Bangladesh economy no longer dependent on foreign aid: Shirin

DHAKA, Aug 13, 2022 (BSS) –

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today said Bangladesh economy is no longer dependent on foreign aid as she held a meeting with UNDP Assistant Secretary General Kanni Wignaraja at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations (UN).

“The economy of Bangladesh is no longer dependent on foreign aid . . . Presently country needs more technical cooperation to ensure multi-dimensional development, including increasing sector-wise capacity building skills,” she mentioned.

Bangladesh, Dr Chaudhury said, in the meantime proved its economic and technical capability by implementing different mega projects, like Padma Bridge, with its own funding.

Referring to graduation to the status of a developing nation, the Speaker said the relationship between Bangladesh and various countries as well as international organizations, including the United Nations has become multi-dimensional.

Kanni Wignaraja highly appreciated the Speaker and said UNDP is therefore working to strengthen sector-based technical cooperation in Bangladesh in line with the UN policy.

Bangladesh and the United Nations can work together on issues such as carbon emission, prevention of all forms of pollution or exchange of expertise in strengthening green (environmentally friendly) production processes, the Wignaraja added.

On the issue, the Speaker said Bangladesh is working efficiently to protect the environment and deal with disasters with close involvement of the members of parliament (MP).

The UNDP can work with Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad (JS) to accelerate issues such as new technology and knowledge exchange in the contemporary global system, Dr Chaudhury opined.

Noting that the parliamentarians are working at the grassroots for development of their constituencies, she said Bangladesh Parliament in collaboration with various government agencies, especially the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNDP technical assistance launched the ‘My Constitution’ app. 

The Speaker also expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing necessary support in this regard. 

Highlighting the experience of her constituency, the Speaker said, besides information related to the census, statistics related to roads, bridges or students of various educational institutions should also be available in this app.

By doing this, the MPs concerned will understand which road or bridge should be developed on a priority basis, Sharmin said. 

It is also important to have data related to vaccination, health, maternal mortality, infant mortality, she opined, urging all concerned that in the current situation, planning should be data-based and specific needs-based, not on the assumptions.

 “If the lawmaker possesses these updated information, he or she can work to improve those conditions, where necessary,” the Speaker told during the discussion, said a press release here this evening.

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Mohammad Abdul Muhith, Joint Secretary of National Parliament Secretariat MA Kamal Billah and Councilor of Bangladesh Mission Shahanara Monika were also present there. 

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