Syed Shemul Parvez :
A group of young people have taken the initiative to arrange free Iftar for about 1000 helpless people during the coronavirus epidemic as well as on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.
This unique example of humanity is found at D-Block of the city’s Lalmatia area everyday.
Some young people generally arrange it with the help of their friends, relatives and well-wishers under the name of ‘Mehmankhana.
Many poor people including hundreds of rickshaw pullers were seen standing on the streets for free iftar.
Sources said the helpless people from different areas like Firmgate, Shaymoly, Zigatola and Rayerbazar generally come here for free iftar everyday.
Chhola-Muri-Khejur and Jilapi are the iftar items.
Around 50 volunteers work there every day to prepare Iftar and distribution.
One rickshaw pullers name Jalal told the media that Today he earned only 40 taka. That’s not enough for his family. In this circumstance, if we get free food (Iftar), we become happy.
After taking food, another people expressed his satisfaction saying that I am praying for them to Allah so that they can avoid problems and disaster.
Saiful Alam Shovon, Entrepreneur of Mehmankhana told the media that they were actually very pleased with the locals whose supports are extremely necessary.
The gathering of thousands of poor people here is a big challenge for us as it is one of the VIP residential areas, but we didn’t face any drawback except cooperation, Shovon added.
Asma Akter Liza, another entrepreneur of the organization told that people need at least three times food. But we try to help them once with our own capability.
Many people are in trouble and many die everyday for coronavirus epidemic. In this situation we want to do something for them, She added.
Besides Mehmankhana, many other organizations like Bidyannondo Foundation , Team Positive Bangaldesh and Manik Mia Foundation are also distributing Iftar and sahere among the helpless people across the country.
