'No worries for BD about SL-like situation'

Planning Minister MA Mannan reiterates that there are no worries for Bangladesh to face any situation like Sri Lanka as development work is ongoing here properly.
The government has reduced poverty successfully and is working for faster growth of the country, he says.
Mr Mannan made the observations at a discussion hosted by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) at its Dhaka office on Thursday.
The government has taken multiple initiatives to help improve the overall condition of women, he cites.
Economists, however, warn that the existing higher cost of development projects along with lengthy execution time may pose a challenge to economy in future.
Selim Raihan, executive director of South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), says budget and duration of different development projects are being extended, which can create a problem in future.
"But it doesn't mean that Bangladesh will face the same economic problem like that in Sri Lanka. But it may create a problem in the coming days," he adds.
MM Akash, economics professor at Dhaka University, suggests that all projects be people-friendly to get a good outcome in the economy.
He highlights the need for increased participation of women in economic activity.
Economist Selim Jahan advocates for ensuring the reflection of interests of poor women in policies, including in the national budget.
He also suggests giving importance to women issues while forming polices of macro-economy, including export-import, fund allocation and tax policy.
Zuena Aziz, principal coordinator, SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office, says the government is implementing projects to this end as actual development will not be possible without women's participation.
Sharmind Neelormi, economics professor at Jahangirnagar University, in a keynote presentation suggests recognising women's unpaid work.
She also emphasises land ownership and funds for women to help boost their interest in economic activity.
BMP movement secretary Rabeya Khatun Shanti moderated the event where BMP president Dr Fauzia Moslem and general secretary Maleka Banu, and Financial Express special correspondent Munima Sultana also spoke.

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