Volatile world situation may worsen, says PM
Urges countrymen to practice austerity measures in using electricity
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today in parliament urged countrymen to practice austerity measures apprehending that the present volatile world situation might deteriorate further.
She said her government is doing everything possible to address the situation.
"No one can say how long this abnormal situation of the world will continue. Maybe the situation could deteriorate further," she said while participating in the discussion on a condolence motion on ruling Awami League MP and former minister Afsarul Amin.
Hasina, also Leader of the House, said food shortages, inflation, operating and transportation costs, electricity shortages due to the coronavirus epidemic and then the Ukraine-Russia war have made the life of every human being unbearable
The premier said that the government has provided electricity to every home in the country as promised.
However, considering the volatile and unpredictable world situation, Sheikh Hasina urged all to maintain austerity in using electricity.
"I will request everyone to be economical in using electricity. We have to practice austerity in every sector," she said.
She said the crisis of fuel oil, coal or gas is going on worldwide.
"Now it is very difficult to buy (coal and oil). It has become impossible to buy. Still, our efforts continue," said the head of government.
The PM said that the government has signed agreements with Qatar and Oman to purchase fuel.
She also said that the government also taken measures to import hydropower.
"Steps have already been taken to purchase coal. So that we can restart the power plants," she added.
She mentioned that Ukraine-Russia war, sanctions, counter-sanctions, global inflation and the fuel oil crisis for which not only Bangladesh but also developed countries are struggling.
"There is a shortage of fuel in various countries including Europe and America. There is load shedding or people have been advised to limit power consumption. The price of everything from food has gone up. Many people are losing their jobs even in developed countries," noted the premier.
She said her government is working tirelessly to ensure food security.
"We also need to increase food production. No one can say how long this unusual situation in the world will continue. Maybe, it can turn worse. But for the food safety of the people of our country, we are doing everything."
She said that the food crisis, inflation, operating and transportation costs, electricity shortage in the whole world as a result of the coronavirus epidemic and then the Ukraine-Russia war have made the life of every human being unbearable.
"We are trying our best to address the situation," she added.
Remembering Afsarul Amin, Hasina said he played role in every struggle. He was a devoted soul. His devotion and honesty towards the party were incomparable.
"He also showed great success as a minister."
After discussion by treasury and opposition bench MPs, the Parliament later unanimously adopted the condolence motion expressing profound grief over the death of Afsarul Amin.