Stimulus packages to save people, economy: PM Hasina
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said her government has announced various stimulus packages worth around one trillion taka to save the people and the economy from the crisis arising out of novel coronavirus pandemic.
“We have declared various financial stimulus packages of around Tk 1 trillion for not only overcoming the crisis of today, but also for the next three years so that all can run their business and industries properly after the bad time they are now facing in the wake of coronavirus outbreak,” she said.
The prime minister said this while joining a donation handover ceremony through videoconferencing from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital this morning.
On behalf of the prime minister, her principal secretary Ahmad Kaikaus received the donations in cheques at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Unfortunately, some people and parties have been saying many things about relief distribution but they are not extending their helping hands in this regard. They are busy in criticising the governmentSheikh Hasina
The prime minister said she had declared the stimulus packages of around Taka one lakh crore, which is 3.3 per cent of the GDP, for all the people ranging from the farmers, day labourers, rickshaw pullers and small traders to the industrialists to save the people and country’s commerce and industry to counterbalance the possible impact of coronavirus pandemic on the country’s economy.
Extending her heartiest greetings to the organisations and individuals for giving donations to her relief and welfare fund, she said, “You (businessmen) should work your best so that the country’s economy is not hampered due to the coronavirus outbreak.”
She asked the affluent people to distribute relief materials in coordination with the government agencies instead of giving those separately to ensure that each and every people get the relief.
The prime minister called upon all, irrespective of party affiliations and opinions, particularly the civil society to join hands with the government in helping the needy people during their bad times instead of wholesale criticising the government only.
Sheikh Hasina also reminded all that her government is very much aware of its duty and has been working accordingly as the government’s main motto is to save the people from the onslaught of the coronavirus
In this context, she said, “Unfortunately, some people and parties have been saying many things about relief distribution but they are not extending their helping hands in this regard. They are busy in criticising the government.”
She requested them to stand beside the needy people instead of criticising the government and think what their contribution is for the people in such a bad time.
Sheikh Hasina also reminded all that her government is very much aware of its duty and has been working accordingly as the government’s main motto is to save the people from the onslaught of the coronavirus.
The prime minister reiterated her stance on taking tougher actions against the relief goods plunderers, irrespective of their political ideology.
Noting that measures have been taken in case of any irregularity regarding relief distribution, she said such problems have been seen in five to seven places although there are over 4,500 unions across the country.
That quarter is shouting time and again over those irregularities though the government is not sparing anyone involved in the misdeeds.
The government agencies that made the donations are youth and sports ministry, environment affairs ministry, and housing and public works ministry, and local government division, rural development and co-operatives division and Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Company Limited (DMRTCL).
The educational institutes that contributed to the PM’s relief fund are Dhaka University, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, and Siddeshwari Girls’ High School.
The private organisations that provided donations are Saif Powertec Limited, Uttara Group, Dhaka Club, BSRM Group, Texcotech, Kashem Trust, Hamdard Foundation, Gaan Bangla, Xiaomi Technologies Bangladesh Pvt. Limited, Ispahani Tea Limited, Amin Mohammad Foundation, Olila Glass Industries Ltd., Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Bangladesh Jewellery Samity.
Other organisations that donated are Bangladesh Foreign Service Association, BCS Taxation Association, Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IEDB), and EED Diploma Engineers Association. Besides, Zillul Hakim, MP, donated to the PM’s relief fund.