PM: Don’t worry, be ready to face any situation to fight coronavirus

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday called upon the people not to worry and be ready to face any situation in the wake of the outbreak of coronavirus across the globe.

She also said it is very much necessary to reach foods to the day-labourers and working class people during this crisis period.

"I'll tell all that they shouldn't worry, rather they'll have to remain prepared for tackling any situation that has risen due to outbreak of the novel coronavirus," she said, while receiving donation for her relief and welfare fund from various government and private organisations through a videoconference from her official Ganabhaban residence.

"We've to take measures in such a way that we can protect every person of the country (from the deadly disease)," news agency BSS quoted the prime minister as saying. 

Sheikh Hasina said: "The Bangalee nation was never defeated (in past) and will also not be beaten (in future). We'll have to move with such self-confidence."

The prime minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had liberated the country. "We triumphed in the liberation war by taking arms in our hands responding to his call," she added.

She went on saying: "We're a victorious nation and we believe that we've courage and strength to face any disaster."

After the government's measures, including Tk5,000 crore funds for paying wages for workers of export-oriented industries, to offset the economic impacts of the coronavirus, now some of the country's biggest business conglomerates have stepped in to play their part.

Among the companies, the country's leading business group Bashundhara has submitted a proposal to build a 5,000-bed hospital to treat the coronavirus patients.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan said they want to convert its four convention centres – 90,000 square feet - and a trade centre – 150,000 square feet in capital's Kuril area into a makeshift hospital to treat the Covid-19 patients.

"The hospital can be made ready for use within a week if the initiative is taken now," Sobhan said.

Bashundhara Group has also donated Tk10 crore to the Prime Minister's fund. Sayem Sobhan Anvir, managing director of the group, handed over the cheque. The group has also pledged to provide food to the poor.

Some other 18 business groups have also given funds, personal protective equipment and masks to support the government's battle against the virus at a programme in the Prime Minister's Office. 

Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, received the donation on behalf of the government.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the event through a video conference from her Ganabhaban residence. 

Salman Obaidul Karim, managing director of Orion Group, another large business conglomerate in the country, gave a cheque of Tk3 crore and has pledged to offer more to help the government fight the battle.

Premier Group gave Tk5 crore, power and infrastructure giant Summit Group handed over a cheque of Tk3 crore. Summit will also give 2,000 PPE and 50,000 masks within the first week of next month.

Confidence Group has donated Tk3 crore, Walton Tk3 crore, The Westin Dhaka Tk2 crore, Le Meridian Tk2 crore and Navana Group Tk25 lakh.   

Navana Group's General Manager Mohammed Arfadur Rahman told The Business Standard that they have given a proposal to use its Aftab Automobiles' vacant factory for ICU unit in Chattogram's Sitakunda Area. 

"Also, our engineers are upgrading the ventilation machine as per Public Health Engineering Department," he added.

Manufacturing and service providing company, Hosaf Group also proposed to donate 10,000 PPE worth of Tk3 crore.