PMO instructs quickening Ashrayan Project work

BSS Dhaka

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Monday asked the field level officers to quicken the work of the Ashrayan Project-2 as the government is set to provide over 53,434 houses in this June and 1.25 lakh more others by next year.

But at the same time, it has directed the authorities concerned to enhance the surveillance to make sure the quality of the works and right people to get the houses under the Ashrayan Project.

In a virtual meeting to review progress of the project’s ongoing work held at the PMO in the capital this afternoon with Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus presiding, it has also sounded a note of warning against any sort of irregularities.

The Prime Minister earlier on January 23 last launched the Ashrayan Project-2 with giving around 70,000 houses among the landless and homeless people as part of her commitment to give shelter to every homeless and landless people on the occasion of the Mujib Borsho marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country’s independence.

Mentioning that the Prime Minister is always inquiring about the progress of the Ashrayan Project-2, Kaikaus said that they hope the work regarding the project will complete in due time.

He asked the field level officers to show their competence in completing the project successfully as they get the rare scope of serving the people in such larger scale due to the Prime Minister.

Referring to give Taka 5 crore privately to the Ashrayan Project by the Prime Minister from the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, he said that private sector is now showing interest to join hand with the government to this endeavor.

Kaikaus added that the Prime Minister has set an example in the world with taking such project as part of the measure to eliminate poverty from Bangladesh and, at the same time give, the homeless a dignified position in the society.

Referring to some allegations of irregularities in the Ashrayan Project, the Principal Secretary said, “No irregularities to this end will be tolerated. Tougher measures will be taken if anything happens beyond the policy.”

He once again said that don’t take the warning lightly, adding, “We will not let tarnish image of the project.”

Speaking at the meeting, PMO Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah asked the field level officers to quicken the project work as the government can distribute over 50,000 more houses among the landless and homeless people within June 7 next and 1.25 lakh more others by next year.

Project Director of the Ashrayan Project-2 Md Mahbub Hossain gave a power point presentation regarding the progress of the ongoing work.

He, however, called for managing quick power connection and water supply in the houses.

All the divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers have got connected to the meeting virtually.