Perform duties properly to enforce Covid-19 directives: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed all authorities concerned to perform their duties properly to ensure the government’s directives are implemented appropriately to battle the fresh wave of the Covid-19 in the country.

“We have already issued some directives to control [the spread of] coronavirus. You all will have to pay special attention so that people follow the directives properly,” she said while inaugurating the newly constructed multi-storey head office of the National Security Intelligence (NSI).

The prime minister declared the 20-storey head office building open, joining the function virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

She said her government is conscious about keeping the economic activities running, but saving the lives of the people is the first priority.

Sheikh Hasina said various countries across the world witnessed economic slowdown due to the coronavirus situation, but Bangladesh has been able to keep the economic pace running and its economic growth rate is higher than other South Asian countries. “We will have to maintain it [the trend of growth].”

The prime minister asked all to raise public awareness so that people follow the health protection rules and guidelines.

“All will have to keep themselves protected and protect others. You all who are in charge throughout the country will have to perform your duties properly,” she said.

Extending her thanks to NSI members for playing a role in fighting the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, she asked them to play a more significant role this time around.

Prime Minister’s Security Affairs Adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique was present at the function moderated by Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus.

NSI Director General Major General TM Jobaer delivered the welcome speech.

On January 17, 2015, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the 20-storey building for the NSI head office.

PM urges NSI to work towards making terrorism-free country

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the NSI personnel to work sincerely for making the country free from terrorism, militancy, drug and corruption, reports BSS.

“I want each employee of the NSI to discharge their duties with sincerity and honesty being imbued with patriotism,” she said.

She also called upon the intelligence agency to save the people following the government’s zero tolerance strategy against the social menaces like militancy.

Referring to the government’s stance against militancy, terrorism, drug and corruption, Sheikh Hasina said the NSI will have to do whatever is required to protect the people’s lives, livelihoods, properties and interests as well as ensure peace in society.

Asking the NSI to remain alert always, she said Bangladesh has attained the status of a developing nation and would be a developed country by 2041 if “you people perform your responsibilities perfectly”.

“We will turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous nation, Insha'Allah (God willing),” she said.