DSCC distributes food among 800 labourers, rickshaw-pullers

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) distributed necessary food items among 800 labourers and rickshaw-pullers yesterday as part of its efforts to help around 50,000 poor families who are out of work due to the ongoing shutdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon handed over the food packets, which included rice, lentil, salt, potato, oil and soap, near the High Court area.

The mayor also urged city dwellers not to go outside unless necessary. "It's imperative that we follow rules and maintain social distancing," Khokon said.

He also said DSCC will continue their food distribution programme for the next 15 to 20 days. "We will provide food to 500 families in a ward and all the 75 wards under DSCC will be brought under the programme," he said. The mayor said they are providing a month's supply for now.

Khokon said there is a committee -- comprising zonal executive office, local councillor and elders in every ward -- which will take necessary steps so that those in need get the assistance.

On Saturday, DSCC started the distribution programme from Bahadur Shah Park. Khokon also handed over money to around 100 rickshaw-pullers and labourers on Friday.

"If any resident calls our hotline and informs us that they are facing a food crisis, our DSCC team will bring them food," the mayor assured.

BIWTA HANDS OUT FOOD

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) yesterday distributed essential commodities to labourers and boatmen at six points from Sadarghat to Shinnirtek.

BIWTA Joint Director AKM Arif Uddin said they handed over food packets to around 1,000 labourers and boatmen who are now out of work. The packets included 5kg rice, 1kg lentil, 1kg onion, 2kg potato, 1 litre soybean oil, one soap and two facemasks.

Arif said they distributed the items in a disciplined manner, following the direction of Directorate General of Health Services.