RANGPUR, June 19, 2020 (BSS) – A total of 22,734 tonnes of government rice and Taka 14 crore are being distributed among the jobless people to stand beside them in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Rangpur division.
Officials here said the government has put maximum importance on reaching foodstuffs at the doorsteps of the jobless, distressed and needy people in all eight districts of the division to ensure food for all of them during the pandemic.
The district administrations have already distributed about 19,792 tonnes of rice and Taka 11.68 crore among 19 lakh families benefitting around 80 lakh people,” Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md. Zakir Hossain told BSS.
“Currently, the district administrations have stocks of 2,942 tonnes of rice and Taka 2.32 crore for distribution as a gift from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina till the COVID-19 situation becomes normal,” Hossain said.
Chairman of Chandanpat union in Rangpur Sadar upazila Amenur Rahman already distributed 31 tonnes of government rice among 3,100 families with 10-kg each to assist them in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve distributed rice, pulse, edible oil, sugar, vermicelli, vegetables, soap, detergent powder, potato and other essentials among 600 jobless, needy and distressed families from my own resources,” Amenur said while talking to BSS.
Besides, Chairman of Thanahat union in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram Md. Abdur Razzaque already distributed 42 tonnes of government rice among 4,200 jobless and needy families in his union.
Chairman of Nohali union in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur Abul Kalam Azad Titul also distributed 39 tonnes of government rice among 3,900 distressed, river-eroded, jobless families of the union with 10 kg each.
Talking to BSS, distressed people Mariyam Begum, Chand Miah and many others of Rangpur expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for standing beside them amid COVID-19 pandemic.
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer of Rangpur ATM Akhteruzzaman said distribution of 4,850 tonnes of rice and Taka 2.20 crore among 3.61 lakh families was completed across the district.
“Currently, we’ve a stock of 449 tonnes of rice and Taka 32.74 lakh to continue relief activities in Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC), three municipalities and eight upazilas of the district,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer of RpCC Ruhul Amin Miah said distribution of 600 tonnes of rice out of the total allocated 1,000 tonnes by the government was completed among 6,000 families in all 33 wards of the city.
“Besides, we’ve distributed 150 tonnes of rice among 1,500 families of the city from the own resources of RpCC,” he said, adding that distribution of 400 tonnes of government rice continues now.
Officials said distribution of 1,575 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.06 crore among 1.56 lakh families in Lalmonirhat and 2,220 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.44 crore among 2.17 lakh families in Gaibandha districts was completed.
Distribution of 1,660 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.22 crore among 1.68 lakh families in Nilphamari, 2,712 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.74 crore among 2.72 lakh families in Kurigram and 2,100 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.54 crore among 1.92 lakh families in Panchagarh districts was completed.
Besides, distribution of 2,900 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.30 crore among 3.20 lakh families in Dinajpur and 1,775 tonnes of rice and Taka 1.18 crore among 2.32 lakh families in Thakurgaon districts was completed.