Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday reiterated her call to maintain austerity in all spheres of life including in electricity  consumption in the wake of global inflationary situation. She also said that if all concerned could practice austerity then the country would benefit in the long run. The premier made the call while presiding over the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in the current 2022-23 fiscal year held at the NEC Conference Room in city. She joined the meeting virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. Planning Minister MA Mannan briefed reporters after the meeting. He said that the PM has urged everyone to maintain austerity in all spheres. "Let us all maintain austerity, the prime minister has asked the government machinery including bureaucrats and common citizens to maintain austerity." The planning minister said Bangladesh is being affected by the current global situation and by the price hike of fuel oil. "We'll have to remain alert to face the impacts on those products which we do not produce. The prime minister has mainly suggested the countrymen to maintain austerity for such reason." State Minister for Planning Shamsul Alam said PM Hasina has always advised all to maintain austerity.