Sheikh Hasina

Photo: PID Prime Minister addressed a meeting with the leaders of 14 parties

18 lakh tons of food in stock, there will be no sudden crisis: Prime Minister

She made the remark at the start of a meeting with leaders of 14 parties at Ganobhaban on Tuesday (March 15).

Urging to increase crop production, the Prime Minister said, "No one should have so much land uncultivated, a person will produce whatever he can. Every area will produce something, and that is our goal. That way we can meet our food needs."

"Everything has to go to a position where we can produce and meet our own needs," she said. "I am trying my best that no one has to depend on anyone else."

Referring to the recognition of International Mother Language Day on Amar Ekushey February, the inclusion of the historic speech of the Father of the Nation on March 7 in international documents and the latest move by her government to declare 'Joy Bangla' as national slogan, the Prime Minister said, "Joy Bangla slogan has been made national. We have been able to revive and bring to the fore all those who were trying to erase the spirit of independence."

In her speech, the Prime Minister thanked the 14-party leaders for joining the President's dialogue on the formation of the Election Commission and slammed the BNP for not participating, highlighting their "leadership void".

She said, "One was convicted of embezzling orphans' money, another was convicted in a 10-truck arms case and a fugitive convicted of the August 21 grenade attack. So who will lead them when they come to power? Although there is no leadership in front of them, they are making contradictory statements. Taking the advantage of Digital Bangladesh, they are conspiring against the country sitting abroad."

Sheikh Hasina highlighted the steps taken by the Awami League and 14 other parties to ensure the people's right to vote, such as preparation of voter list with photographs, voting in transparent ballot boxes and currently holding elections through EVM.

In this context, she said, the people's right to vote has been ensured. She also reminded that one crore 23 lakh fake voters, who were added by the then BNP government, had been removed from the voter list.