C T Online Desk: In a remarkable display of solidarity, Dhaka University has been converted into a massive relief camp to support victims of the widespread floods ravaging the western region of Bangladesh.
Volunteers of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have established a relief collection booth at the university’s main gate, accepting both monetary donations and essential supplies.
A steady stream of individuals, including students, faculty, and concerned citizens, have flocked to the campus to contribute to the relief efforts.
The volunteers have turned the Teachers and Students Centre (TSC) into a vast collection point, where donations are meticulously recorded and organised. Items such as food, clothing, medical supplies, and hygiene products are being accepted and distributed to those in need.
The response from the public has been overwhelming. People from all walks of life have come forward to offer their support, with many donating generously despite their own hardships.
Saima Akter, a donor from Mirbag, expressed her desire to help her fellow countrymen in their time of crisis. “As a citizen,” she said, “it is my responsibility to stand by the people of my country in bad times.”
Tahsin Alam, another donor, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I am glad to stand by the people of the country. Everyone is coming here spontaneously with what they have. All should cooperate with the government and the volunteers from their respective positions.”
The TSC area has been inundated with donations, with vehicles arriving constantly to deliver supplies. The games room and cafeteria have been transformed into makeshift warehouses, overflowing with goods. Even the DUCSU cafeteria has been repurposed to accommodate the influx of donations.
To date, a total of Tk29,76 ,173 has been collected from the TSC fund collection booth alone, in addition to contributions from various halls and departments within the university. The volunteers report that the number of donors has increased significantly compared to previous days.
Monir Ahmed, another donor, emphasised the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. “We got an independent country,” he said. “It is time to build up the country and show our power and unity. India is trying to break us, but we stood together. It is our moral duty to stand against the aggression of India.”
To ensure efficient management, the volunteer students have been divided into groups, each assigned specific tasks. Some are responsible for traffic control, while others collect money or donations, direct people around the campus, or sort and package supplies for distribution.
Rafia, a student involved in maintaining order at the TSC premises, emphasised the importance of crowd control to facilitate the relief efforts. “I have been shouting since the noon to keep the area clear so that the donors and volunteers can do their jobs properly,” she said. “Crowds cause problems.”
Beyond the TSC, students from Dhaka University are also collecting money at busy intersections in the capital. They have even donated their own clothes to aid those affected by the floods. Volunteer groups from each hall have collected clothing from students’ rooms and packaged them for distribution.
A concert has been organised at the Anti-terrorism Raju sculpture to raise funds for the relief efforts. However, some students, like Khalid Hasan, have questioned the appropriateness of such an event at a time when people are already donating generously. They argue that the concert could create traffic congestion and hinder the relief efforts.
