Further dev of rural economy govt\\\'s main focus

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina said Wednesday her government was giving priority to further development of rural economy, especially building social safety network for the rural poor, reports UNB.
She said this while the outgoing (non-resident) Belgian Ambassador in Bangladesh Pierre Vaesen met her at her office.
PM's Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said the PM told the Belgian envoy that the main aim of her government was to ensure economic development of the country and improve the living standard of people.
In this context, Sheikh Hasina mentioned the various steps taken by her government for making education, health and information technology available for all.
Referring to the welfare of workers, she said her government raised the wages of the garment workers by 226 per cent in the last five years.
The PM recalled that Belgium was one of the first countries in Europe which recognised Bangladesh soon after its independence in 1971.
In response, the Belgian Ambassador highly praised the development of Bangladesh and said he was amazed with its progress in the last 10 years, especially in socioeconomic and infrastructure development.
Pierre Vaesen said he was confident that the people of Bangladesh would continue their stride to develop the country.
He praised the steps of the government after the Rana Plaza collapse to rescue and rehabilitate the victims.
Ambassador at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Abdus Sobhan Sikder were present during the meeting.
Another report adds: Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday handed over cheques of financial assistance to one gallantry award recipient freedom fighter and family members of other eight such freedom fighters.
PM's Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil said the PM distributed the cheques at a simple ceremony at her office.
The PM enquired about the wellbeing of the freedom fighters and family members of other freedom fighters.
Later, Sheikh Hasina donated TK 20 million to Chittagong Bar Association. Association president Adv Abdur Rashid received the cheque for the money on behalf of the organisation.
The other office-bearers of the Association were present on the occasion.