PM Calls for Greater Private Sector Role in Social Welfare

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for greater private-sector engagement in humanitarian and social initiatives, saying collective efforts could help address major challenges facing society.

“As members of society, if everyone comes forward and contributes in their own way, many major problems can be solved,” he said while launching a programme to distribute 20,000 raincoats among tea garden workers in Sylhet division.

The Prime Minister formally handed over raincoats to 10 tea workers at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat, according to a release from the PM’s Press Wing.

He also enquired about their wellbeing and exchanged views with them.

The initiative, taken by the Ministry of Social Welfare, aims to protect tea garden workers in Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Habiganj from adverse weather and help create a safer working environment.

Under the programme, 20,000 raincoats will be distributed among tea workers. The Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) will provide 10,000 raincoats, while Chevron Bangladesh and Pandughar Group will provide 5,000 each as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Tarique assured private-sector organisations of government support for humanitarian and social initiatives, saying the government would stand beside those willing to undertake such programmes and provide necessary assistance.

Representatives of the participating organisations said contributing to the welfare of disadvantaged and working people was part of their social responsibility alongside their business activities.

They expressed interest in continuing similar initiatives in coordination with the government to improve the living and working conditions of tea workers and other marginalised communities.

On behalf of the tea workers, Santuki Roy of Majdihi Tea Garden presented the Prime Minister with tea leaves.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin were present at the programme.

Lawmakers and representatives of the participating private-sector organisations also attended.