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Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Janab Speaker,
At the commencement of the first
session of the new century, I convey my felicitations
and best wishes to you and, through you, to the
honourable members of this Parliament and my fellow
countrymen.
2. This very year, we will complete
three decades of our independence. At the outset, I
express my deep respect to the architect of our
independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, who led us to our coveted freedom; the
four national leaders; millions of martyrs and our
oppressed mothers and sisters.
3. During last year we lost
honourable members of Parliament Janab Salahuddin Yusuf,
Minister, Dr. Mohd. Alauddin, State Minister, Janab
Julfiqar Ali Bhutto, Janab Mohd. Rafiqul Islam Bakul and
Syed Kamal Bakht Saki along with many respectable and
eminent personalities of the country. I pray to the
Almighty Allah for the salvation of their departed
souls.
4. The seventh Parliament will
complete its term this year and election for the next
Parliament will be held under the Care-taker Government.
The nation will move a step forward in consolidating
democracy electing a new government by the people,
exercising their right of franchise freely and fairly.
Janab Speaker,
5. As a result of the successful
implementation of the people-oriented economic
programmes by the Awami League government, the
socio-economic sector has recorded remarkable progress
and stability. Stable price of food and non-food items,
bumper harvest in agriculture and pragmatic monetary
policy pursued by the government kept inflation at a
very satisfactory and low level. Favourable climate for
investment has been created by revitalizing the
activities of the Commercial Banks and the Central Bank.
With a view to improving the depressed liquidity
position of the nationalized banks caused by the burden
of non-performing and bad loans as a result of past
mismanagement, the government has decided to pay off
outstanding bank loans of the nationalized industrial
enterprises that had been closed down. A sum of Taka
1,800 crore has been allocated in the current year's
budget for this purpose.
6. The tax system has been
rationalized, tax administration improved and tax base
expanded with a view to increasing investment, reducing
poverty and income inequality. To achieve this
objective, a number of steps have been taken in the
current year's Budget in the areas of direct and
indirect taxes. The existing four-tier tax rates for the
individual taxpayers have been restructured and the
limit of individual threshold for tax exemption has been
raised from Taka 75,000 to Taka 1,00,000. The facility
of `Tax Holiday' has been extended upto June, 2005 to
continue encouraging investment. The exemption limit of
dividend income has been increased and various
investment allowances on share purchases have been
offered for the development of capital market. Provision
has been made for cash reward for providing information
on tax evasion and arrear tax realization. In case of
income from business, the limit of initial capital has
been raised from Tk. 10 lac to Tk. 20 lac under the
expanded self-assessment system and income from the
operation of micro-credit has been exempted from payment
of tax. Besides, it has been decided to honour the top
taxpayers as VIPs and provide them with other facilities
to enhance income tax revenue.
7. Transaction Value Method,
mandatory PSI system and easy and quick clearance of
import and export consignments through computerization
have been introduced in order to ensure dynamism and
transparency in customs administration. The `Non-Tourist
Baggage Rules' and `Transfer of Residence Rules' have
been amended to make it easier for the wage earners.
Customs duty on raw materials and inputs for the
agro-based industries, textiles, leather & footwear
and also on bulk import of powdered milk has been
reduced. Customs duty on `Baby Incubator' has been
entirely withdrawn to help save premature, new-born and
critically ill babies. Steps have been taken to
introduce stamp and bandrole from January, 2001 for
collection of revenues from cigarettes. The revenue
collection during the first 5 months of the current
fiscal year under the National Board of Revenue was Taka
6,645.25 crore which is 21.62% more than the collection
of the corresponding period of the previous year.
8. Over the last four years, despite
various constraints, a considerable success is evident
from the preliminary evaluation of the plan in the areas
of rapid poverty alleviation through accelerated growth,
massive employment generation, human resources
development, creation of necessary infrastructure and,
above all, strengthening of the rural economy. During
the first three years of the Plan, the average growth
rate was 5.85%. The economy grew at 6.68% during
1999-2000 on the basis of 1984-85 price according to old
system of calculation and at' 5.92% on the basis of
1995-96 price according to the new system. This is the
highest growth in the last 25 years. And this growth
rate has been achieved keeping the price level very
stable. The average annual inflation rate till last
November was 2.4%. The per-capita income now stands at
US$ 386. The proportion of population below the poverty
level has fallen to 44% from the level of 47% in 1996.
9. For financing our Annual
Development Programmes, dependence on external
assistance has declined significantly. The size of this
year's ADP is Taka 17,500 crore, of which the
contribution of internal resources is 55.4%. Project
implementation has also recorded significant improvement
compared to the past years. Expenditure during 1999-2000
has increased to 94% as against 89% in the previous
year. This is the best when compared to the performance
of the past years. Over the last four years, social
sector and the sectors directly contributing to poverty
alleviation, have received top priority in the ADP.
10. The historic `Peace Accord'
signed in 1997 has unveiled the opportunities for
development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in
continuation of the peace process more and more funds
are being allocated for development of the region.
Besides, different Ministries have taken up 35 projects
to construct 12 roads, set up digital radio links and
digital exchanges, establish full-fledged radio station
and television relay center, construct educational
institutions and health centers etc. for the development
of Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
Janab Speaker,
11. Primary education is the
fundamental right of all citizens and the principal
driving force for human resource development. An
educated and capable human resource is very essential to
accelerate development activities. In order to achieve
this objective, the present government has declared the
`National Education Policy' in fulfillment of its
election commitment for the expansion and qualitative
improvement of education to achieve the objective of
"Education for All". The joint efforts of both
the government and non-government organizations have
resulted in the unprecedented success in this field
which have been widely acclaimed both at home and
abroad. Bangladesh is now considered as the model in the
field of primary and mass education programme in the
Asian region. Over the last four years adult literacy
has increased from 47 to 64%.
12. A group of competent and trained
teaching personnel is a must for ensuring quality
education. So, the present government has given priority
to fill up the vacant posts. Since assumption of office,
the present government has recruited about 30,000
primary teachers. Various training programmes are being
undertaken to develop a band of capable and trained
teachers. A number of training programmes including
foundation courses have been undertaken for the field
officers to improve efficiency and capability in the
field administration.
13. Steps have been taken to set up
new community schools, satellite schools and
government-funded primary schools run by the NGOs, to
bring every village and moholla under the coverage of
primary education. As a result, employment opportunities
are also being created along with the expansion of
education. Already, 4,000 satellite schools have been
established. One-shift is being gradually introduced in
the primary schools to improve the quality of education.
Steps have also been taken to increase and improve the
physical and other infrastructural facilities and
recruit more teachers to transform the two-shift schools
into one-shift ones.
14. To provide opportunity of higher
education to the working children upto the SSC level,
stipends are being extended through the "Children
Welfare Trust". This has opened up opportunities of
higher education for the meritorious working children.
15. To enhance enrollment of
children, reduce drop-outs and raise the standard of
primary education a project entitled `Stipend Programme
for Primary Education' has been initiated. This project
will cover those rural areas which are not now covered
under the "Food for Education Program". As a
result, children of marginal and landless farmers,
agricultural workers and poor families will enjoy
education facilities.
16. Registered private primary school
teachers are being given government contribution to
their salary on the basis of the New National Pay
Scales, 1997 along with the teachers of the government
primary schools. Government contribution to the salary
of the teachers of the registered private primary
schools has been raised up to a maximum of 80% with
effect from 1st July, 1999. An additional sum of taka 31
crore has been allocated in the budget for this purpose.
17. For the last few years highest
allocation of funds has been given in the education
sector. To meet the challenges of the 2lst century the
government has taken-up a massive programme of gradually
fulfilling its election commitment of poverty
alleviation, human resource development, science &
technology based modern education and introduction of
employment-oriented education system. Of the proposed 12
Science and Technology Universities, construction of 6
universities in the first phase have already began and
initial preparations for construction of the rest 6 in
the second phase have been completed. To implement the
commitment to transform the ever-increasing manpower of
the country into human resources, increased emphases has
been given on the study of science & technology,
technical and business management. For this purpose
development of physical facilities of the educational
institutions, programmes for the supply of teaching
materials and training of teachers are being
implemented. Technical, vocational, business management,
computer science, teaching of English and teachers'
training have been identified as priority areas. For
this purpose SSC vocational course has been introduced
in 500 non-government high schools. Business management
course has been introduced at higher secondary level in
200 government colleges for acquiring realistic and
business oriented knowledge. These programmes will be
further expanded in phases. In addition to modernization
of the existing 20 Polytechnic Institutes and 5
Polytechnic Institutes for Girls, construction of 23 new
Polytechnic Institutes is in progress. Modernization of
51 VTIs, construction of 13 new VTIs and modernization
of 6 Textile Institutes are nearing completion. A Three
Year Diploma Course has been introduced in the Textile
Institutes in place of the two year course. The
traditional Mobile Weaving Schools have been converted
into 28 SSC-level Vocational Textile Institutes. In
addition, programme for establishing a Textile Degree
College has also been taken up. Arrangements have been
made for the supply of 10,000 sets of computers in
secondary schools all over the country to expand modern
education in computer science & technology. To
expand technical education construction of 12 Technical
Training Centers is progressing fast. Proposal for
setting up 12 Technical Training Centers, including 5
female Technical Training Centers at divisional
headquarters is under consideration of the government.
18. The Stipend Programme for female
students has been further expanded all over the country
to encourage women empowerment and their development.
The number of female students among every 100 students
at the secondary level has increased to 48 from the
level of 33 in 1993. The female stipend programme is not
only helping the expansion of female education, but also
greatly contributing to the socio-economic development
of the country. Expansion of female education has led to
the success in the fields of health, nutrition, family
planning and prohibition of child-marriage.
19. Over the last 4 years, massive
programmes have been undertaken under the revenue and
development budgets for the development of madrasah
education. As a result, the development expenditure for
madrasah education has gradually increased to Taka 22.15
crore during 1999-2000 which was only Taka 9. 15 crore
in 1996-97. A sum of Taka 344 crore has been allocated
in the Revenue Budget of the current fiscal year as
salary support for the madrasah teachers. Moreover, a
Madrasah Teachers' Training Institute has been
established at Gazipur at a cost of taka . 8.13 crore
for the training of madrasah teachers of the country.
20. To increase the expertise and
capability in the fields of science and technology, a
good number of scientists has been granted "Bangabandhu
Fellowship" to pursue higher studies and research.
To keep pace with the fast developing fields of
information technology and bio-technology in the world,
and to acquire skill and knowledge on research,
construction works of the `IT Village', `High-Tech Park'
and `Bio-Technology Institute' are going on in full
swing. A project has been taken up to launch our first
satellite named "Bangabandhu Jogajog-1". This
satellite will have tremendous impact on the development
of communication within and outside the country.
Projects are also being implemented to set up Bio-gas
Plants and Solar and Mini Hydro-Power Plants in the
field of renewable energy across the country, including
the districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts. The government
has already declared information technology as the
`Thrust Sector'. A good number of Computer and
Information Technology Institutes has emerged both in
public and private sectors across the country, as a
result of the declared policy and strategy of
government. A tremendous awareness about information
technology among the educated people is also quite
evident.
21. Over the last few years, the
government has adopted various timely and effective
policies, strategies and programmes for the control of
population growth and overall improvement of quality in
health & nutrition services in the country. A
`National Health Policy' capable of fulfilling the
aspirations of the people and the government to achieve
"Health for All" has been formulated. Steps
are also underway to formulate a new "Population
Policy". With the objective of providing health
services to the rural populace 18,000 Community Clinics,
one each for every 6,000 people will be constructed
across the country. Under this programme construction of
10,000 community clinics are now in progress. Over and
above, 200 Union Health and Family Welfare Centres are
being constructed.
22. Due to the various steps taken in
the areas of health and population control over the last
four years, child mortality rate has come down to 52
from 72. The coverage of `Expanded Program of
Immunization' has increased by 10% to 68.7%, and polio
has almost been eradicated. Contraceptive Prevalence
Rate has increased to 53.8% from 49%. Life expectancy
has gone up to 60.8 years.
23. Malnutrition is a serious problem
in Bangladesh. The government has undertaken a massive
programme to tackle this problem. A programme, entitled
`Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project', is under
implementation in 60 Upazilas of the country with the
objective of mitigating malnutrition among women and
children, increasing awareness about nutrition and
supplying supplementary diet to mothers and children
suffering from severe malnutrition. In the light of the
experience gained through this project, `National
Nutrition Project-1' at a cost of about Tk. 640 crore
has been launched in July, 2000 covering 139 Upazilas of
the country.
24. AIDS is a killer disease in the
world today. Although its presence is not alarming in
Bangladesh, considering the spread of the disease in the
neighboring countries, the government has recently taken
up a programme at a cost of about taka 313 crore for the
prevention of this disease. The principal objective of
this programme is to orient and motivate the people
about the potential danger of this disease and inform
them about its preventive measures.
25. To ensure overall improvement of
public health, measures have been taken to make pure
drinking water easily available and expand hygienic
sanitation system in the rural areas. As a result, water
supply coverage has risen to 101 person per tube-well,
sanitation coverage to 43% in the rural areas and water
supply coverage has risen to 56% in the urban areas.
26. Arsenic free water is being
supplied in the identified arsenic contaminated areas
through 5,516 deep tube-wells and through 679 pond-sand
filters. Work is on to examine the water of all
tube-wells in the arsenic contaminated areas and
identify arsenic affected patients. The government has
decided in principle to earmark one pond for drinking
water in each village of the arsenic affected areas and
take necessary measures for purification of the water of
that pond. At the same time, people are being encouraged
to use rain water and water of ring-wells as alternative
sources of drinking water.
27. Water treatment capacity of Dhaka
WASA has increased to 117 crore litres from 114 crore
litres during last one year. As a result of taking
emergency measures, problems of water-logging in the
Dhaka city have remarkably improved. Five projects are
being implemented during the current year for
improvement of water supply in Chittagong City.
Twenty-nine development projects are being implemented
in 4 City Corporations to improve civic amenities.
28. As the economic progress of
Bangladesh depends principally on agriculture, the
government has earmarked agriculture as the top priority
sector. In order to meet food and nutrition requirement,
special attention has been given to technology-based
modern agricultural methods along with strengthening a
stable food security. With these ends in view, a number
of important reform measures has been taken up to
resolve the fertilizer crisis, ensure availability of
agricultural inputs at farmers level, formulate the new
`Agricultural Extension Policy', modernize research in
the field of agriculture, increase investment and
simplify loan disbursement. As a result, production of
foodgrain has increased to 2.50 crore metric tons in
1999 - 2000 from 1.91 crore metric tons in 1995-96. For
the first time, Bangladesh has succeeded in producing
foodgrains in excess of its requirements. In the last
fiscal year food surplus was around 10.58 lak metric
tons. Production of foodgrain during 2000-2001 is
expected to reach 2.60 crore metric tons. This success
in the agriculture sector has made tremendous
contribution to the national economy which has also
earned international recognition. According to the
estimates of the `Bangladesh Economic Survey, 2000' the
growth in the agriculture sector and the grain
sub-sector on the basis of static price of 1984-85 has
crossed 7% for the first time in the last ten years. It
may be mentioned that Bangladesh is going to cross the
stage of producing foodgrains in excess of its
requirements and thus transforming her into a food
surplus country. Due to the increase in food production,
supply of food in the markets has increased and the
price of food remained within the reach of the general
masses.
29. To make up the massive losses
caused by the unprecedented flood in the south-west
region of the country last year, emergency steps have
been taken by the government for the supply of
agricultural inputs, high yielding seeds and fertilizer
to the farmers. More than taka 493 crore have been
allocated in the current ADP for the overall development
of agriculture and post-flood rehabilitation. Target for
disbursement of agricultural loans has been set at a
level which is taka 365.63 crore higher than the total
disbursement during last year. As a result of these
programmes, it will be possible to maintain self
sufficiency in food that will result in food surplus and
food security.
30. Because of the qualitative
changes in the food management, the role of private
sector has increased. At present, more emphasis is being
given on internal procurement of food-grains over import
of food-grains by the government. As a result, foreign
currency is being saved on the one hand and the farmers
are getting encouraging price support for their produce,
on the other hand. The target for procurement of 6 lac
metric tons of IRRI-Boro rice during the procurement
season, 2000 has been fully achieved. Of the targetted
2.50 lac metric tons of wheat, 2.10 lac metric tons have
been procured. About taka 12,000 crores have been
infused into the rural economy through these procurement
programmes which are expected to contribute
significantly in bolstering the rural economy and
building rural infrastructure.
31. The present government has
ensured the right to food for the poor. To this end, the
poorest segment of the population is being given
priority in the foodgrain distribution programmes of the
government. In 1999-2000, 85% of the foodgrains
distributed under these programmes went to the poor
compared to 64% in 1995-96. The government has set a
target for distribution of 6.70 lac metric tons of rice
and 1 1.67 lac metric tons of wheat under various
programmes during the fiscal year 2000-2001.
32. Fisheries sector is playing an
important role in the reduction of protein deficiency,
generation of employment and poverty alleviation. It is
also making significant contribution to the export
earnings of the country. Export earning from the
fisheries sector stood at taka 1,811 crore during
1999-2000, which is the highest compared to that of past
years. This sector is the third largest foreign exchange
earner. Various programmes have been taken up to impart
training on pisciculture to increase production of fish
in the private fish culture farms and open water bodies.
With a view to making an overall improvement in the
sector `National Fishery Policy' has also been
formulated.
33. The present government has now
taken effective steps for the culture and production of
pearls without affecting the environment, an important
sector that has so long been neglected, inspite of its
having vast potential for development. The Fisheries
Directorate has already taken up a project in this
sector. Steps are also being taken to undertake research
on innovating advance techniques for the culture and
procurement of pearls and imparting training to the
people involved in this sector.
34. Various programmes are also being
implemented for the development of livestock sector. In
order to allow the livestock sector to make better
contribution to economic development, 4 Veterinary
Colleges, one each in Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Chittagong and
Sylhet and Livestock Development Centers in 164
Upazillas have been set up. Due to government
patronization and financial support, the number of
poultry, livestock and dairy farms in the private sector
has been increasing day by day. About 30,000 cattle and
dairy farms, 31,000 sheep and goat farms and 92,000
poultry farms have been setup in the country. As a
result, despite decline in imports, supply of milk and
eggs has increased significantly.
35. During the last 4 years, about 40
thousand hectares of land have been brought under
afforestation. At present, afforestation programmes are
being implemented in about 20,000 hectares under various
forest development projects. A massive programme for
rehabilitation of 10,000 unemployed freedom fighters has
been taken up under the Nursery Development Programme.
In addition, about 4 lac saplings of various types are
being planted through social forestry in `Asrayan'
project areas for protection of environment. By the year
2015, 20% area of the country will be brought under
afforestation programme. Necessary amendments have been
made in the `Forest Act, 1927' to make forest
administration and forest law more effective and
dynamic.
36. Priority has been given to the
preservation of environmental balance . Environment
courts are being set up to take legal action against the
polluters. Supply of leadfree fuel in the country has
been ensured. Use of CNG in the vehicles has been
introduced for the supply of environment-friendly fuel.
To increase the use of CNG six CNG re-fuelling stations
will be built in Dhaka city. Three private companies
have been permitted to set up CNG refuelling stations
and contracts have been concluded for setting up 51 CNG
re-fuelling stations. To prevent depletion of forest
areas, people are being encouraged for commercial use of
LP gas. At present, 20,000 metric tons of LP gas are
being supplied under the public sector and a private
firm is also distributing LP gas.
37. Proper development and optimum
utilization of water resources is indispensable for the
economy of Bangladesh. To ensure optimum development and
rational utilization of water resources a `National
Water Management Master Plan' is being formulated in the
light of the `National Water Policy'. In all the
programmes of the water resources sector, active
participation of the people at all levels is being
ensured. Under the historic `Ganges Water Sharing
Treaty' due share of water is being received and supply
of water in the Ganges-Kobadak irrigation project area
during the dry season is now being ensured. As a result,
agricultural production has also gone up tremendously in
the area. Discussion for the conclusion of agreements
for sharing water of other common rivers including the
Teesta is continuing. As a result of increasing flow of
water received through the `Ganges Water Sharing Treaty'
it has been possible to prevent environmental disaster
in the Gorai area by preventing salinity intrusion by
dredging of the Gorai river.
Janab Speaker,
38. The `Industrial Policy, 1999' has
been formulated in conformity with the clear-cut and
appropriate economic policies and direction of the
Government to foster rapid industrialization of the
country. Under the industrial policy, private sector has
been identified as the kingpin of industrialization.
Government's role would be a supportive one. Within the
next decade an expanded industrial sector would be
developed in the country. Then the contribution of this
sector will be 25% of the GDP and will account for the
employment of 20% of the total work force. During the
last 41/2 years, 89, 557 units of small, medium and
large scale industries have been set up. Two fertilizer
factories are being set up in Chittagong with a
production capacity of 2.40 lac M.T. of DAP fertilizer
in order to meet the increasing demand of fertilizer in
the country. In addition, steps have been taken for
establishment of new fertilizer factories in northern
areas of the country and for augmenting the production
capacity of some of the old fertilizer factories. During
the last 41/2 years, investment agreements have been
signed with 9 countries for increasing foreign
investment towards industrial development. It has been
possible to overcome the reduction of growth in the
industrial sector caused due to the severe flood of
1998-99. A growth of 14% could be achieved in the
industrial sector during the first half of the current
fiscal year.
39. During the last fiscal year goods
worth US$ 891 million, produced in 145 industrial units
operating in Dhaka and Chittagong Export Processing
Zones, have been exported. This is more than 15% of the
total national export earnings. In these two Zones, more
than 97,000 workers are now employed. Moreover, works
for establishment of 4 more Export Processing Zones at
Mongla, Iswardi, Comilla and Saidpur are in progress.
The process of '' establishing 5 `Industrial Parks' and
`High-Tech Parks' has ' started. All these steps will
further expedite the progress of industrialization in
the country.
40. Thirteen spinning mills under
Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation are producing yarn
for the private entrepreneurs under service charge
arrangement. During 1999-2000 these mills earned a sum
of Taka 39.7 crore, which helped to reduce financial
loss by 16% compared to that of the previous year. The
total loss from these mills came down to taka 249.27
crores during the three years from 1997-98 to 1999-2000,
while it was Taka 686.52 crore during 1991-92 to
1996-97. Establishment of `Textile Palli' in Dhaka and
Khulna has been taken up for setting up new textile
industries. Yarn and textile production has increased
from 9.85 crore Kg and 104 crore metres in 1994-95 to 15
crore Kg and 145 crore metres respectively during
1999-2000.
41. With a view to developing
sericulture industry and making silk products
competitive in the global market, various programmes
have been undertaken for introduction and popularization
of modern technology, ' undertaking research on cocoon
development and rehabilitation of small-scale cocoon,
silk yarn and fabric producers affected by the flood. As
a result, the productivity and quality of silk products
is expected to improve. Work for the construction of `Benarashi
Palli' at Mirpur in Dhaka and `Resham Nagari' in
Rajshahi are going on to facilitate the investors in
setting up industries silk and benarashi products.
42. With a view to enhancing the
skills of the existing manpower of the textile sector,
improving the quality of the products manufactured and
modernizing product designs, a programme to upgrade the
Textile Industries Development Centre at Savar into `The
National Textile Design, Training and Research Centre'
has been taken up at a cost of Taka 26.90 crore. This
will bring about excellence in training and research in
this field.
43. In order to increase domestic
investment in the industrial sector under private
initiative, the government is playing the role of a
facilitator than a regulator. The Investment Board has
been organizing seminars in countries of Asia, Europe
and North America to attract more foreign investment. `Probashi
Bangladeshi Cell' has been set up to provide a
comprehensive package of services to assist expatriate
Bangladeshis to invest in Bangladesh. Moreover, three
Expert Committees have been formed to prepare
recommendations on how to increase investment in the
sectors of agriculture and processing of agro-based
products, information technology, textile and garments
and garment accessories. During the period from July,
1996 to June, 2000, 6,232 investment proposals to the
tune of US$ 12,290 mellion have been registered with the
Board of Investment. These will create employment
opportunities for 8.75 lakh people.
44. The Privatization Act, 2000 has
been enacted in order to put the process of
privatization of the state-owned enterprises into a
legal framework and with a view to accelerating the
process of privatization and making it more dynamic, the
Privatization Board has been made more effective by
converting it into a Commission. Government shares of 11
companies including 4 multinational companies and 2
private banks have already been divested to the private
sector. Under the process of privatization, policy
framework has been framed for handing over 9 textile
mills and 1 jute mill to the worker-employees of those
mills. Eleven more mills are being privatized. The
present Government has already directed the concerned ;
authorities to segregate the excess land not required
for use ~ by the industrial units identified for
privatization which, in turn, will lessen the burden of
purchasers of those units. : This has also arouse
interest among the prospective buyers of those
industrial units. This vast area of excess land
segregated from these units will make it possible for
selling to those buyers interested to set up different
industrial units. As a result, opportunities for setting
up new industrial units will be created in the country.
It may be mentioned that the total area of excess land
of the 33 industrial plants in the jute, textile and
industrial sectors earmarked for privatization, is about
554 acres.
45. Despite the slow economic growth
in developing countries in the process of globalization,
there has been marked growth in the export sector of
Bangladesh. In 1995 - 1996 fiscal year, country's export
earning was US$ 3,880 million. Since the present
Government came to power export grew steadily and
reached US$ 5,750 million in the financial year 1999 -
200U. It was possible to meet about 57% of the total
import bills with the export earning of 1995 - 1996which
improved to about 69% of the import bills in 1999-2000.
Compared to the preceding year, export has increased by
8.27% in 1999 - 2000. Our export earning reached US$
2,762 million during July - November period in 2000 -
2001. This growth is more than 26.68% compared to the
corresponding period in the preceding year, and exceeds
the target by more than 5%. If this trend continues, it
is expected that we will be able to exceed the export
target of US$ 6,314 million.
46. Our export trade suffers from a
narrow base and is limited to a few products. To remove
this weakness, expand export market and exportable goods
and strengthen export trade an ambitious project for
diversification of export has been taken up. This
project includes components like direct assistance to
the exporters for product development and market
expansion and modernization of Tariff Commission and NBR.
47. During last May, Bangladesh
signed a Cooperation Agreement with the European Union.
As a result of this Agreement, cooperation between
Bangladesh and the European Union in trade and commerce
will increase. An Inter-Governmental Group on Trade
Liberalization within the framework of BIMST-EC has been
set up to facilitate effective measures to be taken
about trade at its ministerial level meetings. Steps
have also been taken for setting up Free-Trade Zone
among these countries.
48. Government has been attaching
great importance to the employment of skilled and
unskilled manpower of the country/overseas. Steps taken
towards this goal have resulted in the increase of
overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshis.
During our Prime Minister's recent visit to Kuwait, a
Technical Cooperation Agreement has been signed
regarding manpower export ' from Bangladesh. At the
personal initiative of our Prime Minister, Malaysia has
legalized 1 lakh 50 thousand Bangladeshi workers who
were residing there illegally. More than 2 lakh 22
thousand Bangladeshis got employment abroad from January
to November last year. During that period total
remittance by the Bangladeshis working abroad was over
Taka 9370 crore.
49. Government has framed certain
pragmatic labour laws concerning the wage and welfare of
the labourers. Wage structure for the labourers of the
nationalized enterprises has been declared and law has
been enacted for its implementation. A new wage
structure has been made effective from 1~ January, 2000
for the private labourers engaged in inland river
transport industries. Twenty nine labourers' welfare
centres for the welfare of labourers in various
industrial areas of the country have been set up and
provident fund for the welfare of the tea garden workers
have been introduced.
Janab Speaker,
50. Immediately after taking office,
the Awami League Government took important steps to face
the power crisis existing at that time and gave more
emphases on a reform programme. As a result, power
sector development has comparatively achieved remarkable
success.
51. As a result of Private Sector
Power Generation Policy, 1996 and Policy Guidelines for
Small Power Plant in the Private Sector, 1988, adopted
in order to encourage private participation in power
generation along with the public sector, a number of
agreements were signed for generation of 1188 MW power
in the private sector, out of which generation of 302 MW
of power has already started. Electric generators in
private sector have been exempted from customs duty and
VAT. 500 MW of captive power is being generated in the
private sector which is helping to meet industrial
demand of power during peak period. Construction work of
10 new plants in the public sector with a capacity to
generate 1539 MW of power - by 2004 - 2005 is nearing
completion and projects are being formulated for setting
up another 9 plants by 2007 which will have the capacity
to generate 1510 MW of power. Rural Power Company Ltd.
set up under mixed public and private participation has
already started generating 70 MW of power at Mymensingh.
Work is going on for setting up more plants under this
arrangement to generate 140 MW of power.
52. Since July, 1996, installed
capacity of power generation has increased to 3803 MW
with the addition of 480 MW in the public sector, 372 MW
in the private and mixed sectors and 434 MW through
rehabilitation of old power plants.
53. Emphasis has been given on
transmission and distribution as well. Per capita
generation has increased from 92 kw hours to 120 kw
hours. There has been commendable progress in providing
electricity to the rural people. Power supply has been
ensured for irrigation. Now about 30% people have access
to electricity, which was only 15% in 1995 - 96. Under
Rural Electrification Programme, 17 lakh subscribers
have been given electricity connection during the four
years and a half since July, 1996, while it was only
about 14 lakh subscribers who were given the connection
for the whole period upto June, 1996. As a result, 31
lakhs subscribers are now enjoying electricity facility
and this has activated rural economic activities. With a
view to providing electricity to all the people by the
year 2020 an Electricity Sector Reforms Programme is now
under implemention.
54. Under Power Sector Reforms
Programme, Dhaka Electric Supply Company and Power Grid
Company of Bangladesh, constituted as a first step
towards dividing the activities of the power sector into
generation, transmission and distribution, are
functioning in full swing. In addition, steps have been
taken to update the existing rules and regulations and
to establish Energy Regulatory Authority and approve
Renewable Energy Policy. Measures have been taken to
reach power in the remote areas by attracting private
investment in the power distribution sector. A `Client
Charter' is being introduced to protect the interests of
the consumers.
55. The contribution of the energy
sector to the overall economic development of the
country is enormous. Production of natural gas increased
from 700 million cft. in 1996 to 1000 mmcfd in 2000. Gas
production is expected to reach 1450 million cft. 2004.
Over the last 4 years the number of gas fields has
increased from 7 to 15 and gas wells from 34 to 63.
Ninety percent of the country's electricity production
and 100% of urea fertilizer production depend on
domestic gas. It has been possible to substitute
imported oil with the use of domestic natural gas which
is equivalent to 9 million cft. of fuel
56. The gas transmission lines have
increased to 1775 km in 2000 from 1186 km in 1996-97 and
the distribution lines have increased from 8801 km to
11,324 km. Gas supply in the western region of the
country has started through installation of pipeline
with the Bangabandhu Bridge. In order to increase gas
supply in the western region "West Gas
Company" has been formed. Gas connection has been
provided in Sirajganj town and at Baghabari Power
Station. Gas will be gradually made available to all the
districts of the country. Law is being framed in order
to ensure larger local and foreign investment, equal
competition and protection of consumer interests in the
gas sector.
57. For the purpose of oil and gas
exploration and development, 8 out of the 23 blocks were
awarded to 4 international oil companies in the first
round bidding under Production Sharing Contract. In the
meantime, production has started from newly discovered
gas fields at Sangu in the Bay of Bengal and previously
discovered Jalalabad gas fields. These two gas fields
are transmitting 200 mmcfd into the national grid. A
large gas field has been discovered at Bibiana where the
estimated recoverable resource of gas is estimated at
2.4 TCF. In the second round bidding, 9 blocks have been
selected for negotiation.
58. In the year 2001; granite will be
produced from Malhypara Granite Mine at the rate of 16.5
lac tons per year. Steps have been taken to set up a
cutting and processing plant capable of producing
granite tiles and slabs under this project, besides
using it for various construction work including
barrages and river training works. When this project is
completed, a new potential dimension will be added to
the marketing of stones recoverable from Madhyapara.
When implemented Coal is expected to be produced from
the Barapukuria coal mine at the rate of 10 lac tons per
year and most of this coal will be used in the proposed
300 MW power plant to be set up in that area. It is also
expected that coal may be extracted from Fulbari coal
field from 2007. By using coal it may be possible to set
up, step by step, power plants with a generation
capacity of 2100 MW.
Janab Speaker,
59. The importance transport and
communication in socio-economic development is enormous.
The current ADP allocation for implementation of 119
projects for development of roads under Roads and
Highways Development is Taka 1673 crores. Through these
projects development of Bangabandhu Bridge Approach
Road, Construction of Nalka-Hatikamrul-Bonpara road,
Maintenance of Regional and National Highways and
Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Dhaka-Sylhet
highway, are going on. Rehabilitation work of various
national and regional highways affected by the 1998
flood is almost completed.
60. For establishing direct
communication link between the North-West and the
South-West regions and with Mongla Port Construction of
`Paksey bridge' on the river Padma started in the last
November and construction work of Rupsa bridge in Khulna
will commence soon. `Abul Khair Bridge', built on the
river Madhumati at Mollarhat, has brought Mongla Port
closer -to Dhaka. Construction of another bridge on the
same river is under process. Construction work of the
bridge on the river Dharala on the Kurigram-Bhurangamari
road and the 5th Bangladesh China Friendship Bridge over
the Gabkhan river is going on in full swing. To
establish direet road link between Dhaka and the
Southern Region of the county; construction work of the
Shikarpur and Doarika bridges, is going .on.
Construction work of `Shahid Syed Nazrul Islam Bridge'
over the river Meghna is progressing fast.
61. In order to establish direct
linkage between the southern region of the country and
the capital Dhaka, a prefeasibility study ,on the
construction of a bridge on the Padma has already been
completed. Construction of the proposed bridge will
establish a close linkage not only between the capital
city and the southern region of the country, but also
with the rest of the country.
62. In order to expand road
communication between district towns and remote areas of
the country, roads are being constructed at the Union
and Thana levels. Two thousand 142 kilometers of
metalled road, 5 thousand 271 kilometers of kutcha road
and 4 thousand 317 bridges and culverts were constructed
in the last fiscal year. Under the current ADP, -2343
kilometers of metalled road,. .9961 kilometers of kutcha
road and 6140 bridges and culverts will be constructed.
63. `Dhaka Transport Coordination
Board' has been formed with a view to relieving Dhaka
City from traffic congestion through . short and long
term transportation planning, ~ removing... , existing ,
bottlenecks . of traffic management, improving
institutional capabilities and co-ordinating and
monitoring of the project implementation activities of
other relevant organizations: Construction of some fly-overs
and improvement of some road connecting points;
introduction of road network for rickshaws,
reorganization and expansion of bus service and
introduction of computerized traffic signals have been
taken for implementation by `the Board at a cost of more
than Taka 1,000 crores. Construction of mono-rail is
also being considered for removing traffic congestion is
the City. -A project is under implementation for
constructing a circular riverway from Sadarghat to
Ashulia. When these projects are completed, the level of
traffic congestion and environmental pollution in the
Dhaka City will reduce to a great extent.
64. Until 1996, Bangladesh Road
Transport Corporation was a loosing concern and its
average annual loss was Taka 1.5 crore. Due to the
reform measures taken by the present government, 'the
Corporation is now making profit and during the last 3
years, it earned an operating profit of Taka 16 crore 90
lac.
65. Government has taken up a massive
pragmatic programme for the overall development of
Bangladesh Railway. In the current financial year
establishment of railway link at both ends of
Bangabandhu Bridge, establishment of railway link with
Madhyapara Hard Rock and Barapukuria coal mine areas,
replacement and modernization of signalling and
interlocking system at 14 stations of the West Zone of
Bangladesh Railway and rehabilitation of the mainlines
of Bangladesh Railway, are being implemented.
Construction work of 99 kilometers of new mixed gauge
lines from Joydebpur on the east to Jamtail on the west
and conversion of the existing broad gauge' lines-from
Jamtail on the western zone to Parbatipur via Iswardi,
has started with' the objective of establishing railway
link with Bangabandhu Bridge. Construction of rail link
between Tarakandi and Bangabandhu Bridge to connect
eastern side of Bangabandhu Bridge with the railway
network of Jamalpur-Mymensingh-Netrokona, is progressing
.
66. As a riverine country, waterways
occupy great importance in our internal communication
network. In order to 'maintain inland waterways draught
for smooth navigation; 3 dredgers and 1 booster ' pump
are being procured: Three-fourth of the country's import
and exports are handled through the Chittagong port.
During the last financial year Chittagong port handled
1547 vessels containing goods of about 1 crore 70 lac
M.T. Projects have been taken up for construction of a
container terminal at Chittagong, port, procurement of
essential handlirig equipment and tugboat for Chittagong
and modern dredging and cutter dredger for Mongla port.
Handling capacity of Dhaka container Depot has been
increased from 1000 to 3927 TUES/TEUS. Marine Academy is
being developed as a "Center of Excellence"
ensuring higher professionalism by international
standard. Services of 4 sea-trucks have been introduced
to facilitate transportation of goods and passengers
from the mainland to the islands. Formulation of the
" National Shipping Policy" is being finalized
to ensure development of overall management and maintain
discipline and security of the shipping sector.
67. Construction M. A. Hannan airport
at Chittagong has been completed in order to expand our
international aviation systems. The most modern terminal
building of this airport, built by international
standard will become a milestone in the aviation sector
of the country. A multistoried car park is being
constructed including expansion of international
terminal building and two more boarding bridges are
being -installed with a view to increasing the passenger
facilities at the airport in Dhaka. In order to meet the
increasing aviation' demand domestic passenger flight;
cargo flight and helicopter services have been
introduced in the private sector. On June 3, 2000
Biman,s third weekly flight to Newyork via Dubai and
London has been introduced. Moreover, two DC 10.-30 and
two airbus procured through lease have been added to the
fleet of Biman in order meet increasing demand on it. In
order to enhance the competitive edge and reputation of
Bangladesh Biman and consolidate its position abroad
step has been taken to establish equity based
partnership with a leading foreign carrier to pave the
way for restructuring and commercialization of
Bangladesh Biman Airlines.
68. Different programmes have been
taken to expand the tourism industry. Under these
programmes a modern tourist motel in at Tungipara in
Gopalganj, near the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Ra.hman, has been constructed. Besides
construction work of two beautiful tourist motels at
Cox's Bazar and Teknaf, modern tourist motels at
Dinajpur, .Mongla and Kuakata and a restaurant at
Madhabkundu have been completed. At present,
construction of tourist motels at Bandarban, Khagrachari
and Mujibnagar is progressing fast. In addition
construction of tourist ,motels at Sagardari, Benapole,
Panchagarh and Kantoji Temple in Dinajpur will start
soon.
69. Efforts are on to reframe the
century old `Telegraph Act, 1885' and `Wireless
.Telegraphy Act; 1993' to modernize management of the
telecommunication System. With a view to improving the
telecommunication infrastructure and services, the
government has initiated a number of development
programmes consistent with the latest technologies. With
the increase in the number of telephones under both the
public and private sectors,, the tele-density per:
thousand people is expected to increase from 4 to 7 by
.the end of 2001. In June 1996, the total number of
telephones, in the country was 3,;87;769: In December
2000,.the number has gone up to 6,16042. In the mean:
while cardphones numbering 1467 including 70I with ISD
facilities; have been installed all over the country to
provide telephone services to the people at large
Facilities for 800 Operator Trunk-Dialling telephones
have been installed for the people in remote areas.
Packet Switching System has already been set up in 8
towns to make Data Communication Facility easily
available Data network is being installed for inland and
overseas data communication. Recently, V-SAT and
internet services have been opened up for .the private
sector as. well. `One Point Service' Center has been
made operational at Ramna and Gulshan in the city to
provide better services to the subscribers. Under the
project for installing 2 lac 16 thousand digital
telephone lines, digital telephone exchanges are being
installed in every district headquarter. The number of
such digital telephone exchanges in the district
headquarters including Dhaka and Chittagong has
increased to 86 from that of 11 in 1996. At the same
time work for installing mini digital exchanges at 92
Upazillas is also in progress. Step has been taken to
introduce mobile telephone in the public sector. The
number of mobile telephones that stood at 21,000 in 1996
has increased to 2,42,650. Licence has been issued to a
private firm for installing 2 lac Personal Handy System
in order to provide telephone services at a low cost in
Dhaka City. The process of issuing licence to the
private sector for installing 3 lac telephone lines in
Dhaka City is at the final stage. Moreover,
"Prepaid Card-phone Service" with modern
technology will soon be introduced in the private
sector. "Optical Fibre Link" is being
installed between Dhaka and Chittagong, . The plan to
install "Sub-Marine Cable" with Singapore is
at the final stage. This will trigger revolutionary
changes in data entry and software export including
telecommunication.
70. A 15- number National Task Force
has been formed with the Prime Minister as its Chairman
to tap the unlimited economic, social, commercial and
scientific opportunities under Information Technology
for the overall development of the country. The
Committee will draw up a work plan and fix targets for
identifying the contribution the information technology
can make, all the possibilities for its expansion and
development. I believe, such an initiative at the
highest level of the government will be recognized as a
milestone.
71. The present era is for free flow
of information. The supportive role of mass media is
very important in mobilizing public opinion, creating
public awareness, ensuring public involvement and
motivating them for the development of the country. Mass
media acts as a link between the people and the
government. Mass media plays a very important role in
creating general awareness and motivating the people
about various development activities undertaken by the
government such as poverty alleviation health and family
planning, adult literacy and total literacy. Steps have
been taken to unfold to the present generation objective
and true history about our glorious struggle for
freedom, ideals of our Liberation War and contributions
of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman. Actions have already been initiated to
permanently preserve these invaluable national
treasurers.
72. The present government believes
in the free flow of information and therefore, has
ensured free expression of opinion by the newspapers.
Government has agreed, in principle, on granting
autonomy to Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television
and steps are being taken to implement this decision.
Ekushey Television, a private TV channel has already
started its transmission of programs.
73. In order stop degeneration of of
national cultures by preventing the unbridled entry of
open air cultures, a law is being enacted to control
such cable television network programmes. Bangladesh
Betar is directly broad-casting every session of
Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad for ensuring accountability
and transparency of the government. Bangladesh
television is also telecasting live the questionanswer
sessions of the Parliament. By organising
Honourable Prime Minister's programme named `Janagoner
Prosna - Pradhanmantrir uttar', Bangladesh Betar and
Bangladesh Television have set a unique example of
accountability.
74. The history, civilization and
identity of a nation is reflected through its cultural
activities. The present government left no stone
unturned to focus, nationally and internationally, the
manifold aspects of our multidimensional cultural
activities in order to preserve, develop, expand and
popularize the same keeping in view our national hopes
and aspirations. Exchange visits are being organized to
strengthen the existing bilateral friendly relations and
understanding with the friendly countries. Cultural
troupes have been sent to Germany, Bahrain, Iraq,
Uzbekistan and India. An exhibition on contemporary art
was arranged in China.
75. In order to preserve the memory
of our glorious liberation war, a country-wide programme
has been taken up. In order to properly preserve the
archaeological monuments excavation, maintenance and
reconstruction works are going on at Paharpur, Bargerhat,
Jagaddal Bihar of Naogaon and Comilla. In order to
construct cultural centers for the tribal people and
organize various cultural programmes projects are being
implemented at Bandarban, Rangamati and Birisiri.
Development programmes have also been taken for the
tribal people at Moulavibazar, Khagrachari and Rajshahi.
76. `Shilpi Kallyan Trust' is being
formed for the overall welfare of the renowned poets,
litterateurs writers and artists of the country. In
order to make it compatible with the changes taken place
in the technological field within and outside country
Copyright Act, 2000 has been enacted replacing the
Copyright Ordinance, 1962. Steps have been taken to
repeal the `Dramatic Performance Act, 1876' in order to
encourage the development of dramatic performance
activities in the country in conformity with our own
practices and cultures.
77. The religious harmony fraternity
and understanding prevailing among on the citizens of
Bangladesh belonging . to different faiths, is a model
for other countries. Sincere and relentless efforts of
the government and followers of all the religions are
contributing towards this religious harmony and
understanding.
78. Under the Saudi-Bangladesh
Bilateral Haji Agreement and the Haji policy, 2001, for
the first time, intending Haji pilgrims will be sent for
Hajj through government approved agencies outside
government arrangements. This will help increase
facilities for the Hajj pilgrims during the Hajj as well
as ensure their security.
79. The Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman founded the Islamic
Foundation in 1975. This institution has undertaken
various projects for implementation for the propagation
and expansion of Islam. Work has started for increasing
the facilities in Baitul Mukarram Mosque for the
musallies and for its beautification. Apart from
enhancing the grant-in-aid for the Hindu Kallyan Trust
and the Bouddhya Kallyan Trust, for the religious
development of the Hindus and Buddhyas, their activities
have also been expanded. Various development programmes
have been taken up for the followers of all religious
faiths.
80. With the objective of encouraging
participation of women in statecraft and development
activities, the government has adopted a national policy
for the advancement of women and formulated `National
Action Plans' for the development of women and children.
During the recent UN Millennium Session Bangladesh
signed the Optional Protocol on CEDAW. Bangladesh is one
of the 10 countries who have signed this important
Protocol and this will help implementation of this
protocol internationally. A National Women Development
Council headed by the Hon'ble Prime Minister is
overseeing the overall activities for the development of
women. In order to implement and supervise women
development programmes 49 WID focal points have been
formed in Ministries and Divisions and Women Development
Coordination Committees have been formed at District and
Thana levels. Every year Child Rights Day, Child Rights
Week, Begum Rokeya Day, International Women Day, etc are
being observed in order to make everyone aware of the
rights of the child and women. Present government has
made it mandatory to use mother's name along with the
name of the fathers while expressing the identity of any
child. It is the present government which has taken
steps to appoint for the first time women as Justice,
Secretary to the Government and Police Superintendent to
ensure women's representation at all higher echelons of
the country. In the past women officers were appointed
in the Army only for the medical and nursing corps. The
present government for the first time has started the
process of appointing women in all the commissioned
ranks of Army, Navy and Air Force.
81. An exhaustive programme has been
taken up in the Health and Family Planning sector to
ensure equity and provide equal facility to the women.
More than 30% of the total manpower in this sector are
women. In the light of "Beijing Platform for
Action" various activities/ programmes have been
initiated, like "Women Friendly Hospital
Initiative" in 32 hospitals and "One Stop
Crisis Center" in two medical college hospitals to
ensure proper treatment of the distressed women.
82. Various programmes are being
implemented for the socio-economic development of the
youths of the country and for creating awareness among
the people of all walks of life about sports and for the
development of sports. Expansion of youth development
programmes at all Upazillas of the country, provision of
training to the youths in different trade courses,
extension of credit on easy terms for self employment,
are included in this programme. The number of youths
taking training under youth development activities
conducted by the Youth Development Directorate increased
to 15,06,563 during the period from July'96 to
September, 2000, while this number was 3,25,780 during
the period from the beginning of this programme till
June, 1996. During the same period the number of youths
taking credit increased from 1,51,225 to 4,81,590. The
volume of credit distribution increased from Taka 67
crore 43 to Taka 369 crore 33 lac. In addition,
Employment Bank is providing funds for the employment of
male and female youths. In order to expedite youth
employment 4,449 khas ponds and tanks covering an area
of upto 20 acres have been leased out to the youth
cooperative societies.
83. In order to continue successes
achieved in the field of sports, the 4t~1 National
Stadium at Dhaka, Stadiums at 4 divisional headquarters
and 17 district headquarters and 10 swimming pools are
being constructed including creating other sports
infrastructures phasewise. Work on the establishment of
a physical training college at Mymensingh and
introduction of sports science faculty in the BKSP, is
now in progress. The construction works of the Ist phase
of an international standard cricket stadium at Fatullah,
Divisional Training Complex at Chittagong and Sylhet
District Stadium have been completed.
84. To improve the standard of sports
and games in the country under the `Talent Hunting
Programme' arrangements have been made to identify
promising talents from the grassroot levels and then to
provide them scientific training by better trainers . In
the Special Olympic World Games for the handicapped held
in North Carolina, USA in 1999 Bangladesh secured 36
medals including 21 gold. Test status achieved by
Bangladesh this year, glorious performance demonstrated
by the Bangladesh team in the inaugural test match with
India, championship achieved by Bangladesh "A"
team in the cricket tournament held in Malaysia, success
in the international athletic competition held in
Karachi and eleven gold medals secured in the SAARC
shooting competition held in Karachi all have brought
fame for Bangladesh in the sports arena.
Janab Speaker,
85. Housing is a fundamental need of
man. With the tremendous development of science and
technology, many new industrial and commercial
establishments are emerging in the urban areas. As a
result, influx of people from low and middle income
groups toward the urban areas seeking employment is
gradually increasing and making the situation worse. To
sort out this problem a number of steps were taken
during the past years. Various projects have been
undertaken including construction of flats for
government employees and construction of flats for sale
to them on hire-purchase, establishment of satellite
towns at Yusufganj and Keraniganj in Dhaka, development
of Nikunja residential area, expansion of Uttara Model
Town, and development of Sonadanga residential area in
Khulna, and residential areas in Rajshahi and Chittagong.
Government has amended `National Housing Policy -1993'
with a view to encouraging private initiative for
housing development and to attract foreign investment in
this sector. Through the formation of National Housing
Authority various types of housing projects are being
prepared and implemented in order to make accommodation
easily available to people of all walks of life. Steps
have already been taken for constructing 1040 flats in
Dhaka and Chittagong for the low-income people. Similar
flats will also be constructed gradually in other
districts. A 98 crore Housing Fund has been created to
help construct accommodation for people of low income
group.
86. For the first time in the history
of Bangladesh, the Summit of the Heads of Government and
Heads of State of the 115 member of Non-Aligned
Movement, NAM, will be held in Dhaka. Bangabandhu
International Conference Center is being constructed at
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka at a cost of Taka 181 crore
to hold this conference. This center will offer various
facilities including Plenary and Banquet halls covering
an area of 20 thousand sq. meter. Construction work of
884 suites and apartments at Manik Mia Avenue, Mirpur
and Nakhalpara is progressing to accommodate the
honoured guests of the NAM conference. In addition,
Rajuk is constructing 315 apartments in Gulshan and
Banani areas.
87. The present government has taken
measures in 1997 to lease out khas lands after
formulating a policy for its management and settlement.
Till todate, a total of 54 thousand 673 acres of khas
land have been distributed among 1,01,616 families of
landless, distressed women and freedom fighters. At
present Diara settlement is under progress to identify
newly accreted char land in every district. For
rehabilitation of the assetless poor in the newly
accreted land of the coastal areas, a programme has been
taken up to distribute 1.5 acres of land per family for
cultivation and for constructing houses.
88. Under the `Ashrayan Project' a
programme designed to provide housing and
self-employment to the landless, 25,820 families have so
far been rehabilitated in 2 582 barrack houses and 1111
number of barrack houses are now under construction.
Under this programme 50 thousand homeless families are
expected to be rehabilitated at a cost of Taka 300 crore.
Each rehabilitated family is provided with a permanent
house, 0.08 acres of khas land in the joint name of
husband and wife, vocational training and a loan of Tk.
10,000 each on average for self employment. So far, 135
community centers have been constructed in the project
area and 227 are under construction. Taka 5 crore have
been allocated for the rehabilitation of the urban
squatters and homeless. For the same purpose, so far
12,200 people have been rehabilitated in villages under
"Ghore Fera Karmashuchi" and they have been
provided with loans to the tune of Taka 3 crore 66 lacs
for their self employment. Under the Adarsha Gram
Project about 18,000 landless families have been
rehabilitated in 333 Adarsha Gram areas during the past
four years.
89. Steps have been taken to
computerize the process of preservation and updating of
land records. Under this system, land owners will be
given an acceptable, flawless and reliable land
ownership certificate through modernization of land
administration. Towards this end, steps have been taken
to amend the relevant law and enact a new law. In order
to ensure proper use of land, `Land Use Policy' is being
framed.
90. Last year, there was a sudden
severe flood in the S south-western districts due to
excessive rainfall and water~ flowing down from across
the border. Government undertook immediate rescue and
relief work minimize the ravages of flood. All
arrangements have also been made for Post-flood
rehabilitation programmes.
91. In the backdrop of the
Government's declared policy for poverty alleviation in
general and overall village development in particular,
and in order to provide appropriate direction towards
these goals the drafts of `National Rural Development
Policy' and `National Cooperative Policy' have been
prepared. In order to ensure greater effective
participation of and contribution by the cooperatives
members and to develop cooperatives consistent with the
open market economy, a new cooperative law is being
enacted after making significant amendments in the
existing law. In addition various programmes are under
consideration of the Government in order intensify
cooperative movement. Recently a new institution by the
name of `Palli Daridra Bimochaan Foundation' has been
set up to more effectively direct poverty alleviation
programme in 129 Upazilas of 17 districts.
92. A unique; timely and
comprehensive initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
for poverty alleviation is "Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar"
programme. This programme is to bring about overall
development of village with and integrated approach by
bringing about economic prosperity in every rural
family, especially the poor multitudes and the women.
The prime objective of this project is to improve the
standard of living of every family through optimum and
effective utilization of all physical and non-physical
resources existing in every house and to make every
family self sufficiently ensuring proper and optimum
utilization of resources at its disposal. This will also
be ensured through the proper and maximum use of the
services provided by the existing departments
responsible for national development. The programmes
will make immense contribution to poverty alleviation.
93. Various programmes have been
taken up to bring into the mainstream of the society the
poor, the backward, the orphan, the handicapped, the
distressed, the helpless, old men and women, widows and
the divorced helpless women in particular and backward
multitude in general, by converting them into self
dependent and capable human resource through the
creation of various opportunities. In each of the six
existing divisional Shishu Paribars, one `Shanti Nibash'
is being established for the helpless old men and women
who will be able to live in a family environment. In
each Shanti Nibash, 40 old males and 60 old females will
stay with all government cares till their death. The
orphan children will also be able to enjoy the company
of these old persons in the Shanti Nibash. Government is
also constructing `Oboshar' a center at Srimongal with
all modern amenities, for those old men and women who
are financially well-off' but socially helpless. They
will be able to live here in peaceful environment at
their personal expense. This facility will be gradually
expanded to all areas of the country. Under the old-age
pension programme introduced by the present government
for the distressed helpless multitude, 4,13,190 old
males and females of all unions and C-category
municipalities of the country, are being given a monthly
allowance of Taka 100 each. 2,06,595 widows and divorced
distressed women are also getting allowance at the same
rate. An integrated programme has been introduced for
the overall development of the street children. Another
programme has also been taken up for the overall
development of socially handicapped women and their
children. In each of the 6 divisions, a Training and
Rehabilitation Center is being established for the
socially handicapped girls.
94. Under the rural social welfare
programme for poverty alleviation a total amount of Taka
123 crore 14 lac had been distributed as revolving loan
upto October, 2000. As a result of this program about 23
lac 700 families are getting direct benefit. The
recovery rate of the loan under this programme is 90%.
At the same time, 8,15,575 women had been imparted
vocational training, 11,06,295 people had been motivated
for using contraceptives and 5,99,290 distressed rural
women had been given interest-free loan of a total sum
of Taka 23 crore 52 lac under revolving fund upto
October, 2000 through 11,516 Rural Mother Centers. The
recovery rate of this loan is 93%.
95. Under the Urban Social Services
Programme, families living under poverty line in 50
towns have been distributed up to October, 2000 a total
loan of Taka 2.92 crore and 1,73,640 people have been
helped for self employment through imparting vocational
training. Recovery rate of loam provided under this
programme is 96%.
96. Government has introduced
honorarium on financial assistance to those valiant sons
and freedom frighters of the country who are now
insolvent. Under this programme insolvent freedom
fighters will be getting honorarium at the rate of Taka
300/- per month througout their life. Allowances paid to
wounded and crippled freedom fighters and families of
martyred freedom fighters have been enhanced by 60%.
Stipend is being given for the education of meritorious
children of the freedom fighters. 30% jobs have been
preserved for the children of the freedom fighters. In
order to show respect to the dead freedom fighters it
has been decided for the first time that they will be
buried with due state honour.
Janab Speaker,
97. A six- year program entitled
"Legal and Judicial Capacity Building" has
been undertaken at a cost of Taka 250 crore. in order to
update judicial system through radical reforms. Modern
administration, improved management of cases and
information technology will be added to legal system
through this project. This will ensure quick disposal of
cases with case and at reasonable cost; and increase
public trust on the judicial system. This project
includes construction of a multi-storied Training
Institute Complex for judges, setting up of a Law
Commission, Judicial Administration Training Institute,
establishment of the Legislative and drafting wing;
setting up Metropolitan Sessions Court, Public Safety
related Special Tribunals, formulation of Women and
Child Oppression Prevention Act, 2000 and setting up of
special Tribunals thereunder, constitution of Insolvency
Court and preservation of all existing laws upto 1938 in
the electronic version under CD-ROM, enactment of laws
for adaptation of laws enacted upto 1957 and
Construction of the Supreme Court Annex Building-all
these symbolize the successes by the present government.
As a result of construction of the Annex Building
problems encountered in accommodating new judges will be
solved. These steps are no doubt, unprecedented and very
timely addition to the strengthening of the judicial
system of the country.
98. In order to take the
administration to the doorsteps of the public and
decentralize powers, a four-tier local government system
has been introduced. Upazilla Parishad Law and Zila
Parishad Law have been enacted and Local
Government(Union Parishad) law has been amended.
Government has already created 5 new Upazillas and 101
Pourashavas. People have already started to enjoy the
benefit of a decentralized administration.
99. Internal peace and discipline are
a pre-requisites for the development of a country.
Government is committed to keep the law and order
situation under control and relieve the society of
terrorism. Since its assumption of office, the the
present government has taken a number of very important
steps for the improvement of the existing law and order
situation. Attracting topmost importance to the low and
order of the country. Most notable among these steps is
the police operation carried out in the south-western
region of the country. The police operation in that
region, more known as a sanctuary for the terrorists,
the fetched a huge quantity of arms and ammunitions. A
significant number of terrorists surrendered under
general amnesty. As a result, peace has come back to the
people of that area. Government has taken initiatives to
rehabilitate those terrorists who have no cognizable
cases against them. Following enactment of the Public
Safety Act, 2000 the number of criminal acts like
terrorism, vandalism, arson etc, have started to come
down. With a view to increasing professionalism of the
police officers through training, a Police Staff College
has been established.
100. Bangladesh Rifles, engaged to
protect borders and curb smuggling, has been playing an
important role along with the police force for the
improvement of law and order situation in the
south-western region of the country. Ansar and VDP are
also playing an important role during natural calamities
and by extending help to the authorities concern in
maintaining law and order, socio-economic development
and control of terrorism. Law has been enacted to make
the services of those Battalion Ansars permanent who
have rendered 15 years of service. Coast guard has been
engaged for controlling smuggling and piracy, preventing
sea pollution and ensuring safety of the coastal forest
areas. Last year, they carried out operation in the sea
and seized contraband items worth about Taka 5 crore.
101. Under the Jail Construction
Programme, construction of 8 Jails has so far been
completed and construction of 26 more Jails are now in
progress. Construction of Dhaka central Jail at
Kashimpur and expansion and modernization of Chittagong
Central Jail are progressing fast. Land acquisition and
construction of 166 Fire Service and Civil Defence
Stations at various important places and in Upazillas
are going on. Construction of 4 fire stations has
already been completed and 13 others will be completed
soon.
102. Effective measures have been
taken for modernizing the armed forces and making it
more dynamic and consolidated by increasing professional
efficiency. Towards this end, National Defence College,
Military Institute of Science & Technology, Armed
Forces Medical College and Peace-Keeping Center, have
been established. The Trust Bank has started functioning
for the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces. The
War College will also start its operation this year.
Modern fighter aircrafts, C-130 hercules transport
planes, modern Helicopters, radars and arms including
latest MIG-29 fighter aircrafts, have been added to the
fleet of the Air Force.
103. Government has handed over the
Khulna Shipyard to Bangladesh Navy for developing ship
building infrastructure in the country. The Yard is
gradually becoming a profitable concern from a sick
industry. Bangladesh Navy has taken up a plan to build
modernized warships and support vessels in this
shipyard. To make the Army self sufficient, government
has handed over Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory to the
Army. In view of the losses suffered, the f | 
