Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said allowances that are being provided under the social safety net program are not meant to sustain a whole family or make one reluctant to work.
"These allowances are just to ensure that no one suffers from starvation—but nobody should stay away from work," she said on Tuesday.
She made the statement via viedeoconference at her official residence, Ganabhaban; while addressing the inaugural function of electronic distribution of allowances to 115,088 beneficiaries.
The allowances are being provided under a social safety net program of the Social Welfare Ministry, reports UNB.
She said those who are getting the money and have the capability to work must work to earn. "We have ensured that we will give you a certain amount that will ensure your food, but you have to work along with that."
The prime minister added: "Otherwise, people will become dependent on allowances; they will be reluctant about going to work... we do not want that."
"We will not take the responsibility to sustain a full family with these allowances; we will provide a certain amount so that you do not have to suffer from starvation," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the government will help people to be self-dependent and these allowances will be given in moments of crisis.
Regarding the upcoming election, she said: "Her party's return to power is solely dependent on the Almighty Allah and people; if people give their mandate in favour of us we will get back to power."
But, Hasina said she wants to make her development program secure. "I want to do that because I want no one to play with the fate of people."
State Minister for Social Welfare Nuruzzaman Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
Social Welfare Secretary Md Zillar Rahman made a PowerPoint presentation on the benefits of the social safety net.
Later, the prime minister talked to the beneficiaries in: Gopalganj, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, and Chapainawabganj through the videoconference.
