The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Tuesday said, Bangladesh is capable of reaching a higher level in socio- economic development if necessary resource support is provided.

He said this while outgoing World Bank (WB) Vice President for South Asia region Praful C Patel called on him at the Chief Adviser's Office here. The WB Vice President appreciated excellent performance of Bangladesh in achieving economic development in recent years despite of natural calamities and price hike in international market.

After the call on, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Syed Fahim Munaim told the journalists that Dr Fakhruddin lauded the WB support in particular Patel's personal effort to Bangladesh in accelerating the pace of economic growth and hoped it will be continued in future.

The Chief Adviser said, despite of floods, cyclone and crop losses, country's present real GDP growth is 6.2 percent and remittance also raised. He appreciated the WB for providing budgetary support of credit and power sector development policy loan to Bangladesh and thanked the Bank for standing beside the flood and Sidr-hit people.

Referring to various reform steps undertaken by the government, the Chief Adviser said, people are now getting its benefit, as part of it, IT sector is now advancing forward and coal policy is at the final stage.

He said, the work of mega-project like Padma Bridge has been started and government is moving forward all development initiatives.

External Resources Division (ERD) Secretary Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office Kazi M Aminul Islam and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim were present.