Govt working to reduce poverty: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon the people including business leaders to work together for boosting the country’s overall progress and prosperity.

“Our existing poverty rate is 24 percent and we want to bring it down by 10 percent during our current tenure. We all will have to work together to meet the goal,” the premier said while addressing a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka this afternoon.

Bangladesh will emerge as a developed country in South Asia by 2041, Sheikh Hasina, also president of the ruling Awami League, expressed her desire.

“We want to observe a successful golden jubilee in 2041,” the prime minister said.

Terming the Land Boundary Agreement passed by the India government recently as a milestone, Hasina said, “We want to go forward with equal dignity and good relation with our neighbouring countries.”

"Bangabandhu said friendship for all and enmity to none. The Father of the Nation had taken several initiatives for the interest of the country and now we are implementing those," she added.

Hasina also said her government is taking initiatives for expanding trade in India and Bhutan to ensure facilities of the businessmen through establishing connectivity.

About the enclave people, the prime minister said instructions have been given to the authorities concerned to ensure food, education and other facilities for them.

FBCCI, the apex business body,organised the function dedicating it to the prime minister for her achievement to reach a deal with India over the long-standing Land Boundary Agreement.