Bangladesh will never be like Sri Lanaka: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader Saturday said the economic condition of Bangladesh will never be like that of Sri Lanka. "Bangladesh is moving forward in all indicators due to the country's massive development spree. The comparison of the economy of Sri Lanka with the economy of Bangladesh is purpose-oriented. It's part of a conspiracy. Those who are saying that Bangladesh will be Sri Lanka are either deliberately spreading propaganda or they don't know about it," he said.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking as the chief guest at an introductory meeting of the presidents and general secretaries of the new committees of the Dhaka North City unit of AL in city's Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) .

Highlighting the incumbent government's development activities, he said the country's Padma Bridge is being implemented with its own funds.

"Today, after the propaganda against Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Metro Rail, now they (propagandists) are spreading rumors that Bangladesh will become Sri Lanka," he added.

After overcoming the corona crisis, the economy of Bangladesh stands at a balanced level up to the grassroots level and there is no such crisis in Bangladesh, he continued.

Issuing a warning against the rumour mongers, he reiterated that Bangladesh will never be like Sri Lanka.

"Our capital account is not open. Unlike in Sri Lanka, none can send dollars abroad if he or she wants," he said, adding that if anyone wants to send money abroad for any education or medical work, he or she has to open an account to send it.

Talking about mega projects, he said Padma Bridge is not dependent on foreign loans as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is building it with the people's money. No such mega project is implemented with the help of foreign loan, he continued.

Praising about the construction of the Padma Bridge, Quader said Sheikh Hasina, the worthy daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has shown the abilities of Bangladesh to the world.

Claiming that the Awami League has proved the practice of internal democracy through the unit conference, the general secretary of the party said that it has been possible due to the sincerity, devotion and responsibility of the leaders and workers of Awami League.

He hoped that if the Awami League is united, the party will be able to reach the 'port of victory' under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the next elections.

With Dhaka North City unit of AL President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman in the chair, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Awami League Presidium Members (AL) Dr Abdur Razzaque, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Muhammad Faruq Khan and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Mojumder, Organizing Secretary Mirza Azam, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and Dhaka North City unit of AL General Secretary SM Mannan Kochi.

Later, Dhaka North City unit of AL President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman administered the oath to the newly elected presidents and general secretaries of 802 units of Dhaka North city of AL at the meeting.