People cannot be misled through long march: Mir Shah Alam

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 14th International Agricultural Technology Fair at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital on Thursday, he directed his remarks at the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami, saying: do not choose the path of threats, intimidation and movements; come to parliament and speak. Outside parliament, you can also come to the Prime Minister's Office and give advice and proposals to the government. The government wants constructive cooperation from the opposition in running the country.

He said, if the gas and electricity deficit could be met by holding a long march, we would have held the biggest long march. The people elected the government for five years; after five years, they will again evaluate it through the ballot.

At the event, the state minister spoke about plans to build an industry producing starch from surplus potatoes. He said about Tk 3,500 crore worth of starch powder is imported into the country every year, while a portion of the potatoes produced is spoiled. There are plans to build 8 to 10 industrial enterprises producing starch from potatoes in the northern region. In addition, work is underway to transform Bogura into an international airport with cargo facilities to make the export of potatoes and vegetables easier.

He also said the government has taken initiatives to increase the salaries and allowances of agricultural researchers and ensure their social dignity.