Smart Bangladesh and the Spirit of Liberation War

Bangladesh's journey of the last five decades from a war-torn poor country to a fast-growing economy after independence has been incredible. Bangladesh is progressing in many ways. Which has been discussed in different countries of the world. On the other hand, sheltering Rohingyas, Bangladesh has sheltered more than 1 million Rohingyas facing genocide in Myanmar. Besides, the steps taken by Bangladesh in the leadership seat of the United Nations peacekeeping operations and to deal with the coronavirus pandemic are very promising.

As a result, taking into account the overall situation, the necessary initiatives should be continued to advance the country and achieve the SDGs in 2030 and build Smart Bangladesh in 2041 with more far-reaching development. Sheikh Hasina is always trying to advance those possibilities with necessary cooperation and patronage. From time to time instructions have been given to the concerned government departments and ministries, as a result of which new sectors of potential are being developed. Potential new sectors playing a very strong role in achieving prosperity Bangladesh's story and prospects are impressive. The country has achieved self-sufficiency in food production and has become a role model in disaster management. Bangladesh has empowered women and reduced infant mortality. The story of Bangladesh is how the country defied all odds and self-financed billions of dollars to build a bridge over the mighty Padma River and inaugurated the bridge on June 25 last year. Metrorail launched in December 2022; things are unbelievable to many. The story is about its growing portfolio of mega-structures and the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 the second one in the works. The story of Bangladesh is about 1 crore 22 lakh 55 thousand 900 Bangladeshi immigrants who are playing a role in increasing the country's foreign exchange reserves by sending huge amounts of remittances. Bangladesh is considered as a stable and prosperous country in the world. It fulfills its international obligations, observes international treaties and respects the cultural rights of all people. 
Going forward with Bangabandhu's firm commitment to building Sonar Bangla, our beloved motherland Bangladesh will become a developed Smart Bangladesh by 2041 by achieving the SDGs by 2030. Digital Bangladesh is already working to standardize and modernize the lifestyle of the citizens and facilitate the citizens. Services, education, health, management, working methods, industry, trade and production, economy, social and cultural life in digital mode. As technology has become available to every citizen of the country, arrangements are being made to reach the marginalized people as well. Technology has become a trusted medium in all civic services and livelihoods. Many changes and many developments! The country has progressed in many aspects including infrastructure. To deny what is visible before the eyes is sheer folly. Awami League government has made infrastructural development and civic services at the doorstep of the people, made it easy and it must be accepted that there are strict instructions from the head of government. Without seeing the communication system and road structure in the villages and remote areas, one cannot believe how easily the people of these areas have been able to accept the life and livelihood, and have become accustomed to it.

 
Sheikh Hasina's dream is to take the country forward in the spirit of the liberation war and to give the people of the country a taste of development. The main goal was to write the history of the liberation war, to place Bangabandhu's existence in the history of the liberation war and to place him in a proper place of dignity. The great freedom struggle of Bangladesh promised to fulfill the basic rights of the countrymen such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is walking on the path of development, progress and prosperity by facing various domestic and foreign challenges. She is making relentless efforts to build a progressive, democratic and non-communal Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty. So far, more than 5 lakh 55 thousand 617 families and houses with land have been distributed among homeless families 27 lakh people got a shelter in their own house. The government is working to successfully implement four foundations to build a smart Bangladesh. These are - Smart Citizens, Smart Economy, Smart Government, and Smart Society. Besides this, the plan of the Delta Plan in the year 2100 has been taken up. All work in Smart Bangladesh will be done through technology. Where every citizen will be proficient in using technology. Smart Bangladesh of 2041 will be a cost-effective, sustainable, intellectual, knowledge-based and innovative Bangladesh. Smart healthcare, smart transportation, smart utilities, urban administration, public safety, agriculture, internet connectivity and disaster management will be ensured for the implementation of smart cities and smart villages. The way Sheikh Hasina has been leading the country for 15 consecutive years as the prime minister and one of the reasons why Bangladesh has not fallen into any major economic crisis like other countries in the current global economic crisis is that she has been able to take the economic base of the country in a strong position during this time. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult to save the country of 17 crore people from disaster even during this crisis.

Equal participation of men and women, ensuring access to technology for all irrespective of rich and poor, and reducing distance in access to urban and rural services were all the main objectives and goals of Digital Bangladesh. With inclusive development and technology, now anyone can work freelancing even in the village. All this has been made possible by the progressive technological, inclusive development of People's Leader Sheikh Hasina's Digital Bangladesh. In about 15 years, the country has reached a new height of socio-economic development. These achievements have been possible because the Awami League government has been running the government consistently. Today, Bangladesh has joined the ranks of developing countries. Padma Bridge was inaugurated in June last year after overcoming many hurdles. This bridge directly connects 21 districts of the southern region with Dhaka and other parts of the country by road. The largest Payra bridge in the southern region was inaugurated last October. In the last year, 200 bridges in 25 districts of the country have been opened for traffic. Many highways in the country have been upgraded to four or more lanes. Others are in progress. A tunnel under the Karnaphuli River was inaugurated in Chattogram, a metro rail was launched in Dhaka and a section of the Airport-Qutubkhali Expressway was opened. The whole world is passing through an unstable economic situation today. At the end of 2019, the world fell under the grip of the coronavirus pandemic. In these two years 2020 and 2021, a deep wound was created in the world economy. Many countries' economies collapsed. Our economy also suffers. Just when our economy was recovering from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war began. This war is not just a war of arms; added to this is a terrible economic war. The effects of economic warfare are not confined to the borders of a single country but spread globally. The post-Russia-Ukraine war economic embargo-reciprocal embargo has crippled the global economy. Just as the loss of life due to coronavirus has been reduced by taking timely measures, all efforts have been made to keep the economy running. The main goal of this government is to work for the welfare of the people. No one wants people to suffer. Due to global factors, prices of daily necessities increased. It is starting to become more normal now. Inflation is also coming down. As soon as the price of any commodity including fuel oil falls in the world market, the government will adjust it. The Prime Minister addressed the countrymen by urging them to increase food production, we need to increase agricultural production. Our soil is fertile. Why do we need to import agricultural products from outside where trees grow and bear fruit when seeds are planted in the ground? We have to utilize every inch of land and not leave it fallow. Crisis will come. Don't be afraid of crisis. Bangladesh has been able to successfully deal with the coronavirus pandemic with the help of everyone. Bangladesh will successfully deal with the current global recession. Awami League government has come to power for the third consecutive term after an incredible victory in the elections and has formed a new government with a bunch of new faces. Twelfth National Parliament election ahead.

The people of the country will surely sit to compare their achievements and non-achievements. What did Bangladesh get in Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule? But beyond everything, our beloved motherland Bangladesh has risen to a new height. The new generation should carry forward this achievement in the spirit of the liberation war. Joint efforts of all are needed to move the country forward in the spirit of the liberation war.

The writer is a columnist and research fellow.