DHAKA, 14 April, 2021 (TON): While addressing the nation on the eve of the Bangla New Year on Tuesday, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured people of government support amid the pandemic and urged them to follow the health rules and restrictions imposed to curb the pandemic.

The prime minister remarked, “You don’t need to be anxious. The government is always by your side.”

Hasina referred to the government efforts while giving the people courage to tackle the situation. It has allocated cash aid to over 12.44 million poor families after the second wave of hit Bangladesh.

The lockdown was needed to save lives, she said, noting that many other countries had to take similar measures.

The government is careful so that the economy does not break down due to the restrictions to save lives, she said.

However, the government initiated several steps that include increasing government spending with the focus on creation of jobs, implementing stimulus package to save jobs and help entrepreneurs compete, expanding social safety net to help people engaged in informal sectors, and boosting cash flow while keeping inflation on check.