Bangladesh Homeless and Landless Housing Ltd. Takes Initiative with Support from WIPC and Bangladesh National News Club
By Ayrongozeb Kamal
Bureau Chief, Bangladesh | International Correspondent
DHAKA, BANGLADESH: A month-long food distribution programme for underprivileged and street-connected children has been inaugurated at Gabtoli Hub School in the capital, Dhaka, in a humanitarian initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among vulnerable children.
The programme has been organised by Bangladesh Homeless and Landless Housing Ltd., with the overall cooperation of the World International Press Club (WIPC) and Bangladesh National News Club.
The inaugural ceremony was held on Sunday afternoon at the premises of Gabtoli Hub School, which provides educational support to street children.
Awrongozeb Kamal, President of the World International Press Club and Dhaka Press Club, attended the event as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the month-long food distribution programme.
In his address, Kamal said that approximately 70 street children study at Gabtoli Hub School, which operates under the supervision of the Department of Social Services. He expressed concern that the children had been facing food shortages for the past week following the suspension of foreign funding.
He said that after learning about their situation, the organisations had taken the initiative to stand beside the children.
"Until regular government or private funding arrangements are established, Insha'Allah, we will continue providing food to these children according to our capacity," he stated.
Kamal further emphasised that children represent the future of society and that hunger should never become an obstacle to their education and normal development.
He called upon financially capable individuals, humanitarian organisations and socially conscious citizens to come forward and support disadvantaged children.
Joining the programme virtually, Md. Mamun, Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Social Services, expressed his appreciation to Bangladesh Homeless and Landless Housing Ltd. and the World International Press Club for their humanitarian support.
He said the department was making efforts to raise funds for the welfare of the children and described the initiative as highly commendable.
Lion Md. Helal Uddin, Chairman of the International Press Club Trust Board, attended as the Chief Discussant. In his remarks, he urged people from all walks of life to extend their support to underprivileged children, particularly those deprived of food and other basic rights.
He stressed that collective efforts were essential to securing a better future for these children.
Mohammad Azhar Ali, General Secretary of Bangladesh Homeless and Landless Housing Ltd., delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the programme.
He said his organisation had been working with these children since 2020, providing food, clothing, winter garments, medical assistance, sports equipment and other essential support through its own funding.
He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to continuing humanitarian activities for disadvantaged children.
The programme was conducted by Md. Yunus Ali, Finance Secretary of the organisation. In his concluding remarks, he called for continued public cooperation and support to sustain humanitarian activities for vulnerable communities.
Special guests included A. Mannan, Vice-President of Dhaka Press Club; Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Adviser to the South Region Journalists Union; Advocate Nurul Alam, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh National News Club; Md. Ataur Rahman, Editor of Dhaka News and Nirapad Dhaka; Sharmin Akter; and representatives of various organisations and invited guests.
On the inaugural day, lunch was arranged for approximately 100 people, including children and other individuals associated with the school.
According to the organisers, freshly cooked meals will be distributed among the underprivileged children every day for the next month. They also expressed their intention to continue similar humanitarian initiatives in the future.
The overall programme was supervised by Maksuda, Coordinator of Gabtoli Hub School.
Observers believe that such humanitarian initiatives can play an important role in improving food security and the living conditions of disadvantaged children. They also stressed that greater involvement from philanthropists, social organisations and humanitarian institutions would help ensure a safer and brighter future for these children.
A humanitarian initiative promoting solidarity, compassion and the fundamental rights of children.