Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has assured the Parliament that despite ongoing international challenges, Bangladesh’s food security remains robust. Responding to a query from Awami League lawmaker Md Shahiduzzaman Sarkar, she underscored that Bangladesh has not only successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic but has also maintained food security during the prevailing global crises.
Sheikh Hasina commended Bangladesh’s achievement of food self-sufficiency, emphasizing the government’s relentless efforts in this regard. She acknowledged the disruptions in the global supply chain for various commodities, including food, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In response, the government has implemented a series of national and international measures to ensure food security in the face of these challenges.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Bangladesh’s food grain production has surged over the years, exemplifying the nation’s remarkable progress. She noted the construction and expansion of highways, bridges, and infrastructure during her three tenures, underlining Bangladesh’s commitment to development.
Additionally, Sheikh Hasina disclosed that the proposed investment in economic zones has reached $26 billion, with numerous companies initiating commercial production and creating jobs. The government has streamlined investment-related services through a one-stop service portal, enhancing ease of doing business.
Regarding the power and energy sector, the Prime Minister highlighted the development of the “Power System Master Plan (PSMP)-2016” aimed at ensuring quality and uninterrupted power supply at a reasonable cost. Bangladesh aims to generate 40,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030 and 60,000 megawatts by 2041, exploring various energy sources, including coal, diesel, furnace oil, nuclear, and renewable energy.
In response to a query about the recognition of the 1971 genocide, Sheikh Hasina explained international efforts to commemorate December 9 as the International Day for the Prevention of Genocide. While acknowledging the complexity of achieving international recognition of the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, she affirmed the government’s commitment to continuing these efforts.
