Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the officials concerned of the government to prepare a list of distressed people for providing assistance so that they can face the tough times evolved over the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, UNB reports.

"I ask the officials concerned to prepare a list of distressed people and day-labourers…we have to think about this section of people… we have to provide them with food," she said.

The prime minister said this while receiving financial assistance from various public and private organisations for PM's Relief and Welfare Fund and 20,000 pieces of PPE for the treatment of coronavirus patients.

She delivered a speech on the occasion from her official residence Gono Bhaban through a videoconference while Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus received the cheques and the PPE on her behalf at the Prime Minister's Office.

It would not be wise only to restrict those who live hand to mouth from going outside, she said. "Instead, their food and livelihood have to be ensured. We have to arrange protection for those people also."

"We're a victorious nation…I believe we have the courage and strength to face any sort of disaster and calamities."

She called upon all not to be worried and get prepared to face this situation.

PM Hasina put emphasis on protection of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who are providing healthcare in the hospitals.

"We have to protect them… we have to provide PPE to all who are providing medicare in hospitals," she said.

PM mentioned that the country has enough food stock and there will be no issues in the next one year.

The premier, however, urged all to cultivate on every inch of land available as there might be scarcity of food around the world due to this situation.

"We have fertile lands…we have industrious people, this is our strength, we can help others if we can produce extra food."

She briefly described various steps taken by the government to protect the country and its people since the virus outbreak started in China.

"We have taken various steps very judiciously whenever it was needed… the government has taken steps to minimise the losses due to this virus," she added.