Mr. K M Abdus Salam, DG NGO Affairs Bureau highlighted in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Community Radio Stations organized by BNNRC that NGOs are working for COVID-19 Prevention in Bangladesh in coordination with local administration.
He has mentioned that COVID-19 is a world pandemic; NGOAB has taken some preparatory initiatives after the direction of Honorable Prime Minister and after consultation with honorable Cabinet Secretary and honorable Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister for prevention of COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
NGOs have been performed some awareness raising activities including leaflet distribution, miking, washing of hands and distribution of hand sanitizer at the preliminary stage. Now they are distributing food to the workless people living with hardship. Side by side the NGOs are working on health issues are working with the direction and coordination with Directorate of Health Services (DGHS) of Bangladesh Government. In this way the NGOs are working with different activities for prevention of COVID-19.
He said Honorable Prime Minister is coordinating with DC, Commissioners, Political leaders, Police Administration and other departments through Video conference and Press Briefing. We have provided different suggestions to NGOs for regular coordination with local administration for distribution of any relief. Before distribution of relief to show the list and consult with district and Upazila administration. He warned the NGOs that stern action will be taken if there any irregularities or misuse in relief distribution.
NGO Affairs Bureau is monitoring and coordinating with all District and Upazila administration regularly. We are doing follow up with district and Upazila administration and NGOs are working in coordinating with DC and UNOs.
NGO Affairs Bureau has formed a five members committee, DG of NGOAB is the Convener of the Committee for the vacation period to release emergency fund through online. Meanwhile, 46 crore taka has been released for different projects for COVID-19 prevention.
Mr. K M Abdus Salam reiterated that the COVID-19 is world pandemic, NGOs are working to prevent in cooperation with the government. NGOs are always working with government during and after any disaster and emergency situation. In this global crisis NGOs will work with government with partnership after negotiation with donors and expected all works should be done in a proper system.