Special schemes for ultra-poor: Mannan

Planning Minister M A Mannan has said the government will take some special programmes for the country's hardcore poor population to elevate them from the poverty level.
"We will take special programmes for the ultra-poor people, who belong to the lowest 5.0 per cent segment of the income levels."
He said this to reporters after a meeting with different agencies of the United Nations (UN) at his office at the Planning Commission in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Representatives from different UN organisations in Bangladesh, headed by Resident Coordinator and Heads of the UN System in Bangladesh Mia Seppo, met the minister.
Mr Mannan said: "The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) is now conducting a study. After completion of the study, we will take some fresh programmes to alleviate poverty."
The minister also said the government will increase investment in the rural areas, as most of the poor people live in villages.
"Our main action will start from the rural areas. We will do our best to cut poverty from villages."
Replying to a question, the planning minister said the government will welcome any investment, but not by sacrificing the country's ownership and sovereignty.
"We hope that the (share of) local investment in development of the country will (gradually) increase than the foreign investment."
The minster, referring to the UN representatives, said they have asked about the low employment opportunities in Bangladesh despite the recent high economic growth.
"I have told them that some unemployment will be there. But we are working to enhance the job opportunities for the people," he added.
The UN officials have suggested the minister to expand the government's social safety-net programmes for the poor people, to take proper actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to work for reducing the impact of climate change.

[email protected]