Planning Minister Mohammad Abdul Mannan expressed his expression saying he would have gone back to freelancing if he was a young man. But since there is no such option, he has promised to ‘lobby’ in realizing the demands of freelancers.
He made the assurance while addressing an Iftar and Doa Mahfil of Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS) at Gulshan in the capital on Monday (April 25).
This Iftar and Doa-Mahifal was organized with the initiative of BFDS with freelancers from all over Bangladesh.
Highlighting the contribution of freelancers in the country, Planning Minister MA Mannan said in his speech as the chief guest that a total of 6 lakh freelancers are bringing $500 million in remittances to the country. And since they are not involved in any destructive work; That is why the government is doing everything possible to facilitate them.
There is a lot of potential here, much more to come in the future. And since they are not involved in any destructive work; That is why the government is doing everything possible to take advantage of them, he also added.
The minister said the government is keen to remove any obstacles in the way of freelancing, adding that rules and regulations often stand in the way. The fewer rules, the less law, and the more freedom. That’s what I think. So I will do my best to overcome all the challenges in this sector.
BFDS founder and senior vice-president Jasim Uddin Joy said, “We have always stood by the freelancers both at their happiness and sorrow.” BFDS continues to work to move the country forward in a talent and technology-dependent economy, including improving the quality of life of freelancers.
BFDS chairman Dr. Tanjiba Rahman said in a statement that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her adviser Salman F Rahman have given social recognition to the freelancers. Freelancers are getting other benefits including banking loans through this freelancer ID card. Women are also earning money through freelancing while staying at home. These remittance fighters working on this international online platform in Bangladesh have many problems. BFDS is always working to solve all these problems. We are working with the government to improve their skills, and remove financial and social management barriers.
Selim RF Hossain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, said, “We have created a separate Matrix card for freelancers. Freelancers will get various benefits through this.
Dulal Krishna Saha, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Skills Development Authority under the Prime Minister’s Office, said, “We cannot offer jobs from house to house. But I can make freelancers at home. I will implement various initiatives for their development.
Among others, BFDS General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman, Managing Director of Hi-Tech Park Authority Bikarna Kumar Ghosh, BACCO President Wahid Sharif, General Secretary Touhid Hossain, ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, BPA President Jahangir Alam and former BCS President Shahid Ul Munir were present on the occasion.
Bashir Ahmed Bakul, General Secretary, BPA, Abdur Rahim Ratan, President, MCS, Tofail Ahmed, Founder Head, Aloran Cultural Academy, Nasir Uddin, Finance Secretary, BFDS and Husnul Bari, Information Technology Secretary, BFDS were also present at the event.
BRAC Bank had set up a booth to issue special cards to the freelancers present at the venue. From there, Agatra gets the facility to open this account with the facility of accepting remittances of on-spot freelancers.