ZCZC
BSS-22
COVID19- QUADER-RELIEF
No mercy for relief plunderers: Quader
DHAKA, April 21, 2020 (BSS) – Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today warned that stern actions would be taken against the people involved in misappropriation of relief goods meant for the poor and destitute people amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Those involved in irregularities in distribution of relief goods, should be careful. The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government will not show any mercy to the relief plunderers,” he said.
Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said this while speaking at an online press briefing on contemporary affairs from his official residence here.
Calling upon the country’s people to follow the instructions of the prime minister in tackling coronavirus, he said the nation now remains united in addressing the crisis under the courageous leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
“No disparity will be tolerated in relief distribution. Without considering their political affiliation and thoughts, all should be brought under the relief distribution programme,” Quader said.
He urged AL men to form committees immediately to join the relief distribution activities in coordination with the local administration.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the party men to ensure coordination in relief distribution at the grassroots level, the AL general secretary said, adding that as per the instruction of the party chief, relief distribution committees should be formed at ward and union parishad levels.
He said the government has been working relentlessly to contain the spread of coronavirus, while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is monitoring the overall situation.
About the diagnosis of the lethal virus, Quader said the government has increased the number of COVID-19 testing centres, while “our testing capacity is being improved gradually”.
Terming COVID-19 a global problem, he said crisis remains in testing coronavirus and procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) across the world.
“Despite that, Bangladesh is improving its COVID-19 testing capacity although it has limitations. Our frontline workers have been working relentlessly round-the-clock (to address the crisis),” Quader said.
He said local administrations, army personnel and members of law enforcement agencies are also working in this regard, following the instructions of the prime minister.
BSS/ASG/BKD/MRI/GA/1730 hrs