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Bismillahir
Rahmanir Rahim
Janab
Speaker,
I
am delighted to have the privilege to address this
august parliament at the dawn of the new millennium
2.
The greatest achievement of the Bangali nation in
the 20th century is the independence of
Bangladesh. Today, the nation proudly remembers the
Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,
whose unique leadership brought us independence and also
remembers with gratitude, all the freedom fighters.
3.
During the past year we lost three Hon'ble
members of parliament, Janab Ahammed Ali, Advocate Janab
Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain and Janab A K M Shamsul Haque.
We also lost famous personalities like the highly
respected and exceptionally noble lady, Poet Begum Sufia
Kamal, childrens' dearest, juvenile litterateur and
organizer, journalist Rukonuzzaman Khan (Dadabhai),
distinguished philosopher Dewan Mohammad Azraf and
learned professor Abdur
Razzak. I
pray to Allah, the Almighty and the Merciful, for
granting eternal peace to the departed souls of all the
respected personalities, political leaders and members
of parliament.
4.
Our country of abundant water, fertile land and
green granary, is rich in tradition and heritage. By
declaring 21st February, the symbol of our
Language Movement, as the International Mother Language
Day', the UNESCO and all the member countries of this
UN-body have glorified both the Bengali Language and
Bangladesh. All the nations of the world will remember
our heroic language martyrs with reverence when this day
will be observed. It is a glorious attainment for us.
The UNESCO has bestowed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and
the citizens of Bangladesh with rare honour and dignity
by awarding her the 'Felix Houphouet Boigny' peace prize
in recognition of her outstanding contribution in
restoring peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts by
resolving the long standing conflict and strife. Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina has also brought unique honour
for the country and the nation by winning the
prestigious 'Ceres Award' of the FAO for her relentless
struggle to alleviate hunger of the poverty-stricken
people by attaining self-sufficiency in food.
I congratulate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on
behalf of the fellow countrymen and on my behalf for
raising Bangladesh's position to a respectable and
dignified level in the international arena.
Janab
Speaker,
5.
The Awami League government has attached highest
priority to poverty alleviation through faster economic
growth, along with generation of employment, development
of human resources and re-vitalization of the rural
economy. Despite the global economic recession the
country has maintained macro-economic stability due to
the effective steps taken by the government.
Although the economy of the country sustained
heavy losses due to the devastating floods of 1998, the
economy continued to grow at a rate of over 5% every
year during the past three years. The well-balanced
policy framework of the government, rapid and timely
action, massive relief and rehabilitation efforts,
assistance by the development partners and above all,
the sincere endeavour and efforts of the peasants,
labourers, social workers and people of all walks of
life made this unprecedented achievement possible.
6.
It is the declared policy of the government to
gradually reduce dependence on external assistance by
increasing use of domestic recourses. Keeping this
policy in view the Budget for the current year and the
Annual Development Programme has been prepared. In
recent years dependence on external assistance has been
reduced to a great extent. Increase in export earnings
and remittances from abroad have also substantially
minimized the imbalance in the external sector. Efforts
are on to further reduce dependence on foreign
assistance and narrow the deficit in collection of
revenue by increased mobilization of domestic resources
through tax reforms.
7.
A number of reformatory steps have been taken in
the current budget in respect of direct and indirect
taxes, aiming at simplification of tax procedures,
reduction of tax burden and expansion of domestic
industries. Ceiling of tax-free income for the
individuals has been raised. The highest rate of import
duty of 40% has been reduced to 37.50%. To help the
expansion of domestic industries duty on raw materials
has been reduced from 30% to 25%. Surcharges on some
type of fertilizers have been withdrawn to help the
agriculture sector.
8.
Keeping in view the availability of domestic and
external resources the Annual Development Programme for
the year 1999-2000 has been prepared with an outlay of
Tk. 15,500 crore. This allocation exceeds the revised
allocation of 1998-99 by Tk. 1,500 crore. During last
year overall progress in project implementation in
financial terms was 89%. In view of the adverse effects
of flood that lasted for a period of about three months
this progress in project implementation can definitely
be termed quite satisfactory.
9.
Education has been given the highest priority in
the National Budget. With the objective to develop human
resources, implement compulsory primary education and
remove illiteracy by the year 2006, the present
government has achieved a remarkable progress in the
field of education by adopting a number of pragmatic
programmes. The rate of literacy has gone up to 58% from
the level of 34.5% in 1991. It is expected to reach 60%
by the end of this fiscal year. Gross enrolment of
students has also gone up to 96% from 76% in 1991. The
rate of completion of primary education cycle has also
increased from 40% to 65%. The 'Bangabandhu Literacy
Award' has been introduced with the proceeds from the 'UNESCO
International
Literacy
Award 1998' received by Bangladesh in recognition
of her commitment to free Bangladesh from the curse of
illiteracy. The mass literacy programme being
implemented throughout the country under the supervision
of the Deputy Commissioners has already freed the
districts of Lalmonirhat, Chuadanga, Magura, Rajshahi,
Jaipurhat, and Gazipur from the curse of illiteracy. The
literacy drive is going on in other districts as well
for the newly literates refresher education programme
will also be introduced A scheme for granting
scholarships through the "Children Welfare
Trust" has been taken up to help the
working-children to pursue higher studies up to the SSC
level.
10.
In order to develop a system of education
suitable for the present time, primary schools will be
built in every village as necessary, by the year 2002.
The work for setting up 20,000 satellite schools within
the catchment areas of the primary schools and 5,000
non-government primary schools in the school-less
villages, is in progress. Already, 3,200 satellite
schools have been constructed. To ensure increase in
enrolment of children of school-going age, maintain
their regular attendance in schools and to retain them
till completion of the primary education cycle to
prevent child labour,
the 'Food for Education Programme' will be further
strengthened and the free distribution of books to the
students of the primary schools will be continued.
11.
The government
has
formulated a scientific, pragmatic and planned Education
Policy that suits the modern age to build up an
educated, progressive, science-oriented, patriotic,
competent nation imbued with ethical and moral values.
With the objective of expanding science education in the
country that suits the present time, setting up of 12
Science and Technology Universities is in progress. For
the development of science and technology-based
education, computer courses are being introduced in all
government and non-government
educational institutions.
To expand the facilities of technical and
vocational education, programmes have been drawn up to
establish 16 new Polytechnic and 13 Vocational Training
Institutes. Besides, a plan is underway to introduce SSC
vocational course in private schools and HSC business
management course in 200 non-government colleges. A
"Welfare Trust" has been set-up for the
non-government teachers and staff.
12.
The 'Bangabandhu
Fellowship Scheme' has been introduced to facilitate
higher training and-research for the development of
human resources in the field of science and technology.
Under this scheme, the scope for research and the study
of science and technology will be expanded through
increased number of scholarships in the universities.
Promising scientists are being sent abroad in larger
numbers for higher education and research. The network
of our interaction and co-operation with the
international organizations and the organizations of the
developed countries involved in scientific and
technological development are being widened.
13.
Compared to previous years the present government
has taken up significant programmes for the development
of madrasah education along with increased allocation of
funds. To
modernize madrasah education subjects of science,
vocational trades, business management and commerce,
etc. have been added to the curricula and a Training
Institute has been established for madrasah teachers.
The scheme of imparting education through the mosques
has been expanded further.
14.
For the rapid expansion of female education, the
government has already nationalized 18 private girls'
colleges. Programme has been drawn up to set up three
technical institutes for girls and six women technical
training centres, one in each division.
Construction of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Women
Technical Training Centre has already started at Mirpur
in Dhaka. Stipend and tuition fee facilities are being
extended to the girl students at secondary level. As a
result, the number of girl students at primary and
secondary levels has increased to a level almost equal
to the ratio of women in the population.
15.
Government has been ceaselessly working to
achieve 'Health for All' and improve the standard of
living of the common people. With this end in view, the
'National Health Policy' has been finalized.
Construction work of 13,500 community clinics is
progressing fast all over the country under the Health
and Population Sector Programme to ensure essential
health services to the general public by providing
minimum health care for the mothers, children and the
poor. Number of beds in the District and Medical College
Hospitals as well as Thana Hospitals has been raised by
about 2,400. An effective referral system will be put in
place by gradually increasing number of beds in
hospitals. More than 2,000 doctors and 4,000 nurses have
already been appointed. Additional doctors, nurses and
paramedics will be appointed for rendering appropriate
services.
16.
Substantial progress has been achieved in the
fields of control of infectious diseases, health
improvement activities and improvement of nutrition
status. Child and maternal mortality rate have been
falling. Programmes for the eradication of polio and
leprosy are being carried out successfully. As a result
of the successful implementation of the family planning
programme and mother and child care activities,
population growth has come down to 1.6%.
17.
For the overall development of public health by
providing easy access to drinking water, this year
50,000 tubewells will be sunk in the rural areas. Water
supply in 141 municipalities are also being improved and
expanded. To mitigate the arsenic problems in tubewell
water, steps have been taken for the survey and
investigation about the presence of arsenic in ground
water and for supplying of arsenic-free water.
18.
Water supply in Dhaka city has been increased
from 93 crore litres to 114 crore litres. With the
completion of the on-going Syedabad Water Treatment
Plant, water supply in Dhaka metropolis will increase
further. To improve water supply in Chittagong city,
four projects are being implemented. By improving the
drainage system in the Dhaka city, problem of water
logging has been reduced to a great extent.
Janab
Speaker.
19.
The availability of essential agricultural inputs
including fertilizer and the reform measures taken to
modernize and improve agricultural management has
yielded positive results in agricultural production.
Despite heavy losses sustained in the devastating flood
of FY 1998-99, food production increased to 2.19 crore
tons owing to a bumper harvest in boro and wheat. The
growth rate of crop production increased to 4.3% in
1998-99 compared to 2.8% in 1995-96.
20.
To extend practical support to agriculture and
the farmers, the 'National Agriculture Policy' has been
declared and the new 'Seed Regulations' and the
'Fertilizer Control Order' have been issued. Allocation
of funds for the agriculture sector in the Annual
Development Programme has been increased. Various
development projects are being implemented to apply
modern technology in agricultural production, increase
production of high yielding varieties of seeds and
ensure balanced use of fertilizer. To maintain prices of
agricultural inputs within the reach of the farmers,
subsidy on agriculture is being given along with
reduction of import duty on agricultural machinery.
Besides, for the first time a large number of
share-croppers have been provided with loans on easy
terms without any collateral. Recovery rate of these
loans is also satisfactory.
These supportive policies and development
programmes of the Government are expected to contribute
to increase production of food-grains in the country to
2.5 crore tons in the year 2002. I am hopeful that this
will help us in attaining self-sufficiency in food very
soon.
21.
To ensure fair price to farmers for their
produce, the procurement prices of IRRI-Boro and Aman
paddy and rice have been increased compared to those of
the last year. The internal procurement of 6.4 lakh tons
of IRRI-Boro rice and 2.56 lakh tons of wheat this year
is an all-time record.
The internal foodgrain procurement of the
government has resulted in the infusion of about Tk.
1,012 crore into the rural economy which has made
immense contribution in re-vitalizing the rural economy.
Food-grain reserve in the country is now at a very
satisfactory level. At the beginning of the new year,
the foodgrain reserve is at a record level of over 15
lakh tons.
22.
Considering the importance of fisheries and
livestock sectors in the economy and in meeting the
nutritional requirement, these sectors have been
earmarked as priority sectors.
Successful implementation of the 'National
Fishery Policy' formulated by the present government,
has resulted in the preservation of fisheries resources
and significant increase in fish production. Government
patronization of private entrepreneurs has resulted in
the increase of dairy farms in the private sector and in
reducing import of powder milk to a large extent. As a
result employment opportunities have been created and
animal protein shortage is declining.
23.
In order to meet the increasing demand for forest
resources and in conformity with the changing world
environment, various programs are being implemented
throughout the country for afforestation, wildlife and
habitat management, preservation of bio-diversity, etc.
During the past three years afforestation of more than
29,000 hectares and creation of 10,000 kilometres of
strip forests have been completed along with social
afforestation, thereby generating employment for the
poor and unemployed freedom Fighters and ensuring their
livelihood. This has resulted in the increase of forest
areas by 1.72% during the last three years.
24.
The government is very much aware of and active
to preserve, develop and keep the environment free from
pollution. Significant successes have been achieved in
the preservation and management of environment through
the implementation of a number of projects. From July
1999, supply of lead free gasoline has been ensured. To
supply environment-friendly gasoline, efforts are on to
increase use of compressed natural gas.
25.
Considering the need for the integrated
development and management of water resources of the
country, the government has formulated the 'National
Water Policy'. This will act as a milestone for the
planned development of water resources of the country.
Based on the guidelines stipulated in the 'National
Water Policy', preparation for the formulation of the
'National Water Management Plan' has also started.
26.
Due
to the certainty of availability of water under the
historic Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, dredging work of
the Gorai river has started to restore its flows. With
the completion of dredging, salinity in the project area
will be reduced and retention of ground water at upper
layers of the soil will be stabilized. Programme for the
conclusion of agreements on sharing of waters of other
common rivers including the Teesta is in progress.
In the meantime, both the countries had already
agreed on some vital issues concerning sharing of water
of the Teesta.
27.
The Government has formulated a pragmatic
Industrial Policy. This policy has widened the scope and
opportunities for the development of private sector and
foreign investment.
In the meanwhile, investment agreements have already
been signed with China, Poland, Philippines, Indonesia,
Japan and North Korea and investment agreements with 12
more countries are under process.
28.
In the Industrial sector the government is
playing the role of a facilitator instead of a regulator
in order to increase local and foreign private
investment. During the period from July, 1996 to
December, 1998 the Board of Investment registered 439
foreign and joint-venture investment proposals worth US
$6.4 billion. About 60% of the projects registered with
the Board of Investment are now under implementation.
On completion, these projects will generate job
opportunities for over one lakh people.
To gear-up domestic and foreign investment,
attractive incentive packages have been announced along
with the introduction of 'One stop' service at the Board
of Investment. Goods worth $712 million have been
exported from the two export processing zones in
Chittagong and Dhaka during FY 1998-99. The development
works of Mongia and Ishwardi Export Processing Zones are
expected to be completed by June next year.
Being attracted by the facilities offered by the
government, local and foreign industrial entrepreneurs
are coming forward to set-up private export processing
zones. Recently, the Honourable Prime Minister had
inaugurated construction works of two private export
processing zones in Chittagong District, one of which
will be built exclusively with foreign investment.
29.
The public sector fertilizer factories are
producing about 90% of the requirement of fertilizer in
the country. Initiatives are on to set up new fertilizer
factories at different parts of the country to achieve
self-sufficiency in urea. To improve the quality of
newsprint produced in the country, modernization work of
Khulna Newsprint Mill has been taken up. Construction of
17 industrial estates is going on for expansion of small
and cottage industries along with large and medium
industrial plants. The process to transfer nine Textile
and Spinning Mills of Bangladesh Textile Mills
Corporation to the workers is at the final stage.
30.
Despite decline in the demand for jute due to the
extensive use of artificial fibre and synthetic goods
worldwide, jute continues to play an important role in
our export trade. The per acre yield of raw jute has
nearly doubled as a result of various steps taken to
increase production. At present more than 90% of the
equipment and spares for jute mills are being produced
in the country. Steps have been taken for innovating
alternative uses of jute. Encouraging results have been
achieved in the diverse and alternative production of
jute goods like jute pulp for manufacturing paper, fine
jute thread for manufacturing cloth, jute blanket,
plastic granules, etc.
31.
Three projects are being implemented this year
with a view to alleviating poverty and improving
standard of living of the weavers and increasing
production of handloom. Construction of 'Benarasi Palli'
at Mirpur in Dhaka for development and production of the
traditional Benarasi textile is nearing completion. A
programme has also been taken up to construct a 'Benarasi
Palli' at Ishwardi. In the current fiscal year, Taka
five crore have been allocated to provide working
capital to the marginal weavers. BMRE of Rajshahi and
Thakurgaon Silk Mills have been completed. Bangladesh
Sericulture Board is implementing five projects
including construction of a 'Sericulture Town',
production of high quality eggs, cocoon and silk for the
overall development of sericulture industry.
32.
Our
export earnings have gone up to US $5,313 million during
FY 1998-99 from US $3,880 million during 1995-96. In
spite of the effects of regional economic instability
and adverse impact of the most devastating flood of the
century on production and export for long three months,
the government was successful in maintaining growth in
the export sector during the last fiscal year.
33.
Our export is limited to a few items. Therefore,
it is necessary to widen the export base.
The 'Export Diversification Project' has been
taken up with the objective of expanding the export base
and export market, through strengthening and
re-organizing export infrastructure. Under this project
exporters will be given direct assistance to improve
quality of their export products and expand export
market along with modernizing the Tariff Commission and
the National Board of Revenue. The government has
initiated various steps to develop production of new
items such as computer software and data entry services,
fresh flower, jewelry etc. and promote their export.
34.
To increase the employment opportunities abroad
for our skilled, semi-skilled and un-skilled workers and
for gradually increasing foreign exchange earning from
overseas remittances, programmes are going on for
imparting training to our nationals to improve their
skill and to assist them in their search for employment.
From January to October, 1999 about 2.27 lakh workers
got employment abroad. During this period, our nationals
working abroad remitted a sum of Tk. 7,103 crore.
35.
After assumption of office the present government
had taken various measures for reforms and development
of the power sector to meet the ever-increasing demand
for electricity. In the private sector, a number of
power generation plants are now under implementation. In
the meantime, four power generation plants in the
private sector are generating 372 MW of electricity.
With the commissioning of the under-construction
private power plants, additional 928 MW of electricity
will be generated. Beside private initiatives,
construction of power generation plants in the public
sector is also under process. Rehabilitation of existing
plants and commissioning of two new power plants in the
public sector has resulted in the increase in power
generation by 670 MW. Thus a total of 1,042 MW of power
have been added during the last three years.
36.
Under the power sector reforms programme, a
number of steps have already been taken, like necessary
amendments in the existing Electricity Laws, enactment
of the 'Electricity
Reforms Act', rationalization of areas earmarked for the
power distribution agencies and formation of various
power companies. To ensure fair and just competition
between the public and private investments in the
power sector and to make power available to consumers at
a reasonable price, it has been decided to set-up a
'Regulatory Commission'.
37.
Bangladesh has made significant progress in the
energy sector. The number of gas wells has increased
from 34 to 44 and the number of active gas fields has
gone up from 7 to 12 during the last three years. Daily
gas production has increased from 700 million to 925
million cft. Gas
supply to North Bengal has begun through the pipeline
installed on the Bangabandhu Bridge. This will enable
the power generation plants of the western zone to be
converted into gas-based plants and thereby drastically
reduce power generation cost. Augmentation of gas and
electricity supply will usher in much improvement in the
agriculture and industries sectors in the north-western
region of the country.
38
Exploration and production of oil and gas has
been geared up further. In addition to the four
companies now engaged in eight blocks in the exploration
of oil and gas, the process for conclusion of Production
Sharing Contracts with a number of new companies for
exploration of oil and gas in seven more blocks is in
the final stage.
39.
In order to augment supply of LP gas as an
alternative fuel to timber for preserving forests,
21,000 tons of LP gas are being produced annually
including 5,000 tons at the Kailashtila LP Gas Plant.
Agreements have been concluded with a number of foreign
companies for increasing supply of LP gas through
import and bottling under joint venture.
With the implementation of the Barapukuria Coal
Mine and Maddhypara Hardrock Mine Projects by the year
2001, it will be possible to produce of 10 lakh tons of
coal and 16.50 lakh tons of hard rock annually.
40.
Roads and Railway network are very important for
socio-economic development. The civil works of the
highways in north-western and south-western regions of
the country and development works of Dhaka - Aricha
highway including the repair of flood damages have been
completed. Upgradation work of 150 kilometers of road
connecting Bangabandhu Bridge will be completed by the
year 2001. Reconstruction of five bridges on the Dhaka -
Daudkandi highway will be completed within the current
year. Construction of Nalka – Hatikamrul - Banpara
road in the north-western region, improvement of 520
kilometres of feeder roads in the western districts,
maintenance work of 100 kilometres of regional and
national highways and reconstruction and rehabilitation
of Dhaka - Sylhet highway are expected to be completed
by the year 2004. Work for the preparation of detailed
design for the construction of Rupsha Bridge has
started. Construction of Shahid Syed Nazrul Islam Bridge
over the Meghna at Bhairab and the Shikarpur - Duarika
bridge has started. Construction of a bridge over the
Gabkhan River, a bridge on the Padma at Paksey and the
Dhorala Bridge, will start soon. To establish direct and
efficient road link between the capital and the southern
region of the country, a pre-feasibility study on
construction of either a bridge over or a tunnel under
the Padma has started.
41.
The government has agreed to include Cox's Bazar
- Teknaf route as the new route for Asian Highway for
establishing direct road communication with neighbouring
Myanmar, and the inclusion of Sylhet - Zakiganj route as
an alternative to Sylhet - Tamabil road for this
Highway. Direct bus service between Dhaka and Calcutta
has started and rail communication on the
Khulna-Benapole sector has resumed after a long time.
From the very first day of inauguration, trains have
been plying over the Bangabandhu Bridge. In order to
establish direct rail communication between the eastern
and the western regions, work for transformation of the
existing railway lines upto Joydevpur on the east and
Parbatipur on the west into mixed gauge has been taken
up along with programme for connecting the Bangabandhu
Bridge with the Jarnalpur – Mymensingh - Netrokona
railway network. This bridge has already started making
significant contributions to bring about developmental
changes in agricultural and industrial sectors of the
western region.
42.
In a bid to expand direct road communication
between the district HQ's and far-flung areas of the
country, roads are being constructed at thana and union
levels. Hence
about 1,400 kilometers of metalled road, 5,800
kilometers of kutcha road and 4,500 bridges and culverts
will be constructed under the current ADP.
43.
The survey work for the construction of the
Dhaka-Eastern Bypass Road for eliminating traffic jam in
the Dhaka City is already complete. Government is also
considering construction of a ring road, a circular
railway, dredging of the rivers encircling the city to
improve waterways and construction of mono-rail to ease
the cities traffic jam.
44.
Various projects are being implemented to develop
easy and less expensive river communication systems.
Formulation of the 'National Shipping Policy' is
underway in order to modernize and update the shipping
sector.
45.
With a view to expanding domestic air
transportation, construction of STAL airports at Bogra
and Mongia including construction of the Barisal airport
will be completed by June this year. Expansion and
modernization of M A Hannan Airport at Chittagong and
Osmany International Airport at Sylhet are in progress.
Bangladesh Biman has already started operating flights
with wide-bodied aircraft to Osmany Airport directly
from London and Dubai. A number of private airlines are
also operating alongside Bangladesh Biman in the
domestic sector. Two wide-bodied aircrafts have been
added to Biman's fleet to expand its network and
increase the volume of passenger and cargo on
international routes.
46.
The present government has undertaken a number of
modern technology-based development projects in the
light of the 'National Telecommunication Policy' to
improve telecommunication infrastructure and quality of
services. To facilitate services for the people in the
remote areas, 800 operator trunk dialing telephones have
been installed. Under this, the subscribers are enjoying
the facility to talk to the remote areas by direct
dialing from both home and abroad. Work for the
installation of 1.38 lakh digital telephones in Dhaka
City and 2.16 lakh in different district towns is in
progress. Digital
telephones have already been set up in 171 thanas and 24
districts. This will be expanded to 83 more thanas and
24 districts by the end of this year. 'Packet switching
exchange' has already been installed at eight towns of
the country to make data communication system easily
accessible. Data network is being installed for
communication with domestic and overseas data systems.
Private investment has been encouraged in the
'National Telecommunication Policy'. Government has
approved in principle installation of two lakh personal
handy telephones in the private sector in Dhaka City.
Steps have been taken by the present government to
constitute a 'Telecommunication Regulatory Commission'
to ensure fair competition among telecom service
providers and protect the interest of subscribers. A new
'Telecommunication Law' suitable for the present age,
replacing the hundred-year old 'Telegraph Act' will soon
be placed in the Parliament for approval.
47.
To provide faster domestic and overseas postal
service GEP and EMS services have been introduced along
with mobile post offices at Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet
and Khulna. Dhaka
GPO has been computerized and Chittagong GPO will be
computerized soon.
Janab
Speaker,
48
The present government has taken effective steps
to foster free press as committed in its election
manifesto. Permission has been given to operate private
TV channel, which is expected to commence telecast by
the first half of the year 2000. It is under
consideration of the government to accord permission to
set up and operate radio channel under private
ownership. Initiatives
have been taken to establish a 'Film City' for promotion
of film industry under private sector.
With a view to making healthy and aesthetic films
reflecting our history, tradition, spirit of freedom
struggle, encompassing the entire Bangali culture,
formulation of a realistic Film Policy is at the final
stage.
49.
Dhaka station of Bangladesh Television is being
modernized to keep pace with the present-day information
technology. In order to expand BTV's coverage abroad,
installation of Transponder and Satellite News Gathering
Technology has already started. On completion of the
relay stations at Rajshahi, Rangamati and Ukhia, 90% of
the country will come under TV coverage. Bangladesh
Betar has also expanded its coverage. Barisal Radio
station has started transmitting its own programme since
last June. Cox's Bazar Radio station is expected to go
on air very soon.
The Asia Broadcasting Union has awarded
Bangladesh Betar with the ABU Award of 1999, for its
special contribution in broadcasting.
50.
A number of projects are being implemented to
establish and strengthen infrastructure for promotion of
cultural activities of Bangladesh in line with the
current trends in world cultural activities.
Construction of the National Art Gallery, National
Theatre and National Dance and Music Hall at the
Shilpakala Academy Complex in Dhaka will be completed
this year. Construction of the Mausoleum at Rayer Bazar
in memory of the martyred intellectuals has been
completed. Construction
of a Mausoleum at the mazar of the Father of the Nation
at Tungipara and the 'Independence Tower' at Suhrawardy
Uddyan is progressing fast. These projects primarily aim
at preserving the heritage and memories of our
liberation struggle and the war of independence alive
for the future generation.
51.
Various development programmes have been taken up
to develop infrastructure for the promotion of cultural
activities in all the districts and assist tribal
cultural activities.
A 'Welfare Trust' is being established for the
overall welfare of the poets, litterateurs, writers and
artists of the country.
52.
Government has undertaken a number of action
programmes for the development of women and children and
to ensure rights of children and participation of women
in all spheres. Various
programmes aimed at poverty alleviation, promotion of
awareness, creation of employment opportunities,
equality between men and women, protection of child and
women rights, development of women entrepreneurs,
prevention of women and children from persecution and
trafficking etc are being implemented. The decade of
2001-2010 has been declared as the 'Decade of Child
Rights'. 'Birth Registration Prize' is being introduced
for achieving all out success in the registration of
births. In order to develop skilled women, training
activities have been started at the Begum Rokeya
Training Centre in Mymensingh and construction of the
Shahid Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Women Training Academy
at Savar is in progress. Works to expand housing
facilities for working women have been taken up.
Moreover, 16 day-care centres for children have been set
up in Dhaka and elsewhere. To bring women of all thanas
and Districts under the coverage of development
programmes, such programmes have been expanded to 236
thanas of 64 Districts. Projects are also being taken up
for the socio-economic development of women in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
53.
Youth Development Programme has been expanded to
all thanas and districts of the country to turn youths
into human resources. The number of training centres has
been increased from 210 to 297 to impart training to
unemployed male and female youths on various trades.
More than 6.48 lakh male and female youths who were
trained in these centres have become self-reliant by
taking up self-employment projects. A 'Youth Credit
Fund' has been created to ensure that the trained youths
get credit facilities on easy terms to become
self-reliant. A total of 69 Computer Training Centres
have been opened in all the districts. Rural unemployed
youths organized into family groups in 50 selected
thanas are being imparted training and given micro
credit facilities for poverty alleviation. Employment
Bank is opening branches in all the districts.
54.
A 'Sports Policy' has been formulated and various
projects are being
implemented for the development of sports in the
country. Bangladesh Cricket Team brought commendable
successes in the sports arena of the country by
defeating Scotland and Pakistan in the 7th World Cup
Cricket held in England. Bangladesh won 36 medals
including 21 gold in the Special Olympic World Games for
the handicapped, held in North Carolina, USA. Bangladesh
became the unbeaten champion in the Asian under-19 Youth
Cup Cricket Championship, held in Singapore. In the 8th
SAF games football held in Nepal, Bangladesh won gold
medal for the first time.
55.
A number of steps have been undertaken by the
government to improve housing.
Private and foreign investments in housing sector
are being encouraged. In order to make accommodation
easily available for all and to attract foreign
investment, the 'National Housing Policy' has been
amended. In
the meantime, encouraging responses have been received
in the housing sector from private foreign investors.
A proposal to construct 10,000 flats for middle
and low-income people at Duttapara in Tongi on joint
collaboration with a foreign private company is under
consideration of the government
56. In
order to solve problems in the housing sector, projects
have been taken up to construct 2,100 flats for
government employees, 16,250 flats for sale to low and
middle-income people on hire purchase basis, build
satellite towns at Yousufganj and Keraniganj of Dhaka
and develop Nikunja residential area. Steps have also
been taken for the construction of residential flats for
poets, artists, litterateurs and journalists. Extension
of Uttara Model town has been taken up. Programme for
construction of flats in every district and municipality
for sale on hire-purchase basis has also been taken up.
57.
In order to generate employment in the rural
areas, keep food grain price in the local market stable
and alleviate poverty, programmes have been taken to
distribute more than 4 lakh tons of food grain under the
Food for Works Programme for construction and
reconstruction of rural infrastructure. Food assistance
has been given for a long period of 9 months through 42
lakh VGF cards to provide food security to the poorest
segment of the population during the post-flood
vulnerable period. In addition, food grains have been
distributed for a period of 3 months in 1999 through 28
lakh VGF cards.
58. The
present government has initiated a number of important
steps for poverty alleviation under various programmes:
*
Bangladesh Rural Development Board, Cooperative
Directorate, Bangladesh Rural Development Academies at
Comilla and Bogra have made significant contributions
towards poverty alleviation through augmenting
production in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors,
creation of self-employment, expansion of
income-generating and service-oriented activities under
various development projects.
A separate institution is being established to
provide assistance to the rural destitutes with the aim
of alleviating poverty of the rural people. With this
end the Palli Bittahin Foundation Act, 1999 has already
been enacted. Various schemes and programmes are being
implemented for poverty alleviation and overall
development of women, unemployed male and female youths.
*
'Asrayon’, 'Adarsha Gram', 'Bhashantek
Rehabilitation' projects, 'Ghorey
Fera' project of Bangladesh Krishi Bank and
various other projects including Housing Fund have been
undertaken for rehabilitation of the poor slum-dwellers
who migrated from villages. Funds were also made
available from the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare
Fund for these purposes. About 13,000 landless destitute
families have so far been rehabilitated under the 'Asrayon'
project and by the end of the Fiscal year the number is
expected to reach 25,000. The rehabilitated families are
being trained and given Tk. 10,000 each as credit for
self-employment. In the first phase of the 'Adarsha
Gram' project around 46,000 landless families have been
rehabilitated in Khas lands. Under the 2nd phase of the
project, rehabilitation of about 14,000 families will be
completed by the end of the current fiscal year against
the overall program to rehabilitate 48,000 landless
families. Under the khas land distribution scheme,
30,000 acres of khas land have been distributed among
50,000 landless families.
*
With the objective of alleviating poverty, the
present government has been successfully organizing,
through the Department of Social Welfare, various
programmes including rural social welfare activities in
461 thanas, 1 1,516 mother centres in 222 thanas, social
welfare activities in 50 towns, socio-economic training
centres for women at Mirpur in Dhaka and Rangpur,
training and production centre for distressed women at
Gazipur. Under the old-age pension scheme more than 4.3
lakh extremely poor old men and women, and under the
programme for assistance of the distressed women about
2.2 lakh widows and divorced distressed women are being
given a monthly allowance of Tk. 100 each. Old-age homes
known as 'Shanti Nibash' are being constructed, one in
each Division for the lonely and destitute aged men and
women. These are expected to be completed by next June.
Every 'Shanti Nibash' will provide shelter along with
security and medical facilities for 40 aged men and 60
aged women with arrangements to live with orphan
children in a homely atmosphere. The 'Foundation for the
Development of the Handicapped' has been established to
help rehabilitation and development of the handicapped.
Construction of Training and Rehabilitation Centres for
the socially handicapped women (prostitutes) is in
progress in six Divisions.
59.
The present government has undertaken extensive,
far-reaching and reformative programmes for development,
modernization and increasing efficiency of the present
judicial system. Under this programme, steps have been
taken to increase efficiency and capability of the
judiciary, introduce modern concept of judicial
management, develop legal education and judicial
training, construct and expand infrastructure of courts,
formulate time-befitting laws and reform age-old laws
complementary to ensure rule of law, socio-economic
development and facilitate open market economy in the
country. During
the past two years work for the identification of flaws
and inadequacies in the existing judicial system have
been completed by reputed local and foreign experts.
60.
The Law Commission has been working very hard to
modernize the existing laws and make them befitting with
the present time. Based
on the recommendations of the Law Commission, the
government has taken up the work to modify a good number
of existing laws and to enact new laws.
61.
In order to bring about dynamism in the judicial
system and increase efficiency of the judges, the
Judicial Administration Training Institute, established
by the present government, has been providing training
to the judges working at different levels in the lower
courts. The positive impact it has made is already
evident.
62.
With the objective of ensuring human rights by
enacting law for taking legal actions against violators
of such rights, the draft 'National Human Rights
Commission Act' has been approved in principle by the
government.
63.
The draft of the 'Grameen Adalat’ Act providing
for easy and quick disposal of petty disputes in the
rural areas, is under consideration of the government.
In order to ensure rights of the oppressed, the poor and
the distressed, the draft bill on
'Legal Aid Act' is under consideration of the
Parliamentary Standing Committee.
64.
The Government is committed to maintain the law
and order situation under control and the country free
from terrorism. Recently, 158 police camps have been
setup to prevent terrorist activities in the
south-western region of the country. As a result of
joint operation by the Police, BDR and Ansar, huge
quantity of illegal arms have been recovered and
criminals apprehended. In response to the call made for
surrendering arms terrorists numbering 2,838
surrendered. In order to make sure that the terrorists
who had surrendered do not revert back to their previous
criminal life, programmes to rehabilitate them have also
been taken. Due to the steps taken by the government,
there has been marked improvement in the law and order
situation in the south-western region of the country and
daily-life activities of the people has come back to
normal.
65.
Government has decided to establish 3
administrative thanas in Patuakhali, Comilla and
Meherpur districts. It was decided in principle to
establish a new administrative thana at Ashuganj.
The existing bigger thanas will be split into 18
new police stations. Five such thanas have already
started functioning. In the current fiscal year 13 new
investigation centres will be set up in the remote
areas. Establishment of 29 more investigation centres
all over the country including four women investigation
centres in Dhaka City, is under process. To enhance
mobility of the police force motor vehicles have been
provided to 428 thanas. Additional 113 vehicles will be
supplied to different thanas during the current fiscal
year. Police Staff College has been established to
impart advanced training to police officers with the
objective of modernizing the police force. During the
current year computer network will be established all
over the country including conversion of the existing
police telephone exchange of Dhaka Metropolis into
digital system. Steps have been taken for payment of
risk allowance to the members of the police force of the
rank of Inspector and below for performing hazardous
duties. A project to modernize police hospitals for
providing advanced medical services is under
implementation.
66.
The National Defence College, the Military
Institute of Science & Technology, the Armed Forces
Medical College and the Peace-Keeping Operation Centre
have already started functioning to foster
professionalism and excellence in the Armed Forces. In
order to strengthen the Bangladesh Air Force, advanced
fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopter, radar and
arms and ammunitions have been added to its fleet. A
modern frigate is being procured for Bangladesh Navy. A
composite Brigade has been stationed at the Bangabandhu
Bridge to ensure security during war and peace. Members
of our Armed Forces and Police have been discharging
their responsibilities' with fame and competence in
various peace-keeping operations of the United Nations.
The involvement of the armed forces in the
implementation of the Asrayan project, traffic
management of the Dhaka City, disaster management,
supervision of unloading and distribution of food grains
at seaports and assisting generation of electricity, has
been widely acclaimed.
67.
The Public Administration Reforms Commission has
so far submitted 27 interim recommendations to the
government on matters like receipt of application from
general public at the secretariat and its prompt
acknowledgement, disposal of cases within the stipulated
time, simplification of procedures for payment of travel
tax, ‘one stop’ payment of utility bills,
simplification of procedures for issuance of passport
and driving license, voluntary retirement of government
servants, etc. Some recommendations have already been
implemented and steps are being taken to implement the
remaining recommendations gradually. I am hopeful that
with the implementation of these recommendations,
efficiency and dynamism in administration will improve.
To make the field administration more dynamic, fax
machines have already been installed in the offices of
the Deputy Commissioners and programme for providing
E-mail service is under process.
68.
Immediately after restoration of peace in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts, development activities in the
region have gained momentum. The Interim Council formed
under the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Act
has already started functioning.
In order to accelerate development of this
region, ADP allocation has been increased. In addition,
a lump sum amount has also been allocated for designing
and implementing development schemes at local level by
the three Hill Tracts District Councils.
69.
In order to give local government system an
institutional shape, the government has taken a number
of important steps. To establish local government system
at the thana level, "Upazila Council Act" has
already been enacted and enactment of the 'District
Council Act' is under process. Provisions have been made
for election of women members to the reserved seats of
the upazilla councils and city corporations on the basis
of direct franchise.
In the last union council and pourashava
elections women candidates had been elected to the
reserved seats through direct franchise.
70.
Since the election of the Seventh Jatio Sangsad,
the present government has been endeavouring to make the
Sangsad the pivot for all the nation building
activities. The transparency and accountability desired
of the government have been ensured by the election of
parliament members as chairmen of the Parliamentary
Standing Committees instead of the Ministers concerned.
These Committees are playing more effective role than
before, by regularly reviewing the activities of the
ministries and advising the ministries, when necessary,
on matters of public interest.
71.
The Prime Minister has been regularly giving
replies to questions asked by the Members of Parliament
directly in the Parliament sessions once a week.
Question and answer sessions of the Parliament are being
directly telecast and broadcast. By directly
broadcasting the proceedings of the parliament through
radio, the general public has been directly involved
with the activities of the Parliament.
72.
The Asian Parliamentarians' Conference for Peace
was held in Dhaka last September. The Conference formed
the 'Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace'. Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina has been elected the first
President of this newly-formed Association. The
principal objective of the association is to establish
peace and expand mutual co-operation among the Asian
countries. Successful holding of this Conference has
raised Bangladesh's image abroad and Bangladesh has been
acclaimed by other countries as a peace-loving nation.
Janab
Speaker,
73.
The objective of our foreign policy is to
establish friendly relations and economic co-operation
with all peace-loving countries of the world for our
mutual benefit. The government is very active and vocal
for preservation of world peace, democracy and human
rights. The Government has been playing a laudable role
in various international fora to achieve the goal.
The constructive and positive foreign policy
pursued by Bangladesh has been highly acclaimed and
appreciated by the international community at different
fora. The unanimous election of Bangladesh to a
non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the years
2000-2001 during the last session of the UN General
Assembly is a glaring example of such recognition.
74.
In the D-8 Summit held in Dhaka last March, eight
areas of co-operation were identified and actions are
being taken accordingly. Bangladesh has been making
relentless efforts to further expand regional
cooperation through the SAARC. The preparatory meeting
of the Economic Forum and the first sector-based
conference on trade and investment of BIMST-EC, a
regional economic group formed with Bangladesh, India,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, was held in Dhaka last
November. Bangladesh provided effective leadership as
the spokesman of the Least Developed Countries in the
third Ministerial Conference of WTO held recently in
Seattle, USA. The positive role of Bangladesh in OIC has
elevated our prestige in the Islamic world.
75.
The next NAM Summit is going to be held in Dhaka
in the year 2001. Holding of this Summit in Dhaka
reflects the confidence of the International Community
reposed on Bangladesh.
76.
At the invitation of the Honorable President of
Turkey, Mr. Suleiman Demirel, I paid a visit to his
country recently. The
bilateral relations of Bangladesh with brotherly country
of Turkey have been further expanded and strengthened by
this visit.
77.
The Prime Minister attended the 54th session of
the UN General Assembly. This General Assembly session
was of special significance to us. During this session,
apart from the election of Bangladesh to the Security
Council, a number of receptions were organized at the UN
Headquarters to celebrate the 25th year of Bangladesh's
entry into the UN as its member. The Prime Minister also
played a prominent role in the Commonwealth Summit held
recently in Durban, South Africa. In this summit,
Bangladesh has been elected one of the members of the
CMAG (Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group). Bangladesh
has been re-elected as a member of the Executive Board
in the last meeting of the UNESCO.
78.
Last year, Prime Minister visited Australia,
France, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, India and other
countries to further strengthen our bilateral relations.
Presidents of Turkey and Palestine, Prime Ministers of
India, Malaysia and Pakistan, the Chairman of the
People's Congress of China visited Bangladesh on
different occasions last year. During these visits,
fruitful discussions on vital issues were held with our
Prime Minister and other leaders of the government for
further strengthening our bilateral relations with these
countries.
79.
Continuing success of our foreign policy has made
laudable contribution to brighten our image as a
democratic and peace-loving nation.
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