Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government wants capable people to harness their strength and drive the socioeconomic development of the country.
The premier was responding to criticism from what she called “a section of civil society members” who believe state handouts are providing a disincentive to work among the neediest members of society.
“We never want Bangladesh be built as a work-averse nation,” the prime minister said while inaugurating the National Social Services Day at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Tuesday.
“Rather, we want that everybody who has work ability and strength to utilize those for the country’s socio-economic uplift.”
Talking about the allowances given to the distressed people, she said her government has undertaken this program so that no citizen remains hungry or neglected.
“We are providing allowances equivalent to such amount of money or little more to the distressed so that they can purchase 10kgs of rice in a month,” Sheikh Hasina said. “We do not want to give more than that, otherwise they will not work and stay at the house.”
She said some people had raised questions about the amount of aid given.
“There are some civil society members who do not think practically, rather they see it hypothetically,” the prime minister said. “The people will manage their respective families and our responsibility is look into the matter that nobody remains hungry or neglected.”
State Minister for Social Welfare Nuruzzaman Ahmed presided over the function, while Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the ministry Dr Mozammel Hossain was present as the special guest.
Social Welfare Secretary Md Zillar Rahman delivered the welcome address.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
