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| Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed distributes Bangladesh Economic Association Gold Medal to seven recipients for their contribution to economy and people's welfare at the inaugural function of the 16th biennial conference of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the city yesterday. Photo: PID |
Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called for transforming educational institutions into "centres of excellence" instead of "centres of politics" to elevate Bangladesh to a moderate-income country over the next decade.
The head of the caretaker government proposed incorporation of three-point component in the strategy of national development for advancing the already attained progress and turning Bangladesh into a moderate-income-group country.
He mooted the proposals while inaugurating the four-day 16th biennial conference of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineering Bangladesh.
The components include increased investment in education and human resources to sustain the export-led growth, to make educational institutions centres of excellence instead of centres of politics, development of infrastructure to support the domestic economic activity and export growth, development of electricity production and distribution, development of communications, roads, highways and ports.
Bringing change in government-private activities of financial, agricultural, construction, production and other areas, and utilising efficiency of public utility services for improvement of business environment are also suggested for the new development paradigm.
"There is no alternative to partnership-oriented development to advance Bangladesh and the country will have to march forward through facing the existing challenges," the CA told the meeting of economists.
He sought cooperation of the members of the economic society in finding out elements, which can play the role of development agent for attaining equality and progress of the country.
The CA observed that without having equality in all spheres of a politically conscious and densely populated country like Bangladesh all attainments will be faded away
"It is possible to get creative and effective policy and advice from in-depth and dynamic talented persons who are capable of understanding internal and external opportunities, threats and challenges in this era of globalisation," Fakhruddin told the function.
He said under the background of present crucial historical juncture the nation is passing through it is imperative to judge the combined stream of challenges.
He noted that the present caretaker government, since its journey, has been working for holding a free, fair and neutral election by December 2008.
"Some fundamental institutional bases and transparent and rightful rules and regulations are needed for any effective democracy, and the present government is carrying out efforts to strengthen institutional foundations," he said, about ongoing massive reforms.
The theme of the BEA conference is "Participatory Development, External and Internal Challenges".
Bangladesh Economic Association President Dr Kazi Kholiquzzaman and its General Secretary Prof Abul Barakat also spoke at the inaugural function. Economists, academics and distinguished personalities were present.
The CA distributed Bangladesh Economic Association Gold Medal Sammanona 2007 to seven recipients for their contribution to economy and people's welfare.
The recipients are Md Kaisar Hussain, Abul Hussam, AKM Munir, Sanat Kumar Saha, Md Sikandar Khan, Mohammad Yunus (posthumous) and Mahfuz Anam.
The CA called upon all -- government, private sector, patriotic citizens and institutions -- to come forward with whatever their capability to face the national problems and challenges.
Apart from government efforts, he said spontaneous participation of private and other sectors are necessary to fully face the challenges, as it is not possible for the government alone to face such challenges.
The CA said there are many elements for rapid progress like a big hardworking workforce, export-based economic growth, suitable port facility, own creativity and domestic market capable of absorbing technology.
Geographic location of the country is positive because highest growth is taking place in Asia, he said, observing that the 21st century will be the Century of Asia.
The head of the caretaker government said huge allocation of resources will be required in the public sector for construction and maintenance of suitable infrastructures, improving efficiency of labour and building up of social safety net against poverty.
The present rate (10-12 percent of GDP) of revenue collection will not be enough to reach the goal, he added.
So, there is no alternative to collecting revenue at a greater rate, the CA told the audience, saying that a well-coordinated revenue collection drive will have to start by reforming tax policy and tax administration.
