Bangladesh to achieve 10% plus economic growth by 2024: Finance minister
World Bank advises the government to make sure that the economic growth is inclusive
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has expressed his hope that Bangladesh's economy will grow at a rate of over 10 percent by 2024. He however said assistance from the World Bank will be necessary for Bangladesh to achieve this feat.
The finance minister said, "We need help from the World Bank to reach our anticipated development goals."
Minister Mustafa Kamal came up with the remarks while talking to the media following a programme with World Bank Group Executive Director Patrizio Pagano at Pan Pacific Sonargoan Dhaka on Sunday.
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Patrizio Pagano, who is on a visit to Bangladesh to observe the country's development projects and the Rohingya situation, advised the Bangladesh government to make sure that the economic growth is inclusive.
"Bangladeshi's economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world," Pagano said, adding, "Bangladesh has made remarkable achievement in terms of poverty alleviation."
He also pointed out, "To eliminate poverty is the key function of the World Bank. This is an unfinished task because a large number of people are still living in poverty."
Development does not mean infrastructural development only. Other developments, such as human resource development, also have to be worked on, Pagano explained.
Opining that development should be as much inclusive as possible, he said, "We need to let the private sector grow. Private sector's contribution in an economy is very crucial because it creates good jobs."
In reply to a question as to for how long the displaced Rohingya people will stay here in Bangladesh, Patrizio said, "It is a political issue but we are not here for finding solutions to political issues.
"The World Bank works for economic development. International organisations such as the United Nations and the countries concerned are there to deal with any political affairs."
The World Bank is working on this issue though additional financing and additional programmes, he noted.
"The World Bank works with its stakeholders," Pagano continues "Myanmar is one of the shareholder so there is no option to cut any finance."
However, the World Bank's Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Mercy Tembon said that they are revising their fund and are focusing on helping the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
She also said, "We want to reiterate our commitment to continue our support to the people of Bangladesh to help them achieve their goals and dreams."
