Bangladesh’s unprecedented development has been possible due to unhindered democratic process since 2008

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh’s unprecedented development has been possible due to unhindered democratic process since 2008.

“The democratic process in the country continued unhindered after the Awami League came to power through winning the 2008 national election. The development that is being seen now has been possible for this,” she said.

The PM was addressing the handover ceremony of Swadhinata Padak-2023 at the capital’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium yesterday.

Nine individuals and one institution were given the highest civilian award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country.

Hasina said that democracy in the country was halted several times after 1975.

“The democratic process could not continue smoothly, and there was no sustainable democratic process. As a result, Bangladesh could not march forward at its desired pace.”

The PM also raised question about the way of thinking of the rulers of that period (after 1975).

She said the sacrifices of the martyrs of Liberation War can’t go in vain.

Hasina urged all to work unitedly to establish a developed and smart Bangladesh through implementing the long-term perspective plan.

“Bangladesh has witnessed desired development as the Awami League government has been working with a proper plan,” she said.

The premier noted that her government has been able to establish Bangladesh as a developing country in the golden jubilee year of the country’s independence in 2021.

Hasina said that the poverty rate in the country has already dropped to 20 percent from over 40 percent.

“The nation would soon get a good news on further reduction of poverty as the collection of information and data is progressing.”

Talking about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, the PM said her government is doing everything possible to ease people’s sufferings.

On behalf of the award winners, icddr,b Senior Director Firdausi Qadri expressed her feelings.

Freedom fighter Colonel Shamsul Alam (retired), Lieutenant AG Mohammad Khurshid (posthumous), Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuiyan (posthumous), and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya received the Independence Award for their contributions to Bangladesh’s independence and Liberation War.

Begum Nadira Jahan (Surma Zahid) and Firdausi Qadri received the award for their contributions to research and training.

Mohammad Moinuddin Ahmed (Selim Al Deen) was given the award posthumously for his contribution to literature.

Pabitra Mohan Dey and ASM Raqibul Hasan were recognised for their contributions to culture and sports respectively.

The Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence was awarded in the public service category.