ABG Foundation stands by families of two deceased and two ailing journalists

Journalists always talk about people, bring up the problems of people to the authorities concerned. They highlight various realities and inconsistencies of the society. Despite various adversities in their personal lives, they do not move back from their professional responsibilities. However, sometimes they also need empathy and support. It is the duty of society to stand by them in times of crisis. And out of that human responsibility, Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) Foundation stands by the journalists and their families.

In continuation of that, ABG Foundation provided medical assistance to two ailing journalists work in Bangladesh Secretariat Beat on Friday. Along with this, the foundation also handed over assistance checks to the families of the two deceased journalists.

This assistance was handed over at the annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) held at 10 am at the BIAM Multipurpose Hall in New Eskaton in the capital. A total of Tk 20 lakh assistance was provided to the families of the ailing and deceased journalists, each of whom received Tk 5 lakh.

Among them, Tk 5 lakh was given to the families of late journalists Harun Or Rashid Talukder and Humayun Kabir Khokon and Tk 5 lakh was given to the medical treatment of ailing journalists Rakib Uddin and Amanur Rahman.

Md. Imrul Hasan, DMD and Head of A&F, EWPD and BCDL, Mohammad Hussain Arzu, Head of Division (R&D), ABG Bashundhara and Md. Shajedul Karim, General Manager, Geology and Mining, ABG Foundation were present on behalf of ABG Foundation.

Md. Touhid Harun, son of late journalist Harun Or Rashid Talukder, received a check of Tk 5 lakh on behalf of the family of Dainik Inqilab. He said, "My father was suffering from kidney problems for a long time. He was ill. Anvir Bashundhara Group Foundation stood by us. I thank them. I hope they will stand by the journalists in this way.”

On the other hand, Sharmin Sultana Rina, wife of late journalist Humayun Kabir Khokon, chief reporter of Daily Amader Shomoy, accepted a check of five lakh taka on behalf of her family. Sharmin Sultana Rina said, “My husband died of Covid. Even then, Bashundhara Group stood by us. When you gave me this check again today, it was very necessary for us. However, this is a great achievement for us at this moment.”

Meanwhile, Nasrin Jahan, wife of Daily Sangbad’s ailing journalist Rakib Uddin, accepted a check of five lakh taka on behalf of her family. Expressing her gratitude to the ABG Foundation for the support, she said, “Many thanks to ABG Group for supporting my ailing husband.

Amanur Rahman, journalist of Daily Naya Diganta, also received medical assistance. A check of five lakh taka medical assistance was handed over to him.

In his speech, Amanur Rahman lauded the initiative of the ABG Foundation and said, "We applaud the initiative of the Anvir Bashundhara Foundation. May Allah accept their efforts and dedication!"

He also said that the journalist's family thanks them for standing by the ailing journalists. He also expressed the hope that journalists will find them by their side in the future.

On behalf of the ABG Group, Md. Imrul Hasan said at the event, “Journalists portray the image of a clean society. Through them, we dream of building a beautiful society. But when the person who writes about that dream is in financial distress, he often cannot fully express his feelings. For this, journalists need financial solvency.”

He also said, “The ABG Group is always by the side of the journalists. At the same time, people from different classes and professions across the country are being supported in various ways through the ABG Foundation.”

He also mentioned the contribution of ABG Chairman Sayem Sobhan Anvir behind the various humanitarian activities of the ABG Foundation.

Meanwhile, it was also said in the event that a media award will be held jointly by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) and ABG Foundation to encourage good and responsible works of the journalists. This award program will be held with the aim of encouraging investigative, public interest-centric and positive reporting in various fields of journalism. ABG Foundation will be the sponsor of this proposed media award.

The foundation is constantly working for the welfare of the backward classes of the society. In addition to providing nutritious food to orphans and underprivileged children every Friday, ABG Foundation has been providing assistance to families affected by river erosions, families in financial distress and regular scholarships to meritorious students.

SOURCE : Bangladesh Pratidin