Govt Wants No One to Starve: Minister

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Sunday that the government is working in such a way that no one in the country can suffer during this coronavirus crisis.

"The government is working to ensure that those who are vulnerable who survive from hand to mouth will not struggle. The wealthy parts of society and philanthropists are now moving out. The government's aim is to ensure that not one citizen dies of malnutrition, "he said in an online briefing from the Secretariat.

He said one-third population of the country is getting various government assistance during this pandemic.

About 10 Lakh families are receiving assistance under the Government's Disadvantaged Community Growth (VGD) scheme, 50 Lakh families are receiving Tk 10 and 12.5 Lakh families are receiving Open Market Selling (OMS) assistance, he stated.

Meanwhile, the district authorities have been buying vegetables, milk from farmers, and distributing them to residents, he said.

The minister also said three lakh families will receive assistance under the fisheries VGF program from May next.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has distributed 1,04,267mts of rice among people in rural areas, he said.

Hasan Mahmud also mentioned that the ministry has so far allocated cash Tk 44.11 crore while Tk 9.54 crore for child food.

The minister said this health disaster needs to be tackled with concerted efforts.

Source: UNB