Blood donation to meet Ramadan's demand

Ramakrishna Mission Dhaka yesterday organised a voluntary blood donation programme in its medical centre to meet the shortage of blood in Ramadan. 

Swami Guruservananda, assistant secretary of the mission, inaugurated the campaign, and followers of the mission donated blood.

On Thursday, the head Hindu priest of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission received a death threat letter.

However, there was no sign of panic during the campaign, conducted by SANDHANI's Sir Salimullah Medical Collage, Dhaka unit.

Priests of the mission said despite the threat, they did not postpone the programme as the blood might be used for people from any religion and would help save their lives.   

"As the Muslims fast in Ramadan, the rate of blood donation has fallen compared to other months, and we think that this time Hindu people can donate blood to help with the shortage," said Swami Devadhyanananda, a member of the mission.

"When we serve people we do not consider their religion, we only treat them as human beings," he said.

He said they wanted to continue their initiative in the spirit of communal harmony, which is the foundation of the country.

The mission regularly organises several welfare programmes including medical check-ups and pure drinking water supply to locals.

SANDHANI collects 230-250 bags of blood every month. But during Ramadan, the number has dropped to 120-160 bags.