It is indeed a proud privilege to represent myself for and on behalf of our one of the reputed Corporate House of the country Envoy Group on Hello’21.
At the outset, I would like to focus on the most unprecedented issue of serious impact upon the economy of the whole world, including Bangladesh, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lives and livelihoods have become uncertain throughout the World. Bangladesh, with the specific financial and strategic support of the honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, through its fighting spirit, has established itself into a potential and prospective country in the world economy.
In an exclusive interview with Prof. Dr. Atiur Rahman, it is stated that the recent IMF World Economic Outlook put Bangladesh as the best performer in South Asia and fourth in Asia. It is rated as the sixth fastest-growing country in the world. It may not be irrelevant to note here that the infant mortality, maternal mortality, hunger index, fertility rate, immunization level, access to housing, sanitation, mobile financial services, and a host of other indicators such as environment, life expectancy are all better off than its neighbor.
The Government’s early response to the problem for reasons of the COVID-19 pandemic through the declaration of the incentive packages for all industrial sectors, including small and medium organizations, proved to be very effective and praiseworthy. Furthermore, the distribution of four month’s salary to the Apparel Sector in terms of a soft loan is a very dynamic and timely decision. The decision of the Government to run the factory(s) maintaining social distance and safety proved to be very successful as it is reflected in our Socio Economy. The Government’s monetary package to the Borrowers declared through Central Bank through the series of circulars to the Bankers strengthen the confidence of the entrepreneurs.
Bangladesh has undertaken an ambitious task of developing 100 Special Economic Zones to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster poverty reduction. Facilitating transportation across the river, the Padma Bridge is expected to lead to the greater integration of regional markets within the Bangladesh national economy. Surpassing all the criticisms and constraints, Padma Bridge has now become a reality because of the firm determination of our Honorable Prime Minister. Another 14 Megaprojects like Metro Rail, Matarbari Port (Deep Sea Port) at Moheskhali, Rupur Nuclear Powerplant, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel (Karnaphuli Tanel), etc. are under construction in progress.
We, the Bangladeshi’s, are eagerly waiting to celebrate our motherland’s Golden Jubilee next year. We are now celebrating the birth centenary of our Father of the Nation, who started dreaming of a prosperous “Golden Bengal” more than 75 years ago. The “Dream” has come true under the dynamic leadership and strong determination of our Honorable Prime Minister over the years after 1975. Bangladesh has now been recognized as one of the middle-income countries of the world.
I wish ‘International Business Magazine – The InCAP’ great success in this endeavor.
Wishing you all a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year 2021.
Abdus Salam Murshedy, MP
Member of Bangladesh National Parliament
Managing Director, Envoy Group
