People of Bangladesh not to go for Begging: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the people of the country will not go by begging anyone.

She said this at the opening ceremony of the National SME Product Fair-2024 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Sunday (May 19) morning.

Sheikh Hasina said, after coming to power in 1996, I gave importance to agriculture and kept different budget for agriculture.That is the first time I made the country self-sufficient in food. In 2009 when I came to power again and saw food crisis again in Bangladesh. Here is a question of policy. Because, the day I said in Parliament that the country is self-sufficient in food. At that time, the former finance minister of the opposition party, Saifur Rahman, said that it is not good to be self-sufficient. Food aid will not be available if country will self-sufficient in food. Then I stood up and said, the people of the country will not go begging from anyone.

The Prime Minister said, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu said that beggars have no dignity. We want to walk with respect. Because Bangabandhu said, 'I have soil, I have people. I will build a golden Bengal with this golden soil and people.'

Bangabandhu said, 'I believe that if we can use people's enthusiasm and work ability, then these golden people will be suitable and build golden Bengal.'

The Prime Minister said, 'Bangladesh has changed in 2009-23. Great progress has been made in each area. From there you have to move forward. Agricultural production should be increased. Along with that, industrialization should be done. Golden Bangladesh can be built only if people's enthusiasm can be used. SME entrepreneurs can invest in economic zones individually or jointly. If men and women can be entrepreneurs equally, the country will move forward quickly.'