Planning Minister MA Mannan said, “Criticize the government properly.” The people I work with like to criticize. Because through this we can benefit and learn something. We always appreciate criticism. But it has to be correct.
He spoke at the inaugural Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA) and Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) Annual Conference 2022 at Stamford University here on Friday.
“Currently, we have some foreign dependence,” he said. Foreign dependence came from foreign occupation, and the land and the work of the mind and culture are becoming evident. We have an alternative way out of this. However, it is hoped that foreign dependence will decrease as a result.
He said Bangladesh is no longer in the previous position. The country is developing a lot. We implement big projects like Padma Bridge with our own money by reducing foreign dependence. But wasteful work bothers me. As a child, my parents used to tell me not to waste food, and it is a sin to waste food. This is also an education. We must reduce waste in all cases. Civil society needs to pay attention to these issues.
He said electricity is a hot topic in Bangladesh. There are some power shortages, Rampal-Coal is criticized. However, electricity has been ignited in 16 crore houses. The lightning strike has hidden the deficit. I have provided electricity to 98% of the houses of the distressed people, and it is no less a success.
The minister added that 75 percent of the economy is private. The government has to keep pace with them. As a result, many things fall behind. Not everything is possible for the government alone, and the government has to go with everyone.
One of the goals of this year’s session is energy, climate change, and sustainable development. Economist Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Bapar President Advocate Sultana Kamal, General Secretary Sharif Jamil spoke on occasion.
