Govt gradually relaxing shutdown to help people: PM

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government is gradually relaxing the nationwide shutdown so that the people can manage ‘their lives and livelihoods’ in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic BSS reports.

“We are trying to open slowly (the countrywide shutdown) so that the people can manage their lives and livelihoods in the month of Ramadan,” she said, joining a donation handing over ceremony through video conference from her official residence Ganabhaban here this morning.

PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus received the cheques for the donations on behalf of the premier at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.

The premier said many people, particularly the daily wage earners, have become jobless due to the shutdown which has put a great impact on the country’s economy.

She added: “We know the people are going through a great hardship (amid shutdown over coronavirus outbreak). So, we have been trying our best to reach foods to everyone’s doorstep to minimize plights.”

The relief goods are being distributed among the needy people on behalf of the government and the ruling Awami League and the rich people as well, she continued.

The premier said the government has given special importance to ensuring food security as part of taking precautionary measures in advance to offset the possible famine the world is likely to face due to the coronavirus outbreak.