ZCZC
BSS-04
PM-SOCIAL SERVICES
We don’t want to build “work-reluctant” nation: PM
DHAKA, Jan 2, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her
government doesn’t want to build a “work-reluctant” nation, rather it wants
that everybody who has work ability to utilise this strength for the
country’s socioeconomic development.
“We never want Bangladesh be built as a work-reluctant nation. Rather, we
want that everybody who has work ability and strength to utilise those for
the country’s socioeconomic uplift,” she said while inaugurating the National
Social Services Day at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre here
this morning.
Pointing out providing various allowances to the distressed people
including elderly, widows and the women abandoned by the husbands, the prime
minister said her government has undertaken this programme so that none
remains hungry and neglected.
Sheikh Hasina said while giving such allowances, the government remains
careful so that none becomes completely dependent on it.
“We’re providing allowances equivalent to such amount of money or little
more to the distressed so that they can purchase 10 kilos of rice in a month
… we don’t want to give more than the amount. Otherwise they won’t work and
stay at the house,” she said.
In this connection, the prime minister criticised a section of civil
society members who are critical of providing small amount of such allowances
by the government.
“There’re some civil society members who don’t think practically, rather
they see it hypothetically. We heard to say by many (people) that can any
family be managed through this small amount of money?” she said.
Sheikh Hasina added: “The people will manage their respective families. But
our responsibility is look into the matter that nobody remains hungry or
neglected.”
State Minister for Social Welfare Nuruzzaman Ahmed presided over the
function, while Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the
ministry Dr Mozammel Hossain was present as the special guest.
Social Welfare Secretary Md Zillar Rahman delivered the welcome address.
MORE/SH/GMR/1303 hrs