Rajshahi City Corporation cleaners receive Eid grant ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr
Cleaners of Rajshahi City Corporation have, for the first time, received direct Eid gifts from the Prime Minister's office, with Tk61.85 lakh in financial assistance distributed among 1,237 workers on Monday.
The cash aid, announced as a personal Eid gesture from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marks a significant recognition of the city's vital sanitation workforce. Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, the newly appointed administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation, presided over the distribution.
The handover ceremony took place at Green Plaza, Nagar Bhaban, where Administrator Md Mahfuzur Rahman Riton officiated as chief guest and personally distributed the grants to the cleaners.
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Each recipient was awarded Tk5,000. Organisers noted this is the first instance of Rajshahi City Corporation cleaners receiving Eid gifts directly from the Prime Minister.
Administrator Riton expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family, and extended condolences to the families of Shaheed Sakib Anjum, Ali Raihan, and other martyrs of the July Rajshahi uprising.
Riton said the Prime Minister, who also chairs the BNP, had extended the financial support in recognition of the cleaners' tireless efforts to maintain the city's cleanliness. No comparable Eid gesture had previously been made for the city's cleaning staff, he added.
He added that the Prime Minister had tasked him with advancing Rajshahi's development and beautification.
Riton also referenced Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's canal excavation initiatives, noting that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has now launched a nationwide canal re-excavation programme for farmers' benefit.
He highlighted the swift rollout of election pledges, including the family card pilot and plans to provide family cards to 50 million people over five years. The Prime Minister has also introduced honorariums for imams, muezzins, and khadems.
Riton affirmed Rajshahi City Corporation's commitment to public service, pledging to complete pending development and transform Rajshahi into a clean, green, and liveable city.
Rajshahi City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Md Rezaul Karim chaired the programme, while Chief Conservancy Officer Sheikh Md Mamun delivered the welcome speech.
Among others present on the dais were Rajshahi metropolitan BNP President Mamun Or Rashid, Rajshahi City Corporation Secretary Sohel Rana, and Superintending Engineer (acting) Ahmad Al Moin Parag.
Several cleaners expressed their appreciation, with Rajibul Islam, a long-serving staff member, noting he had never previously received such support.
Moriyom and Sumaiya, two other cleaners, stated the support had eased financial worries as they prepared for Eid with their children.
Cleaner Harunur Rashid added that the assistance would further motivate their efforts.
