Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday came down heavily on a section of civil society and BNP for their reluctance in appreciating the universal pension scheme introduced by the government for building a social welfare state.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has introduced a universal pension scheme for the well-being of the marginal people. Though it is an extraordinary initiative, BNP as well as a section of civil society failed to hail it. The culture of denial and politics of denial does not bring any good for a state," he said.
Hasan, also joint general secretary of Awami League (AL), said this while addressing, as chief guest, the inaugural ceremony of Chittagong City Corporation-Red Crescent Physio Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center at Kadamtali in the port city on Friday afternoon.
He said the country's remarkable progress in all sectors is gaining international appreciation but some particular individuals and some political parties, including BNP, cannot appreciate it.
"It is very much unfortunate for the nation. We have a mindset to welcome any critical opinion. But blind criticism is not good," he said.
Describing the features of the pension scheme, the minister said it has four programs and one of those is meant for the very low-income group.
The government's contribution will be the same as the amount of individual contribution to that program for the ultra-poor.
Giving an example, he said if an individual submits Tk1,000 per month, the government will also provide the same amount under the program.
He said some civil society members who did not appreciate the initiative might appear in the future with what is wrong with the scheme. They do not do anything but make criticisms, he mentioned.
The minister recalled that after assuming office in 1996, Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had introduced allowances for elderly people and widows with a target to build a humanitarian society and social welfare state.
Now the government is providing 22 types of allowances and 3,000-3,500 people are beneficiaries of those allowances from each union parisad of the country.
Hasan said the government is ensuring houses along with lands to marginal people translating the dreams of thousands into reality.
Highlighting the government initiatives in the health sector, the minister said a large number of community clinics have been set up at grassroots to reach healthcare at people's doorsteps and hospitals are being modernized to provide quality service.
Noting that Red Crescent Society attains the confidence and love of the people, the minister said it can also contribute a lot to the health sector.
He wished the orthopaedic centre established under the joint initiative of Chittagong City Corporation and Red Crescent Society will become a symbol of the popular and trusted institution to the middle-income and lower-middle-income people.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Chairman Major General (Rtd) ATM Abdul Wahab presided over the function while CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury inaugurated the event.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Secretary General Kazi Shofiqul Azam, Treasurer MA Salam, and its Chittagong City Unit Vice President Alamgir Parvez, among others, spoke on the occasion.
The centre was built at a cost of around Tk60,00,000 with the personal funding of MA Salam, treasurer of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
