Staff Correspondent

For the first time in nearly 30 years, a Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka has visited the Bede (gypsy) Palli in Rupnagar under Kulla Union of Dhamrai Upazila.

Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam visited the site on Thursday as part of a series of development and welfare activities in Dhamrai Upazila, directly engaging with local residents to hear their concerns and assess their day-to-day living conditions.

During her visit, emergency relief and financial assistance were distributed among the community members. Dry food packages were provided to 63 families, while 12 individuals received corrugated iron sheets alongside cash assistance totaling TK 72,000 (TK 6,000 each). Additionally, traditional garments (sarees and three-pieces) were handed over to 113 residents, and toys were distributed to 200 children.

Although the Bede community has inhabited the region for decades, local administrative officials had not previously conducted an on-site evaluation of their living conditions. To support the community's long-term development, DC Farida Khanam announced a project worth TK 5 lakh funded by the Upazila Parishad, along with allocations of government-owned (khas) land and 25 sewing machines for economic self-reliance.

DC Farida Khanam stated that the local administration is actively working to ensure that no marginalized community remains excluded from basic public services and state development initiatives. She affirmed that ongoing government support will focus on elevating their quality of life, alongside expanding educational and developmental opportunities for their children.

The Deputy Commissioner also participated in several other social safety, educational, and public welfare programs throughout Dhamrai Upazila.

During the educational support initiatives, the Deputy Commissioner held an exchange meeting with the heads of 52 secondary and higher secondary institutions and formally felicitated 186 students who achieved GPA-5 (A+). Additionally, school uniforms, bags, and shoes were distributed among 42 primary school students.

As part of equipment and financial distribution, loans were provided to local entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals, while sports equipment was handed out to educational institutions and sports clubs. Learning materials were supplied to schools catering to underprivileged children, and wheelchairs alongside educational resources were distributed across three specialized disability schools.

For civic and public service support, financial aid was handed over to 15 underprivileged individuals following requests submitted through the "Hello DC" mobile application. Operational uniforms and gear were presented to Gram Police members, and 700 tree saplings were distributed among students at Abdus Sobhan Model School.