Staff Reporter :
The devastating fire that ripped through several shops in the Bangabazar area of Dhaka last week has prompted an outpouring of support from various quarters.
In addition to the cash assistance and sympathies being offered to the affected traders, donations have been pouring in from multiple sources, including the transgender community. The transgender community, known as Hijra, has donated Tk 20 lakh towards the help and rehabilitation of the affected traders.
This gesture of empathy and compassion towards the victims has been widely appreciated and hailed as a sign of the community’s growing acceptance and recognition in society.
In addition to the Hijra community’s contribution, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has announced a donation of one crore taka to support the victims.
The Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection has also handed over a check for two lakh taka to the affected traders.
The support from various quarters is a significant step towards rebuilding the lives of the affected traders, allied dependants and their families. The affluent classes have been urged to stand by the pauperized apparel traders to support them to rise up from the ashes.
At the Bangabazar premises on Sunday, the Hijra community said that they did not engage in shopping during Eid-ul-Fitr and instead donated the money to the affected traders who suffered losses due to the fire.
Kashmir Dipali, the President of Bangladesh Hijra Development Organisation, said, “For the last 30 to 40 years, we have been taking money from the businessmen. Today, at the moment of their crisis, we have to stood by our business brothers without doing any Eid shopping. We have raised Tk 20 lakh from all over the country. We have given that money to them today. If they survive, we will survive too.”
Flanked by nearly 100 members of the third gender, Guru Maa Rakhi Sheikh, a member of the transgender community, said, “We have collected this money by taking it from people. Now we will give it back for the betterment of humanity. The entire amount of this money will be deposited in the relief fund for the affected businessmen. From there, this money will be delivered to the affected businesspersons directly and immediately.”
On the other hand, Sardarni Alea, a member of the third gender from the Uttara area of the capital, had deposited two lakh taka for the Hajj. Seeing the plight of the affected businessmen in Bangabazar, she decided to donate the two lakh taka to them instead of performing Hajj.
The shop owners’ association and the affected businesspersons have said that today they have received financial assistance from various quarters.
The most joyful thing among them is that the transgender community has moved forward with their help by providing Tk 20 lakh.
Helal Uddin, the President of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, told journalists that the most joyful thing today is that people of the third gender have donated 20 lakh taka.
“It is the best example of humanity in our view. Therefore, we will request our brothers not to overlook anyone from now on. We will now see this community with respect.”
Meanwhile, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday made an announcement of Tk one crore donation for the rehabilitation of the traders affected by the fire.
In addition, he has urged the country’s business sector and other affluent people to come forward and stand by the traders and shop owners amid this dire situation.
On the other hand, AHM Shafiquzzaman, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection, presented a check for two lakh taka to the Bangabazar Business Association on Sunday.
The Directorate stated that they have been contributing the funds from a day’s salary of their officers and employees, grants from the Officers Association, and Iftar money.
“Our small efforts are aimed at standing by the affected businessmen by collaborating with them. I urge wealthy members of society to stand by the affected businessmen,” the Director General of the department said.
He also stated, “We will share the joy of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr with everyone through cooperation and mutual harmony.”
The outpouring of support from various quarters is a reminder of the importance of empathy and unity in times of crisis.
The authorities have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to provide support and assistance to the affected traders.
Transgender community donates Tk20 lakh to Bangabazar traders
