File Photo

DHAKA, July 3, 2021 (BSS) – Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque today said Bangladesh is no longer a foreign aid-dependent country rather a self-reliant one since it has no need of foreign grants even amid hundreds of natural disasters.

“Once, Bangladesh had to seek foreign aids to overcome any natural calamity. But now, Bangladesh has no need of grants from any country of the globe even amid the hundreds of natural disasters . . . Bangladesh is now not a nation of beggars,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural function of ‘Beggar Rehabilitation Center’ at Dhanbari upazila in Tangail district virtually from his city residence, said a press release here today.

Noting that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had realized that beggars’ nation has no respect and to stand with head high in the world requires to be self-reliant, Razzaque said so immediately after the independence he (Bangabandhu) took the step to make Bangladesh self-reliant in all respects.

“Today, it is a matter of happiness that Bangladesh has stood with head high in all sectors under the prudent and bold leadership of his (Bangabandhu) able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he added.

Tangail Deputy Commissioner Md Ataul Gani, Dhanbari Upazila Chairman Harunar Rashid Hira and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Shamsul Arefin were present at the function, among others.

Aiming at making the Dhanbari upazila free from beggars, the upazila administration has given two shops to 10 beggars. The beggars will lead their lives with the income that will come from the rent of those shops which would help them to leave the begging.