We think the country’s field administrations and peoples' representatives must maintain transparency and accountability in terms of managing aid distribution among the unemployed people during these tough times.
In absence of work due to the soft shutdown, the destitute people across the country are facing hardship worse than usual. In this regard, it is good to note that the government has allocated Tk 23 crore 6 lakh 75 thousand to provide assistance to the poor, destitute, indigent and unemployed people across the country during the complete shutdown.
Maintaining transparency and
accountability are very important
in distributing cash and food
Apart from the government, particularly the well-off people of society should also help the poor and jobless people so that none of them suffer from starvation. Transport workers have been passing their days in great plight with their family members due to suspension of motor vehicle movement in compliance with the government order to tame coronavirus.
Therefore, people’s representatives—lawmakers, municipality mayors and ward councilors, upazila chairmen, union parishad chairmen, ward members, and field administrators like deputy commissioners, upazila nirbahi officers and officials concerned must work together and pursue all possible means to ensure food safety during the strict lockdown.
We think they should be cautious in identifying the real vulnerable people during this unusual situation. In this regard, the government will have to monitor the overall distribution process so that only truly affected people get the aid without any harassment. Besides, the authorities concerned must take legal action if anyone tries to manipulate the distribution process.
After Covid-19 hit the country last year, the government had allocated Tk 2,500 crore to provide food aid to the poor for three months during the 66-day public holiday from March to May. At that time, the government distributed rice, pulses, salt, oil and potatoes as food aid to the poor families.
We think maintaining transparency and accountability are very important in distributing cash and food. Therefore, we believe the government will prudently monitor the situation and take required measures timely to help people during this testing time.
