RANGPUR, May 2 (BSS): Eradication of seasonal 'monga' has taken permanent shape setting up a shining example of combating extreme poverty successfully in recent years by the present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Earlier, 'monga', a famine-like situation, caused untold miseries to the poorer section people in Rangpur region during lean periods of Aswin and Kartik months even a decade ago.
According to the experts, researchers, NGO executives, public representatives and officials, the poor have been passing Aswin and Kartik months without experiencing any bite of seasonal 'monga' and leading normal life during the past six years.
Development specialist and Head of Programme Coordination of RDRS Bangladesh Monjusree Saha said 'monga' has been eradicated permanently following successful implementation of the government's comprehensive social safety net programmes.
She said the easy-term and interest-free loans, allowances, training for unemployed male and female youths for income generations, assistance of government, NGOs, donor agencies and development partners played important roles in eradicating 'monga.'
Executive Director of Rangpur-based research organisation Northbengal Institute of Development Studies Dr Syed Samsuzzaman said life standard of the poor has improved now because of their engagements with various income generating activities.
Monga' has disappeared as a result of the decisive political will and various effective steps taken by the government towards the directions in eradicating the seasonal curse permanently during the past six to seven years, he added.
Social worker and valiant freedom fighter Akbar Hossain said the poor have achieved success through small-scale enterprises, cottage industries, sewing garments, waving, homestead farming, pisciculture, rearing poultry birds, animals and many other ventures.
Noted rice scientist and Associate Director- Agriculture of BRAC International (South Asia and Africa) Dr MA Mazid said expanded cultivation and early harvest of the short duration rice varieties has also been playing key role in 'monga' eradication.
"Thousands of farm-and day-labourers get adequate jobs in crop fields following large-scale farming of short duration Aman rice as its harvest continues throughout the peak 'monga' hours of Aswin and Kartik creating huge jobs for them," he added.
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer of Rangpur Abdus Salam said the government implements comprehensive social safety- net programmes like employment generation and provides allowances, VGF, VGD, TR and FFW those eradicated the seasonal curse.
