DHAKA:  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed financial assistance to vehicle owners who were affected in the ongoing hartals and blockades sponsored by BNP-led 20-party alliance.

The Primer, in the first phase, handed over cheques for Tk 4,20,65,000 to 146 owners for the 156 damaged vehicles at  PMO in the city on Wednesday morning.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, at the occasion, said that owners of 823 vehicles including buses and trucks have submitted applications to the Prime Minister for financial help. 

Of those, 287 were burnt and 536 were vandalized during the ongoing hartals and blockades of BNP-Jamaat alliance, the minister added.

More than 1800 vehicles were burnt or vandalized since January 5 when BNP chairperson announced the nationwide blockade for indefinite period, said Obaidul.

Thanking to the vehicle owners for providing services to passengers ignoring hartal-blockade, the minister said the Prime Minister will provide financial assistance to owners for the damage of their vehicles. It is the first phase assistance. The rest affected owners would be given financial help in phases, he added.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Moshiur Rahman Ranga, and leaders of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Malik Samity were, among others, present on the occasion.

BDST: 1502 HRS, FEB 25, 2015