Youths feed poor as Bangladesh goes into lockdown mode

Young people have joined the government, political parties and other social organisations to extend support to thousands of low-income people, especially those living from hand to mouth, during the government holidays to curb the transmission of coronavirus.

The low-income group is the worst sufferer as economic activities have almost come to a grinding halt after the government announced holidays since March 26. All non-essential services have been shut, leaving day-labourers and people with menial works without jobs, forcing many of them to go hungry.

Tanbir Hasan Shaikat, a member of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), is one such individual who came forward in aid of the poor, reports UNB.

Shaikat has been providing food to around 200 people every day since March 25. He started distributing food among 50 marginalised people, living on city streets from March 24.

Dhaka University teachers, alumni and his friends helped Shaikat continue his support to people who have been the hardest-hit by the shutdown.

“I posted my activities on Facebook where I’ve been getting positive feedbacks from netizens. It’s really inspiring,” he told UNB.

Bayazid Sumon, founder of Nagarful (a social organisation), has taken a different initiative to help the low- and middle-class people who feel ashamed of asking for support in Chattogram city.

The young man first identified some families in need and sent food aid enough for seven days.

He said the people who received the food were very happy and curious as they did come out asking for help. But they are suffering because of the situation.

Coronavirus, first reported in China in December last year, has infected more than 1.8 million people and killed over 114,000 of them, according to Worldometer. Bangladesh has so far reported 621 cases and 34 deaths.

The economic impact of coronavirus has been far reaching. Bangladesh, like other countries, has been feeling the brunt.

“Poor people here are not only fighting against coronavirus but also against hunger. But we’re with them,” said Sumon.

Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf Hossain, founding president of Youth School for Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE) that they provided 100 families with necessary food and essentials for 10 days at Shawrapara and Dhamalkot slum areas on April 1.

He said they are delighted to have been able to help these marginalised people.

"We always want to do something for society. It’s our duty to help people who live from hand to mouth in this national crisis. We’ve already provided relief to a number of people in the first phase. Our campaign to help the people will continue until the crisis is over," he said.