Bangladesh has expressed support for the initiative put forward by the United States of America (USA) to achieve a ceasefire, release of hostages and restoration of peace in the Gaza strip.
Bangladesh supported the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt to agree on an initiative that guarantees a permanent ceasefire and the adequate delivery of aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip aiming to alleviate the suffering of the people there, a foreign ministry press release said here.
Dhaka also commended the mediation efforts undertaken by the Arab countries and the United States in this regard, it added.
While a ceasefire, and the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip are essential, Bangladesh firmly believed that a two-state solution is the only viable path to ensuring lasting peace and security in the region.
Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said the proposed national budget for fiscal year (2024-2025) is realistic and pro-people.
“At the time of current global crisis, a pro-people budget has been proposed. This budget has been prepared taking into consideration the promises and priority sectors mentioned in the party election manifesto. Special focus will also be given on controlling commodity prices. This budget is realistic,” he said in an immediate budget reaction at the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban here.
Replying to a query of the journalists whether any prescription of International Monetary Fund (IMF) was followed in the preparation of the budget, Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the budget was not prepared following anyone prescription as the Sheikh Hasina-led government does not follow anyone prescription.
On behalf of the entrepreneurs of the entire information technology sector, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) president Russell T. Ahmed express his sincere thanks to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for extending the tax exemption period of the information technology sector by three years.
This extension, in line with BASIS budget proposal, reflects the belief in building a Smart Bangladesh. I also thank the NBR for accepting this proposal, recognizing the ICT sector crucial role in building a Smart Bangladesh.
However, instead of a three-year extension, a further extension until 2031 would be more beneficial. As Bangladesh aspires to become an upper-middle-income country, such an extension would help the information technology sector increase its capacity in both domestic and global markets.
It needs to be said here that this tax exemption will not only contribute to the development of the information technology sector but will also play a central role like the nucleus of a cell in building a Smart Bangladesh in various fields, including education, healthcare, agriculture, banking systems, and export-oriented manufacturing industries.
Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali today placed a Taka 7,97,000 crore national budget for the coming fiscal with a prime focus on maintaining economic stability and augmenting steps to materialise the government "Smart Bangladesh" vision.
The proposed budget during the new tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government tended to contain inflation as it appears to be major challenge in the existing global and domestic scenario.
"(But) this land, hallowed by immeasurable sacrifice and selflessness, has repeatedly stood resilient against all odds with unwavering conviction leveraging the collective endeavors of the people," he said.
The Finance Minister said un-daunting people of Bangladesh are today the brave warriors of the irresistible march towards progress, awakened by the spirit of the great Liberation War.
Ali announced that the vision of Smart Bangladesh would be realised through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and emphasised four key pillars - Smart Citizens, Smart Economy, Smart Government, and Smart Society.