Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on engineers to prioritize projects that are both beneficial to the country and economically viable. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 61st convention of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka on May 11, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that all engineering projects are environmentally friendly and contribute to the protection of the country against the adverse effects of climate change.
Sheikh Hasina stressed that the plans and projects engineers undertake should aim at increasing the country’s resilience to environmental threats while also being cost-effective. “Every plan adopted should be environmentally sustainable. We must protect our country from the harms of climate change,” she said. She also mentioned the necessity of making a cost-benefit analysis for every project to ensure they are not only construction-oriented but also bring measurable benefits to the public.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of innovation in engineering, especially in agricultural mechanization, to advance the country’s technical prowess to further benefit the national economy and meet the demands of the population. She pointed out the importance of storage and processing of agricultural products to fulfill local demands and boost exports.
In her address, Sheikh Hasina reiterated the government’s focus on development from the grassroots level, aiming to increase purchasing power and per capita income. She proudly noted that Bangladesh has maintained its status as a developing country and is well-prepared to face future challenges with robust plans and preparations.
She also criticized the opposition, mentioning that while many enjoy the benefits of major projects like the Padma Bridge, which has significantly eased the lives of many Bangladeshis, some continue to criticize without acknowledging the improvements these projects bring.
Moreover, the Prime Minister encouraged the engineers not to be swayed by criticism as long as their work positively impacts the lives of the common people. She called for a focus on how each project can change the fortunes of people at the grassroots level.
The speech also highlighted the government’s plans for remote and rural areas, mentioning advancements like satellite technology which have facilitated connectivity and monitoring in these regions. She hinted at future projects including a second satellite to enhance the scope of services provided.
As Sheikh Hasina concluded, she recalled the contributions of engineers post-Bangladesh’s independence at the behest of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and mentioned upcoming plans for the development of the longest sea beach in the world, stressing that all plans will be systematically executed.
This address not only reinforced the government’s commitment to sustainable development but also placed a significant responsibility on engineers to align their projects with national priorities and environmental sustainability.
