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We’ve adequate reserves: PM


By BSS
Published : 25 Nov 2022 10:04 PM | Updated : 26 Nov 2022 04:21 PM

Reiterating that the country's reserve is being used for the welfare of the masses, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday slammed those who are misleading the people over the reserve and said her government would do everything possible so that none has to suffer.

"It is right that we have to spend from reserve (for welfare of the countrymen). We have such amount of reserve money that we can import food for five months although an amount required to import food for three months is enough to overcome any disaster," she said.

She said this while inaugurating the 5th National Conference -2022 of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (SWACHIP), a pro-Awami League organisation of the physicians, at the historic Suhrawardi Udyan, Dhaka.

 The Prime Minister said people are becoming expert on reserve and holding talks about reserve in the tea-stalls, adding that the reserve is being used for the welfare of the people that include importing rice, wheat, edible oil, fuel oil and vaccines of the Covid-19, giving subsidies, investing in some projects and repaying the foreign loans.

Mentioning that prices of commodities, fuel have increased manifold alongside skyrocketing of the cost of transportation, she said they have to purchase wheat at 600 USD which was only 200 USD while the transportation cost increased to 3600 USD which was only 800 USD prior to the ongoing global crisis that stemmed from the Coronavirus pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter sanctions.

The Prime Minister assured the countrymen that they would not have to suffer as her government has been taking appropriate measures to overcome the crisis.

"We're importing consumer goods from any part of the world at any price to make sure that the people do not suffer in way. The reserve is not only declining in our country, but also in many countries across the globe," she said.

The premier said Great Britain and some European countries have been facing economic crisis while Britain has already announced that they are facing economic crisis.

She added: "Despite the global economic recession, we have been able to make our economy strong and vibrant."

The Prime Minister once again asked the countrymen particularly the physicians to grow food for them bringing every in of their fallow lands under cultivation so that Bangladesh needs not importing foods.

"We have not only to meet our demand, but also help other countries. So, grow whatever you can in your lands," she added.  

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, MP, SWACHIP President Prof Dr M Iqbal Arslan and Secretary General Prof Dr MA Aziz spoke at the function.

Former Health Minister Prof Dr AFM Ruhal Haque, MP, was present on the dais.

The Prime Minister opened the conference hoisting the national flag and releasing balloons and pigeons, the symbol of peace.

She later unveiled the plaque of the SWACHIP's permanent office.

At the outset of the programme, the theme song of the SWACHIP was played alongside screening a video-documentary titled "Sashthya Sebay Alor Michhil" (A procession of illumination in delivering healthcare services).