We’re economically stronger than Singapore: PM Hasina

Describing rapists as ‘beasts', prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday declared zero tolerance against rape alongside terrorism, militancy and drugs.

“We’re declaring zero tolerance against each of terrorism, militancy, drugs and rape,” she said joining discussions on thanksgiving motion on president Abdul Hamid’s speech in parliament.

In her speech, which was also counted as the valedictory speech in the 6th session of the current parliament, Sheikh Hasina urged the male folk to cooperate with the government in arresting the criminals whenever such an incident takes place in the country.

“How can a person have such a disgraceful character? We’re taking proper action against them as we did against terrorism and drugs,” she said, adding that the government will surely take legal actions against such offenders.

Talking about the country’s development, the prime minister said Bangladesh is marching towards development in true sense.

Bangladesh is the most attractive destination for investors in not only South Asia but also in the South East Asia, she said. “Today, we’re in a far better position than the countries not only of South Asia but also in the South East Asia… we can at least claim that we’re now in a much stronger position economically than Singapore,” she added.

About the price hike of essentials during the upcoming month of Ramadan, the prime minister said the government is now taking measures to procure and stockpile some essential items to meet the increased demand of these goods as the price-hike starts with the advent of Ramadan.

She urged people not to worry in case of a sudden rumour of price hike of any particular item as the government is alert in this regard.

About different raw materials that are generally imported from China, Sheikh Hasina said the government is taking measures to bring those, including medicines, from alternative sources. “So, I think there’s nothing to be panicked,” she added.

Noting that the symptoms of increase of Aedes mosquito are appearing, she urged people to be aware and keep their houses and surroundings clean to destroy the breeding grounds of this mosquito.

About coronavirus, the prime minister said the government has taken proper measures to prevent spread of coronavirus in the country immediately after outbreak of the virus in China.

Sheikh Hasina said the people of the country are now enjoying the benefits of development since her government formulated the effective economic policies in a planned way, and implementing short, midterm and long-term plans.

She said though the Opposition Leader in the House said there is no money in banks, the country’s reserve (of foreign currency) is now above US$ 32 billion.

Mentioning that the government wants to build skilled manpower, the prime minister said the government has created new areas for employment.

Hasina said the government is giving importance to ICT education and production of digital devices started in the country. “We’ve opened all the areas to private sector where huge jobs are created.”

Turning to Bangabandhu's assassination, she said Ziaur Rahman, HM Ershad and Khaleda Zia had promoted the killers of the Father of the Nation.

“Only I understand my agony,” Hasina said adding that she has been working round the clock suppressing anger and pain in her heart so that Bangladesh marches forward and its people can move on with dignity in the world.