Govt prioritizing job creation: Dulu

The present government led by Tarique Rahman is prioritising job creation and development of new entrepreneurs to revive the fragile economy.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said this while talking to journalists after inaugurating the Third Regional Cub Camporee 2026 at the Thakurgaon Government Boys High School ground here today.

Dulu said alongside taking initiatives for Family Card and Farmer Card, the government is working to expand employment opportunities and strengthen people's economic capacity, he said.

Aabout government measures to control commodity prices and reduce the financial burden on ordinary people, Dulu said the government has taken responsibility at a time when the country's economy was in a fragile state.

“We are working to ease people's hardship. Family Cards and Farmer Cards are being distributed to improve people's financial ability. At the same time, we want to create employment by developing entrepreneurs. This will help increase people's income," he said.

Addressing a meeting of district law and order on Thursday night the minister highlighted the need for broader reforms in the state institutions.

Referring to the recent election in Thakurgaon, he described it as an example of changes in the electoral system.

He said practices such as overnight ballot stuffing, dummy elections and predetermination of result before polling would no longer be tolerated.

"The changes brought to the electoral system must be reflected in other sectors of the state," he said.

Dulu said in July movement youths, farmers and students had sacrificed their lives for the country's positive change. Bangladesh had repeatedly lost its way, he said, adding that the country could not move forward with outdated practices.

He expressed the view that a functioning democratic system could create opportunities for significant national development. The present government was not following conventional approaches to governance. Although implementing changes might take some time, he stressed that the government was sincere in its efforts under the Prime Minister's leadership.

Dulu said the country's healthcare system continued to face criticism over poor hygiene and inadequate cleanliness. Hospitals should be among the cleanest places, but many suffer from unhygienic conditions. He stressed that similar improvements were needed in schools, colleges and government offices.

Referring to the Prime Minister's emphasis on cleanliness, the minister said many unauthorized signboards that once covered roadside lamp posts in Dhaka had been removed.

"Significant changes have taken place in just five to six months. If there is genuine commitment, why should we not be able to bring changes in other areas as well?" he said.

The minister also stressed the importance of protecting the younger generation from drugs, casino-related activities and other harmful influences.

The government had launched the New Kuri Sports programme as part of efforts to nurture future generations, he said.

"If an entire generation is damaged, the future of Bangladesh will also be affected," he said, emphasising the need to create opportunities for children to develop their talents and grow through positive activities.

Dulu said scouting could play an important role in developing discipline, moral values and a sense of responsibility among children from an early age.

He also said the government planned to involve scout members in disaster response activities. The authorities would explore how scouts could assist affected people during disasters and contribute to public awareness campaigns.

Held under the theme "Blue Sky, Green Forest-Building Life Through Scouting", the three-day regional camporee has brought together around 1,200 young cub scouts from different educational institutions.

The event features educational, creative and recreational activities designed to promote children's physical and mental development, leadership skills, discipline, self-reliance and humanitarian values.

Local parliament members Mirza Faisal Amin, Dr Md Abdus Salam and Md Zahidur Rahman were present as special guests.