In the wake of the much-feared coronavirus epidemic, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has received demand for around 11000 tonnes of rice and cash in the last two days. The ministry has allocated more relief in the fourth phase to augment the ongoing government efforts to help the needy.
“Today we allocated 8450 tonnes of rice and cash of Taka 4.70 for 64 districts across the country” an official of National Disaster Response Coordination Centre (NDRCC) has confirmed this to The Bangladesh Post. The ministry has distributed 40000 tonnes of rice and cash of Tk 18 crore under a special allotment to fight against the coronavirus in the 64 districts of the country till March 30, NDRCC latest update showed on Thursday. This relief has been distributed in three phases. It is now allocating relief for the fourth phase, added the official.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman said, “Till now there is sufficient stock of relief in each district. But there will be more demand for relief in the days to come. Based on the district administration's demand, we are allocating more relief”. “The ministry is also continuously trying to find ways and means in each district so that relief crisis does not occur anywhere in the country”, added the state minister.
To deal with the alarming situation of coronavirus, relief distribution is increasing gradually in the country, he said. Senior secretary of the ministry Md Shah Kamal told The Bangladesh Post that, “We are distributing 8450 tonnes of rice and cash of Tk 4.70 crore as relief in 64 districts of the country. The next allotment will be distributed on Monday next. As per the Prime Minister’s directives, we are continuously working and strictly monitoring the distribution of relief”.
Meanwhile, the ministry has also ordered to prepare a list on a priority basis for proper distribution of relief sent on March 29 last. To avoid dualism and ensure proper distribution of relief, it has also been asked to coordinate the list with the people or organisations who are coming forward to do something for the needy people.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday last warned that irregularities and corruption in the distribution of relief materials will not be tolerated. "We have to remain watchful so that everyone can get equal assistance. For this, a list must be prepared to distribute the relief materials. Any type of irregularity and corruption in the distribution of relief materials will not be tolerated," she said.
The premier especially laid importance on ensuring livelihood of the jobless working-class people like day-labourers, rickshaw and van pullers, and disabled people at this crisis moment.
