Abdul Wahed Chowdhury listens to the problems of 18 people, gives immediate instructions; provides financial assistance to the helpless, 21 families receive relief Chittagong: A room in the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Some are hiding tears, some are telling their life stories with heavy sighs. Some have lost their husbands at sea for a year, some have their houses washed away by floodwaters, some are fighting cancer, some are fighting death due to kidney complications. Some are financially unable to buy books and dresses despite being admitted to college, some do not even have the rent to return to their homes. The weekly public hearing at the Chittagong Deputy Commissioner’s office has become a place of tears, appeals and last refuge for countless helpless people. Known as the humane Deputy Commissioner, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah listens attentively to everyone one by one, consoles them and orders immediate action to be taken in most of the problems. In this public hearing held on Wednesday (July 22), 18 service seekers from Chittagong city and various upazilas highlighted their personal, family and social crises. After listening to each application, the Deputy Commissioner immediately ordered the concerned officials to take necessary action. In addition, the concerned were instructed to quickly resolve some complaints and inform the applicants of the results. In the public hearing, seven helpless people and one student were given cash financial assistance. In addition, 21 families were distributed daily necessities including rice, pulses, oil, sugar, salt, chili, turmeric and coriander powder.
The cries of a helpless mother with two children, waiting for her missing husband
Mosammat Maina Khatun’s husband Azad went missing while fishing in a trawler about a year ago. Even today, she does not know whether her husband is alive or will never return. The responsibility of her two young children is now on her shoulders alone. In the meantime, she herself has suffered a stroke. She cannot afford regular treatment or medicine. In the public hearing, she sought administrative cooperation in supporting her children, treating herself, and finding her missing husband. After listening to her, the District Administrator provided immediate financial assistance and instructed the concerned officials to take necessary administrative initiatives.
Flood-ravaged families receive assurance of rehabilitation
Reazul Jannat Rahat of Ilsha village in Banshkhali said that the water level in their house rose five to six feet in the recent flood. This completely destroyed the thatched house and ruined the crops in the agricultural land. His father Reaz Ahamad has been suffering from stroke for a long time and is physically disabled. Currently, the family is living an inhumane life in a temporary shelter. Hearing the matter, the District Commissioner provided immediate assistance and instructed the concerned to take rehabilitation measures.
Assistance in the treatment of Shah Jahan, who is suffering from multiple complex diseases
Md. Shahjahan of West Shakpura, Boalkhali has been suffering from kidney complications, visual impairment, diabetes and high blood pressure for a long time. It was not possible for his family to bear the cost of regular treatment and medicines. Considering his helpless condition, the District Commissioner provided financial assistance for his treatment.
New hope for a financially stalled educational life
Miftahul Jannat Ria is a first-year honors student in the management department of Government City College in Minjiritla, Banshkhali . The family has been in dire financial straits since the death of their father in 2016. Their home was also damaged in the recent floods.
There was a fear that his studies would be interrupted due to lack of funds, as he was unable to buy books, college uniforms and necessary educational materials. Upon hearing this, the District Administrator provided him with a special financial grant, which has given him new hope to continue his education.
District administration stands by employee suffering from cancer
Nilufar Yasmin, an office assistant at the RM branch of the District Commissioner’s Office, has been battling cancer for several years. She is struggling with her three daughters and one son after the death of her husband.
As per the doctors’ advice, he needs about three lakh taka more to continue his expensive treatment including regular chemotherapy, radiotherapy and PET scan in Dhaka. Considering his request, the District Commissioner provided financial assistance.
Young man injured in accident receives money for surgery
Mohammad Abu Kausar, a sales representative of PRAN-RFL Group, broke his right ankle in a road accident. All his savings were spent on treatment. The treatment was halted due to lack of funds for emergency surgery.
Hearing about the plight of the sole breadwinner of the family, the District Administrator provided financial assistance for his treatment.
Shafiqul received assistance, even though he couldn’t afford to return home
Md. Shafiqul Islam of Biral Upazila of Dinajpur came to Chittagong in search of a livelihood and did not find any work. At one point, he did not have enough money for his daily expenses or even the fare to return to his own district. When he applied to the Deputy Commissioner, he was given the necessary car fare to return to Dinajpur.
The District Administrator also listened to the complaints of expatriates.
On the same day, the Deputy Commissioner organized an online public hearing for expatriates. In it, an expatriate raised the allegation of forcible encroachment on his family land. After hearing the complaint, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the administrative officer of the concerned Union Parishad to take immediate action.
Not an application, but an address of trust
The weekly public hearing of the Chittagong District Commissioner is no longer just a formal program for receiving applications; it has gradually become a place of trust for the common people. Some have returned with money for treatment, some with the courage to continue their studies, some with the assurance of building a new house, and some with the rent to return to their homes. Perhaps one day’s help does not solve all the crises in life. But by listening attentively to the helpless people, giving importance to their suffering, and extending a helping hand immediately, an important message has been conveyed – the doors of the state are still open to the common people, and the Chittagong District Administration has kept the light of humanity burning in that door.