The Hijra community on Sunday donated Tk 20 lakh to mitigate sufferings of the traders affected by the April 4 Bangabazar fire incident.
“We have been taking money from the traders in the area for the last 30 to 40 years. Now, during their difficult time, we have decided to stand by our brothers, instead of going for our Eid shopping,” said Kashmiri Dipali, president of Bangladesh Hijra Development Organization.
“We have collected Tk 20 lakh from all over the country. I have come to deliver the money today. If they live, we will live too,” Dipali further said.
Guruma Rakhi Sheikh, a member of the community, said, “We collect small amounts from people daily, and save a part of it. Now we want to donate the money for the sake of humanity. This money will not be handed over to any businessman. The entire amount will be deposited in the relief fund for the affected traders.”
Earlier in the day, Hijra leader Aleya donated Tk 2 lakh from the money they saved up for Hajj.
“Today we had a most pleasing experience as the people of the Hijra community donated Tk 20 lakh for the traders affected by the devastating fire,” Helal Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, told reporters.
“The community has set a rare example of humanity. For this reason, we request the traders not to look down upon them,” he added.
Around 5,000 shops were gutted in the April 4 blaze at Bangabazar Shopping Complex, a large market of cheaper clothes in the capital.
At least 5,000 traders were reportedly affected by the fire. The fire caused an estimated loss of Tk 2,000 crore.
