NGO ‘ASHA’ has set a unique example of humanity by standing by the people affected by the disaster. To meet the urgent needs of the members affected by the recent flood, the organization has provided cash financial assistance to 2,511 members in Phansiakhali Union of Lama Upazila of Bandarban. The cash assistance was distributed in Gulistan Bazar area of Phansiakhali Union at around 2 pm on Tuesday (August 11).

In the presence of Kanchan Pal, Manager of ‘ASHA’s Dulahazara branch, each affected member was given 1 thousand taka, a total of 25 lakh 11 thousand taka. Cash assistance plays an effective role in dealing with the immediate crisis of people affected by natural disasters like floods. Considering the matter, ‘ASHA’ has said that it has stood by its members. The concerned officials believe that this money will provide some relief to the affected families to meet their urgent needs including food, medical treatment, and house repairs after the disaster.

The ‘ASHA’ authorities said that in addition to the socio-economic development of the people, it is part of the organization’s social responsibility to stand by its members and their families during disasters. There are initiatives to continue humanitarian assistance activities as needed to quickly return the flood victims to normal life.

The cash assistance distribution ceremony was attended by Zaker Hossain Majumder, former chairman of Phansiakhali Union No. 3 of Lama Upazila, Abul Kalam Azad, senior loan officer of ‘ASHA’, Shafiqul Islam, education supervisor Jasim Uddin, Gulistan Bazar president and Phansiakhali Union Jubo Dal leader Rezaul Karim, Organizing Secretary of Bandarban District Chhatra Dal Mizan, Phansiakhali Union Chhatra Dal Nezam Uddin and local dignitaries.

Locals said that many families in different areas of Phansiakhali Union have lost their homes, food and daily necessities in the recent floods and are in financial crisis. In such a time of disaster, it is very important to provide cash directly to the affected people. This initiative of ‘ASHA’ will be helpful in meeting the immediate needs of the affected families.

They said that not only during the disaster, but also in the rehabilitation and recovery process of the affected people, coordinated cooperation of government, private institutions and social organizations is needed.

Locals expect that responsible development organizations like ‘ASHA’ will continue to strengthen humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation activities by supporting the disaster-affected people in the future.