More and more poor people desperate for food continue to take to the streets across the country as the ongoing shutdown to limit the spread of Covid-19 has left them without work and incomes.
The government has started distributing relief under the social safety net programmes to feed these jobless persons after the nationwide shutdown began on March 26.
However, public demonstrations suggest many poverty stricken people still remain without relief assistance.
On Monday, demonstrations for relief assistance were reported from at least eight districts across the country.
In Dinajpur, indigenous community people in Chehelgazi Union of Sadar upazila demonstrated on Doshmile road in front of Dinajpur Palli Bidyut Samity for relief.
Regarding the matter, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Maghfurul Hasan Abbasi said the government has ensured relief for all and people who are demonstrating will get relief in due course of time.
In Gopalganj, as many as 120 hungry people of Jolirpar Union Parishad in Maksadpur upazila barricaded the Gopalganj-Tekerhat roads, demanding relief assistance.
In Jessore, around 100 unemployed people of ward 7 in Jessore Municipality, staged a human chain in front of the Press Club, as they were without relief assistance for many days. Ward councillor Golam Mostofa said the relief is insufficient compared to the demand.
In Rangpur, locals demonstrated for food in the city's different areas, namely the truck stand area, Chartola intersection, Nazirerhat, and Kadamtoli. However, the local administration has assured them of sufficient relief.
In Sirajganj, relief deprived locals of Ullapara upazila staged demonstrations and blockaded roads in Balsabari area. Regarding the matter, district relief and rehabilitation officer Ariful Islam said his office is distributing adequate relief assistance and demand for more relief was sent to the ministry.
In Gaibandha, as many as 150 drivers of battery-run auto rickshaws and vans barricaded a road in Baguria village under Gidari union of Sadar upazila, demanding food. Gidari Union Parishad Chairman Harun-or-Rashid said we are distributing relief, but as the number of jobless people is increasing due to the shutdown, the relief falls short.
In Nilphamari, lower income people of Kundupukur and Choraikhola union in Sadar upazila demonstrated on Nilphamari-Sayedpur road in front of Daroani Textile Mills.
In Madaripur, locals of Kendua union of Sadar upazila which falls under the jurisdiction of Madaripur-3 lawmaker Abdus Sobhan Golap, barricaded the Dhaka-Barisal highway demanding relief aid.
