Policy Maker or Interest Destroyer?
Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is a dynamic leader who has brought about significant changes in the country's political and economic landscape since coming to power in 2009. Her policies have been widely praised for the focus on development, social welfare, and good governance. Though in some discussion she was and still is criticized for the decision she is taking for the national interest.
In todays thought, I will take a closer look at the data and some of the key policies of Sheikh Hasina and how they have impacted Bangladesh. Are they actually for the interest of Bangladeshi people or not is not for me to judge.
Vision 2021
One of the most important policy initiatives of Sheikh Hasina is Vision 2021, which aims to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021. The plan focuses on a wide range of issues, including poverty reduction, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and employment generation.
To achieve this goal, Sheikh Hasina's government has invested heavily in the country's infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transportation and energy. The construction of new highways, bridges, and ports has improved connectivity and boosted trade and commerce, while the expansion of power generation capacity has addressed the chronic power shortages that had plagued the country for decades.
Digital Bangladesh
Another key policy initiative of Sheikh Hasina is Digital Bangladesh, which aims to leverage technology to improve the lives of the country's citizens. The plan involves expanding access to broadband internet, promoting e-commerce and e-governance, and encouraging the development of a skilled workforce in the ICT sector.
Under the Digital Bangladesh program, the government has introduced a range of initiatives, including the establishment of over 5,000 digital centres across the country, the launch of a national e-governance portal, and the implementation of a national biometric ID system. These initiatives have not only improved the delivery of public services but have also helped to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in the ICT sector.
Education
Sheikh Hasina's government has also placed a strong emphasis on education, recognizing it as a key driver of economic growth and social development. The government has introduced a range of initiatives to improve access to education, particularly for girls and disadvantaged communities.
One of the most significant initiatives in this area is the "One Laptop per Child" program, which aims to provide every primary school student in the country with a laptop computer. This program has not only improved access to digital learning resources but has also helped to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Healthcare
Improving healthcare has been another priority for Sheikh Hasina's government. The government has increased investment in the healthcare sector, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health, vaccination programs, and disease prevention.
One of the most significant achievements in this area is the successful elimination of polio in Bangladesh in 2014. The government also launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to combat the spread of measles and rubella in 2018, which was widely praised for its effectiveness.
Women's Empowerment
Sheikh Hasina has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and empowerment, and her government has introduced a range of initiatives to promote gender equality. These include measures to increase women's participation in politics, expand access to education and healthcare, and protect women from violence and discrimination.
One of the most significant initiatives in this area is the "Digital Employment of Women" program, which aims to provide training and employment opportunities for women in the ICT sector. The government has also introduced a range of measures to combat sexual harassment and violence against women, including the establishment of a national helpline and the introduction of tougher penalties for perpetrators.
Conclusion
Sheikh Hasina's policies have had a profound impact on Bangladesh, helping to transform the country into a dynamic, rapidly developing nation. Her focus on infrastructure development, digitalization, education, healthcare, and women's empowerment has improved the lives of millions of people and positioned Bangladesh as a major player in the world affairs.
