The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) General Secretary Prof Abul Barakat said that Bangladesh should have homegrown development policy to ensure the progress and prosperity of the country.

He made his remark at a seminar on 'Agriculture in Bangladesh and Farmers Right: Global Perspective' at National Press Club yesterday. The World Social Forum organised the seminar.

Subal Sarkar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Landless Association, presented the keynote paper while Abul Hossain, President of Textiles Garments Workers Federation chaired the seminar.

Prof Barakat said we have three most essential resources such as land, water and human resources, which can take our country on the road to development.

He accused the USA for retarding the progress of the country. In early 1990, that particular country tried to have access to our resources, but now it is trying to establish its control over them, he said.

"USA based multinational Companies are aiming to control the Bay of Bengal through the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Asian Development Bank as it has one fifth share of the world's sweet water," he noted.

He pointed that it is not possible to achieve prosperity without land reform.

Speaking on the occasion, economist Dr Pias Karim said that the rich countries have tried to control the resources of the poor countries with the help of the multinational companies.

We should jointly resist the design of the rich countries in the interest of the country's economy, he suggested.

Moinuddin Khan Badal, Executive President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, said all should be imbued with the spirit of patriotism for the progress of the country.

"If the people of the country remain united it will be possible to foil the design of imperialist countries," Badal said..

Referring to Awami league lead 14- party alliance's 23-point programme, he said, " If we are voted to power, we will strive to build a balanced society for the welfare of the people".

Anisur Rahman Mollik, President of National Krishak Samati said that the government should first bring about reform in land for solving the agrarian problems.

Zakir Hossain, Coordinator of WSF-Bangladesh and Jayed Iqbal Khan, among others, addressed the seminar.