Bangladesh to be middle-income country by '21, hopes AK Khandker

Bangladesh to be middle-income country by '21, hopes AK Khandker

Planning Minister AK Khandker speaks at the inaugural ceremony of the grand reunion of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Alumni Association (Buetaa) at the Buet playground yesterday.Photo: STARStaff Correspondent

Planning Minister AK Khandker yesterday hoped to establish Bangladesh as a middle-income country by 2021 and eradicate illiteracy completely by 2030.

“Although we are far behind expected development after independence, we have lots of significant achievements. If such successes continue, we hope to establish Bangladesh as a middle-income country by 2021,” he said.

Khandker was speaking as the chief guest at an inaugural ceremony of the grand reunion of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Alumni Association (Buetaa) at its playground.

Recalling memories of War of Liberation, Khandker highly appreciated the courage of Bangalees saying, “The mass people were fighting so bravely that the Pakistani forces would have surrendered to us even if the Indian forces did not extend their support.”

Sector commander Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah recalled those days and expressed dissatisfaction over manipulation of the independence declaration's history.

“Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence and the young generation should know the real history,” he said.

Presiding over the function, Buetaa President Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury said such programmes would help connect Buet's incumbent and former students.

He also announced to provide all out support for the betterment and quality enhancement of Buet.

Jatiya Samajtrantik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu, also a former student of Buet, urged engineers to work for betterment of the country.

State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Yeafesh Osman stressed the need for coordinated efforts of people from different levels to develop the country in the spirit of the War of Liberation.

Lt Col (retd) Abu Osman Chowdhury, regional commander of sector No 8 during War of Liberation, said fighting for the motherland was everyone's duty at that time, just the way working for its betterment is now.

Addressing the function, Buet Vice Chancellor Prof SM Nazrul Islam sought cooperation from Buetaa and the minister for modernisation of laboratories to conduct improved researches and education.

At the programme, five engineers were awarded for significant contribution to the War of Liberation.