Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized today the necessity for cooperatives in every locality nationwide to enhance agricultural output, mitigate poverty, and facilitate opportunities for micro-savings.
"Our (political) leaders must demonstrate sincerity to elevate productivity, alleviate poverty, and establish mechanisms for micro-savings through cooperatives in every locality," she expressed.
The head of state made these remarks during an exchange of perspectives with members of the Dariarkul Gram Unnayan Samity, a grassroots cooperative society, at the Tungipara Upazila Awami League Office in Gopalganj District.
She underscored that her administration has been executing diverse programs to ensure economic viability for all citizens.
The premier briefly outlined her government's array of initiatives, including "My House, My Farm," startup programs, universal pension schemes, and collateral-free bank credits for self-employment.
The PM stressed that with proper execution of government initiatives, poverty will be eradicated from the nation.
Hasina, who serves as the advisor to the Dariarkul Gram Unnayan Samity, commended the initiative to rejuvenate the cooperative system.
The Dariarkul cooperative society, built on 9.05 acres of land contributed by Hasina, will retain land ownership while distributing profits from crop production into three segments, she explained.
Two shares of the profit will go to the landowners and labor-contributing farmers, with the remaining share allocated to the cooperative fund, she added.
The head of state reiterated her call to cultivate every available inch of land to increase food production and reduce dependence on external sources.
Regarding the pension scheme, she highlighted her government's implementation of universal pension schemes for the secure future of citizens.
"We're not solely addressing the present but also safeguarding the future. The Universal Pension Scheme will ensure the future well-being of its beneficiaries," she elaborated.
Hasina, also the Awami League president, urged party members to participate in the universal pension scheme to enhance their quality of life in old age.
Bangabandhu's youngest daughter, Sheikh Rehana, graced the occasion.
The PM traveled to her ancestral home in Tungipara by road after crossing the Padma Bridge in the morning.
She paid respects and offered prayers at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The head of state is scheduled to return to Dhaka this afternoon.
