DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Saturday criticized the non-government organizations of the country as they are reluctant to provide service voluntarily. 

“The non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have kept themselves away from carrying out voluntary services as they are now providing only NGO service,” he said.

The finance minister came up with the organization while addressing a program of the 15th anniversary of volunteers’ Association for Bangladesh (VAB) at LGED auditorium in city’s Agargaon area.

Applauding the activities of the VAB, he said the organization has been working for people’s welfare for a long time.

“The organization is personally known to me and I am very much pleased about their activities,” he said.

Among others, Bangladesh Bank (BB) governor Dr Atiur Rahman and renowned educationist and engineer Jamilur Reza Choudhury also spoke at the program.

Addressing the function Dr Atiur Rahman said the VAB, a non-profit social organization, started by some immigrant Bangladeshis live in America, was formed to create awareness to improve the quality of education in secondary level.

He added: “Later, they have been involved in enlightening the society through spreading education.”

The BB governor also declared a donation of Tk 10 lakh for VAB.

Mentioning that VAB is providing computers, printers and projectors to the secondary schools of remote area, he urged other banking organizations to be more socially responsible.

BDST: 1520 HRS, JAN 17, 2015