DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday categorically said the agricultural lands would be protected first in ensuring food security and then coal would be extracted.

The premier, also ruling Awami League president, came up with the assertion while addressing a meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Power and Energy.

She attended the office of the ministry for the first time after formation of the incumbent government.

Sheikh Hasina said: “Every house will get electricity according to our election pledges and we will take all pragmatic steps to this end.”

Quoting PM, state minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu told journalists “The premier has given instructions and we will wait for better technology to extract coal.”

BDST: 2007 HRS, FEB 06, 2014