Cumilla: Citing an Australian think tank’s survey, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Friday said Bangladesh will surpass Taiwan by 2030 with the continued increase in its gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

‘Bangladesh has ranked 18th among the 25 most powerful countries in the Asia-Pacific in the survey of the Lowy Institute. It will rank 8th (actually 9th) in the future in the Asia Power Index measures,’ he said, reports the UNB.

The minister was addressing a commemorative meeting on Awami League leader freedom fighter Abu Taher organised by Bagmara Dakkhin union unit of the ruling party marking his first death anniversary.

He said the present government has taken the country to a dignified position. ‘It’s been proved that there’s development in the country whenever Awami League is in power,’ he said.

Mustafa Kamal also said the GDP rate and per capita income in the country are now better than any other time.

Talking about Bangabandhu-1 satellite, he said it will help get advance warning about natural calamities, thus saving lives and property.