Restore development activities to pre-pandemic state: PM to officials

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today directed the officials concerned to restore development activities to pre-pandemic state.

The premier said this at a Cabinet meeting, joining virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban, while others remained at the Secretariat.

"The prime minister asked the officials concerned to expedite the development works," said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam while briefing reporters after the meeting.

He said that the premier also directed the officials concerned to enhance their activities as two years have already passed and a Covid-19 protocol has already been developed in the country

"She (PM) asked to minimise backlogs (if any) rendered by the Covid-19, to take the growth rate to the earlier rate," said the Cabinet secretary.

Replying to a query, he said all have been asked to perform better.

"We have already held meetings with 32 districts and told them that there is no scope for moving slowly. Everyone needs to be attentive and careful about maintaining social distance."

Mentioning that already around 9 crore people have been vaccinated, the Cabinet secretary said, "Two to 2.5 crore vaccines will be administered every month by next February."

In this connection, he said, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase has given approval to procure around 9.50 crore syringes from abroad as the local production is not sufficient for this job.