Online Desk: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said in England, the electricity price has been increased by 150 percent. “We’ve not reached this stage (such a worse situation) yet,” she said. The premier made the call while inaugurating the newly constructed “Biniyog Bhaban” (Investment Building) of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) as chief guest in the city’s Agargaon area. The multi-storey Investment Building would be used as the offices of three agencies –BIDA, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA).

The Prime Minister mentioned that her government has provided cent percent electricity across the country.  She, however, said the users should pay the actual cost to avail themselves of gas and electricity supply. “The gas and electricity supply can be given, if all agree to pay the purchasing costs. How much subsidy can be given to it? And why should we give subsidies to it?” she said, adding that the government is providing subsidies to agriculture and food production in the greater interest of the common people.

The premier said the production cost of per kilowatt electricity is Taka 12, but its price is only Taka 6. Despite this, the government is criticised for this electricity tariff, she said. Sheikh Hasina called upon all to make investments in the country for building a developed Bangladesh.  “Please everyone make investment (in the country). It will not only bring benefit for yourself, but also for the country,” she said.

The Prime Minister laid emphasis on expansion of the export basket incorporating new export items alongside exploring new markets. “Bangladesh will progress further through both local and foreign investment, and Bangladesh will be a developed country by 2041,” she said. Mentioning that the main target of her government is to develop the people of the grassroots level, she said “Their purchasing power is increasing, their per capita income is increasing and in this case our own market is being created.”

In this connection, she also said that the government has established communication with the neighbouring countries including Bhutan, Nepal, India, Thailand and Myanmar as Bangladesh is geographically located in a good position.  She noted that South Asia is a market of 300 crore people and anyone can take the advantages of it.  Sheikh Hasina mentioned that an international airport is being constructed in Cox’s Bazar, besides establishing direct rail communication with Dhaka and developing roads.

“Bangladesh could be a bridge between the East and the West. We are developing Bangladesh in that way,” she said. She said the geopolitical location is in favour of Bangladesh and that is why the government is establishing deep sea port in Matarbari, the development of Payra port alongside Chattogram and Mongla ports is going on and Bay terminal is being built along with and other facilities. “I hope this forward march of Bangladesh will continue,” she added.

With Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, MP, in the chair, BIDA Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah delivered the welcome address. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister M Tofazzel Hossain Miah was also present, among others.