Bangladesh launches 100-day job scheme for poor

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Monday launched a 100-day employment programme to help two million poor families affected by floods and other natural disasters.

Under the 2.0 billion taka (16.40 million pound) programme, one member of a family can be employed at 100 taka a day for up to 100 days to dig canals, build embankments, or clean ponds. Bangladeshi families on average have five members.

"People affected by floods, droughts and other natural calamities will be eligible to get employment in the infrastructure development works," M. M. Sawkat Ali, adviser to interim government and in-charge of Food and Disaster Management Ministry, told a news conference.