Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 18, 2026 (BSS) - Sanitation workers of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), who work tirelessly to keep the city clean and orderly, are celebrating after receiving an Eid bonus for the first time.

Known for its cleanliness, Rajshahi owes much of its reputation to the around-the-clock efforts of its sanitation staff. Despite their crucial role, the workers said they had never previously received any festive bonus and had to rely solely on their modest monthly wages.

This year, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given each sanitation worker an Eid bonus of Taka 5,000, bringing widespread joy among the recipients.

The bonus was formally distributed on Tuesday at the Green Plaza of the City Bhaban. The workers' faces were lit with smiles, and some even had tears of joy in their eyes as they offered heartfelt prayers for the Prime Minister.
 
After receiving the bonus, cleaner Anowara Khatun said, "We are workers. We spend our whole lives cleaning the city. But we have never received such a bonus before."
 
"No one is as happy as I am today. I will pray for the Prime Minister and everyone. This Eid will be very good for us. We do our work, but I have never been this happy in my life," she added.
 
Sanitation worker Mustakin Lalbabu said, "We have been doing this job for 30 years. Today we are very happy to receive 5,000 taka. I will use the money to buy some small items for my wife and a pair of sandals for myself. Today feels even better than Eid."
 
Another cleaner, Munni Begum, said, "We got 5,000 taka-never received this before. We are very happy. We will pray for everyone. This Eid will be good. I will buy clothes for my children with this money."
 
At the event, the newly appointed RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Riton handed over the Eid bonus to the workers as the chief guest. Not only Muslim workers, but also Hindu and Harijan community sanitation workers received the bonus. A total of 1,237 workers were given the money.

Van driver Jibon Babu from the Harijan community said they had never received such support before. "Others enjoy special Eid food, but we could not. This time, I hope we can celebrate with our family," he said.

Several workers, including Angura Begum and Maya Begum, said they would use the money for Eid shopping and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the city administration.
 
Speaking at the event, Administrator Riton urged workers to continue their duties with sincerity. He said the Prime Minister had allocated around Taka 62 lakh for the bonuses, which have now been distributed among those responsible for keeping the city clean.

He expressed satisfaction in carrying out the responsibility and called on all concerned to work together to maintain the beauty of Rajshahi.