Development aid should be continued

After the militant attacks in Dhaka`s Gulshan and Sholakia Eidgah in Kishorganj, many feared that donor countries might no longer invest in Bangladesh. Basically, this fear was created after the killings of some foreign nationals by miscreants at the very start of the current year. Afterwards, several writers, publishers, bloggers and religious leaders from minor community were killed at the hands of militants in the country. These incidents mounted the fear more. But all fears have been proved false at last.

In the history of Bangladesh, maximum foreign aid and promises have come in the Fiscal Year 2015-16. In this fiscal year, US$344.99 crore was received as aid which is higher than in the Fiscal Year 2014-15. At the same time, the amount of promised money has increased to US$173.90 crore.

This statistics show that the donors have not turned away rather they have come closer. The donors are being more involved in the development of Bangladesh. It also did not influence the diplomatic ties of Bangladesh. Rather, many powerful countries have extended their hands to combat militancy here in Bangladesh.  Twenty eight European countries have expressed their solidarity to combat terrorism and militancy. These incidents undoubtedly show the light of hopes.

Economic growth is happening in the country whose rate is 6.70 percent. Bangladesh stands the fifth position among the countries which are witnessing the quick growth. Per capita income of the people in the country has increased to US$1314. Employment opportunities have increased. Poverty rate has reduced. Flow of remittance has increased. Exports of manpower and readymade garments have increased. Bangladesh stands second position in garment export. The country has moved forward in the export of product. The country`s foreign exchange reserves have crossed US$27bn. The country has achieved sufficiency in food.

The country’s annual development programme has crossed TK1.10 lakh. Bangladesh will soon be promoted to middle income country. It is very necessary to get continued help from donor countries in this potential moment. We all have to be alert about militancy so that it cannot foil our progress. The government should take immediate and effective steps to combat militancy so that it cannot raise its heads in the country.

risingbd/Dhaka/Aug 4, 2016/Shahnewaj/Amirul