Dhaka: Social Welfare Affairs Adviser Sharmeen Soneya Murshid today called upon all concerned to implement microfinance programmes under one umbrella to eradicate poverty from the country. “Coordination has to be established between all ministries related to microfinance programmes for poverty alleviation,” she said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Adviser made the remarks at a meeting on microfinance held with representatives of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation), Grameen Bank, and senior officials of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs at the meeting room of the ministry. She emphasized that the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, along with the Ministry of Social Welfare, are working on interest-free microfinance programmes for rural areas, urban social service programmes, and self-employment initiatives for injured and disabled people and women to improve the quality of life of the poor in society.
Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, who is also an Adviser of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, suggested a new approach to address the challenges in providing allowances and microfinance. She advocated for transforming every village and urban area into well-organized, sustainable, self-reliant, poverty-free, and beggar-free communities through coordinated microfinance and savings programmes under a unified framework, avoiding duplication of efforts.
She further stated that the Ministry of Social Welfare aims to reduce the number of beggars, highlighting the need for the successful implementation of integrated microfinance programs. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Momtaz Ahmed and Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Dr. Md. Mohiuddin were present at the meeting.