Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on May 24 said economic activities have to be resumed for the sake of the lives and livelihoods of people.
“Most countries of the world have already been compelled to relax their lockdowns, because it’s not possible to restrict people’s paths of income for an indefinite period. It’s not possible at all for a developing country like Bangladesh,” she said while addressing the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, reports UNB.
State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television simultaneously broadcast the prime minister’s address. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the speech.
Hasina said the World Health Organisation in its forecast said this coronavirus pandemic will not go away so quickly.
“But life won’t stand still… We’ve to move on taking coronavirus with us as long as the vaccine is being developed,” she said.
Talking about the resumption of the economy, the prime minister said the government has already announced a Tk101,117 crore stimulus package, which is 3.6% of the GDP.
She said 18 economic sectors, including export-oriented industries, small, medium and cottage industries, agriculture, pisciculture and poultry have been brought under this package.
To help the jobless youths and expatriates who have returned from various countries, the government has also allocated Tk2,000 crore (Tk 500 crore each) for Palli Sanchay Bank, Karmasangsthan Bank, Prabashi Kalyan Bank and Palli Karmo Sahayok Bank, she said.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
