More subsidies to stall country's development wheel: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said more subsidies would hinder the wheel of country's ongoing immense development works and progress.

"You people (audience) should say how much money could be allocated for subsidy . . . more subsidies means it would eat up a lion portion of the national budget, resulting in hindering the development spree of the country," she said.

The premier made this remark in response to a query regarding recent price hike at the press conference organized at her official residence Ganabhaban about her just concluded visit to the United Kingdom and France.

She said if the government increases the funds for subsidy, allocation for country's development budget will get shrunk.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is supplying fuel at a lower price after buying it at higher prices from the international market which required huge amount of subsidy.

"If you (intellectuals and journalists) suggest me how could I make adjustment in this price gap, I would do whatever you say . . . ," she said, adding, "You have to consider the issue."

Sheikh Hasina said she is running the country and that is why she should say what the reality is, "all the responsibilities -- good or bad -- is shouldered by her".

She also said her government would look into the matter so that people do not face any sufferings.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, Education Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Dipu Moni and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin, among others, were present on the dais at Ganabhaban.

Source: BSS