Govt to formulate Smooth Transition Strategy: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government is set to formulate a Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) to continue the ongoing development spree for transforming Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous nation by 2041.

"We have taken a measure to formulate a Smooth Transition Strategy aimed at continuing the country's ongoing development spree," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing a function, arranged to celebrate the formal recognition of Bangladesh’s graduation to a developing nation by the United Nations (UN), at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) on Sunday, reports BSS.

Joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence here, she also said, the strategy would have effective guidelines to cash on the prospects and face the challenges which might be arisen in continuing the development journey of the nation.

The Prime Minister called upon the authorities concerned to prepare an effective strategy based on research and data.

Sheikh Hasina said: “We have to materialise the dream of Father of the Nation to build a developed and prosperous country.”

The Prime Minister vowed to go ahead with the ideals of Bangabandhu to materialise his dream no matter how much dark the path would be.

"I know many bullets, bombs, and grenades are waiting for me. I never care about those. I am working to change the fate of the people, and I will definitely do it," she said.

She continued: “No matter whatever hurdle comes before me as I know the paths of the people, who love their country, and they would have to go through many impediments."

Nobody would live forever, the Prime Minister said, adding so, the new generation would have to shoulder the responsibilities to carry forward the country’s development spree towards prosperity.

"I want to call upon the new generation to love the country and to work for its people," she said hoping that the development spree will be continued at the hands of the future generation.

Presidents of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Administrator of the USAID through video messages greeted Bangladesh for its graduation to a developing country.

On behalf of the UN Secretary-General, a video message was also screened at the ceremony.

Bangladesh U-19 Women Football Team which clinched the SAFF U-19 Women Champion also greeted the Prime Minister for the graduation.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni spoke on the occasion while secretary of the Economic Relations Division Fatima Yasmin gave the welcome address.

Representatives from the young generation also expressed their feelings on Bangladesh's graduation.

At the onset of the programme, the national anthem was played.

Several video documentaries on the development journey of Bangladesh, achieved under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, were also screened.