Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday emphasized the need for increased private sector involvement in humanitarian and social initiatives, highlighting that collective efforts could address significant challenges. Speaking at the launch of a program to distribute 20,000 raincoats to tea garden workers in the Sylhet division, he underscored the potential for societal improvement through individual contributions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister distributed raincoats to ten tea workers at the Secretariat's Prime Minister's Office as part of the event. He also took the opportunity to engage with the workers, inquiring about their wellbeing and sharing views. The initiative, spearheaded by the Social Welfare Ministry, aims to provide protection for tea garden workers in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj against adverse weather conditions, thereby contributing to a safer working environment.
Under this program, 20,000 raincoats are slated for distribution. The Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) is set to provide 10,000 raincoats, with Chevron Bangladesh and Pandughar Group contributing 5,000 each, all under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Prime Minister Rahman assured private sector organizations of the government's support for humanitarian and social efforts, promising assistance to those willing to undertake such initiatives. Representatives from the participating organizations echoed their commitment to social responsibility, indicating their intent to continue supporting initiatives that improve the living standards and working conditions of tea workers and other marginalized communities.
The tea workers expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister, the government, and the contributing organizations for the raincoats. Santuki Roy of Majdihi Tea Garden presented the Prime Minister with tea leaves on behalf of the workers.
The event saw participation from several tea workers, including Shanti Uriya, Munni Kurmi, Jyotsna Akter, Rina Tanti, Sashika Banerjee, Kabita Karmakar, Sujata Biswas, Rita Rani Bauri, and Afkhatun Nahar from various tea gardens.
Notable attendees included Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, and State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin. Lawmakers and private-sector representatives such as BAPI Senior Vice-President Mosaddek Hossain, Chevron Bangladesh's Director for Corporate Affairs Md Imrul Kabir, and Pandughar Group's Chief of People and Corporate Affairs Golam Habib were also present.