Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina Corona situation could worsen again in winter: PM fears
Dhaka, September 21, 2020: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed concern that the situation of Covid-19 may worsen again in the coming winter and directed all concerned to take preparations to deal with the situation. Sheikh Hasina made the remarks while receiving grants to the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund from various organisations, including 34 commercial banks, on Sunday. She attended the handover ceremony via a video conference from Ganobhaban.
The Prime Minister said, "Winter is coming. During this time, in some cases, the situation may deteriorate. So we have to be prepared to deal with it right now."
On behalf of the Prime Minister, her Chief Secretary Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus received the check at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) premises.
Sheikh Hasina thanked the organisations for providing these financial grants to the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund to help the nation deal with Corona. In this context, she said, ‘Everyone has worked very sincerely in this situation. And that's why we've been able to deal with this corona situation."
Referring to the sincere efforts of the government, including the announcement of an incentive package, to keep the country's economy free from the impact of COVID-19, the Prime Minister said, "We have taken effective steps to keep the country's trade and economy afloat." Announced incentive packages and provided where needed. Because our main goal is to serve the people."
The Prime Minister thanked the Bangladesh Association of Bank (BAB) for extending their hand in any crisis in the country.
The Prime Minister requested the BAB to pay special attention to enable the banks to conduct their business properly. She added, "Some banks have become very weak. In that case banks need 'merging'. However, it is necessary to verify which banks are working properly and which are not. Trust me, nothing will be done without evaluation."
The Prime Minister said her government has taken the initiative to open banks for the first time in the private sector and they have allowed the operation of most of the private banks, which has created huge employment.
