Hasina Announces Tk 50bn in Virus Fund for Worker Wage

Sheikh Hasina has announced a Tk 50 billion package for export-industry employees to enable factory owners to deal with the effects of coronavirus.

The fund will only be used to compensate the workers and other staff salaries and benefits, the prime minister in her televised speech to the country on the eve of Independence Day.

"It will impact our production and our exports. So, we've taken some emergency action, "Hasina said.

Bangladesh Bank has also taken several ambitious steps, including the decision not to label every borrower a defaulting loan until June, she added.

"Because of the coronavirus outbreak, many citizens were homeless. We ought to stay with them. Members of the low-income classes will provide assistance under the' Ghore Fera ' scheme, in their own communities. Homeless and landless citizens should have free shelter, six-month food, and cash benefits, "said Hasina.