Low income people take position in Dhaka’s major streets waiting for people to come and provide some relief for them during the nationawide shutdown beacause of coronavirus pandemic Rajib Dhar/Dhaka Tribune

The prime minister made the announcement while addressing a videoconference on Tuesday

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged authorities concerned to make a list of lower middle class and poor people, who had been left out of the government’s social safety programs, and provide them with ration cards to ease their suffering from the coronavirus situation.

“I have already instructed the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to make a list of those who remain out of social safety programs, such as rickshawpullers and small shop owners, but depend on daily wages,” the premier said.

The prime minister made the announcement while addressing a videoconference on Tuesday with the public representatives and officials of 15 districts of Chittagong and Sylhet divisions on the present coronavirus situation in the country. 

“The list has to be made for those who are really suffering right now. I want to say this strongly. These people cannot get out of their homes and they cannot beg for food. Make sure they and their children do not suffer,” she added. 

The videoconference, which was aired live on state and public television channels, began around 10:05am at Gonobhaban in Dhaka.

At the same time, the premier also said the total incentive package of Tk72,750 crore was announced to ensure that fisherman, cottage industries and small industries from the remotest areas of Bangladesh can also avail bank loans.

“If this is utilized accordingly, then we will not have any problems,” she said.

Issuing a stern warning for those trying to gain fortune during this crisis, the prime minister also said anyone involved with corruption will be caught and they will not be able to conceal their wealth.

“I will not spare them,” she warned.

At the same time, the premier also urged them to forgo their greed and take care of their neighbors instead.

On March 26, the government initiated a countrywide shutdown of all activities, except essential services, from March 26 till April 4 in order to enforce social distancing, a strategy crucial for slowing the spread of Covid-19. The shutdown was later extended twice to April 14.

At the same time, all public transports and domestic and international flights remain suspended due to the pandemic. The government also suspended holding mass prayers at mosques and other places of worship until further notice.

Till Monday, Bangladesh reported its highest single-day increase in Covid-19 cases, with 35 new positive cases and three deaths.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus positive in Bangladesh cases now stands at 123, with the death toll at 12.



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