A cobbler in Rangpur has donated his savings to the prime minister’s fund contributing to the aid efforts by government amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Milon Robidas, a resident of Mithapukur upazila, handed over Tk20,000 to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mamun Bhuiyan on Monday.
“I have received Milon Robidas’ donation which will be sent to Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund very soon. He has set an example and it will inspire others to work for humanity,” said UNO Bhuiyan.
A father of two, Milon runs a shoe-repair stall for over 15 years near the offices of the Awami League’s Mithapukur upazila unit.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Milon said he donated the money to do something for the country in the time of crisis.
The incident comes after a beggar in Sherpur donated Tk10,000, which he had saved for repairing his house.
Addressing a videoconference with officials on Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lauded the move by the man from Sherpur.
“A beggar has set an example for all of us. He was once a farmer but he had to resort to begging since one of his legs was injured. And yet, despite all his hardships, he has donated his total savings, a sum of Tk10,000, to the relief fund of coronavirus,” she said.
“I think he set a noble example to the whole world; sometimes even the wealthy fail to show such acts of humanity,” added the prime minister.