The government will soon set a new price for salt to ease the difficulties faced by salt farmers, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Sunday.

He also announced that salt farmers would be brought under the government’s farmer card programme, alongside other farmers.

The prime minister made the remarks while handing over keys to new houses for flood-affected families in Banshkhali, Chattogram.

He said the government was committed to reducing the long-standing hardships of salt farmers in coastal areas by introducing a new pricing structure soon.

“Salt farmers will also receive farmer cards, not just other farmers,” he said.

The prime minister also said the government planned to create new employment opportunities for coastal communities by encouraging industrial development in coastal areas.

He said the government’s responsibility was to stand beside people during both good and difficult times. The government plans to distribute family cards to 4.1 million women during the current fiscal year, he added.

The government also plans to upgrade every upazila hospital in the country to 101 beds over the next five years, according to the prime minister.

Addressing ongoing problems in the power and gas sectors, Tarique Rahman said resolving the issues would take some time. He alleged that some groups were spreading misleading information to create unrest among the public and urged people to remain cautious about such misinformation.

He also called on citizens to remain vigilant against those seeking to disrupt peace and stability and prevent such groups from taking advantage of the situation.

Speaking about the country’s future, the prime minister said people must decide whether Bangladesh would remain caught in conflict or move forward on the path of development.

“There is no opportunity to fall behind. Now is the time to change the fortunes of the people,” he said, expressing hope that citizens would reject misinformation and help move the country toward development and progress.