Documents of a memorandum of understanding on the construction of model mosques being exchanged after its signing between the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Local Government Division in presence of LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam and State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Md Abdullah in the city on Sunday— PID Planning Minister M A Mannan expressed on Sunday his deep concern over growing regional disparity, saying such a development goes against the philosophy of the country's independence.
"It is our bad luck that regional disparity is persisting in our country, although we had fought against it in 1971," Mr. Mannan said at a programme in the capital.
"Regional disparity, however, is also present in the developed countries like the USA, but it is not acceptable at all. We will work against it in Bangladesh," he added.
The planning minister was speaking at a view-exchange meeting on implementation review of the Seventh Five-Year Plan (SFYP) at the Planning Commission (PC).
PC Member (General Economics Division) Professor Shamsul Alam presided over by the meeting, where a number of economists, businessmen, high officials from different ministries, researchers, and other stakeholders were present.
Along with Mr. Mannan, some discussants also expressed their concern over the rising income inequality, saying it would hamper inclusive growth in the country.
The planning minister, however, backed the gradual increase in the number of wealthy people in the country, saying the rise in wealth is very essential for an economy.
"We will not say that the number of rich people is rising. Rather, we can say that the country's assets are increasing. As we lack resources, we may need to welcome the rise of wealthy people here."
"We will ensure security for wealth for the greater interest of the country. However, poverty alleviation will get the highest priority in the country," Mr Mannan also said.
Meanwhile, the minister focused on improving the quality and quantity of the government data.
"It is very urgent to reform the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) to ensure proper data. Let us see how we can do it," he added.
Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Professor Dr. Mustafizur Rahman said adequate investment, employment creation and poverty reduction are not (taking place in the country) in line with its rising GDP growth.
"The situation has been observed for the last few years. The government should find out the reasons behind it," he added.
Prof. Mustafiz also suggested curbing income inequality and regional gap as well as boosting employment generation and investment.
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin) suggested improving business environment in the country.
"Although the government has taken some initiatives, their proper management is required," he added.
Prof. Alam said inflation during the last three fiscal years (FY), from FY 2016 to FY 2018, was within the SFYP targets.
Boosting the private sector investment is needed to achieve the expected double-digit growth, he added.
Some discussants also emphasised raising the country's tax-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio for enhancing public investment and help improve infrastructure and socio-economic condition.
The SFYP review report mentioned that the country's economic growth is on track.
It said that the Bangladesh's GDP growth will cross 8.0-per cent mark in the terminal fiscal year (FY) of the SFYP, 2019-20.
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