Bidyanondo to distribute foods among people worst hit by lockdown

Bidyanondo Foundation – a not-for-profit social welfare organisation – was one of the first to leap into action when confirmed cases of the Covid-19 began to emerge in Bangladesh. It will now distribute rice, pulses, oil, salt, sugar, biscuits and saline among 5 lakh coronavirus affected poor people across the country.

The volunteers of the organisation are presently busy packing foods in their Dhaka's office. Bidyanondo also urged the other voluntary organisations of the country to be a part of the initiative.

Sultana Jannat, a volunteer at the foundation, told The Business Standard that they planned to distribute 500 tonnes of rice along with pulses, oil, salt and sugar to the daily wagers and other labourers – worst hit by the lockdown. "Most of the food supplies have reached us. We are packing them and will soon start distributing."

"Our primary target is the slum areas. We will distribute food to other places after covering these areas.

"We want to decentralise the distribution process as it will be difficult for us to reach all of those who badly need help. This is voluntary work and interested people are welcome to join us."

Earlier, as part of its voluntary works, Bidyanondo sprayed disinfectants in public transports to fight the spread of coronavirus. It distributed hand sanitisers and face masks too. 

Also, the volunteers of the organisation sensitised people on the deadly consequences of the disease.

Founded in 2013, Bidyanondo has been working on changing lifestyles of the groups left behind and providing basic needs and hygiene materials to them.