Accepted party leadership considering volatile global economy: Hasina

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina today said she accepted leadership of the party this time considering the volatile global economic situation.

"One must not take (leadership) responsibility so many times. But I accepted it considering the current global situation. You have to consider that I am also getting older," she said.

Hasina said this while exchanging greetings with party leaders and activists at Gono Bhaban after being elected AL president for the 10th time.

She said people's confidence and trust are the AL's biggest strength. "We only believe in the power of the people," she said.

"You must give highest priority in strengthening the party. This is my request to you," she told the party leaders and activists.

She emphasised on setting up AL offices in every district and upazila. "The central Awami League will help the local units if they are unable to set up their offices," she said.

Hasina also stressed on utilising every inch of arable land in the country to increase food production for averting any unwanted situation.

She mentioned that due to the pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and sanctions, economic recession has gripped the world.

"Many rich countries have already declared to be in recession. Bangladesh must not get trapped in that situation. If we can produce extra food, we can export those, mitigating our own demands."

Hasina also emphasised strengthening the party through recruiting new members.

"We will form eight new teams for the eight divisions. Their responsibilities will be to look after the recruitment of the new members," she said.

She said the AL is the only organisation that developed from the land and people of this country while BNP and Jatiya Party came from the pockets of military rulers who grabbed state powers illegally, violating the country's constitution.

"They do not have any responsibility towards people whereas it's our duty to improve people's fate. Every leader and activist of Awami League has a responsibility in this regard," she said.