CHATTOGRAM, April 24, 2020 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said all deserving people would get ration cars irrespective of their political identity as per the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Even if a harsh critic of the Awami League (AL) and one who never voted for our party would be included in list for 50 lakh new ration cars if the person is really needy,” said Hasan, also joint general secretary of AL.
He said this while speaking as chief guest at a coordination meeting on coronavirus issues, including preparation and distribution of relief goods, at the Awami League office at Rangunia Upazila Sadar in the district this noon.
Hasan said 50 lakh families are getting 30 kg of rice each per month at Tk 10 per kilo for the last few years while another half a million new ration cards will be given to the needy people.
According to the announcement of Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the cards will have to be given to those who actually need, he added.
The ration cards will be given to the needy people irrespective of caste, creeds and party affiliation, he said.
“This has been directed by the Prime Minister, so the list has to be made this way, as the government does not want a single needy person to remain out of the list,” he added.
Abdul Monaf Sikder, senior vice-president of Upazila AL presided over the function while Municipality Mayor, AL leaders, and chairmen of different union parisads, among others, spoke at the function.
Later, the minister joined another view-exchange meeting with the local administration on the same issues. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Masudur Rahman and senior officials of the upazila administration were present in the meeting.
Hasan said that the Sheikh Hasina-led government has taken various steps as soon as coronavirus broke out in the country.
“Since our party is a government party, our responsibility is much more than any other political parties.” he added.
He said that their party leaders and workers have been discharging that responsibility from the very beginning.
Dr Hasan said that not a single person died in Bangladesh without food though almost all activities remain halted for the last one month because of the timely actions taken by the Sheikh Hasina government.
He said some people are now in a new crisis because of the coronavirus.
“Working people have become unemployed. They had daily income, but now they have no income. Again, all cannot ask for relief and many are not talking about their problems openly. It is very important for us to reach the help to those who do not want to disclose their problems to others. To do this, we need coordination in the whole process,” he added.
Dr Hasan said that relief was being distributed in various ways in Rangunia and the government reliefs are coming through the government channels and are being distributed through union councils.
“Our family organization NNK Foundation has given relief since beginning of the coronavirus crisis and we are trying to exclude those who are receiving relief from others. Many capable leaders of our party are also giving relief. Those who are well-off and kind in society are also giving relief. So, coordination is needed,” he added.
If someone has cold or cough, it is not right to suspect him as a corona patient, observed Dr Hasan.
The minister said the Krishak League and Swechchhasebak League in Rangunia have already decided to cut the paddy of poor farmers and they are starting this from today (Friday).
They have already formed a union-based team for the purpose, he added.