Dhaka Tribune, in collaboration with Prochesta Foundation, has distributed iftar packages to hundreds of underprivileged people in Dhaka city slums,, kicking off an initiative called “Share Your Meal” in line with the true spirit of Ramadan.
The initiative is aimed at serving the destitute who are without jobs amid the shutdown meant to curb transmission of the novel coronavirus.
On Sunday afternoon, iftar packages were distributed to some 700 people in the underprivileged community of the Begunbari slum. People gathered, ignoring the cloudy sky and a forecast of rain.
Standing in line, maintaining social distancing rules, people collected the packages from volunteers just after Asr prayers outside Begun Bari Mosque, near Tejgaon police station.
Local resident Delwar Hossain said some people came to the area and gave some food packages recently amid the Covid-19 shutdown, but the mass iftar distribution was truly balanced for everyone.
“First, they listed our names and gave us tokens. So the iftar was distributed without any hassle,” said Fazilot Begum, who came to collect the food with her grandchildren.
The Dhaka Tribune campaign aims to serve iftar to people living in slums in the city’s Boubazar, Begunbari, Baddnagar and other places, based on need and access to funds.
Also Read - In pictures: Dhaka Tribune’s ‘Share Your Meal’ initiative kicks off
Under this campaign, iftar will be distributed among 3,000-5,000 people throughout Ramadan. For each packet of iftar, which will have a wholesome and nourishing meal, the cost has been set at Tk75 only.
“Share Your Meal” has started to collect donations from Dhaka Tribune management, social organizations, and people in general. But this drive needs far more resources and funds to serve thousands of people. Any level of contribution from anyone can make a difference.
As the success of this initiative depends on the availability of funds, Dhaka Tribune requests everyone to make a contribution to this cause.
Donations can be made through mobile money transfer (bKash, Rocket, Nagad - 01614926838) and bank transfer (AB Bank, Karwan Bazar Branch, A/C- 4002-436428-441).
The “Share Your Meal” initiative follows another fundraising campaign by Dhaka Tribune, in partnership with JCI Dhaka Young and five NGOs, named “Serve the Future,” which also aims to provide essential commodities to underprivileged people.
The first phase of this campaign successfully took place in Dhaka’s Rayerbazar area on April 24, where 225 families were given basic necessity packages of rice, lentil, potatoes, onions, oil, salt, soap, and reusable masks.
Preparations for the next phases are underway.
Donations for “Serve the Future” can be made in the same way as for “Share Your Meal.”
