RANGPUR, May 15, 2020 (BSS) – The government has so far allocated 17,216
tonnes of rice for distributing among the jobless and distressed people in
Rangpur division to assist them in tackling the situation caused by
coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Officials said the district administrations with the assistance of local
public representatives are distributing the rice maintaining physical
distancing to prevent COVID-19 spreading.
Talking to BSS this afternoon, Additional Divisional Commissioner
(General) Md. Zakir Hossain said the distribution of 15,103 tonnes of rice
has already been completed among 14.04 lakh families benefitting over 63.18
lakh people by today.
“The eight district administrations of the division have currently 2,113
tonnes of rice in stocks to continue the special relief programme for
reaching food to the doorstep of every people in the present situation in the
division,” he said.
Under the programme, distribution of 3,564 tonnes of rice among 2.16 lakh
families has already completed in all eight upazilas, Rangpur city
Corporation and three municipalities of Rangpur the district.
Distribution of 1,932 tonnes of rice among 1.83 lakh families in Kurigram
and 1,583 tonnes of rice among 1.58 lakh jobless families in Gaibandha
districts completed so far.
A total of 1,234 tonnes of rice among 1.23 lakh families of Nilphamari,
1,499 tonnes of rice among 1.50 lakh families of Lalmonirhat and 2,312 tonnes
of rice among 2.71 lakh families of Dinajpur districts were also distributed.
In addition to this, distribution of 1,352 tonnes of rice among 1.80 lakh
families of Thakurgaon and 1,766 tonnes of rice among 1.21 lakh families in
Panchagarh districts completed.
Talking to BSS today, Chairman of Chandanpat union in Rangpur Sadar
upazila Amenur Rahman said he completed distribution of 19 tonnes of
government rice among 1,900 jobless and needy families with 10 kg for each by
the last week.
Chairman of Saddyapuskorini union in Rangpur Sadar upazila Alhaj Md. Sohel
Rana said he distributed 16 tonnes of government rice among 1,600 jobless
families till this week in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Besides, the district administrations also completed distribution of over
Taka 9.03 crore, out of total allocated Taka 10.34 crore, among 1.69 lakh
families benefitting 7.60 lakh people of all eight districts in Rangpur
division.
“The government is frequently allocating rice and money to bring all of the
jobless, distressed, needy and backward community people under the special
relief programme to assist them in overcoming the coronavirus situation,”
Zakir Hossain added.