In a decisive move to fortify the national economy against international volatility, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina informed Parliament on Wednesday that the government has initiated the procurement of $1 billion in additional budgetary support. This fiscal cushion is specifically designed to mitigate the economic repercussions of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and ensure the nation remains resilient in the face of prospective global emergencies.
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Strengthening Fiscal Resilience
Responding to a written query from Treasury Bench lawmaker Md. Mozaffar Hossain, the Prime Minister detailed that these funds are earmarked for a comprehensive range of stimulus measures. The capital will be injected into industrial sectors, manufacturing plants, and trading organisations, with a particular emphasis on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, a significant portion of the support will be diverted to expand the nation’s social safety net, protecting the most vulnerable citizens from inflationary pressures.
Beyond the conflict-related fund, the Premier confirmed that an additional $500 million is being sought to address the lingering economic shadows cast by the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts align with a broader strategy to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering employment and orchestrated socio-economic advancement
A Global Leader in Agricultural Production
The Prime Minister also provided a robust update on the nation’s food security. Since 2009, grain production has surged from 33.8 million metric tons to a staggering 45.3 million metric tons. This growth has propelled Bangladesh into the upper echelons of global agricultural rankings.
| Commodity | Global Ranking | Current Production Status |
| Hilsa (Ilish) | 1st | Leading among 11 producing nations |
| Rice | 3rd | Critical for national food security |
| Vegetables | 3rd | Diversified agricultural output |
| Tea | 4th | Major export and domestic staple |
| Mango & Potato | 7th | Expanding cold-storage and export reach |
Social Welfare and the Vision for “No One Homeless”
Reaffirming her government’s humanitarian commitments, Sheikh Hasina revealed that 3,552,340 individuals have been rehabilitated through land and housing schemes to date. She stated that where government-owned (Khash) land is unavailable, the administration is actively purchasing private land to ensure the “rootless” are provided with a permanent address.
“My government is committed to the promise that no one shall be left without a place to stay. By settling these families, we are transforming them and their future generations into vital human resources for the nation.”
Expanding the National Railway Network
The infrastructure landscape is also set for a significant transformation. At present, 43 districts are integrated into the national railway network. The Prime Minister outlined a phased expansion plan:
- Immediate Phase: Ongoing projects will bring 19 additional districts under the rail network.
- Long-term Vision: A 30-year railway master plan is currently in motion to connect the final four districts, ensuring 100% national coverage.
This multi-sectoral approach—combining financial foresight, agricultural excellence, social justice, and infrastructural connectivity—underscores the government’s strategy to navigate a turbulent global era.