Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday provided financial support to a number of ailing senior and renowned cultural personalities of the country.
The recipients are ailing film actor Abdus Samad, popularly known as Tele Samad, film director Shahidul Islam Khokan, film actor Abdus Sattar who acted in colour film Rangin Rupban, and flute player Basudev Das.
Sheikh Hasina handed over cheques in the form of family savings certificates amounting to Tk20 lakh to each of the recipients at her official residence Ganabhaban.
While talking to the renowned actors and artistes of the country, the prime minister said she came to know about their problems from her younger sister Sheikh Rehana who had collected the information from national dailies.
Expressing gratitude to the prime minister, the ailing cultural personalities thanked her for extending support during their bad times. Tele Samad in an emotion-choked voice said throughout his career he had strived to give pleasure to people but now he is seriously sick.
In reply, the Prime Minister mentioned that the government has some responsibility for the ailing cultural personalities who gave pleasure to general people through their performance.
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned a number of dialogues of actor Tele Samad like “Darjiling, Darjiling”.
Basudev Das said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave the National Flag to his daughter Sheikh Hasina and it is now her responsibility to protect it and uphold the dignity of the nation.
Abdus Sattar with tears in his eyes said he acted in various films including Rangin Rupban and also made a film on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Today, he feels proud that the daughter of Bangabandhu came forward with the financial assistance for him, Abdus Sattar said.
Joya Chowdhury - wife of ailing film director Shahidul Islam Khokan briefed the Prime Minister about the physical condition of her husband.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhuri and PM’s Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil were, among others, present.