Country will progress against all odds: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina firmly said Thursday that Bangladesh would progress against all odds, report agencies.
The PM said the people of Bangladesh would tackle the prevailing obstacles with courage and strength like 1971 to take forward the country in every sphere including science and technology.
"We are now facing some problems. Children are barred from attending their exams. A clique of evil forces in the name of siege and hartal is creating the obstacles. But people of Bangladesh have the strength and courage to overcome any barrier," the PM made the comments while addressing the function after handing over cheques of fellowships to some selected researchers and students of Bangabandhu Fellowship, National Science and Technology Fellowship and special grant on science and technology research projects held at the Osmani Memorial auditorium in the city.
Chaired by State Minister for Science and Technology architect Yeafesh Osman, the programme was also addressed by Parliamentary Standing Committee chairman on Science and Technology Ministry Dr AFM Ruhal Haque. Ministry Secretary Khondoker Md Asaduzaman delivered the welcome address.
The PM asked the researchers and students to work hard maintaining accountability so that the research grants and fellowships they are receiving from taxpayers' money could help achieve the desired goals.
Besides, donations were given to 73 students and researchers in the category of 'Technology Innovation and Research and development Project', 62 organisations working with science and 35 private secondary and higher secondary schools this year. Special donations were given to 330 scientists and researchers to encourage them in scientific research.
Turning to the country's current situation, she said there are some problems as the BNP-led 20-party alliance is continuing with their hartal and blockade programmes affecting the lives of the commoners and students, including some 1.5 million SSC examinees.
Hasina reminded the researchers and students that the country's farmers, workers and day-labourers have been contributing immensely towards ensuring overall development and they should be recognised properly.
She said an amount of Tk 233,026,000 had been provided to some 3,434 students and researchers as fellowships during her previous term from fiscal 2009-10 to fiscal 2013-14 while Tk 75.0 million allotted in the current fiscal year for providing fellowships.
Alongside providing fellowships, the PM said, research grants are being provided to scientists and researchers to implement research projects aiming to motivate and provide assistance for conducting researches on science and technology.