Staff Correspondent: Dhak, July-15,

 Awami League Secretary-General Obaidul Quader has dismissed BNP’s allegation that the government is not doing anything for the marginalised and low-income groups hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. 

Quader made the remarks at a food distribution programme among the helpless people organized by Swachchasebak (Volunteer) League at Bangabandhu Avenue on Thursday morning.

“The Awami League is supporting the affected people ahead of Eid-ul-Azha,” Quader said adding “We urge everyone else to extend their help to the poor.”

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, accused BNP of spreading lies about Covid vaccines.

He said there is no reason to worry about vaccines. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to ensure vaccines for all and she has remained steadfast in her commitment to the people.

Quader assured the people that the Covid vaccine has already started arriving in the country. The necessary jabs will come in time, he said, urging BNP to stop spreading rumours and confusion about its availability.

Saying that the government has announced new packages of assistance ahead of Eid Quader asked his party members to guard against any misappropriation and nepotism. “The assistance must reach the real beneficiaries,” he said. 

He warned that the government will not tolerate any irregularities in the distribution of the relief.

Quader once again urged the people to strictly follow the health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. There would have been no need to enforce lockdown if people wore masks, maintained physical distance and practised hygiene.

Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Swachchasebak League General Secretary Afzalur Rahman Babu and other central leaders spoke on the occasion while Swachchasebak League President Nirmal Ranjan Guha presided over the programme.