Raushan hails govt for dev

Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad last night thanked President Abdul Hamid for his address to parliament saying his speech is "a clean document of development and progress" achieved by the Awami League-led government.

She, however, blasted the government for its "failure" to ensure safe food and proper disposal of city's garbage.

"Our country has already passed more than 40 years. Why have we failed to set up a proper disposal system for garbage within this long period? Garbage remains scattered at city's different parts, causing serious health hazards," she told Jatiya Sangshad while speaking on the thanksgiving motion on the president's speech.

Raushan, also a senior presidium member of Jatiya Party, called upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit the city at night in disguise to get a first-hand experience about the miseries of city people, especially the floating people and slum dwellers.

The ninth session of parliament was prorogued last night after 27 working days with the passage of thanksgiving motion on the president's speech of January 20.

As many as 211 MPs including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the leader of the opposition took part in the thanksgiving motion. The participating lawmakers talked 53 hours and 46 minutes on the president's speech.

Chief Whip ASM Feroz piloted the motion, which was passed by a voice vote irrespective of treasury, opposition and independent MPs.

Turning to maritime territories and resources, Raushan called upon the premier to undertake appropriate measures to procure the maritime resources for the country's development.

She also said the government under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina has achieved victory over maritime boundary after a long time and established the country's sovereignty over the sea.

She also said the country is fast moving towards its desired goals with development and democracy under the dynamic leadership of Hasina.

During the last seven years, the AL government has been able to ensure a sustainable growth in economy and institutionalised democracy at all levels, setting a milestone in the history of Bangladesh, she observed.

"Bangladesh is now awaiting a dignified position in the global arena as the country would become a middle income nation by 2021 with massive development in all sectors as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is determined to fulfil the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," added Raushan.

The opposition leader urged the government to create employment for the young generation to keep them on the right track.