We never want to build “work-reluctant” nation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "We never want Bangladesh be built as a work-reluctant nation. Rather, we want that everybody who has work ability and strength to utilise those for the country`s socioeconomic uplift."

The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the National Social Services Day at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

She said that her government provided various allowances to the distressed people including elderly, widows and the women abandoned by the husbands, so that none remains hungry and neglected.

The Premier said, "We`re providing allowances equivalent to such amount of money or little more to the distressed so that they can purchase 10 kilos of rice in a month ... we don`t want to give more than the amount. Otherwise they won`t work and stay at the house.”

She also criticised a section of civil society members who are critical of providing small amount of such allowances by the government.

"There`re some civil society members who don`t think practically, rather they see it hypothetically. We heard to say by many (people) that can any family be managed through this small amount of money? The people will manage their respective families. But our responsibility is look into the matter that nobody remains hungry or neglected." the Prime Minister added.

State Minister for Social Welfare Nuruzzaman Ahmed presided over the function, while Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the ministry Dr Mozammel Hossain was present as the special guest. Social Welfare Secretary Md Zillar Rahman delivered the welcome address.

DailyBangladesh/Nishi