Exceptional housing project for journalists inaugurated in Rangpur
Rakibul Islam Rakib, Rangpur Sadar
The Rangpur Sadar Upazila Press Club has taken an innovative and humanitarian initiative to alleviate the housing crisis of journalists in Rangpur.
The special housing project for journalists was officially inaugurated in Chawrapara village of Sadar Upazila on Thursday noon.
Rangpur Sadar UNO Md. Saiful Islam was present as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony. He inaugurated this much-awaited housing project by unveiling a plaque.
Rangpur Sadar Upazila Press Club President and one of the initiators of this project, Mohiuddin Makhdumi, presided over the ceremony. The press club's general secretary, Khandaker Milan Al Mamun, moderated the ceremony.
Rangpur Sadar Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Saiful Islam, Acting Chairman of Khaleya Union Parishad Nebiul Haque Liton, BNP leader Masud Rana, Khaleya Union BNP President Kawsar Alam, local dignitaries, The Country Today News journalist Rakibul Islam (Rakib) and other journalistic societies were present.
Speaking as the chief guest, UNO Md. Saiful Islam said, “This housing project for journalists is a groundbreaking and exceptional initiative. For the first time in Bangladesh, Rangpur Sadar Upazila Press Club has implemented such a humanitarian plan, which will be an exemplary example for other upazilas.”
He also said, “The role that journalists play in highlighting the marginalized and neglected communities of the society through objective journalism is one of the driving forces of social change. This project is an expression of social gratitude towards them.”
Press Club President Mohiuddin Makhdumi said at the event, “This project is not just a housing scheme, it is a symbol of society’s responsibility towards journalists. I have dedicated 5 percent of my own land for this project, so that the project can be implemented more quickly and successfully.”
It is learnt that although this project has been launched in the initial stage in Choorapara village, there are plans to expand this facility to five more unions of Rangpur Sadar Upazila in the future.
Welcoming this initiative, the journalist society says that it has not only shown the way to solve the housing problem, but has also brought a great social recognition to the dignity and safety of journalists.
The concerned expressed hope that such a humanitarian project for journalists will spread to other districts of the country in the future. Later, the construction of a mosque on a land donated by Md. Sumon, a Dubai-based journalist of daily Jai Jai ay Din was also inaugurated.
