PM warns against hoarding

Staff Reporter :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unequivocally assured the nation that there will be an ample supply of essential commodities during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Addressing the media at a press conference held at Ganobhaban on Friday, she underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a stable and sufficient provision of goods, including gram, dates, sugar, and other essentials throughout the sacred month.

With confidence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared, “There will be no shortage of anything, particularly essential commodities, in Ramadan.

All necessary arrangements have already been meticulously put in place, and I assure you there will be no problems encountered in meeting the demands of the public.”

The Prime Minister gave this assurance while briefing newsmen about her recent visit to Germany, where she attended the Munich Security Conference 2024 and held bilateral meetings with several global leaders.

Sheikh Hasina, also the president of the ruling Awami League, addressed the press for the first time since winning the twelfth parliamentary election and forming the government for the fourth consecutive time.

During her stay in Munich, Sheikh Hasina participated in the Munich Security Conference, engaging in discussions with global leaders on various international issues.

The press conference covered a range of topics, with the Prime Minister addressing questions about commodity prices, illegal hoarding, and market conditions.

Responding to inquiries, Sheikh Hasina highlighted the positive changes that have occurred in the last 15 years, particularly in addressing rice shortages.

In response to questions about a potential conspiracy to topple the government and create famine, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina acknowledged a past conspiracy to prevent the election. She emphasized that the conspirators aimed to dissociate the government from the people by manipulating the prices of goods.

The Prime Minister also alluded to incidents of arson terrorism in preceding years, revealing, “The intention was to destabilise the government. You are well aware of those involved. I refrain from naming individuals, but it is imperative to acknowledge that the scheme persists.”

Sheikh Hasina expressed concern about the manipulation of commodity prices and mentioned the onion crisis, pointing out the sudden shortage and subsequent wastage of a significant quantity of onions.

“What actions should be taken against these individuals? It would be more effective if the public takes steps towards a solution. In that case, no one can raise objections,” she remarked.

The premier also said that there was no discussion about Bangladesh’s election during the meeting with global leaders on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference in Germany.

In replying to a query, Sheikh Hasina, who become Prime Minister for the fourth time in a row, said that there was no talk with them about the election.

“They have no worry, no comment, no question about the election,” she said, adding, “There was no talk about the election, most of the talk was bilateral.”

The Premier said, “We have state-level relations with the European countries, we have an advantage because of personal relations. No one spoke about the election. They themselves knew that I would win the election.”

She continued, “Those who don’t want (to see me in power again) they speak about it.”

Sheikh Hasina said that the election of the countries which took 10/12 days to announce the election results is free and fair.

Besides, in Bangladesh result came within 24-48 hours of election, which is not free and fair, she said, adding, “We don’t have any medicine for this disease. I believe that our strength is our people.”

Sheikh Hasina said, “We have a good friendship with European countries. France to give us US$ 1 billion for climate change.”

Replying to another question regarding the goal in this new tenure of her government, Sheikh Hasina said that her goal is to maintain the democratic trend that Bangladesh is now enjoying and execution of the status of developing nation which is scheduled to begin officially in 2026.

She said that the countrymen are getting the benefit as they have ensured the democratic process.

“The people of the country are getting good results (of continued democracy). We wished for this continuity be maintained and we will move forward as a developing country,” she said.

She observed that Bangladesh has lack of political parties in the political field.
Bangladesh Awami League was formed in 1949 by talking about the people, she said, adding that the Awami League has moved forward through all the agitations and struggles, but no other parties in Bangladesh have such history rather they were born from the pocket of military dictators and power.

In response to a query on her saree, the Premier said that the saree she was wearing was not French chiffon (BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s widely used expensive saree) but this Tant (loom) saree bought from Shafipur Ansar Academy, which she identified as “Shafipur chiffon”.

“It should be understood that I am with the soil and people of this country. Tangail Tant sarees are also used by her and application has been filed for its patent rights,” she said.