No condition for $2b new Indian credit

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told parliament that there were no terms and conditions in spending $2 billion Indian credit and the government would use the amount independently.

"Bangladesh is an independent country. We do not take any assistance from any country with conditions. There is no condition in accepting the credit from India," she said in reply to lawmakers' queries.

"We will be able to spend the money on our own, considering our own necessity," she added.

Hasina also informed the House that her government would identify the sectors and projects, which will be implemented with the Indian credit.

"Earlier we got $1 billion from India which was spent in developing infrastructure and other development projects," she said.

Referring to the recently held city polls in Dhaka and Chittagong, the PM, in a scripted reply, said it was the first time in Bangladesh's history that city corporation elections were held in such a free, fair, peaceful and neutral manner as the law enforcement agencies were active round-the-clock.

"Democratic process and local government have been strengthened through the city corporation elections," she said, adding, "The victory reflected the wish of people."

Staying neutral, the Election Commission conducted the city corporation polls, Hasina told the House.

On BNP's decision to boycott the election halfway into the voting, the PM said their only aim was to gain political mileage.

Pointing to various achievements in power sector, Hasina said her government had planned to import more electricity from neighbouring countries in future to meet the country's growing demand for power.

She also said her government had been conducting feasibility study on importing gas from Myanmar through pipeline.

"We hope we will be able to supply electricity to every household by 2021," she added.