Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed secretaries to evaluate and finish ongoing projects – that can be completed within the shortest possible time – on a priority basis. “People of the country will be benefitted if prioritised projects can be completed as early as possible,” she said. The prime minister gave the directives while addressing the Secretaries’ Committee Meeting held at her office. Read more: After Bangladesh assisted Sri Lanka with $200mn, many countries made similar requests: PM Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war, Sheikh Hasina said that even developed countries are facing crisis due to the war, after the Covid-19 pandemic fallout. Against this backdrop, she stressed the need for exercising austerity and caution. About foreign currency reserve in the country, the prime minister said that it would be possible to meet import expenditure for the next five-six months, and Bangladesh will not face any crisis. Sheikh Hasina, however, underscored the need for diversifying exports considering the current global economic crisis. The government is developing 100 economic zones in the country and there will be foreign investment in the economic zones, while employment opportunities will be created there, she said. Read more: No problem with movement, but don’t go for violence: PM Hasina warns BNP In this regard, she mentioned that the 4th Industrial Revolution is knocking at the door and huge number of youths are now getting ready for employment, and their potential and capability should be utilised. Pointing out the propaganda being spread by a quarter with vested interest, Sheikh Hasina asked the secretaries to upload latest information on the respective websites so that everyone can access authentic information. She said, Awami League government has major success stories in different sectors including in communication as well as in education, health, energy, food production and others. She also highlighted construction of the Padma Bridge with the country’s own resources and said it has boosted the morale of people in the south and southwestern region. The Prime Minister said that government has been implementing the 8th five year plan, SDG of the UN, and the 2021-2041 perspective plan to establish Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country. Sheikh Hasina also asked the secretaries to take precautionary measures alongside making people aware that the country would not be hit by a looming famine due to the prolonged global crisis caused by coronavirus and Russia-Ukraine war. Read more: ‘Why did Bangladesh not see development in 29 years?’ – PM Hasina asks She suggested a number of proposals to be implemented that include being austere in public expenditure, setting prioritised development projects, diversifying exports, attracting investments, preparing skilled manpower for the fourth industrial revolution, and making people aware to bring every inch of fallow land under cultivation, and exercising austerity in using electricity and gas. “Inflation has increased manifolds across the globe. Our country is not out of the purview and it has also hit our country,” she said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (November 27, 2022) shared that after helping Sri Lanka with a currency swap, many countries communicated with her to get the same kind of assistance from Bangladesh. “We have assisted Sri Lanka from our (forex) reserve. After that, I have received requests from many countries,” she said. The prime minister said this while delivering her introductory speech at the Secretaries’ Committee Meeting, held at the PMO. Read more: No problem with movement, but don’t go for violence: PM Hasina warns BNP In May 2021, Bangladesh cleared a USD 200 million currency swap for Sri Lanka, to help boost its economy. It was the first-ever loan to any country from Bangladesh, given under the currency swap agreement inked by Bangladesh Bank and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, on August 3. “Many government heads have called me and I have talked to them. I have described to them the ground reality. We are formulating our budget, taking budgetary support from other sources. At this time, it will not be possible for us to give any kind of assistance,” she said. Read more: ‘Why did Bangladesh not see development in 29 years?’ – PM Hasina asks She mentioned that it means many countries across the globe are facing forex reserve crisis. “… We must practice austerity with urgency,” she said. Read more: Karnaphuli Tunnel first such project in South Asia: PM Hasina