preparing a Teesta master plan. These measures will support agriculture and build climate resilience.
Reiterating the plan to plant 250 million trees in five years, the prime minister said, "Our environmental targets are specific. We will plant 250 million (250 million) trees in the next five years. We are expanding solar energy. Bangladesh is promoting waste recycling and eco-friendly (green) factories, with 53 of the world's top 100 lead-certified factories. Clean and green cities can reduce waste, increase climate resilience, and boost our economy.
Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the conference at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital with the slogan 'The path of power, technology and trust in a new world'. President of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) Zillur Rahman and Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi also spoke on the occasion. Around 200 speakers, 300 delegates and more than 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries attended the Bay of Bengal Conversation organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Former heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, researchers, journalists, businessmen, security experts, representatives of civil society, innovators and young leaders took part in the event. The three-day international conference will conclude on October 5.
Financial Mirror/AH
