DHAKA, Oct 30, 2023 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the concept of introducing various types of allowances for the welfare of people is the brainchild of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"The premier had introduced the old-age and widow allowances when she assumed office for the first time in 1996. Later, she introduced other allowances in phases," he said while virtually addressing a programme of beneficiaries from his office here.

Safarbhata Union Parishad and Awami League (AL) Safarbhata unit of Ranguniya upazila organized the programme at a community center at Safarbhata in Ranguniya upazila of Chattogram with UP chairman Sheikh Farid Uddin Chowdhury in the chair.

Dr Hasan said BNP had shutdown the all allowances when they came in power in 2001 and they looted all money of those allowances. But now, about 5,000 people of every union are getting the allowances, he added.

He said every needy people irrespective of all opinions have been brought under the allowances.

The minister said a number of development projects have taken for the development of Ranguniya upazila and the scenario of the upazila has changed in the last 15 years.

Dr Hasan sought vote in favour of 'Boat', the electoral symbol of AL, again.

AL Ranguniya upazila unit general secretary Engineer Shamsul Alam Talukder, vice president Akther Kamal Chowdhury, Jubo League upazila unit Badiul Khayer Litan Chowdhury, general secretary Mohammad Younus, Tanti League upazila unit convenor Morshed Talukder, Swechchhasebak League upazila unit acting president Delowar Hossain and Chhatra League upazila unit president Rassel Rasu, among others, addressed the meeting.