Dhaka:State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam, announced steps to construct 17 buildings to address the accommodation crisis faced by cleaners. Speaking at an event under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), he emphasized plans to build modern flats or apartments for this purpose.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister assured that initiatives would also be taken to provide employment opportunities for educated and unemployed youth from cleaners' families.
The announcement was made during a financial assistance distribution event for Telugu and Kanpuri-speaking cleaners' families, in connection with Durga Puja. Financial assistance of Taka 2,000 was provided to each of the 680 families, with support from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Shahe Alam highlighted that the support is part of the Prime Minister's special humanitarian directive to share the joy of the Sharadiya Durga Utsab. Special grants were also given to two local temples, and plans to construct 17 new buildings across DSCC were outlined, including two in Dayaganj.
Further, the government has arranged for free medical treatment for cleaners and a one-time assistance of Taka four lakh in case of a cleaner's death. The state minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring dignity and equal rights for cleaners.
DSCC administrator Md Abdus Salam also spoke at the event, highlighting various initiatives by the city corporation for the welfare of cleaners and extending Durga Puja greetings.