Staying away may help save all from Covid, says the prime minister
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday reiterated her urge that people should celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr staying where they are.
Putting emphasis on wearing masks, she also urged all to remain alert about the new variant of coronavirus that spread widely in neighbouring India, reports UNB.
“As the neighbouring country has been hit hard by the new variant, there is a possibility for it to enter Bangladesh.”
The prime minister said this while addressing a function marking the handover of plot documents to 1,440 original residents and affected people of Purbachal New Town Project.
She joined the program, held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
The premier criticized a section of people for their desperate bid to go to their village homes defying all the restrictions at this critical time of pandemic.
“All are travelling together in ferries and other vehicles. You do not know who is infected with coronavirus. You are carrying that virus to your family members. You are going to infect them, too. You are going to put their lives in danger as well,” she said.
Hasina questioned what problem they will face if one Eid is celebrated without all other family members and relatives. It will help save all from coronavirus infections, she said.
‘Will build planned cities in all districts’
At the program, the prime minister said the government will build planned cities in all districts of the country, not only in Dhaka.
“We will make planned housing in every division and district…it will no longer be Dhaka-centric one so that people have a better life [everywhere].”
She said the government is also taking steps so that people in rural areas can avail themselves of civic amenities that the city dwellers are enjoying.
“Everyone has a desire to live in a city. So, we have decided that the people living in villages will be provided with facilities like that of a city,” Hasina said.
The government is constructing roads, bridges and appropriate infrastructures across the country, she said, adding that a project, “Palli Janapad,” has been taken so that one can buy a flat if he/she wants to live in a flat.
The prime minister said the government is taking various steps so that people can manage their livelihood living in flats.
She reiterated her firm commitment that no one in the country will remain homeless. “We will arrange a shelter for everybody whatever and however we could.”
She also said every house will have the electricity connection which will illuminate it. “Every house will have educated people. The country will march forward with education and knowledge, and it will have a glorified position in the world.”
Hasina went on saying, “Bangladesh is now a developing nation, and this country will advance further. We will be the wonder of the world.”
State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Public Works Ministry Engineer Mosharrof Hossain, Housing and Public Works Secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker also spoke on the occasion.
Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was present at the dais.
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman ABM Amin Ullah Nuri delivered the welcome speech.
The state minister for housing and public works handed over the allotment papers on behalf of the prime minister.
