Sajeeb Wazed expresses his hope to attain SDGs before 2030

He said, Bangladesh has proved its ability before the world. He mentioned the suucess of becoming a middle income nation six years ahead of the promised deadline of 2021.

Sajeeb Wazed came up with the observations while answering questions of youth leaders from different sectors of the society and exchanging views with them at a program titled "Let's Talk" at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh. Organized by Centre for Research and Information (CRI). The theme of the program was "Youth for SDGs: SDG's for Youth".

He said the Awami League (AL) government never tolerates corruption as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina never tolerates it.

"Corruption in a country depends on the character of its leadership. As my mother Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina never tolerates corruption, we have been able to bring down the rate of corruption in our country. During the tenure of BNP-Jamaat government, Bangladesh became champion in corruption for five years. Now Bangladesh is getting awards one after another. None is mentioning Bangladesh as a corrupt country now," he said.

"As long as the Awami League government remains in power, development will take place. We are moving forward. We are constantly trying to resolve problems. We have been able to bring down crimes rate, corruption rate. It is not possible to eliminate these totally. But we have the will and trying to do so," he added.

While replying to a question, the Prime Minister's ICT Adviser said the militants have been trying to carry out a big attack in the country for long.

"But because of the zero tolerance policy of the present government towards terrorism and militancy, they have not been able to become successful in their evil attempt. Not a single bomb attack took place in the country in last six years. Awami League government did not allow the militants to do it. But they are trying and trying even more, now they have changed their tactics and trying to carry out lone wolf attack. It is very hard to prevent," Joy said.

Talking about apprehension of risk towards Sundarbans from the proposed coal based power station in Rampal, Bagerhat, the young adviser said permission to setup the plant has been given after lots of study.

"There is already another power plant situated even nearer to Sundarbans. It is working for some years now and did not left any negative impact on the mangrove forest. We believe Rampal plant will not damage the Sundarbans," he said.

While talking about climate change, Sajeeb Wazed Joy said Bangladesh is the only developing nation that has adopted Climate Action Plan and its emergency response plan is one of the best in the world.

"Once we had to import rice from abroad. Now we are exporting rice. We are planning to export potato chips and some progress has been made in this regard. Not a single person died in the country for food in last six years," he added.

Youths, who were present in the audience, shared many success stories with the ICT Adviser and sought his guidance on some issues. Sajeeb Wazed Joy too gave a patient hearing to all of them.

State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid Bipu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Nayeem Razzaq, MP, were present in the audience among others.