AL's prolonged power propels development: PM.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday stressed continuity of government for a country's nimpeachable advances as she said the Awami League government's prolonged stay in power established Bangladesh as a role model for development in the world.

"The whole world respects Bangladesh today...the government has been able to achieve this feat due to its long stay in power," she said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the regular weekly cabinet meeting held at Bangladesh Secretariat, attending it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.

She noted that once Bangladesh used to be known for natural calamities and poverty-- but no more.

"... no one talks about that [Bangladesh, in that context] these days. Rather Bangladesh has set an example in the whole world as to how to achieve development, reduce poverty, generate employment, develop the lifestyle of people and provide healthcare," she said.

"This trend has to be continued," the AL chief said, in an apparent reference to critics of her government, mentioning the opposition to Padma bridge construction as an instance.

With the continuation of the government's aims, including the Perspective Plan and the 8th Five-Year Plan, the Prime Minister said, Bangladesh can achieve further progress in the development pursuit.

Terming 2021 a very important year for the country due to the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and golden jubilee of independence, Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to build a poverty- and hunger-free Bangladesh and that her government is working to make that dream come true.

She expressed her gratitude to the people of the country for giving her the scope with their mandate in the last three general election to carry forward the development drive.

"We'll build a Bangladesh where no one will remain homeless.... every home will be illuminated with electricity...we'll fulfill the basic demands of people from education to healthcare. We'll create jobs and advance the country," Hasina said in reaffirming her resolve to push the plans through.

Talking about the Padma Bridge issue, the Prime Minister said "one famous person" had raised question about this bridge.

"It was very much unfortunate," she said, without mentioning anyone's name.

Sheikh Hasina also mentioned that the government took the matter as a challenge and had decided to build the bridge with its own resources--and that bridge is now a reality.

"This particular...