14 April 2020, Tue, 12:01

Coronavirus pandemic: Jamaat Ameer discloses party’s social welfare and humanitarian activities

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed the nation on 13th April, disclosing details about the welfare and humanitarian activities of Jamaat-e-Islami amid the current circumstances. A summary of those programs is given below:

The entire world is crossing a critical juncture. Bangladesh is also facing the same crisis. Since the onset of the crisis, we had warned the government. We also printed leaflets and conveyed those pamphlets and leaflets to the people to create mass awareness. But the government failed to take proper steps on time.

As a responsible organization, we did not seat idle by giving advices and suggestions only. We have tried to take stand by the general masses as well. Our activists have responded to the call of humanity and sacrificed relentlessly. Our leaders and activists are providing food and other emergency requirements to door to doors. Till 9 April, Jamaat-e-Islami has distributed the following items:

Jamaat-e-Islami’s relief distribution in details

Number of beneficiary families: 255,492

 Rice: 1779 tons

Lentils: 187 tons

Salt: 196 tons

Potato: 548 tons

Onion: 227 tons

Oil: 4,59,844 liters

Flour: 68 tons

Mask: 2,23,423 pieces

Soap: 4,40,470 pieces

PPE: 2800 pieces

Our medical teams are continuously providing health care and suggestions to the people. Our party workers are also working to keep our social and religious institutions clean and germ free. We are observing with great concern that, whereas the ruling party men are supposed to help the poor people in this crucial period, instead, they are getting involved with misappropriation of rice, allocated for the poor. Everyday, thousands of tons of rice are being stolen.

Government also declared various stimulus package to boost up different sectors. Whereas in other countries, the government is helping the people, our government has declared to provide money as loans. Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country. Agriculture contributes the most to the GDP of this nation. But government declared only 5 thousand crore taka stimulus for this sector. We are urging the authority to make it at least 30 thousand crore takas. They also should take steps to remove the miseries of the home-returned expatriates. Another convincing stimulus to be declared for them as well. We are urging the authority to stay alert to stop all sorts of corruption and irregularities centering the money of these stimulus packages.

Government’s declared food distribution program for the poor have become a failure already. The incidents of rice misappropriation have shocked the nation. As Bangladesh Army is on the field to tackle the current situation, we are urging to engage them in these activities. Hopefully, the government will pay heed to our suggestion.

Many people became unemployed and workless due to coronavirus outbreak. Subsidies to be provided in the upcoming six months for ensuring food for them at low cost. Salaries of next three months to be paid to the private service holders. Health security must be ensured for the health staffs and officials. Testing kits to be supplied in all districts. Government hospitals must be equipped with facilities to provide treatment to the corona infected patients. Sufficient amounts of ventilators must be arranged. A national taskforce should be formed comprising economists and social scientists to get rid of the probable economic recession. We had called earlier for national consensus. But we are not observing any positive approach from the government in this regard. They must call for national unity immediately in order to do whatsoever is needed to tackle this pandemic.

Mills, factories and industries should not be reopened unless the situation improves satisfactorily. The industry will sustain if the nation survives. So, maximum priority should be given on saving lives.

We are urging the affluent citizens and political parties to come forward to ensure public welfare. The holy month of Ramadan is knocking at our doors. We must work together irrespective of our political differences, to make the Ramadan easier for all. Strict monitoring should be imposed on markets. Dishonest traders are needed to be controlled. Government must take all out measures in this regard.

We believe that test and trials come from Allah and only He can remove it. Actually, when people are committing maximum crimes and turn into transgressors, then Allah gives an opportunity to turn back to Him. So, whoever is wise and believer, makes their repentance and seeks mercy and forgiveness from Allah. We are urging the countrymen to make self-assessment of their own and also to surrender wholeheartedly before Almighty Allah.

We are asking the government to seek forgiveness from Allah for their repressions and wrongdoings. We all should make a pledge not to get involved with any offences and crimes in the upcoming days. If we can run our country with honesty and justice, Allah will forgive us by His will. May Allah bless our homeland. May Allah help and protect our fellow countrymen. May Allah protect the humanity across the globe. Ameen.