Govt gradually relaxing shutdown to help people: PM

GBNEWS24 DESK//

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government is gradually relaxing the nationwide shutdown so that the people can manage ‘their lives and livelihoods’ in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are trying to open slowly (the countrywide shutdown) so that the people can manage their lives and livelihoods in the month of Ramadan,” she said, joining a donation handing over ceremony through video conference from her official residence Ganabhaban this morning.

PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus received the cheques for the donations on behalf of the premier at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.

The premier said many people, particularly the daily wage earners, have become jobless due to the shutdown which has put a great impact on the country’s economy.

She added: “We know the people are going through a great hardship (amid shutdown over coronavirus outbreak). So, we have been trying our best to reach foods to everyone’s doorstep to minimize plights.”

The relief goods are being distributed among the needy people on behalf of the government and the ruling Awami League and the rich people as well, she continued.

The premier said the government has given special importance to ensuring food security as part of taking precautionary measures in advance to offset the possible famine the world is likely to face due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Referring to the prediction of famine by various global organisations over the coronavirus pandemic, she said, “We have given special focus on ensuring food security cashing on the potentials of agriculture so that the people of our country are not affected due to the pandemic.”

The prime minister credited to the government’s efforts for the bumper production of (Boro) paddy and requested the countrymen to leave not a single inch of land uncultivated so that the country does not experience any crisis of foods in the days to come.

Sheikh Hasina said she had already asked the agriculture minister to take prompt measures to bring all arable lands under cultivation immediately after harvesting the Boro paddy.

She called upon the countrymen to grow whatever they could in their lands to ensure food security.

Sheikh Hasina, also President of Awami League, lauded her party men particularly the members of Chhatra League, Krishok League and other associate bodies to help the farmers harvest Boro paddy in time.

The premier asked the well-off farmers, who have got huge quantity of paddy, to stand by the poor farmers to lessen their sufferings.

She also greeted the organisations and individuals for making their generous contributions to support the government efforts in fighting the COVID-19.

Of the organisatons, Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Wills Little Flower School and College, Secondary and Higher Education Division, Technical and Madrasha Education Division, Khulna Agriculture University, Cumilla University, Pabna Science and Technology University, Islamic University, Kushtia, Khulna University, Bangamata Sheikh Fajilatunnesa Mujib Science and Technology University, Sheikh Hasina University, Netrokona, Shahjalal Science and Technology University, Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology, Gazipur, North South University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, and Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, made the contributions to the PM’s Relief and Welfare Fund.

Posts and Telecommunications Division, Information and Communication Technology Division, Nagad, Commerce Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Security Services Division, Industries Ministry, Bangladesh Election Commission Secretariat, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), Ministry of Defense Constabulary (MODC), The Communist Party of China, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Dhaka Stock Exchange, Chattogram Stock Exchange, Jibon Bima Corporation, Sadharan Bima Corporation, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Insurance Association, Bangladesh Bar Council, Bangladesh Judicial Service Association, BCS Customs Association, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, BCS Agriculture Association, Bangladesh Election Commission Officers Association and Poultry Association gave donation to the fund.

The Communist Party of China made contributions to the fund by giving 50,000 surgical masks.