Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked all concerned to take advance preparations with a warning that the COVID-19 situation may get worse in the upcoming winter.

“Winter is ahead and that’s why the COVID-19 situation may be worse to some extent. So, we have to remain prepared from right now,” she said. 

The premier made the remarks while receiving donations for the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund from various organizations.

She attended the donation handover ceremony through a video conference from her official Ganabhaban residence.

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

The premier expressed gratitude to the organisations for their generous contributions to the PM’s Relief and Welfare Fund to help the nation combat coronavirus.

Referring to her government’s efforts including announcement of stimulus packages to offset the COVID-19 impact on the country’s economy, she said: “We are taking effective measures to keep running the country’s trade and commerce. We have declared stimulus packages. And we are giving whatever necessary (to keep functioning the country’s economy) as our target is to serve the people.”

The premier thanked the Bangladesh Association of Bank (BAB) as they extended their hands whenever the country fell in any crisis.

The Prime Minister requested the BAB to give special attention so that the banks could operate in a proper manner.

Of the organizations, 34 commercial banks made the major contributions to the PM’s Relief and Welfare Fund.

While six other organizations like Ministry of Food, FOSA (Foreign Officers Spouse Association), Rajshahi Medical University, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), Bangladesh Judicial Employees Association and Minister Group also made donations.

BDST: 1610 HRS, SEP 20, 2020
AP/SMS