Mask Distribution Hub launched

The government has launched an online platform named "Mask Distribution Hub" to coordinate mask distribution across the country and ensure its proper distribution among people to prevent Covid-19 infections.

There will be information on how many masks have been distributed and where. Based on the information, the government will distribute masks in the areas where masks were not distributed.

State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak inaugurated the Mask Distribution Hub as the chief guest on Sunday.

Palak said that the online platform has been created to coordinate the distribution of masks at the national level at the initiative of the a2i project of the ICT division to create awareness among people.

Information of any individual or organisation distributing masks on their initiatives will also be available on the website (maskhub.corona.gov.bd) along with the recipients' name. Those who will distribute masks are requested to inform the administration.

The online platform will record district-wise highest and lowest mask distribution data. The government will also provide masks free of cost to people who cannot afford them.

The state minister urged the garment factory owners to make quality masks at affordable prices.

He also urged government officials to put information on where people are using masks and where they are not.

Juena Aziz, chief coordinator for SDGs at the Prime Minister's Office, talked about creating awareness so that all who will be provided masks wear them properly.

Additional Director General of the Department of Health (Planning and Development) Mirzadi Sebrina Flora said that it is important to distribute masks everywhere evenly, which will be easier with the creation of this data hub.

The website shows that 2,14,06,405 masks have been distributed across the country by the government, NGOs, development partners, individuals. Of these, 95,55,409 were distributed last month.

The programme was presided over by NM Ziaul Alam, senior secretary, ICT Department. a2i Project Director Abdul Mannan moderated the programme.

Lokman Hossain Mia, secretary, Health Services Department; Sheikh Rafiqul Islam, additional secretary, District and Field Administration Division, Cabinet Division; Syed Mujibul Haque, additional secretary, Health Services Department (Public Health Division) spoke on the occasion among others.