By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, March 30, 2023 (BSS) - Getting houses as gifts from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina under the Asrayan-2 project in four phases, 46,930 homeless families are elated and living with a new hope in all eight districts of Rangpur division.
 
Talking to BSS, many rehabilitated people expressed boundless pleasure saying that they are preparing to celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival at their own homes with electricity, two bedrooms, one kitchen, one sanitary latrine and veranda facilities.
 
Widow Saimun Nahar, 70, of village Khollapara in Chandanpat union of Rangpur Sadar upazila said, "It is no less than a wonder to me that I have got a new house with land ownership from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on April 26 last year."
 
"I am grateful to our mother-like Prime Minister for gifting the house. I will celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival at my own house. I pray to Almighty Allah for her long life with sound health," she added.
 
Paritosh Chandra, 60, of village Kalapara in the same union had no words to express his happiness and gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after getting a house with land ownership documents.
 
"Our Prime Minister has made my dream true by gifting the new house to me. I pray to God for her long life with sound health and continuous success in serving the nation," said a smiling Paritosh.
 
Widow Nazira Bewa, 60, of village Bhangagora in Mornea union of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur said she somehow passed her days in miseries for many years.
 
"Finally, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blessed me with a new house on April 26 last year bringing back happiness in my life. I have no words to express my gratitude to her," said a happier Nazira.
 
Physically challenged Rahidul Islam, 40, of village Jabapripur in Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has brought a miracle in my life by gifting a new house where I will celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival."
 
Adita Begum, 60, of the same village, said, "I struggled to sleep here and there for many years. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has gifted me a semi-pucca house where I can sleep now peacefully. I wish her a Happy Eid Mubarak."
 
Mahmuda Akhter, 30, and her husband Sheikh Farid, 34, of village Paschim Boragari in Domar upazila of Nilphamari expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after getting a gift house from her on June 20, 2021.
 
"We lived in sheds on the lands of others for twelve years. My landless husband used to support my family with two children on his income as an employee of a small tailoring shop," said Mahmuda.
 
"The house has erased our frustration," said a smiling Mahmuda, adding that they are now preparing to celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Festival at their own house.
 
Widow Zainab Begum, 60, of Goddimari area in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat, said, "I forgot all miseries after getting a new house of Asrayan-2 project from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the Mujib Year on January 23, 2021.
 
Billal Hossain, 57, of Yogi Para village in Panchagarh Sadar said, "I got a new house from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on January 23, 2021 after leading a miserable life with my wife and children for many years."
 
"I pray for a long life, sound health and continuous success of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in serving the nation to build a developed 'Sonar Bangla' and realise the dream of Bangabandhu," said Billal.
 
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Chitralekha Nazneen told BSS that a total of 5,079 houses were distributed to the homeless and landless families of all eight upazilas in Rangpur in four phases so far.
 
"Asrayan Project, one of the Prime Minister's 10 special initiatives, aims at ensuring shelter for all homeless people to assist them rebuild life, improve living standard, health care and skill development on income generating activities," she said.
 
Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Md. Ibrahim Khan said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has so far handed over 46,930 new houses in four phases under the Asrayan-2 project to homeless and landless families of Rangpur division.
 
"Under the Asrayan-2 project, 13,130 homeless families have got houses in the first phase, 12,436 families in the second phase, 15,956 families in the third phase and 5,408 families in the first installment of the fourth phase across the division," khan added.