People’s sufferings: Govt doing whatever necessary

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday categorically said the government was doing whatever needed to ease people's sufferings caused by the current economic situation.

She made the comment while participating in a general discussion at the Jatiya Sangsad on a proposal placed by opposition Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu.

The lawmaker placed the proposal on informing the nation through discussion in parliament about the short and long-term sustainable measures taken by the government to deal with the problems of the pandemic, Ukraine-Russia war, climate change, energy crisis, and rising commodity prices.

The PM briefly described numerous initiatives taken by the government to tackle the situation. She said the government was taking steps so that the country didn't face food scarcity.

Hasina, also the leader of the House, reiterated her call for the people to utilise every inch of the country's land to produce food on.

In this regard, she said that due to the high prices of the imported items, the country's import expenditure has raised by an additional $9 billion.

"We have taken the steps to face the impact of the global economic crisis. We are regularly analysing the situation extensively."

She said the export incentives will be widened to increase export and diversify it.

The PM regretted that a section of people, who want to make extra profits during the bad times, is always there.

Hasina said the whole world got into trouble due to the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions and counter sanctions. Developed countries have already started exercising austerity and reducing the consumption of energy and other related items, she added.

The premier sought cooperation from all in this regard and urged all to refrain from confusing people through providing untrue information.

This was for the first time in the recent history of parliament that a general discussion was held on any public interest issue like price hike of essentials and fuel.