66,000 families in Sylhet city to get daily essentials

Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) -- with the help of the government, councillors and locals -- is all set to support around 66,000 underprivileged families. 

After criticism arose centring slow action of authorities, the city's mayor on Sunday  took initiative of creating a food fund with support from others.

According to the corporation, around 2.5 lakh individuals of about 66,000 families are living in the city's 1,094 slums. They are mostly underprivileged and worst hit by the countrywide shutdown.

So far, SCC received 50 tonnes of rice from the government as part of the relief distribution and Tk 1 crore from local government and rural development ministry.

SCC Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury said, "Besides government support, people from all walks of life extended their assistance for the cause."

"So far, 35 tonnes of rice, 10 tonnes of lentil, 25 tonnes of onion, 7,000 litres of oil, 31,000 bars of soap, and many other necessities were purchased with donations worth Tk 96.70 lakh," he said.

Moreover, city corporation's own funds, councillors' personal donations, and a day's worth of salaries of the corporation's employees are being incorporated into the food fund.

Till Tuesday afternoon, 237 tonnes of rice, 27 tonnes of onion, 45 tonnes of potato, 14 tonnes of salt, 27 tonnes of lentil and 23,000 litres of oil have been purchased and distribution started from that night, the mayor said.

"This is not the end. The coming days will be more challenging, and the government already extended the shutdown till April 11. We must be prepared for the long run. With help of the government and people, we will continue to support those in need," he added.