Momen hopeful of achieving 7.5% growth

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said Bangladesh will overcome challenges to attain the proposed budget’s gross domestic product growth target of 7.5 per cent.

“Bangladesh is in our heart. We believe we will be able to achieve the GDP [growth] target,” he told reporters after attending a programme in the city.

Momen said despite challenges due to Covid-19 pandemic Bangladesh economy is doing fine.

The extreme poverty rate has already come down to 10.5 per cent due to the steps taken by the government to alleviate poverty and the target has been set to bring it down to three per cent by 2030, said foreign minister.

The government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the welfare of the distressed people of the society, said the minister at the annual sports and cultural meet arranged by Sylhet Division of the Department of Social Services at Bagbari in Sylhet.

Referring to various government assistance provided through the Department of Social Services, Momen said assistance has been provided to the people through old age allowance, allowances for the widow, deserted and destitute women, allowance for indigent persons with disabilities, education stipend for students with disabilities, natural disaster and risk management programs.

He said the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to build a developed and non-communal country where food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care will be ensured for all.

On the occasion, the foreign minister visited the parade with the participation of residents of various institutions of Sylhet Division of the Department of Social Services and received greetings.