DHAKA, June 2, 2020 (BSS) – In an innovative gesture to recognize
and thank the frontline workers for rendering essential services
amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in association with
the Gulshan Society, Cartoon People and Aqua Paints unveiled two
graffities at Gulshan 2, DCC market recently.
The two wall paintings resemble, ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ sculpture,
situated on Dhaka University campus and a famous photograph of Naib
Uddin Ahmed taken during our Liberation War in 1971.
The initiative was undertaken during the nationwide lockdown, as a
tribute to the frontline workers who are working relentlessly round
the cloch risking their own lives to provide essential services and in
doing so helping people stay home and prevent the spread of the novel
coronavirus disease, a UNDP press release said.
Unveiling the graffities, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said, “We
continue our all-out efforts in the battle against Covid-19 and also
against dengue. In this fight everyone has a role to play. I truly
acknowledge the contributions of those who are at the forefront,
bravely fighting Covid-19. DNCC will always remain by their sides and
provide all the necessary support as and when required.”
“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the frontliners. We got
independence through the supreme sacrifice of the freedom fighters in
1971, and in 2020, we will definitely win this war against
Coronavirus, with all the fighters on forefront. These wall paintings
are just tokens of appreciation from us and we will expand this to
other parts of Dhaka North City Corporation,” he added.
UNDP Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee in his statement
said, “While the coronavirus pandemic has affected life for nearly
everyone, frontline workers are fearlessly working to protect us and
provide us with essential services.”
Historically and around the globe, “We have failed to appreciate
their contribution and now it’s the time to seriously transform our
values and ways of thinking – hopefully in the future as a society we
will be far more respectful and caring for these social care givers.
As a first move UNDP is already working with the government and other
development partners for ensuring the safety by providing PPEs and
other necessary items.”
Gulshan Society and Aqua Paints took different initiatives to keep
the area safe by disinfecting key points including markets,
pharmacies, and continuously providing food to low income groups and
daily wage earners such as rickshaw drivers. Recently, the
organisation in partnership with a healthcare service provider started
testing as well.
Shayaan Seraj, on behalf of both Gulshan Society and Aqua Paints,
appreciated greatly the Mayor’s enthusiasm, and aspired all local
communities and private organisations to come forward and continue
motivating our fighters.
Young cartoonist, Morshed Mishu, who was also on the list of Forbes
2019, 30 Under 30 Asia, led the painting, on behalf of The Cartoon
People.