The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) decided to skip rice once daily for the next 45 days to reduce consumption of rice during the crisis.

The leaders of JSD had already started abstaining from taking rice yesterday after briefing the media at a press conference at held the party office.

Referring to the Government which advised people to eat potato, President of JSD Hasanul Haque Inu said, "Our abstention from taking rice programme will prove that we believe in action rather than in words".

Terming the crisis a turning point in the national history, JSD put forward some immediate proposals before the Government. Since exported rice will take times to reach the masses and Boro harvest will take more than 45 days if no natural calamity hit by than. Inu suggested increasing the number of VGF and VGD cards. In no time potato should be purchased from farmers directly and sold to people through OMS at subsidised rate.

The government announced 50,000 female labours should be employed soon. Government should establish OMS and fair price shops at mills, slums and union level irrespective of public and private ownership and supply goods according to the demands of customers. Government should punish all the businessmen responsible for the food crisis.

Regarding implementation of the proposals JSD urged the Government to use the forfeited black money. Inu said, "Government can reduce all the extravagant use of allocated money to meet the food crisis ".

To show empathy to hungry people the JSD will carry out "Vukha Kormoshuchi (Hunger Programme)" at Shaheed Col Taher Auditorium on April 13.

In response to a question from journalist Inu said, " We will continue our programme along with the political dialogue with Election Commision regarding election".