Sights set on smart Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the President of the Awami League (AL), announced the AL's election manifesto on Wednesday with the slogan "Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, report agencies.

Hasina outlined the party's roadmap for continued economic growth and stability, underpinning the vision of a 'Smart Bangladesh'.

On Wednesday, Hasina unveiled the Awami League's election manifesto, bringing a series of ambitious economic, social and energy goals to the forefront.

In addition, it includes commitments to reduce the poverty rate to 3 percent by 2041, modernize the healthcare sector, eradicate corruption at all levels, and expand employment opportunities.

The manifesto places emphasis on the development of a modern, technology-oriented Smart Bangladesh.

Poverty rate cut to 3pc by 2041

In keeping with Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision of a hunger and poverty-free nation, the Awami League has set ambitious goals to drastically reduce the poverty rate.

The party now aims to reduce the overall poverty rate to 11 per cent and eliminate extreme poverty, with a goal of bringing the rate down to 3 percent by 2041.

CRACKDOWN ON FINANCIAL CRIMES

In a bid to stabilise Bangladesh banking sector, Hasina has vowed to take stringent measures to tackle loan default.

"Laws will be strictly enforced to recover defaulted loans," Hasina said.

Additionally, the manifesto promises to ensure that banks comply with the prescribed provisions for defaulted loans in order to establish prudent financial practices.

Hasina also underlined the Awami League's commitment to combat financial crimes, pledging to take a strict stance against money laundering.

Transition from digital to smart Bangladesh

AL announced the building of 'Smart Bangladesh as technological capabilities are essential to survive global competition in the fourth industrial revolution era.

"If elected by the people's vote, we will make Bangladesh a hunger-poverty-free smart country by 2041, Inshallah," said the PM.

Good Governance:

She said Awami League is always active in ensuring people's fundamental and democratic rights. "If we get elected and form the government, the practice of transparency, accountability, good governance, and democratic values will be strengthened in all aspects of state management," she said.

Public welfare-oriented, accountable, efficient, and smart administration:

She said efforts will continue to create an efficient, enterprising, IT-based, corruption-free, patriotic, and public welfare-oriented administrative system through recruitment based on merit, she added.

Building a people-friendly law enforcement force:

Al has always worked towards establishing a modern, advanced, humane, and people-friendly law and order force. Due to this, the capacity of the law enforcement agencies has been immensely enhanced. "The law enforcement force of Smart Bangladesh will be made smart and modern," she said.

Freedom of Media:

Noting that AL government has ensured the free flow of information and freedom of media, Sheikh Hasina said arrangements will be made so that journalists don't face torture, intimidation, or false cases.

Agricultural Development emphasized:

"Food for All" is the core goal and commitment of the AL. The manifesto pledges to build a hunger-free Bangladesh.

Agriculture is a primary driving force of Bangladesh's economy and livelihoods. Agriculture plays a crucial role not only in fulfilling the food and nutritional needs of the population but also in providing employment in rural areas, supplying raw materials to industries, and increasing export earnings.

Mega Projects for Accelerating Economic Momentum:

AL has pledged to undertake new projects to accelerate the pace of the country's economy. The manifesto of AL states that mega projects are crucial for achieving high growth rates. The biggest obstacles in the path of the country's development were the lack of necessary infrastructure in various economic sectors, including roads, electricity and energy, and ports.

Empowered Minorities:

The manifesto focuses on the plans and commitments for ethnic and religious minorities. It outlines the steps the party will take for the communities if it returns to power.

Expand Modern Urban Facilities to Every Village :

AL has also announced its election manifesto, committing to extend modern urban amenities to every village.

The manifesto promises to enhance the quality of life in villages by providing improved roadways, communication, clean drinking water, modern healthcare and medical treatment, quality education, advanced sanitation and waste management, increased electricity and fuel supply, computer and high-speed internet facilities, and expanded markets. These initiatives aim to bring all the comforts of modern cities to every village.

A massive depreciation of the domestic currency has led to an increase in inflation, which has an impact on commodity prices and people's lives. "Several times, despite multifaceted and all-out efforts, we have not been able to curb the rise in prices of daily necessities. This problem is not only for our country, but this problem is also for all rich and poor countries," she said.