Bismillahir
Rahmanir Rahim
Mr.
Speaker,
Assalamu
Alaikum
At
the commencement of the First Session of the Seventh
Jatiyo Sangsad for the year 1998 in the holy month of
Ramadan, I convey my best wishes and felicitations to
you and through you to the Hon’ble Members of the
Sangsad and the fellow countrymen.
2.
At the outset, I remember with deep respect the
architect of independent Bangladesh, father of the
nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Leaders of
the liberation movement the Freedom Fighters and the
Martyrs, with whose patriotism and sacrifice we have
earned this independent and sovereign Bangladesh. I also
remember the torchbearers of democracy and the martyrs
whose untiring struggle and self-sacrifice have
reestablished democracy.
3.
I pray to Allah the merciful for salvation of the
souls of those hon’ble Members of the Sangsad and the
leaders who died during the past one year.
4.
We have re-established democracy after a long
struggle. But we could not yet ensure the fruits for the
benefit of the masses. Tolerance, earnestness, consensus
on national issues, respect and restraint for opposing
views are essential for the national integration and
economic development. The political leaders irrespective
of party affiliation should strive for creating
awareness among the people on these issues.
5.
The Jatiyo Sangsad is the foundation of democracy
and the focal point of all national activities. People
have elected their representatives as Members of this
Sangsad with much expectation. The Jatiyo Sangsad should
be made effective through the participation of all to
materialise the expectations.
6.
Since the assumption of power, the present
Government has been making untiring efforts to achieve
the desired goal of improving the lot of the people. But
the Government has been facing adverse situations all
through. Democracy is gaining ground in Bangladesh and
is gradually heading towards success. We should prepare
ourselves to face the challenges of the 21st
century bringing progress and prosperity for the nation.
Mr. Speaker,
7.
The importance of an efficient legal framework in
a democratic society can not be denied. An efficient
legal system and Court administration is a precondition
for establishing social discipline and ensuring sound
economic development. In the absence of required reforms
the judicial system was in stagnation. The present
Government has undertaken a number of reform programmes.
The Judicial and Legal Capacity Building Project costing
Tk. 200 crore aims at strengthening the legal and
regulator framework, improving Court administration and
budgeting streamlining Court procedures, development of
the judicial training and legal education,
infrastructure & management information system needs
assessment. To accommodate adequate number of Courts in
the Supreme Court building, an annex is being
constructed. For speedy disposal of criminal cases,
Metropolitan Sessions Courts and bankruptcy Courts have
been set-up in Dhaka and Chittagong. Considering the
intricacies of judicial reforms, highly experienced
professionals and experts have been appointed to carry
out the reforms. On completion of the reforms in phases,
there will be widespread improvement in the judicial
system, which will be able to meet the national needs in
the future.
8.
The recently constituted permanent Law Commission
has been examining the existing laws and will suggest
amendments where necessary. The Judicial Training
Institute setup by the present Government is imparting
training to the officers and staff, which will enhance
their efficiency
9.
The trial for the murder of Bangabandhu and his
family could not be held during the last two decades
because of the Indemnity Ordinance, 1995. Trial for
these murders has been facilitated by the annulment of
the Ordinance last year by the Indemnity Ordinance
(Repeal) Act, 1996. The process for the trial of the
killing of the four national leaders; Syed Nazrul Islam,
Tajuddin Ahmed, M. Mansur Ali and A.H.M. Kamaruzzaman
has also started. To create awareness on human rights
and to deter violations, setting up of the National
Human Rights Commission in the light of the UN Human
Rights Declaration, is under process.
Mr.
Speaker,
10.
Immediately after assumption of responsibility to
run the affairs of the state, the present Government
took effective steps to resolve the long-standing
problems in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A twelve member
National Committee on Chittagong Hill Tracts headed by
the Chief Whip Abul Hasnat Abdullah was constituted with
the Hon’ble Members of the Jatiyo Sangsad from both
the Treasury and the Opposition, specialist former
Government Officers and Distinguished Social Workers as
members to continue with the dialogue initiated by the
previous Government with the Parbatya
Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity. The sincerity,
firm commitment and relentless efforts of the Government
for a permanent resolution of the problems of the
Chittagong Hill Tracts have resulted in the successful
conclusion of the prolonged dialogue and the long
awaited Peace Accord was signed with the Parbatya
Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity on 2nd
December, 1997. Having total and firm faith in the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state as
evinced in the Constitution of the People’s Republic
of Bangladesh, the Peace Accord has upheld the
political, social, cultural, educational & economic
rights, guaranteed acceleration of the development
process and preservation of the rights of all
individuals living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
The peace accord is the confirmation of this
Government’s commitment to democracy, right of
citizens and to the socioeconomic wellbeing of the
people. The peace accord has been hailed at home and
abroad and by the United Nations. Co-operation of all
quarters is essential for the implementation of the
peace accord. Every one, irrespective of party or
opinion must come forward to ensure peace in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts.
11.
The Development Partners have responded favorably
for the development of Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
Development works have already begun. For speedy
processing of development projects of the Chittagong
Hill Tracts, a separate cell has been created in the
Planning Commission.
12.
The Government has taken appropriate steps to
consolidate maintenance of law and order in the country
congenial for development. Special drives were conducted
by the law enforcing agencies all over the country
against the terrorists irrespective of their party
affiliation. To make the Police Force people-oriented
and disciplined, steps have been taken to form community
police. In the meanwhile, action is under way to induct
5000 personnel in the Police Force. Steps have also been
taken to stop trafficking of women, children and
terrorism by enacting new law with provision of
deterrent punishment for the offenders. Over and above,
necessary measures have been initiated to set-up Special
Courts in each District under the Prevention of Cruelty
to Women and Children (Special Provisions) Act 1995. Ten
such Special Courts have already started functioning and
10 more Courts are being setup soon. Police and BDR
patrol have been intensified in the bordering areas to
stop woman and child trafficking.
13.
Coast Guard, established for safeguarding the
coastal belt and territorial waters of Bangladesh, have
confiscated huge quantities of smuggled goods last year.
It was decided to establish checkpoints in strategic
places across the coastal belt including opening of
zonal offices in Chittagong and Khulna. To enhance the
efficiency of the Coast Guard procurement an ocean going
ship with modern equipment is under process.
14.
The Members of Police, BDR, Ansar & VDP, Fire
Service and the Coast Guard rendered praise-worthy
services along side their normal activities in
encountering disaster, its management, rescue
operations, distribution of relief and post-disaster
rehabilitation activities in collaboration with other
concerned agencies in different areas including the
coastal region.
15.
Programmers for modernisation of the Armed Forces
have been taken up to cater to the defence requirement
of a sovereign and independent nation. Raising the
professional standard and excellence of the Armed Forces
is given high priority. To provide higher training to
the members of the Armed Defence College, Military
Institute of Science and Technology and the Armed Forces
Medical College.
16.
The members of the Armed Forces have carried out
the tasks to ensure safety of the people and protection
of their properties during the May, 1997 tidal-surge in
the coastal islands. Performance of the Armed Forces to
combat natural disaster and rescue operations following
disasters is laudable.
17.
The role and contribution of our patriotic Armed
Forces in the UN Peace Missions have been acclaimed at
home and abroad. Their role in similar Peace Missions
will continue in the future.
18.
The Armed Forces had to face adverse situation
during the last 20 years of unrest in the Chittagong
Hill Tracts. Their untiring efforts and sacrifice
contributed favorably in bringing peace and discipline
in the region. I congratulate the Armed Forces for their
professional discharge of duties. I expect the patriotic
Armed Forces will keep themselves above any controversy
and contribute to national reconstruction.
Mr.
Speaker,
19.
The National Budget for 1997-98 which was
approved by the Jatiyo Sangsad had been prepared keeping
in view the objectives of accelerated economic growth,
containment of inflation at a tolerable level,
alleviation of poverty and maintenance of overall macro
economic stability of the economic. Steps have been
taken to accelerate implementation of the development
projects. It is for the first time that the Government
has decided to pay old age allowance for the poor at the
rate of Tk.
100 per month per person. In the budget Tk. 50 crore has
been allocated for this purpose. This would initially
benefit nearly five lahk distressed elderly persons. The
budget has also allocated Tk. 50 core to create a
housing fund to ease the housing problem of the homeless
poor.
20.
A new national pay structure for the officers and
staff of both the Government and autonomous bodies has
been approved. In the new pay scale the highest pay has
been fixed at Tk. 15,000 and the lowest at Tk. 1,500. In
addition a tiffin allowance of Tk. 100 per month has
been provided for the third and fourth class employees.
The new pay scale will be implemented in phases over a
period of three years with effect from July 1, 1997.
21.
After the constitution of the present Parliament,
the Standing Committees on Public Accounts and Public
Undertakings were formed. The first report of the public
Accounts Committee was placed in the parliament in July.
To enhance the quality of audit, schemes have been
undertaken to introduce performance audit and
value-for-money audit along with traditional audit in
line with the modern auditing system. It is expected
that an effective and impartial auditing system will
ensure accountability of the administration.
22.
Keeping pace with the current trends in
international and regional arena, significant steps have
been taken in the budget of 1997-98 in the fields of
direct and indirect taxes. To assist the taxpayers for
submission of income tax returns and payment of income
tax, an Advisory Cell has been established in the Tax
Training Academy and a Cell created in the National
Board of Revenue for issuance of the Tax Identification
Number within the shortest possible time.
23.
The process of evolution of banks and financial
institutions in Bangladesh is going on in conformity
with the changing world economic order. With a view to
increase the efficiency in the banking sector,
strengthen credit discipline, create a sound financial
base and to consolidate the result of the financial
sector reform programme, undesired rules and regulations
have been relaxed and commercial banks restructuring
activates has been started. Government has also
constituted a high powered “Banking Reform
Committee” to identify the weaknesses and problems
prevailing in the banking sector and recommend
suggestions to overcome these problems to bring dynamism
with a view to accelerate the overall economic
development.
24.
To streamline
the overall financial management and to simplify the
loan recovery procedure by making the Money Loan Court
more effective, the Banking Company (Amendment) Act,
1997 & Money Loan Court (Amendment) Act, 1997 have
been enacted.
25.
Considering the deteriorating condition of the
farmers, simple interest rate has been introduced on all
types of agricultural loans to be paid within a
stipulated period. Appreciating the condition of the
poor weavers, facilities have been introduced to allow
them to repay the over due principal loan-amount in
sixteen installments and the accumulated interest have
been written-off. The “Reconciliation Committee”
formed to settle the matters of sick industries outside
the Court has also started functioning.
26.
The process for setting-up the “Karmasongsthan
Bank Limited” with collaboration of the Commercial
Banks and the Financial Institutions in private sector
to solve unemployment problem through creating job
opportunities, is underway. For this purpose Tk. 50.00
crore has been allocated in the 1997-98 budget.
27.
To protect the interest of small investors,
bringing transparency on the purchase and sale of shares
and build up Exchange Commission has taken a number of
steps including abolition of all kinds of quotas except
a 10% quota for nonresident Bangladeshis.
Mr.
Speaker,
28.
External economic assistance has been playing an
important role in our development efforts. In order to
reduce dependency on external assistance, the Government
has undertaken a number of measures for mobilisation of
domestic resources. However, efforts to mobilise
external official development assistance will continue
in order to raise gross investment. At the same time,
necessary policies have been adopted to attract direct
foreign investment (FDI). In recent time significant
amount of direct foreign investment have been attracted
in oil and gas exploration as well as power generation.
The Government is also encouraging foreign direct
investment in the infrastructure sector.
29.
The total commitment of external assistance
during FY 1997 was US $ 1661 million while in FY
1995–96 the commitment was $1279 million. Aid
disbursement of external assistance during FY 1996-97
was 2% higher than that of 1995-96.
30.
The 4th Bangladesh Aid Group Meeting was held in
Dhaka on 4-5 November 1997. This was the first time
during the last twenty-five years that an Aid Group
Meeting was held in Dhaka. In the meeting, the
Development Partners made commitment of US $ 1.90
billion for 1997-98. The commitment will increase if
there was improvement in project implementation and aid
utilisation.
31.
After the Aid Group Meeting an Investors Forum
was held on 6-7th November. At least 275 Companies
including 74 foreign Companies took part in this Forum.
The Development Partners also attended. Appreciable
response was received from the foreign investors.
32.
The Presidents of the World Bank, the Asian
Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the
Executive Directors of the UNICEF and ESCAP visited
Bangladesh during the past year. All of them have
expressed optimism in the development initiatives of the
Government and assured continued support and assistance
of their respective Organisations.
33.
Immediately after assumption of power the present
Government committed itself to the rapid improvement of
the lot of the people, through planned development and
accordingly initiated effective steps for
preparation of the Fifth Five Year Plan, filling up the
vacuum in the field of development plan existing since
July, 1995. The revision of the draft Fifth Five Year
Plan documents is being finalized on the basis of the
guidelines given by the National Economic Council in its
meeting held in early July, 1997.
34.
The Annual Development Programmer 1997-98 of Tk.
12,800 crore is being implemented now under the
country’s Fifth Five Year Plan. It will meet 48% of
the fund requirement from domestic resources. Since
poverty alleviation is the principal objective, more
then 20% of the ADP has been allocated for rural
development, social welfare, women & youth
development, labour & manpower and agriculture
sectors.
35.
Given the present improved co-ordination with the
NGO’s through systematic local Government structure,
private and community participation, human resources
development structure, private and community
participation, human resources development and poverty
alleviation, Bangladesh is poised to achieve rapid
socioeconomic development. During 1996-97 Bangladesh
achieved an all time high growth rate of 5.7% and is now
on the threshold of food autarky. The per-capita income
in 1996-97 was Tk. 11,810 as against Tk. 11,152 in
1995-96.
Mr.
Speaker,
36.
For the development of human resources there is
no alternative to education. The present Government
constituted a National Committee as per their election
pledge to formulate a realistic, pro-people and
appropriate Education Policy based on the report of the
Dr. Quadrat-e-Khuda Education Commission. Among the
members of the Committee were Members of Parliament,
educationists, intellectuals, representatives of
Professional Association of Teachers and concerned
Government officers. The Committee after consultation
collected opinion from teachers, students, professional
associations, religious leaders and journalists. The
committee submitted its report to the Government on
December 11, 1997. To evaluate and examine the report, a
Review Committee has been formed. After collecting views
on the proposed Education Policy from members of
different classes of the society and professionals, it
will be placed before the Parliament.
37.
The Government is committed to improve the
quality of education, as well as, to bring all school
going children to schools. For this, the Government has
taken steps to identify one primary school of each thana
headquarters as a model primary school. In order to
increase enrolment, reduce dropouts and eliminate child-labour
“Food For Education” Project is being implemented.
Currently, 1 crore 78 lakh children are attending
primary schools nationwide. Enrolment to primary schools
has risen to 95% in 1996 from the 1990 level of 73%.
38.
The present Government is committed to eradicate
illiteracy from the society by the year 2005. In order
to fulfill the commitment, along side formal education,
non-formal, education programme is being implemented to
provide education to the school dropouts and the boys,
girls, and adults who were deprived of education. Under
this programme more than 3 crore 43 lakh illiterate
persons will become literate by the year 2002. As a
result literacy rate among the adults will rise to 84%.
During the past 18 months the rate of adult literacy has
risen 47% to 51%.
39.
Besides the emphasis given to female education
the Government has also initiated plan to increase the
number of female teachers in the educational
institutions. Under this plan approximately 7,000 female
teachers will be recruited during the period 1997-2002.
40.
We will not be able to face the challenges of the
twenty first century if we can’t channelise the merit
of our younger generation to the study of science and
technology. To this end, all the twelve Universities, to
be established, will be Science and Technical
Universities. With a meager resource 46 Project
Directors and 198 Researchers were granted financial
assistance during last one year for their innovation and
research. A project to build a modern planetarium in the
name of “Bangabandhu Nava Theatre” has been taken up
at a cost of Tk. 52 crore.
41.
The Government of Bangladesh has been working
relentlessly to improve the quality of life of the
people by providing basic necessities of life.
Government is committee to ensure “Health for All”
by the year 2000. The main thrust of the health
programme is improvement measures all over the country
to improve health status of the people particularly the
poor and the undeserved.
42.
Steps to formulate an overall and up-to-date
National Health Policy for the country is in the final
stage. The Government has already approved the “Health
and Population Sector Strategy”. On the basis of this
strategy, the Fifth Health and Population Programme”
will be taken in hand from July `98.
43.
Since independence, as a result of aggressive
policy and programmes taken by the Government,
noticeable progress has been achieved in the population
sector to control the growth of population. To attain an
acceptable population growth rate by the year 2005, the
present Government has adopted appropriate policy and
effective steps to improve the quality of family
planning services delivery.
44.
The National Food and Nutrition Policy has been
approved by the Cabinet. Based in this policy an
integrated and effective programme has been drawn to
improve the nutrition status of the people in general,
particularly the mothers and children.
45.
The National AIDS policy has been approved by the
Government. Based on the policy a National Plan of
Action has been prepared to reduce the spread of this
deadly disease. To tackle the problem of arsenic
contamination in water a Steering Committee has been
formed.
Mr.
Speaker,
46.
Under the Rural and Thana Social Service
Programme, Tk. 87.42 crore have been disbursed to
18,22,037 families till June 1997 to increase income,
create self employment and reduce poverty. Vocational
training was imparted to 929,945 persons on various
trades. Under the Rural Social Works Project Tk. 3.77
crore have been distributed as loan to 30,687 families
up to June, 1997, and 86,775 persons given vocational
training.
47.
Landless and destitute woman numbering 9 lakh
have been benefited by borrowing Tk. 13.45 crore as
interest free loan under the “Use of Rural Mother’s
Centers for Population Activities” project. Over 8.70
lakh woman have motivated to adopt family planing
methods. The present Government is committed to the
wellbeing of the disabled. For their welfare
promulgation of necessary of law and establishment of a
welfare trust is under process.
48.
The Government has initiated appropriate steps to
involve women with the main stream of development. To
increase participation of women in the economic
activities, residential hostels for the working women
have been constructed in Dhaka and other Divisional
Cities. Such hostels will also be built in other
Districts. Works for expansion of the working women’s
hostel in Dhaka has begun. Construction of another
hostel in Dhaka will start soon. To help the women
attain financial self reliance, a saving scheme in the
name of “Family Saving Certificate” with the
provision to withdraw interest on monthly basis has been
launched.
49.
For nursing and taking care of the children of
the working women during the working hours, Day Care
Centers for the children have been set-up in six
divisional cities including Dhaka. Very recently, a Day
Care Center was opened inside the secretariat premises
for the children of the female officers and employees.
The number of such Day Care Centers will be increased
gradually.
50.
Activities for the development of youths are
being expanded in all the Districts. The numbers of
Training Centers for the unemployed youths have been
raised from 169 to 208. Programme for the disbursement
of short terms loans to the youths after imparting them
training on various vocational trades, is under
implementation.
51.
The National Sports Council is implementing 16
projects for development of sports and allocation of Tk.
26.16 crore have been made for these projects for the
current fiscal year. The Bangladesh Cricket Team has
earned a place to play in the World Cup Cricket 1999,
being the winner of the ICC Cricket Trophy. The Youth
Cricket Team has won the Asian Youth Cricket Trophy in
Hong Kong recently. Bangladeshi female shooter Sabrina
Sultana has won a gold medal in the Common Wealth
Shooting Competition held in Colombo recently and earned
international fame and recognition for the country.
52.
After the present pro-liberation and democratic
Government has come to power, the spread of activities
of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has widely
increased. To strengthen bilateral cooperation and
understanding with foreign countries, Bangladesh has
signed Cultural Agreements with 40 countries so far.
53.
It has been decided to repeal the colonial
“Dramatic Performances Act” a long time demand of
the dramatic patrons and artists. The Bangla Academy
has taken up a project to carry out research on
the liberation war and publication of the research
findings. To display the lost and changing folklore
heritage to the people the “Rupashi Bangla Kendra”
has been planned to be constructed at the historic
Sonargaon. The first South Asia Music Festival was
observed with success from 1-6th December last.
54.
On the occasion of the silver jubilee of
independence the ceremony for setting fire to “Shikha
Chirantan” the flame symbolizing the historic
liberation war was held at the spot in
Suharwardy Udyan, where Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, delivered his
Historic Speech of March 7. The President of Palestine
Yaser Arafat, the President of South Africa Nelson
Mandela and the President of Turkey Suleman Demiral were
present on the historic occasion.
Mr.
Speaker,
55.
The people of Bangladesh are by nature religious
minded. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians live
together with harmony and fraternity and have been
performing their religious rites peacefully. During
1996-97 Tk. 26,448,000 was sanctioned as grant for
repair and renovation of 7,841 mosques and Tk.
24,000,000 have been provided in the budget of 1997-98
for this purpose. Similarly Tk. 7 crore have been kept
with the Hindu Kallyan Trust for repair and renovation
of temples, and cost of medical aid, education and
marriage of the distressed people. In 1997 Tk. 35 lakh
have been given as grant for holding Durga Puja. During
1997-98 Tk. 14.50 lakh have been sanctioned in favour of
the Budhist Kallyan Trust and another sum of Tk. 624,000
given for publication of books.
56.
In Bangladesh Haj Policy is framed every year in
conformity with the Saudi Haj Policy. Under the approved
Haj Policy of 1997, Pilgrims numbering 9,000 have
performed Haj under Government management and similar
number of Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform
Haj during 1998. Performing of Haj under private
management is also allowed.
57.
Bangladesh became a member of ILO immediately
after the liberation. For its constructive role,
Bangladesh has been elected a Member of the Governing
Body of the ILO for a term of three years from 1996.
58.
Foreign Exchange earned by our skilled,
semiskilled & unskilled labourers employed in
foreign countries contributes substantially to our
economy. Bangladeshi Labourers working abroad have so
far remitted an amount of Tk. 49,215 crore to
Bangladesh.
Mr.
Speaker,
59.
The role of agriculture is significant in
building Bangladesh free from hunger, malnutrition and
poverty. With this end in view the present Government
has taken up elaborate programme to produce 25 million
metric tons of food grains by the year 2002. Under this
programme, expansion of cultivation of high yielding
variety rice and wheat including increase of yield per
hectare has been emphasised. Necessary steps have been
taken to distribute fertilizer among the farmers at fare
price, production and import of high quality seeds by
the public and private sectors & its distribution to
the farmers at fare price and production &
prevention of crop by integrated paste control and
management.
60.
For the overall
development of agriculture, some important action
plans have been designed and are being implemented.
important among those are, reform of fertilizer
distribution system. modernisation of agricultural
research activities, amendment of the Seed Act,
formulation and implementation of the new Agriculture
Extension Policy for technology transfer, soil health
improvement programme through the use of organic and
balanced fertilizer, co-ordination among the Government
and non Government Organizations to enhance agricultural
development on a partnership basis and exemption from
repayment of the outstanding Takavi loans.
61.
An efficient and effective National Agricultural
Research System was put in place by revising the Laws of
the eight Agricultural Research Institutes including the
Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council with
a view to modernise the agricultural research
activities, improve the standard and efficiency of
research and make the result of the research
sustainable.
62.
An Advisory Committee at the national level has
been working for proper and adequate distribution of
fertilizer through out the country. Fertilizer
monitoring system of the Ministry of Agriculture has
been strengthened and import of low quality granular
S.S.P. fertilizer has been banned. In order to ensure
the easy availability of agricultural inputs,
investments under the input sector have been raised.
‘Bangabandhu Award’ has been re-introduced for
outstanding achievements in agriculture.
63.
The present Government had formulated the new
Agriculture Extension Policy and started implementation
from 1997. As a result peasant families are getting
integrated and coordinated extension services from both
Government and Non-Government Organisations. This Policy
is helping overall to play a positive role in creating
job opportunities and alleviating poverty in rural
areas.
64.
Based on the ownership of production and
distribution of resources, the three ownership’s that
have been recognized in the Constitution of the
Republic, co-operative ownership is one of them. At
present there are 1.40 lakh co-operative societies with
75 lakh members. The co-operative societies have so far
accumulated a capital of Tk. 123.84 crore. The
Bangladesh Rural Development Board has distributed Tk.
721 crore as short term credit for the small and
marginal farmers through the Agricultural Co-Operative
Societies. The recovery rate of these credits is 80%.
65.
The Government is firm to ensure food security to
stabilize price of food grains and to ensure fair price
for the growers of food grains, the Government undertake
local procurement of food grains and also grains when
necessary.
66.
Like previous years we will receive food aid from
foreign donors during the current year as well. Under
the open market situation import of food grains by the
private sector meets the gap as well. The Government is
ever prepared to take firm action to face any
eventuality that may hamper the food security position.
67.
Fisheries and livestock sector play a very
important role in the economy of Bangladesh by
generating employment opportunities, poverty
alleviation, supply of animal protein and earning of
foreign exchange. Identifying as a priority sector, a
number of steps have been taken for the development of
the fisheries & livestock sector. Among the steps
taken, the most important are, fish cultivation under
the food for works programme and alleviation of poverty
through integrated fisheries development. Under this
programme training on fish cultivation, micro credit for
development of water bodies are being extended to
deserving people. As a consequence, fish production has
increased with a positive impact on poverty alleviation.
68.
Government owned water bodies have been
development through Food For Works Programme and
allotted to the local beneficiaries for aqua culture.
Training is imparted to the fish and shrimp farmers. To
ensure export of fish and shrimps hygienic fish landing
centers are being set-up and loans provided for
standardising fish and shrimp processing centres.
69.
In the livestock sector, development activities
have been going on through a number of projects
including generation of self-employment for poverty
alleviation, expansion of artificial insemination
network for improved variety of cattles through frozen
semen and transplantation of embryos and participatory
approach for livestock development.
Mr.
Speaker,
70.
Government has given special attention to the
conservation and development of environment as well as
the development of the forest resources of the country
and its proper utilisation. In 1996-97 approximately
8000 hectares have been brought under tree plantation
with a view to improve the socioeconomic conditions of
the distressed rural people specially rural women, by
creating job opportunities for them and to protect the
environment form degradation due to the green house
effect. Steps have been taken for rehabilitation of
10,000 freedom fighters through forest nursery
development. A massive programme of afforestation at a
cost Tk. 460 crore and “Afforestation For Food”
scheme to reduce unemployment and poverty, afforestation
of charlands and increasing the number and value of
Prime Ministers Award for Tree Plantation were also
taken to eradicate unemployment and poverty in
addition to the development of forestry. Similar
activities are being carried out during 1997-98. The
forestry department have planted trees in 1.5 lakh
hectares in the coastal region. The government has
initiated the social forestry scheme to motivate and
involve the people in forestry development and provided
financial support to the people through their
participation to these activities.
71.
To prevent environmental pollution the
Environment (conservation) Rules, 1997 have been framed.
Environmental Courts are being set up to try cases on
violation of environmental regulations. Appropriate
steps have also been taken to prevent environmental
degradation of the metropolitan cities and the river
Buriganga. The apprehension of inundation of about 17.5%
of the low lying coastal areas of Bangladesh due to the
world climatic change have been forcefully projected
internationally to face this serious situation with a
view to protect the environment.
72.
Bangladesh has acquired remarkable efficiency in
disaster management. For effective and efficient
disaster management a computer based management
information system has been setup in the Disaster
Management Bureau. Considering disaster management as
most urgent and important, the Disaster Management
Council headed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has been
re-organised. Besides, Standing Committees for
appropriate disaster management have been formed up to
union level throughout the country. About 32,796
male/female volunteers are engaged in 2733 unions of 19
Coastal Districts under the Cyclone Preparedness
Programme (CPP). Due to timely & comprehensive
preparedness by the Government, there has been minimum
loss of lives & properties during the last cyclones
May & September 1997. Some 127 people died in the
cyclone of May, 97 while 78 died in the cyclone of
September, 97. It was possible to contain the loss of
lives & properties at a minimum level during the
flood of July, 1997 due to the timely steps taken by the
Government.
73.
Following a directive of the Hon’ble Prime
Minister socioeconomic uplift project “Asrayan” has
been taken up for the benefit of the landless and
homeless. Works under the project was initially carried
out in the coastal areas after the cyclone of May, 1997.
In the meantime 125 low-cost barracks have been
constructed and handed over to 1250 families. The
activities of this project will be extended all over the
country gradually. Currently 60 more barracks are under
construction in different areas.
74.
To ensure
optimal use and to prevent irrational use of land a
Steering Committee has been formed to formulate a
national policy on land use and its management.
75.
At present land records are preserved and updated
in the traditional system. As a result people in general
face lot of inconvenience. To remove the inconvenience
and difficulties faced by the people and to modernise
the system, arrangements have been made to computerise
preservation and updating of land records.
76.
In February, 1972 on the directive of the father
of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujubur Rahman, some
model villages were built in Puragacha, a village in
Laxmipur District, to rehabilitate landless people on
khas lands. As a follow up, a project was taken up with
the joint collaboration of the Government of Bangladesh
and the European Union at a cost of Tk 88 crore to bulid
1,080 model villages and rehabilitate 45,647 landless
families. So far 938 model villages have been setup
rehabilitating 38,108 landless families at a cost of Tk.
74 crore. The first phase of the project was completed
in December, 1997. Implementation of the 2nd
phase will be taken up soon. During the 2nd
phase 650 model villages will be setup and 39,000
landless families rehabilitated at a cost of Tk. 276
crore.
77.
To ensure optimum use of khas agricultural land
through lease, Committees have been formed at Thana,
District and National levels for management and lease
settlement of khas lands. These Committees will ensure
proper settlement of khas agricultural land to the
landless people.
78.
Acute housing problem in existing in the urban
and rural areas of
Bangladesh. To solve this problem the Government has
taken a number of measures. To ease housing problem of
the growing dweller of Dhaka Metropolis Housing Estates
at Mirpur and Mohammadpur are being developed at a cost
of Tk. 56 crore for the low income and middle class
people. Under this project 2443 residential and
commercial plots will be developed. To sell to
government of staff 500 flats measuring 1000 sq. feet
each will be constructed at Lalmatia and Shyamali
Housing Estates.
79.
The construction works of a Monument to
commemorate the memories of the martyred intellectuals
has started at Rayer Bazar. A project has been taken up
to build the National Secretarial Complex in
Shere-e-Bangla Nagar at a cost of Tk. 732 crore
M
r. Speaker,
80.
One year has elapsed since the since the signing
of Ganges Water Sharing Agreement on the 12th December,
1996. Bangladesh has already started enjoying the
benefits of the Agreement. Owing to abnormal fall of the
water level in the Ganges during 1993-96 no irrigation
whatsoever was possible in the Ganges-Kabudak Irrigation
Project area during the during Kharif-1 season. As per
conditions of the Agreement, due to increase in the
supply of water during the Kharif-1 season of 1997,
irrigation was provided to 25000 hectares of land after
a lapse of four years. This process will expand further
this year. In the back drop of the Water Sharing
Agreement the Ministers level Indo-Bangladesh Joint
Rivers Commission which was inactive for the last seven
year have been revived. Under the leadership of the
Water Resources Ministers of both the countries, the
32nd meeting of the Commission was held in July last
year. In the meeting the concerned Officers of both
sides were instructed to complete the works for the
sharing of the Teesta water and connecting the
embankments built on the right bank of the Teesta in
Bangladesh and India during the current dry season.
After the two embankments are connected, the inhabitants
of the Teesta right bank will be relieved from the
recurring floods. In addition re-excavation of the
partially dry Garai, a tributary of the Ganges can be
undertaken.
81.
The Ganges Water Sharing Agreement has opened the
door of a long term prospect for the development of
water resources in Bangladesh. For a long time it was
not possible to take up any project for use of the
Ganges water in the absence of any long-term
understanding between Bangladesh and India on the
sharing of the Ganges Water. Although there is no
alternative to the proper use of Ganges Water by
conservation to save the North-Western and the
South-Western regions of Bangladesh from
desertification, salinity intrusion, arsenic
contamination, poverty and threatened environment. It
is, therefore, necessary to start the Feasibility Study
of the Ganges Barrage immediately. It is a matter of
great pleasure that favorable response have been
received from the friendly countries, like Japan, the
Netherlands, Italy, U.K., India and the International
Agencies like Islamic Development Bank, Asian
Development Bank and the World Bank for this study. It
is hoped that it will be possible to start the
Feasibility Study next year.
82.
The proper development and optimum use of water
resources are essential for the economic development of
Bangladesh. For this purpose the draft National Water
Policy is in the process of finalisation.
Mr.
Speaker,
83.
It is the avowed policy of the Government to
strengthen the private sector and attract foreign
investment. With this end in view and to formulate an
up-to-date Industrial Policy, a 35 member committee has
been formed comprising experienced persons in trade and
industry and experts drawn from deferent quarters to
formulate the Industrial Policy. To promote foreign
investment bilateral agreements on promotion and
protection of investment have been concluded with China,
Japan, Iran, Poland, Philippines, and Switzerland.
84.
During the past 15 months 170 industrial units
were set-up under joint venture initiatives. This will
create employment opportunity for 2.75 lakh workers.
Twenty-seven foreign investors have submitted proposals
for setting-up industries during the period.
85.
The Privatization Board has been reorganized to
make it more effective and dynamic to accelerate the
privatization process. Arrangements have been made to
formulate a legal framework to ensure accountability and
transparency in the process of privatization.
86.
We have achieved remarkable success in export
trade. Our export earnings in the last financial year
was US$ 4418 million against a target of US$ 4380
million. The rate of growth was 13.80%. During the
period July-November of the current financial year our
export earnings reached US$ 2119 million, exceeding the
target of US$ 2083 million.
87.
The Government has given top most priority to
export trade and has taken a number of steps to increase
exports. As a result of these steps there has been a
gradual increase in exports and it is expected to
continue in future. Emphasis is being given to the
expansion and diversification of exportable commodities
to increase exports. To facilitate export of some
important items like leather and frozen foods separate
Commodity Councils have been formed. A few items have
been brought under a crash programme and a Task Force
has been setup to remove the obstacles in the way of
exports of these commodities.
88.
Keeping in view the importance of information
technology and software export, a special programme has
been taken up for development of industries in these
areas for expansion of export. Thus, several measures
have been undertaken for diversification and expansion
of our exports.
89.
The National Committee on exports held
consultation meetings with the representatives of
Chambers and Exporters on a regular basis through Task
Forces to extend support for development of exports. An
Advisory Committee has been formed recently to resolve
bottlenecks in trade and industry. It is expected that
these actions will further imports of Bangladeshi
products abroad.
90.
The process of establishing new Export Processing
Zones in Mongla, Comilla, Ishwardi Sirajgonj and Saidpur
is progressing speedily in addition to Dhaka and
Chittagong. Side by side the Dhaka and Chittagong Export
Processing Zones are being expanded. During the last
year, 19 new industrial units have been setup in Dhaka
and Chittagong Export Processing Zones.
91.
Readymade garments have been playing an important
role in our export business. About 68% of our export
earnings generate from garment sector. Bulk of clothes
and other row materials required for readymade garments
are imported. It is essential to increase production and
supply of those raw materials in the country. The
Textile Advisory committee is taking necessary measures
to increase the output of our textile industries on the
basis of the Textile Policy.
92.
The role of jute is very important for an
agricultural economy. Based on jute a number of Jute
Mills had been set-up. Around 4 crore people depend on
jute directly and indirectly. Although world jute price
has gone down due to stiff competition from synthetics,
jute still occupies 35% of our exports. A number of
projects are under implementation to raise yield of jute
by cultivating improved variety, reduce cultivation of
low quality jute and use the land for alternative crops,
improve quality of raw jute and produce & distribute
improved variety of seeds to jute growers.
93.
With a view to ensure fair price to the farmers
and to attain the production targets set for the
Government owned jute mills, a target to purchase 18th
lakh bales of raw jute by the Bangladesh Jute Mills
corporation has been set for the current season. At the
very onset of the current season Tk. 262.16 crore was
provided through the commercial banks as loan to
facilitate purchase of jute. During the period July
November, 1997, 11.80 lakh bales of raw jute have been
exported as against 7.80 bales during the same period of
1996. Due to the efficient management of the
government-owned jute mills losses during the year
1996-1997 has been reduced remarkably.
Mr. Speaker,
94.
Bangladesh is now on the threshold of a high
investment and growth in the oil and gas sector. The
energy sector as a whole had an annual growth rate of
15.31% during the Fourth five-year Plan period against a
target of 9.28%. Under the production sharing contract,
four international oil companies have geared up their
exploration efforts in 8 blocks of the country. Two
companies are expected to start the production of gas in
April and July 1998. As a result an additional 300
million cft. of gas will be produced daily. By 1997-98
investment of these companies will reach around US$ 360
million. The bidding works of the remaining 12 blocks is
in progress.
95.
The Government has adopted various policies and
have taken steps for speedy development and improvement
of management skills in the power sector keeping pace
with the present and future demand of the sector. To
separate generation for distribution of the power
development board the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh
has been formed. To manage distribution of electricity
of the Dhaka Metropolitan area, the Dhaka Electric
Supply Company has been incorporated under the Companies
Act.
96.
A 60 MW power plant is being built in Mymensingh
by the Rural Power Company and two barge mounted 100 MW
Power Plants, one each in Haripur and Khulna in the
private sector have started in October last. These two
power plants are expected to start power generation by
August 1998. Discussions for the installation of two 100
MW barge mounted power plants and a 360 MW Power Plant
at Haripur and 450 MW Power plant Meghna Ghat in the
private sector are in progress. The 210 MW Raujan Power
Plant has started generation while the 6th
unit 210 MW Power Plant at Ghorashal will commence
generation soon. To increase generation of power and
attain energy security the Government has decided to
setup the Ruppur Atomic Power Plant.
97.
The Rural Electrification Board has constructed
11,672 KM power distribution lines providing electricity
to 3,40,000 subscribers in 51 villages.
Mr. Speaker,
98.
For the development of physical infrastructures
and for socioeconomic development, the importance of
road communication and transportation in unbounded. To
improve the communication system and raise the standard
of service 525 km. pucca road, 339 km. brick-based road
and 408 km. earthen embankments were constructed during
1996-97. During the same period 1500 metre concrete
bridges, 320 meter movable steel bridges and 760 metre
culverts were constructed. Under the 3rd National Road
Construction and Rehabilitation Project extensive
improvement of the Dhaka-Sylhet road and country-wide
feeder roads have been taken up.
99.
The development and repair works of the damaged
bridges of the Dhaka-Aricha road and repair &
broadening work of 265 kilometer national and local
highways roads of North and Southwest regions of the
country, periodic maintenance of 1800 km. road
development work of 145 kilometer Dhaka-Tangail and
Dhaka-Chittagong roads under the Bangabandhu Bridge
Access Roads project will be implemented soon.
Arrangements have been made for the construction of
Rupsha Bridge to make the communication.
Work will be started soon with Japanese
co-operation.
100.
On the Dhaka-Mawa Road, the construction of a
bridge on the river Dhaleshwari has been completed at a
cost of Tk. 16 crore. The construction work of the 2nd
bridge on Dhaleshwari at an estimated cost of Tk. 33
crore is likely to be completed this year. Besides, the
construction work of Langalbandh bridge between Dhaka
and Daudkandi on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, three
bridges in Sheola, Shadipur and Baroigram, and the
Karatoa bridge on Boda-Debigonj road will be completed
this year. The construction work of Gorai bridge at a
cost of Tk. 24 crore and Daratana bridge at a cost of Tk.
12 crore will start soon. The construction work of
Pakshi Bridge on the river Padma has already been
taken-up. The pre-construction activities for the bridge
are going on. The construction work on the 5th
Bangladesh-China friendship bridge on the
Barisal-Jahlokathi-Bhandaria-Pirojpur road is expected
to start very soon at a cost of Tk. 78 crore. An
agreement will be signed with the British Government for
financing of the construction of a bridge on the river
Meghna at Bhairab.
101.
With a view to improve the service for the
railway passengers, reclining chair coaches have been
added to all the inter-city trains and the fare has been
re-fixed within the reach of the passengers. Besides, 11
development projects are under the process of
implementation including the construction of a railway
line on the Bangabandhu Bridge. To improve the passenger
services, ensure movement of trains on schedule and to
reduce the recurring losses, the management of running
the trains between Dhaka and Narayangonj has been handed
over to a private company. Similar arrangements will be
extended on more routs in future.
102.
Since its establishment in 1961 the Bangladesh
Road Transport Corporation had been incurring loss. To
come out of the situation the Government has taken up
some reform measures. In the meantime, 100 buses were
rebuilt and put into operation in different routs. In
order to ease the traffic jam and to reduce
environmental pollution in Dhaka City, the Corporation
has taken up measures to procure modern double-decker
buses. To transform the corporation into a profitable
organization various measures have been taken up through
implementing administrative and economic discipline,
austerity and the introduction of leasing system for
operation of buses.
103.
The under construction “Bangabandhu Bridge”
on the river Jamuna is the largest and unique
infrastructural project in Bangladesh. Implementation
work of this bridge is progressing steadily on schedule.
The construction work of this nationally important
project is expected to be completed by the middle of
1998.
104.
This bridge with road and railway line on it has
the provision for installation of gas pipeline, second
power distribution inter connector and telecommunication
facilities. With a view to start movement of railway and
transmission of gas over the bridge on the very first
day of its opening, necessary steps have been taken to
ensure installation of gas line and railway line on the
bridge before the opening of the bridge will be
constructed.
105.
Extensive programmes have been under taken for
the development in the river transportation sector.
Massive dredging works are going on in Mongla Port and
for maintaining the river ways. The works for
modernisation and extension of Chittagong and Mongla
Ports are going on. A modern Jetty for handling new
containers in Chittagong Port and modernisation and
extension of the Mongla Port is in progress. Plans to
construct a Deep Sea Port and modern River Port with
container handling facility is under process. The
expansion of the Internal Container Depot at Kamlapur is
going on RORO Ferry, Passenger Ship, Dredger, Mobile
Crane, Hover Craft, Sea Truck etc. are being procured.
Construction of alternate ferry ghat for Aricha and
Notakhala, is in progress. Apart from these, the Inland
Port Authority is going to start full operation soon.
106.
The air transportation plays a significant role
in communication sector. The Government is keen to
develop and expand the air communication system.
Realizing the need for expansion and improvement of
international air transportation in the country plans
are underway to construct International Airports at
Chittagong and Sylhet. To develop the Chittagong
Airports as the second International Airport of the
country a Tk. 540.99 crore project is under
implementation. The project will be completed by the end
of 1999.
107.
In order to encourage the private sector along
with Bangladesh Biman, private entrepreneurs have been
allowed to operate STOL aircraft with a maximum capacity
of 80 passengers in the domestic routes. Besides, a
Policy has been approved for operation of cargo services
by private sector in international routes. To expand the
domestic air routes new Airports for landing of STOL
aircraft are being constructed at Bogra and Mongla.
Construction of the two airports are expected to
be completed in 1999.
108.
So far Bangladesh has concluded bilateral Air
Services Agreement with 39 countries. In 1997 bilateral
Air Services Agreement were signed with Turkey,
Indonesia and the Philippines. Bangladesh has initialed
Air Services Agreement with Poland.
109.
For the development of tourism in the country and
to provide more facilities to the foreign and local
tourists, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has
initiated programmes to build tourist centres at Mujib
Nagar, Sagardari, and Tongipara, the final resting place
of the Father of the Nation. The construction of the
Mongla Tourist Motel, the wayside Motel near the
Daudkandi bridge and the Teknaf Tourist Motel is
expected to be completed by 1998-99 financial year.
Tourist Centres and Motels are also under construction
at Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari and on both ends of
the Bangbandhu bridge.
Mr.
Speaker,
110.
Telecommunication plays a vital role for
improving the quality of life. Although the contribution
of telecommunication sub-sector to national economy is
quite significant, the present facilities are inadequate
in terms of requirement, technology, and quality of
service. High priority has been given for the expansion
and improvement of telecommunication services by
realizing its importance in the socioeconomic
development.
111.
To meet the demands of the subscribers 1,57,000
new digital telephone lines have been installed in
1996-1997. There is a plan to increase the number to 10
lakh by the year 2000. To provide telecommunication
facilities to the rural people, two private
organizations were given license to install telephones
in 390 Thanas. So far they have installed telephones in
221 Thanas. At the District level 13 analogue exchanges
have been converted into digital exchanges and
conversion of exchanges of the remaining Districts is in
progress. To make the telecommunication services easily
available to the people, 1403 card-phones have been
installed throughout
the country. Permission will be given to install
card-phones by the private sector for quick expansion of
the system in view of its vast demand and popularity.
112.
Besides the public sector, telecommunication
services has been opened up for the private sector as
well. The Government has given license to 3 new private
operators for providing mobile cellular telephone
service to the people. Two private operators have
already commenced mobile cellular telephone service. The
price of mobile telephone has come down remarkably due
to the free competition. In addition, two operators are
working for paging, radio-trunking and revering
telecommunication services.
113.
Data communication is an important means of
communication in the modern world. To link Bangladesh
with the international flow of information 14 private
sector operators have been granted license to provide
internet service for the use of general subscribers.
They are now providing internet service to the general
people. The T&T board have also included internet
and E-mail facility among it services.
Mr.
Speaker,
114.
The present Government has taken resolute
measures to rectify the distortions that have crept in
to the national history during the past 20 years. With
this end in view, elaborate measures and
programmes have been taken through television,
radio and mass media for the re-instill the eternal
Bangali heritage, ideals of the liberation war immortal
values of independence. Within the one-year of the
assumption of responsibility, the government announced
the 5th Wage Board Award to ensure overall
welfare of the journalists, workers and staff engaged in
newspapers and news agencies.
115.
After the assumption of power by this Government
the Hon’ble
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has opened relay
centres at Jhenidah Thakurgaon & Brahmanbaria TV
relay centres and a full fledged TV relay centre at
Chittagong. The Barisal regional radio station and the
Potuakha TV relay station have been commissioned on
trial basis. The Rangamati radio relay station has been
upgraded into a full fledged radio station.
116.
The Prime Minister has set a glorious example for
the first time in the history of democracy by answering
questions directly in the TV programme entitled
“Deshabashir Mukhomukhi” ensuring transparency and
accountability of the government. The unprecedented step
to televise and broadcast the proceedings of the
Parliament live through television and radio in the
programme “Ajker Sangsad” has been widely acclaimed.
The question and answer phase of the Hon’ble Prime
Minister in the Parliament is also telecast and
broadcast live by television and radio.
Mr.
Speaker,
117.
The successes of the present Government achieved
in various fields achieved since its assumption of power
in 1996 also continued in the field of foreign policy in
1997. In this contest participation of the Hon’ble
Prime Minister in many International Conferences and
visits to a number of friendly countries in order to
enhance the image of Bangladesh in the international
arena as a peace loving country as well as to strengthen
multilateral and bilateral relations with those
countries may specially be mention. During 1997 the
Hon’ble Prime Minister attended the Micro-credit
Summit held in Washington, the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Conference held in India, the Extra-ordinary OIC Summit
held in Pakistan, 9th SAARC Summit held in Maldives, the
D-8 Summit held in Turkey, the 5th World Conference on
Adult Education held in Germany, Commonwealth Summit
held in England and 8th OIC Summit held in
Iran. Besides this the Prime Minister visited Saudi
Arabia, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
118.
The year 1997 will be marked as a Year of Success
in the history of Foreign Policy of Bangladesh. During
the past one year maximum number of Heads of State and
Government and foreign guests of various categories
visited Bangladesh. The list of dignitaries includes,
President of South Africa Nelson R. Mandela and
President of Palestine Yaser Arafat, the two legendary
leaders symbolizng freedom oppressed people. The other
respectable guests were President of Turkey, Suleman
Demiral, British Crown Prince Charles, President of the
Philippines Fidel V. Ramos, President of Peru Alberto
Fujimori, Former Prime Minister of India H. D. Deve
Gawda, former British Prime Minister John Major, former
Prime Minister of Vietnam Van Kiet
and Prime Minister of Italy Professor Romano
Prodi. During these visits the horizon of political,
economic, commercial and cultural relations of
Bangladesh with those countries will be widened.
119.
To promote the sub-regional cooperation a forum
entitled “BIMSTEK” has been formed in 1997 with
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand as
its founding
members. Bangladesh played a pioneering role in the
formation of the Organization.
120.
The inclusion of Bangladesh in the D-8 comprising
eight Muslim countries sponsored by Turkey is yet
another proof of increasing international importance of
Bangladesh. A delegation led by Honorable Prime Minister
participated in the first D-8 Summit held in Turkey in
June, 1997. It was decided in the conference that
Bangladesh would work for increasing cooperation among
the Member States of D-8 in the field of Rural
Development and Micro-Credit. The next D-8 Summit would
be held in Dhaka.
121.
During 1997 Bangladesh had meaningful and active
participation in different activities in the UN
Headquarters and its offices in Geneva & Vienna.
Bangladesh was particularly active in the 52nd session
of the UN General Assembly and its various Committees,
the Human Rights Commission, convention on the
prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Treaty on Total
Prohibition of Tasting of nuclear Weapons, Conferences
on Disarmament and the peace missions of the UN.
Bangladesh also played active roles in the international
meetings and Forum and contributed substantially in the
matter of socioeconomic development, rights of the least
developed countries, reforms of the UN, environmental
protection, human rights and rights of woman, immigrant
labourers and minorities.
122.
Bangladesh was elected Chairman of the fifth
Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1997 for a
period of one year; Member of the Executive Boards of
the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food
Programme for the period 1997-2000, Vice-Chairman of the
5th Committee on Education, member of 5 sister
Organizations of the UNESCO and member of the Chemical
Weapons Prohibition Organization.
123.
One of the important priority issues of the
foreign policy of Bangladesh in recent days in the
Economic Diplomacy which aims at increasing the export
of Bangladesh
goods and manpower to foreign countries and to attract
foreign investment in
Bangladesh. Since the assumption of
responsibility of the Government, the Honorable Prime
Minister and members of the Cabinet visited a number of
Countries and attended some International Conferences
during which they highlighted these issues forcefully.
The sincere efforts of the Government in these fields
have started yielding results. Should these process of
success continues it is hoped that we will achieve
diplomatic and economic success of our foreign policy
thus ensuring socioeconomic wellbeing of our people and
enhancing the image of Bangladesh abroad as a peace
loving democratic country.
Mr.
Speaker,
124.
For greater participation and representation of
the people in the local government institutions, steps
have been taken for establishing four tier local
government institutions as per the recommendation of the
local Government Commission. The local Government will
be establishment at village, Union, Thana and District
levels. In the meantime, Gram Parishad Bill has been
passed. Necessary amendments have been made in the Union
Parishad Ordinance to ensure election of women members
through direct vote. Reservations for the election of
one woman member from each three wards of the nine wards
of the union. Side by side women can contest election
against the general seats. The Union Parishad election
has been completed last December. The Gram Parishad
election will be held soon. Necessary laws will be
enacted for the establishment of local Government
Institutions at District and Thana levels.
Mr.
Speaker,
125.
To conduct free fair elections, the Election
Commission had setup and Electoral Reforms Committee in
1997. The Committee met representatives of different
Political Parties and distinguished citizens and on the
basis of these discussions circulated a questionnaire
among the Political Leaders, Distinguished Personalities
and concerned individuals to give their opinion on
specific issues. I hope, the Committee would be able to
make significant contribution to bring necessary
electoral reforms. By-elections to two Jatiyo Sangsad
were held during 1997, one for Thakurgaon-1 and the
other for Manikganj-3 constituencies. Both by-elections
were widely contested and held fairly, neutrally and
peacefully.
126.
Union Parishad elections were held nation-wide
throughout December 1997. More than 200,000 candidates
contested for over 55,000 seats. The noteworthy feature
of this election was the election of women members
through direct vote in the reserved seats. This has
resulted in generating unprecedented enthusiasm
throughout the country, particularly among women.
Election in the Unions of the three Districts were also
held peacefully and successfully.
127.
A Post-election seminar for the Members of
Bangladesh Jatiyo Sangsad was held from the 4-6th
November, 1997 under the joint auspices of the
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Bangladesh
Jatiyo Sangsad Secretariat. In 10 working sessions of
the seminar, matters relating to parliamentary
democracy, Constitution and Parliamentary practices and
procedures were discussed. Five veteran Parliamentarians
took part at the seminar as Resource Persons. Members
from both Treasury and the Opposition benches took part
in the discussions. This is for the first time a seminar
of this kind has been organized in Bangladesh.
128.
A project agreement entitled “Strengthening
Parliamentary Democracy” was signed in March between
UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh. In this context,
a Technical Assistance project has been approved. The
cost of this five year project has been estimated at Tk.
51,45 crore. The project would help establish the
Institute of Parliamentary Studies.
Mr.
Speaker,
129.
The people of Bangladesh have created a unique
history in winning independence and establishing
democracy. Such examples are rare elsewhere in the
world. We should remain ever vigilant so that the lives
that were sacrificed in the war of independence and in
the movement for re-establishing democracy does not go
in vain. Let it be our mission to assure our future
generation of the immense prospect and the courage to
face the challenges of the next century.
Mr. Speaker,
130.
I am concluding my speech here conveying my
respect and gratitude to you and through you to all the
Hon’ble Members of the Parliament and at the same time
wishing overall success of this Parliament.
Khoda
Hafez,
Long live Bangladesh |
