No fear of famine

GBNEWS24DESK//

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said there will be no famine in Bangladesh as the country’s economy is still strong enough.

She also said the world is fearing famine as a consequence of price hike of commodities in the global market due to the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions and counter sanctions.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, said this while addressing a mammoth rally organised by the Jubo League in the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan.

The premier also urged countrymen and party activists not to keep an inch of land uncultivated to avert the current crisis.

Although the rally was held to inaugurate the one-year long golden jubilee celebrations of the JL, the AL insiders say this gathering was meant to show the ruling party’s strength and popularity as well as to give a fitting reply to the BNP’s ongoing anti-government movement and series of rallies.

While speaking at the rally, top Awami League leaders said those who think the BNP’s movement will drag the AL down from power are living in a fool’s paradise.

They outright rejected the BNP leaders’ demand of forming a caretaker government during the election and said the next parliamentary polls will take place in line with the constitution.

During her speech, Hasina said, “Many said the situation of Bangladesh will be like that of Sri Lanka. But that did not happen and it will not happen as our economy is strong enough.”

“… there will be no famine in Bangladesh. And to ensure that we have to be well prepared. I’m urging all Jubo League men to go to their villages and ensure that no land remains uncultivated,” she added.

Hasina said Bangladesh is moving ahead despite many setbacks. “The BNP talks about the reserve. Before 1996, when they were in power, the country’s reserve was $2.6 billion… We took that reserve up to $48 billion.”