DHAKA, May 9, 2020 (BSS) – Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader
today urged the party leaders and activists to stand by the poor and
destitute people with the money they are supposed to spend for shopping in
the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
“This year, Eid will be celebrated in a different perspective as the
country is going through a crisis. That’s why I call upon the AL leaders and
activists not to do shopping, rather donate their Eid shopping money to the
poor and destitute people,” he said.
Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, was speaking at a
virtual press conference on the contemporary affairs from his official
residence here.
He also urged affluent people to keep patience and be economic in Eid
shopping this year, being imbued with the spirit of sacrifice.
Blasting BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for criticising
the government amid the coronavirus crisis, the AL general secretary said: “I
ask him (Fakhrul) and his party BNP to stop criticisms and play a
humanitarian role by standing beside the people in this crisis.”
“We should not lose our morale in this situation. We have to follow health
guidelines and maintain social distancing strictly,” he said, adding that the
neighbouring India’s coronavirus situation is worse than that of Bangladesh,
and despite that, they have relaxed lockdown in some sectors to continue
their economic activities.
Quader mentioned that the USA withdrew lockdown in its 47 states, while
Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and many other countries have already eased
lockdown to keep their economies vibrant.
“Apart from saving lives, we should keep the wheels of livelihood active
and that’s why the government eases general holidays in some sectors and
allowed reopening of shopping malls,” he said.
The road transport and bridges minister said the administration will
monitor whether the people are following health guidelines during shopping or
not.
He said a vested quarter is spreading rumours over COVID-19 using social
media. “These rumours are ill-motivated. Rumours and propaganda are more
dangerous than the virus (coronavirus),” Quader added.