The prevailing situation of Conorna virus pandemic is deteriorating in Bangladesh as elsewhere across the globe. People of some districts of Bangladesh have been affected seriously by the COVID-19. Due to lockdown, people are staying at home, but they are struggling hard to secure food for their families. On the other hand, they do not have any protection materials to combat Corona virus. In a such situation, YPSA (Young Power in Social Action) initiated a project titled ‘COVID-19 Response in Bangladesh’ with support from Oxfam. Through the project, people affected by COVID-19 are being provided food and protection materials.
Food includes rice, pulse, oil, semolina (sooji), sugar, potato etc. and protection materials include masks, gloves, bath soap, washing powder, sanitizers etc. Besides, project activities include message dissemination on COVID-19 through miking, leaflet and poster. An initiative is also taken to kill virus through spray of bleaching powder at the community level.
The beneficiaries of the project have been selected in coordination with the Deputy Commission’s office, Upazila and Union parishad of Cox’s Bazar. Through the project, a total of 900 households will be provided food and protection materials. On 26th April 2020, YPSA organized distribution of food and protection materials at Rajapalong Union parishad. Mr. Nikaruzzam Chowdhury, UNO of Ukhiya Upazila was present as chief guest and Mr. Ashutosh Dey, Head of Program (Cox’s Bazar), Oxfam was present as special guest. Mr. Jahangir Kabir Chowdhury, Chairman of Rajapalong union presided over the program while Mr. Jishu Barua, Program Manager of YPSA represented the organization.
Mr. Nikaruzzam Chowdhury, UNO of Ukhiya Upazila in his speech said, “At the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hazina, we have been providing food, protection and other necessary assistance to the vulnerable people of the Upazila. We know people cannot come out of their homes to go to work; they need food and protection supports. Bangladesh government is ensuring all the necessary supports to the people in the Coronavirus crisis. We do appreciate YPSA and Oxfam to come forward and stand by these vulnerable people side by side the Bangladesh government.” He advised people to stay at home and maintain social distance.
At the end of the short program, distribution of the relief materials was inaugurated by the UNO of Ukhiya Upazila.
