Govt aims at rural centric development: PM

GBnews24desk//

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government aimed at ensuring people centric development in the rural areas so the common people get its benefit.

“Our main target is rural centric development to benefit the common people of the country,” she said while outgoing Turkey Ambassador Devrim Ozturc paid a farewell call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence this evening.

PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the media after the meeting.

Spelling out various measures for the overall development of the country, the premier said, “We are giving Bangladesh a strong footing (economically) as we have been able to bring down the poverty rate to 20.5 percent from 40 percent.”

The GDP growth rate has been increased to 8.15 percent while the per capita income to $ 1909, she added.

The premier also appreciated Turkey for their cooperation including giving training to Bangladesh’s military personnel in defence sector.

She also extended thanks to Turkey for supporting Bangladesh over the Rohingya issue.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh always gives priority to the friendly relations with Turkey and recalled her several visits to Turkey and the visit of the Turkish President’s wife to Bangladesh.

She also said Turkey’s leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is very popular in Bangladesh.

The Turkish ambassador highly praised Bangladesh’s rapid development saying, “Credit goes to you. It is you for whom the success comes.”

He also said that during his tenure he witnessed how quickly Bangladesh was making progress.

The envoy expressed his gratitude to the premier and the government for extending cooperation to him during his tenure in Bangladesh.

Expressing his country’s desire to make investment in Bangladesh, particularly in energy sector, he also said, “We are ready to share our technology and experience with friendly countries like Bangladesh. Investment is coming to Bangladesh.”

The envoy also expressed his gratitude to the premier as she allotted land for the Turkish embassy. The new embassy complex is nearing completion and it is likely to be inaugurated next month.