Government has taken initiatives to build countrywide railway network: PM Sheikh Hasina

"We also want to transport more goods through railways alongside road and waterways. That's why we have given importance to the development and modernisation of the rail sector," she said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks when visiting Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun called on the PM at her official Ganobhaban residence here this afternoon.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Pointing out her government's steps for river dredging, the Prime Minister said there are a large number of rivers in the country.

"We want to dredge rivers by maintaining their normal flow...we also want to reclaim land through it," she said.

Highlighting Bangladesh's impressive progress in socioeconomic field, Sheikh Hasina said the nature of demand of the people has changed due to stunning development of the country.

"Earlier the people used to seek food, but now they ask for electricity," she said.

Putting emphasis on further development of infrastructure facilities, the Prime Minister said had the facilities been better the country could have exported more foodgrains, fish and vegetables.

She said her government wants to involve the rural people in more economic activities like agro processing, poultry and dairy industry to infuse further dynamism into the rural economy.

While talking about the four-nation BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) cooperation, Sheikh Hasina said: "It's my initiative which is now being implemented."

About the initiative of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the Prime Minister said it has more opportunities.

Noting the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), she said a new opportunity has been created for the countries in this region through the setting up of the bank.

"We can achieve economic progress, if we work together," she said, adding Bangladesh played a big role in establishing the bank.

The AIIB president said Bangladesh made significant contribution to the establishment of the bank and assured that it would extend strong support for development of power, transport and infrastructure sector in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh will be the first country which would get support from the bank and we promised to be more responsive for Bangladesh," he said, adding the bank would be more cost-effective and pragmatic than other banks.

Paying rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Jin Liqun said he is a great admirer of the great leader. "The people of Bangladesh are lucky to have a leader like Bangabandhu and you," he said.

PM's International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad and Senior ERD Secretary Mohammad Mejbahuddin were present on the occasion, among others.