Bangladesh would have been more developed had every single taka spent properly: PM Hasina

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a strong warning against the corrupt people, saying that the government’s stern action against the corrupt and dishonest persons will continue.

“We’ve taken stringent action against terrorism, militancy, corruption and drugs … I want to tell you clearly that if anybody is found earning money following dishonest path, stern action will continue against those persons whoever they be, even if they’re my party men,” she said.

The prime minister was addressing an expatriate civic reception accorded to her by the US Awami League at Hotel Marriott Marquis here on Saturday afternoon.

Sheikh Hasina said it becomes very difficult for the people and their children to lead an honest life when the society is crippled by persons who earned money through dishonest means.

She said those who want to lead an honest life have to move with some limitations. “But those who lead a lavish life through the money earned by dishonest means always use this and that brands and create a chaotic situation,” she said.

The prime minister said living and livelihood of the people who want to lead life honestly have become difficult in the dominance of the dishonest people.

She said a question is naturally arisen in the minds of the children of the honest people that why their families cannot lead a luxurious life like the children of dishonest people. “Naturally this thinking pushes the people towards a dishonest way,” she said.

Referring to corruption in development schemes, Sheikh Hasina said the government is undertaking massive uplift schemes. “Bangladesh would have been developed further if every single taka of the projects had been spent properly.”

“Now I’ve to find out where are the loopholes and lapses while who is affecting this place and how,” she said.

The prime minister said she asked for looking into another thing that whose earnings are what and how they lead life. “We’ve to found out it and then we could protect our society and new generations by removing this menace and unholy competition,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the drive against the narcotics will also continue as it destroys a family and country. “We’ll track down those involved in the drug peddling,” she said.

The prime minister said, “We’ve increased the size of the budget seven times. The size of the budget during the BNP-Jamaat regime was Tk 61,000 crore. But we’ve been able of placing Tk 523,190 crore budget this year.”

Coming down hard on some people who are always critical of the government, Sheikh Hasina said these people do not feel comfort when the development of the country is made. “They always lodge complaints to the foreigners against the government and country out of jealousy,” she said.

About the BNP’s debacle in the last general elections, the prime minister said the BNP was not sincere in the election rather the party was engaged in nomination trade.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, said the people of the country kept confidence and trust in her party as they know the country will be developed and their lot will be changed if Awami League remains in power.

She also posed a question that why the people will cast vote for BNP which made the party chairman a convict?

The prime minister said one of Khaleda Zia’s sons was convicted for laundering money, while her another son was detained while going to play casino in Singapore.

Sheikh Hasina said the people’s strength is the biggest strength and Awami League believes in the people’s strength. “Awami League came to power with the strength of the people,” she said.

Highlighting the country’s tremendous development in different sectors, the PM said the grassroots people are being mostly benefitted from this uplift.

About taking foreign loan, the prime minister said her government is taking steps carefully so that the country is not affected due to taking this loan.

Pointing out her government’s steps for the welfare of the expatriates, Sheikh Hasina said her government gave permission of establishing three NRB banks.

In this connection, she urged bank authorities to take initiatives so that expatriates are attracted to invest in the country. “We’ve also taken steps so that expatriates can send money through legal channels,” she said.

The prime minister said the government has purchased 10 aircraft from Boeing company. “Discussion is underway to resume Dhaka-New York flight and we’ve already improved our airport security in this regard,” she said.

Referring to opening of embassies and consulate offices in different places, Sheikh Hasina said a consulate office will be opened in Florida.

The premier said her government wants to present a better and beautiful life to the people of Bangladesh by eliminating terrorism, militancy, corruption and drugs which the father of the nation had dreamt.

“Bangladesh will be prosperous and developed country in the world and hunger and poverty-free Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu,” she hoped.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen delivered the welcome address, while foreign minister AK Abdul Momen was present on the dais.

At the outset of the speech, a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of profound respect to the martyrs of the language movement, liberation war, Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the 15 August carnage and four national leaders.