Only AL made country self-sufficient in food: PM

Bangladesh has become self-sufficient in food production under the sole leadership and directives of Awami League (AL) government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

"The country attained sufficiency in food production since AL came to power. Whereas, BNP never took care of this," the premier said while addressing a rally in Rajshahi on Sunday.

The prime minister also said the ruling party works hand in hand with the people to ensure their progress and flourishment.

Mentioning the dairy farms, sugar, jute and textile mills that had once been built in Rajshahi by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman but were destroyed by the BNP, she said, "The government is taking various measures and efforts are underway to ensure further development in Rajshahi."

Retorting at comments alleging that the people of the ruling party are escapists, the premier said, "I want to address BNP-Jamaat and say that Awami League never runs away."

Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated 26 development projects including seven of the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), worth around TK 1,316.97 crore, during her daylong visit.

The prime minister also laid foundation stones of six other projects with an estimated cost of TK 376.28 crore.

She opened and laid foundation stones of those projects joining a mammoth public gathering organised by Rajshahi city and district units of Bangladesh Awami League (AL) at historic Madrasha ground.

Official sources said the implemented projects include a 58-feet Mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - built by the RCC at the city's Rajshahi C&B Crossing at a cost of around TK 5.03 crore.