Stars step up with humanitarian efforts to aid flood victims

In the face of devastating floods, some of the country's most beloved entertainment stars have taken it upon themselves to rush to the aid of those in need.

On 21 August, actor Arosh Khan, with a team of eight, went to flood-hit  Noakhali, providing essential supplies for over five thousand people. For three days, they tirelessly distributed aid, but faced danger on their return. Undeterred, Arosh resumed relief efforts upon returning to Dhaka on 23 August. After hearing about inadequate aid in Lakshmipur, he quickly organised three truckloads of supplies and continued his mission there on 26 August.

Amid his relief efforts, Khan expressed his deep concern over the dire conditions in the flood-affected area, stating, "The situation here is critical. Many have received no aid, and the floodwaters remain dangerously high. It's heart-wrenching to see such suffering. I'll continue bringing aid as long as it's needed, with help from others, including significant support from my colleague Afran Nisho."

On 22 August, actor Rashed Simanto led a team of sixteen on a perilous boat journey from Dhaka to Lakshmipur, carrying twelve hundred relief packages. Supported by the 2004 SSC batch and Club Eleven, their mission was nearly derailed when powerful waves almost capsized their boat near Hatiya. Despite the risks, they successfully distributed aid to those in desperate need.

Reflecting on the journey, Rashed Simanto shared, "We opted for the water route intentionally, keeping our boat's capacity mostly empty to potentially rescue flood victims. The suffering here is beyond words, and we're committed to continuing these relief efforts."

These actors aren't alone in their endeavours. Many others, including director Khijir Hayat Khan, actresses Rukaiya Jahan Chamak, Ahona Rahman, singer Tasrif Khan, and Ashes band's vocalist Zunaid Evan, have also contributed by bringing aid to flood-affected areas like Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.

Simultaneously, a collective of musicians under the "Get Up Stand Up" initiative has been actively fundraising for the flood crisis. As reported by Raef Al Hasan Rafa, the founder of the band Avoid Rafa, they had already gathered over eight lakh takas as of two days ago.

Leveraging social and traditional media, prominent artists are urging their peers and the wealthy to aid flood victims. Well-known figures like director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, singer Asif Akbar, actress Nusrat Imroz Tisha, and director Amitabh Reza have been vocal in rallying support.

The entertainment industry has largely shifted its focus from filming to flood relief, as actress Azmeri Haque Badhon highlighted. She remarked, "The humanitarian crisis caused by the floods demands our attention, leaving acting as a secondary concern. Many colleagues are dedicated to collecting and distributing aid, and it's uplifting to see artists participating in such vital work. Our priority is the safety of our audience, who are now in life-threatening situations. I'm confident that, with collective efforts, we can overcome this challenging time."

Various entertainment organizations have also joined the relief efforts, showcasing the industry's united commitment to helping flood-affected communities.