Hasina calls for self-reliant Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her government’s determination to make Bangladesh self-reliant

“Bangladesh will not go out for alms in the form of foreign aid any more… We want to become self-reliant and hold our head high in the international arena,” she said addressing a rally in Patuakhali on Tuesday.Hasina assured the people of the southern districts of fulfilling their basic needs.Earlier in the day, she inaugurated Bangladesh’s largest seed production farm at Dasmina in the district.


She directed Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury to ensure production of seeds of all types of vegetables.

Hasina expressed hope that it would be possible to export seeds produced in the farm after meeting domestic needs.

She said that once the project is implemented the people of the southern region would not only become self-reliant in food but also have employment.

Upazila Executive Officer Tofayel Hossain said the project aimed at creating employment, alleviating poverty and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Prime Minister pledged to turn Barisal into Bangladesh’s grain store saying the soul of the Father of the Nation would be hurt if the people of this region suffer for food. “That’s why this region will be made self-reliant in food.”

Hasina reached Patuakhali in the morning and inaugurated the farm spread over Char-Basbaria, Char-Saimon and Char-Haider areas in Dasmina. She also addressed a rally of the local unit of the Awami League.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is implementing the project under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Hasina laid the foundation stone for Lebukhali Bridge across the Paira River on Patuakhali-Barisal road at noon and left for Pirojpur.

The opposition alliance has eased their shutdown in the Dasmina area ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit there.