BD to become poverty-free in next five years: Muhith

Finance Minister A M A Muhith has expressed his strong optimism about seeing a poverty-free Bangladesh at the end of next five years.

"Due to continuation of the present government I am hopeful that Bangladesh will be able to eliminate poverty by next five years," he said.

The minister said this to newsmen while exchanging the New Year's greetings at his secretariat office on Tuesday.

"We won't have to wait until 2030 for (complete) poverty eradication."

He, however, said some people will always remain dependent on government.

So, the number of poor people will not be 'zero' in any way, the minister opined.

Mr Muhith further said Malaysia has done the best in poverty reduction, but despite that 7.0 per cent of their people are still regarded as poor.

"We have set that target (of poverty level)."

Mr Muhith noted that due to formation of the government by Bangladesh Awami League for two consecutive terms the party could do well for economic development of the country.

Replying to a query, the finance minister said Bangladeshi people are conscious about their voting rights, and around 80 per cent have cast their votes.

He said in the developed countries casting of 40 per cent votes is considered as a good turnout. But here in Bangladesh casting of 70 per cent votes is found normal.

Mr Muhith said it was noticed during the election in 2001 that people do not care about development. And that's why despite a better performance Awami League could not win in the election.

But, this time people voted in favour of development, he noted.

"They could understand that development won't take place without Sheikh Hasina."

Replying to a query regarding his role in the new government, the minister said he does not expect any responsibility on a regular basis.

But Mr Muhith hinted that he might stay in the next government during the first one year of its five-year tenure, if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants.

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