Bidyanondo launches 'Tk1 Ramadan Market' in Chattogram
Bidyanondo Foundation has launched its nationwide initiative, 'Tk1 Ramadan Market', allowing low-income families to purchase essential groceries at a symbolic price.
With the support of Chattogram City Corporation, the foundation is also providing free Iftar and Sehri to thousands of people daily.
The market was officially inaugurated today at 11 am at Biplob Udyan in Chattogram by City Mayor Shahadat Hossain.
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Expressing his admiration for the initiative, the mayor stated that this effort reminded him of the era of Shaista Khan, the former governor of Bengal..
He emphasised how remarkable it was that people were given the freedom to buy essential goods worth over Tk1,000 for just Tk1.
According to him, this idea was truly commendable, and if more wealthy individuals followed Bidyanondo's example, it would bring significant relief to many struggling families this Ramadan.
The market offers 21 types of essential items, including rice, lentils, chickpeas, oil, eggs, and even poultry. The prices are set at a low rate, allowing families to buy 1 kg of rice for just Tk1, 1 kg of chickpeas for Tk2, 1 dozen eggs for Tk2, 1 liter of oil for Tk4, and even a whole chicken for only Tk6.
Each shopper receives 20 tokens of money for just Tk1, which they can use at different counters to purchase groceries. Volunteers are actively assisting shoppers in understanding the system and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Jamal Uddin, director of the Governing Body of Bidyanondo Foundation, spoke about the significance of Ramadan as a month of empathy.
He emphasised that fasting helps individuals experience hunger and understand the suffering of the less fortunate, which should inspire people to take action through support and donations.
He further added that Bidyanondo and its generous donors have been working towards this goal for years.
He said he believes that this initiative would bring relief to the struggling families, as over 500 of them would be able to take home at least Tk1,000 worth of essential groceries for just Tk1.
Several notable individuals were present at the event, including Panchlaish Police Station OC Md Soleman, the Mayor's Personal Secretary Maruful Haque Maruf, and Political Secretary Zia Uddin.
