The way of earning income of the people cannot be stopped indefinitely

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that storms and epidemics will come. We have to deal with them and move forward. The joint efforts of the people are needed to deal with any disaster. No matter how deep the crisis, if the people are united, it is not a difficult task to overcome. "You have proved it again," she said. With your cooperation and support, we have been able to deal with the Coronavirus epidemic for two and a half months with great success. Until this crisis is resolved, I and my government will be by your side, InshaAllah. She said this while addressing the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday.

She said that the way of earning income of the people cannot be stopped indefinitely. Economic activities should be started in the interest of livelihood.

In her speech, she highlighted the current context of the country. She also described the various steps taken by the government. In her speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the current context and said, "Danger never comes alone." The Coronavirus epidemic hit the coastal districts of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions last Wednesday with a devastating cyclone 'Ampan'. Due to the infinite mercy of Allah and our advance preparation, it has been possible to avoid extensive loss of life and property. In order to prevent the damage caused by the cyclone, we have made arrangements to bring more than 2.4 million people living on different islands, pastures and coasts and about 6 lakh cattle to the cyclone shelter. She said that despite all preparations, several people were killed and many houses were destroyed when trees and walls collapsed. I pray for the forgiveness of the souls of the dead. We have already started distributing relief items among the cyclone victims and started repairing houses.

"The whole world is in turmoil today because of the deadly coronavirus epidemic," she said. In addition to the loss of countless lives, the epidemic has taken a heavy toll on people's livelihood. Everything, including offices, courts, mills and businesses, had to be shut down except for some emergency services to prevent the spread of the infection. Millions of people are unemployed today. They have lost their livelihood. The Prime Minister said the holy Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in a different context this year. A deadly virus called corona has spread around the world in the form of an epidemic. The cyclone also affected several districts in the southwestern part of the country. This year we have imposed restrictions on all types of public gatherings to prevent coronavirus. Therefore, it will not be possible to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr this time as usual. She said that instead of Eidgah Maidan, arrangements have been made to perform Eid prayers by maintaining social distance in the mosque and following the hygiene rules. Earlier, the inaugural ceremony of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Independence Day and Bengali New Year has also been celebrated on radio, television and digital, avoiding public gatherings. The Prime Minister said, "I request everyone to enjoy Eid with their family members while sitting at home."

At the same time, I urge the able-bodied to not forget your poor neighbors, villagers or locals in these difficult times. Stand by them as much as you can. Then your house and heart will be filled with the joy of Eid. In her address, the Prime Minister said, "On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my best wishes and congratulations to the doctors, nurses, and other health workers who are providing medical services to the patients suffering from corona from the front." Greetings to the police, BGB, Ansar and village defense forces, members of the armed forces and officials of the central and field administrations who are implementing various government programs including distribution of relief items at the risk of their lives. The Prime Minister said in many cases they have to make arrangements for the burial of the dead person affected by Corona. Journalists are highlighting the Corona situation by ignoring the risk of infection and helping to make people aware. Thanks and best wishes to them too. "In doing so, a large number of our law enforcement personnel, doctors and health workers, a significant number of administration officials, bank employees and journalists have been infected with the coronavirus," she said. Several doctors and health workers, members of the police and Ansar forces, administration officials and bankers, and journalists have already died. I seek the forgiveness of their souls and extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members.

Sheikh Hasina said more than 650 Bangladeshi brothers and sisters living abroad, including in the United States and the United Kingdom, have died of the coronavirus. I wish forgiveness of all souls and peace of soul. Highlighting the various steps taken by the government to deal with corona, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "We have already increased our medical capacity many times over." In addition to government hospitals, we have also involved a significant number of private sector hospitals in the treatment of coronavirus. 2,000 doctors and 5,000 nurses have been recruited on an emergency basis. They have already started work. Hospitals have been instructed to ensure the treatment of all types of patients.

She said everything including offices, courts, mills, and businesses had to be shut down except for some emergency services to prevent the spread of the infection. Millions of people are unemployed today. They have lost their livelihood. The government has taken all possible initiatives to help these unemployed people. In addition to food aid, cash is being provided. So far, 1 lakh 62 thousand 867 metric tons of rice and 91 crores 47 lakh 72 thousand rupees in cash have been allocated. 80,000 metric tons of rice have been allocated for sale at a rate of 10 kg. In May, an additional 5 million cards were distributed to poor families to buy rice. 5 lakh such families who have lost their jobs but are not included in any assistance program have been given a total of Tk 1250 crore at a cost of Tk 2,500 through mobile phones. More than Tk 17 crore has been provided in two phases for the students and teachers of Qawmi Madrasa and 122 crores 2 lakh 15 thousand takas for the imams and muezzins of mosques across the country. Besides, special measures have been taken to help the marginalized sections of society. The Prime Minister said as long as the situation is not normal, these programs will continue. Many charitable individuals and organizations have come forward to distribute relief goods to help the poor. I sincerely thank them.

The Prime Minister said, "We have already announced an incentive package of Taka 1 lakh 1 thousand 117 crore to revive the economic activities and production system." Which is 3.6 percent of GDP. 18 economic sectors including export-oriented industries, small, medium and cottage industries, agriculture, fisheries, poultry, and animal husbandry have been brought under these incentive packages. A total of Tk 2,000 crore has been allocated to Palli Sanchay Bank, Karmasangan Bank, Prabasi Kalyan Bank, and Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation to help the youth and expatriate siblings who have lost their jobs. The bumper yield of boro paddy has been a blessing for us in this disaster moment. This year, boro paddy was planted in about 48 lakh hectares of land. In the meantime, Boro paddy cutting and threshing are almost over. Sheikh Hasina said, "I congratulate the farmer brothers and sisters and all those associated with agriculture for playing an important role in ensuring food security in the country at this time of disaster and wish them a happy Eid." We have already started collecting paddy and rice so that the farmers get a fair price for it. This season, 22.25 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains will be procured, which is 2 lakh metric tonnes more than last year. We have provided combined harvesters and reapers at subsidized rates to the farmers to assist in harvesting and threshing of paddy. 200 crore was allocated for this. Tk 5,000 crore has been allocated for farmers at only 4 percent interest. The Prime Minister said, "I instructed the leaders and workers of Bangladesh Chhatra League to stand by the farmers in cutting and threshing paddy." They stood by the farmer, obeying my instructions. At the same time, the leaders and workers of Krishka League, Juba League, Swechchhasebak League, and Awami League have helped in harvesting paddy. Farmers did not have to spend any money on this. Farmers have been able to bring paddy home quickly. I congratulate all these BCL activists who have stood by the side of the farmers.

The Prime Minister said the World Health Organization (WHO) forecast that the coronavirus epidemic would not go away suddenly. But life will not stop. Until a vaccine is discovered, we may have to live with the coronavirus. Economic activities should be introduced in the interest of livelihood. Almost all countries in the world have already been forced to relax the lockdown. Because it is not possible to block people's income for an indefinite period. Not for a developing country like Bangladesh. She said a loan facility of Tk 5,000 crore has been implemented for special funds for export-oriented industries. Those who could not join the work, they are also getting a 60 percent salary. The salary has already started to be paid from this incentive package. On the one hand, the income of the owners has stopped due to the closure of shops and jute businesses, on the other hand, the employees have also suffered. Most store owners cannot afford to pay their employees. As a result, they are living an inhuman life.

The Prime Minister said, "We have given permission to open some shops before Eid in compliance with health rules and regulations." Those who have opened a business and those who are going to shop, you must protect yourself. Avoid crowds. Your protection is in your hands. Remember if you are safe your family will be safe, neighbors will be safe, the country will be safe. Towards the end of her speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that after a long month of fasting, the Almighty has fixed the day of Eid-ul-Fitr for the joyous festival. Forgetting the hardships and fatigue of a month, this is the day to rise in joy and happiness. This year we will not be able to meet each other physically or exchange Eid greetings, but we will search for relatives through telephone or virtual. In this way, I will give thanks to Allah for this great blessing. I am concluding my speech by quoting a few verses of the timeless song of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the rebellious poet, the poet of humanity, the poet of Islam: O mind, happy Eid has come at the end of that Ramadan fast, you give it to me today, listen to the heavenly admonition. Your gold-grain, balakhana all the way lillah de zakat, the sleep of the dead Muslim to break today, and the happy Eid came at the end of that fast of Ramadan. All of you stay well, stay healthy, stay safe. Enjoy the joy of Eid sitting at home. May Allah Almighty help us. Eid Mubarak to everyone again.