Transgender people step up once again to donate blood for Milestone plane crash victims
Alongside the transgender donors, a group of young volunteers was collecting names, blood types, and contact numbers of willing blood donors to create a database.
Members from the transgender community gathered near the National Burn Institute around noon, many of them travelling from different parts of Dhaka. They gathered with one purpose – to donate blood for the victims of the tragic plane crash in Uttara.
Among them was Chandni Akter, who shared her sentiments with The Business Standard, saying, "We donated blood during the Bangabazar fire tragedy, and we're here again – ready to give blood for the injured children in Uttara.
"After watching the incident unfold yesterday, we were deeply moved. We may not have children of our own, but we understand the unimaginable pain of losing a child."
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Mehrin, who came from Moghbazar, said her blood group is B+.
"Even if society looks down on us, our blood knows no discrimination. We are ready to give as many bags of blood as needed. All we want is for these children to recover and live," she added.
Another member, Jyotsna, added, "We stood by people during the Bangabazar incident, and we're here today again. Don't underestimate us. We want to stand with our fellow citizens during every national crisis. We've been involved in rescue and support efforts since yesterday."
Sonia, who came from Dhalpur, said, "Whatever it takes to help our injured brothers and sisters heal, we're ready to do it."
Alongside the transgender donors, a group of young volunteers was collecting names, blood types, and contact numbers of willing blood donors to create a database. They planned to call on them as and when blood was needed.
Ataul Islam, who has the blood group AB-negative, came all the way from Cumilla, closing his shop to be there.
"I didn't think twice. AB-negative is a very rare blood group, and in moments like these, it's crucial. If my blood can save a life, there's no greater reward for me," he said.
Shahinur Rahman, one of the coordinators collecting donor information, told TBS, "So far, we've gathered a list of about 150 donors with negative blood types, which are harder to find. We've also listed around 300 people with positive blood types."
