Dhaka: Highlighting the progress of the government’s ongoing development initiatives, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today urged the public to refrain from ‘panic buying’ of fuel. He made this appeal while presenting significant steps taken by the government at a press briefing held in the ministry meeting room at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the multifaceted programs being implemented across various sectors such as social security, economy, education, health, and security. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury, adviser on the ministry Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana were present at the press conference.
Swapan highlighted a new initiative where the government plans to issue a ‘family card’ to the head of each of the 4.1 crore families in the country. This program, already piloted with more than 37,000 families receiving family cards, aims to provide cash assistance of Taka 2,500 per month to eligible families.
The minister also discussed measures for the welfare of religious workers, stating that an honorarium program has been introduced for imams, muazzins, priests, Buddhist monastery principals, and church pastors. The government plans to cover all religious institutions under this program in the next four fiscal years.
Swapan further detailed efforts in the agricultural sector, including the launch of a ‘Farmer Card’ for 21,014 farmers in 11 upazilas of 8 divisions, set to begin from the next Pahela Baishakh. This card will provide an annual incentive of Taka 2,500 to farmers. Additionally, he mentioned the government’s plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals, with work already underway in 54 districts.
Emphasizing government frugality, Swapan noted that members of parliament have opted out of tax-free car and plot facilities. VIP protocols have been reduced, and initiatives have been taken to ensure government expenditure austerity.
Regarding the energy situation, Swapan reassured the public that there is no decision to hike fuel prices despite global pressures. He urged the public to avoid succumbing to rumors and refrain from ‘panic buying’.
The minister also informed about steps taken to prevent worker unrest, stating that about Taka 2,500 crore has been allocated to ensure timely payment of salaries and bonuses before Eid-ul-Fitr, thereby preventing unrest in industrial areas.
In the health sector, Swapan announced plans to launch e-‘health cards’ and recruit 100,000 new health workers, with 80 percent being women. Measures are also being taken to prevent dengue outbreaks.
Swapan highlighted measures to enhance law and social security, such as containing extortion and ensuring women’s safety, including the introduction of ‘pink buses’ for female passengers. To promote sports, the government plans to make sports education mandatory from the primary level and appoint sports teachers in every upazila.
The minister also mentioned initiatives like loan waivers for small farmers, enactment of the Expatriate Welfare Foundation Act, and the introduction of free WiFi at airports.
To encourage education and foreign employment, conditions for providing loans up to Taka 10 lakh through Probashi Kallyan Bank have been relaxed for those going to Japan on language student visas. Additionally, loans up to Taka 10 lakh will be available to students for higher education to demonstrate financial capacity.
Swapan concluded by stating that the government is committed to a comprehensive plan for the country’s development, which will succeed with the active cooperation of all.