Development Needs Sustainability and Continuity

 

Henry Kissinger, a former US secretary of state, famously referred to Bangladesh as a "bottomless basket." Bangladesh is a proving ground for development, according to American economist JR Parkinson and Norwegian economist Just Faland in their book "Bangladesh the Test Case for Development," published in London at the same time. If Bangladesh can overcome its development challenges, then it must be realized that every nation can advance. By 2035, the nation—once referred to as a bottomless basket—is predicted to have the 25th-largest economy in the world.

From being undeveloped, the nation has now ascended to the status of developing. Bangladesh is experiencing inexorable growth. Today, Bangladesh has become a new geopolitical power. To navigate Bangladesh's narrow and treacherous route to its present-day position of strength, only one individual had the fortitude to do so. And by realizing his goals, he propels the nation down the growth route. Prime Minister Jananetri Sheikh Hasina, a descendant of the country's founding father, is that unsung hero.

Since the Awami League formed the government on January 6, 2009, led by Sheikh Hasina, the state has been governed by them for three consecutive terms. During this period, a fresh account of a developing Bangladesh was written. Bangladesh has sparked optimism for progress despite several stories that are unfavorable to the global economy. The economic statistics of Bagha Bagha have overtaken the economies of the nations in Bagha Bagha after recovering from the shock of the Corona outbreak. And in many ways, observers are rating the altered Bangladesh in this manner. They claim that Bangladesh is reaching the pinnacle of growth under Sheikh Hasina's fearless leadership and strategic positioning.

the former World Bank chief economist when the IMF revised its forecast and India fell behind. Kaushik Bose lauded Bangladesh's development and said that any country's advancement in the developing economy is welcome news. It should be kept in mind that even only five years ago, India had a 25% GDP advantage over Bangladesh. Former World Bank advisor Abid Hasan is nearly singing the same song. In an essay titled "Aid from Bangladesh," which was published in the Pakistani newspaper The News International, he complimented Bangladesh's economic prowess and said that even 20 years ago, it was unimaginable that Bangladesh's per capita GDP would double that of Pakistan in 2020.

If present momentum keeps up, Bangladesh will emerge as an economic titan by 2030. He also said that Bangladesh could have to beg for assistance around 2030 if Pakistan's existing condition does not improve. Sheikh Hasina is a leader who has prioritized every area that can be addressed, not only economic emancipation. Every location has grown independently. He protected people's lives by providing them with food, clothing, and shelter. He imparted the taste of freedom. He has caused a previously unheard-of shift in how the nation's citizens view and see the world.

As the focal point of "Vision-2021," Digital Bangladesh was declared on December 12, 2008. Many detractors were horrified when they learned about Digital Bangladesh. The courageous leader was resolute, however. He stayed true to what he said. By tackling many megaprojects at once, planning and execution of comprehensive and multidimensional development is started. The administration has already implemented nationwide broadband access and deployed satellite Bangabandhu-1 into orbit in accordance with election promises. 16 crore individuals are now using 18 crore mobile SIMs. They now often use the numbers 999 for contact center services, 333 for general information, 3331 for farmer buddy services, telemedicine services, and integrated learning. He was able to use a digital sheet to cover the whole nation.

Now, Smart Bangladesh is the new focus of its growth path. The government has declared that the nation would become "Smart Bangladesh" by 2041, which will be executed throughout the country's 14 years of digitalization. Plans are developed for individuals at all levels to create themselves in accordance with an infrastructure of how Bangladesh would evolve from 21 to 41. Every one of our citizens will be tech-savvy, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Smart Economy and Smart Citizens. In other words, we'll apply this technology to every aspect of the economy. We've already taken several proactive government measures. I'll follow suit. And we'll have a smart society overall.

In order to further the government's new goal of creating a "Smart Bangladesh" by 2041, A2I has created and executed a number of digital projects to facilitate different government services throughout the year. The government has adopted a new objective of creating a knowledge- and innovation-based "Smart Bangladesh" in accordance with "Vision 2041" as a result of the successful execution of "Digital Bangladesh," which aims to transform Bangladesh into a developed country. The smart Bangladesh of 2041 will be economical, environmentally friendly, intelligent, knowledgeable, and creative. The adoption of smart cities and smart villages will guarantee smart healthcare, smart transportation, smart utilities, urban administration, public safety, agriculture, internet connection, and disaster management.

Bangladesh's economy is impacted by a number of global economic problems, from the Corona to the conflict in Ukraine. In example, rising import costs for necessities have contributed to national inflation and market instability for exports. Bangladesh has managed the problem by taking appropriate action. Bangladesh has lower inflation than other nations as a consequence.

The building of the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Metro Rail, the Rampal Power Plant, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the Payra Port, and the modernization of the Mongla Port are just a few of the magnificent projects that honor Sheikh Hasina's valiant leadership. Bangladesh is currently referred to as the "Asian Tiger" because of its growth. Bangladesh had a recent power outage as a result of the effects of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the global currency crisis, and inflation. But the Prime Minister also managed to resolve the problem. The ports of the nation have received shiploads of coal. The facilities have begun to generate power.

The period of Bangladesh's governance under Sheikh Hasina was fantastic. an advantage for the country. Sonar Bangladesh is moving forward at an incredible rate. The once dubbed "bottomless basket" is now an example for developing nations on the global stage. The 'charismatic leader' Sheikh Hasina is the sole person to be credited with this wonderful progress.


Mehjabin Banu is a teacher
and a columnist.