Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said she expects the World Bank to play a stronger role in Bangladesh's development endeavours.

“The World Bank is our one of the leading development partners. I hope, it'll play a more proactive role in our endeavours," she told a function.

The government and the World Bank jointly arranged the programme at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

“All our development plans are aimed at realising our Father of the Nation's dream of building a hunger, poverty, illiteracy and exploitation-free Sonar Bangladesh.”

Hasina said the people of Bangladesh are very brave, committed and hard-working. The resilient people of this country are determined to change their future and build a better Bangladesh for the next generation, she added.

The PM mentioned that the country has already been placed at the medium category of human development index and upgraded to a lower middle-income country according its per capita income level.

"We're pursuing an inclusive growth strategy to graduate from the LDC status shortly and become a developed nation by 2041 with a land of peace, prosperity and harmony," she told her audience.

About the spread of terrorism across the world, she said, "Our government has adopted a 'zero tolerance' policy towards any kind of violent activities. We've been able to contain militancy in the country. We'll further strengthen our drive to eliminate the scourge of militancy from the society."

She urged all to come forward to make the world a beautiful place which will be free from poverty and hunger. "Let's work closely to make this world free from poverty and hunger."

Hasina said Bangladesh has experienced a robust progress in poverty reduction from more than 70 percent in 1971 to 56.7 percent in 1991 and 22.4 percent at present.

World Bank president Dr Jim Yong Kim, World Bank Vice President for South Asia region Annette Dixon, and Finance Minister AMA Muhith also spoke on the occasion.