The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), in collaboration with Bidyanondo Foundation, has launched a special market offering low-income people essential commodities, including one kilogram of rice for just 50 paisa and new sarees for Tk5, ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja.
DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam inaugurated the initiative, titled "Pujar Bazar at Tk5", at the premises of Ramna Kali Temple in Dhaka today (15 October).
Under the programme, people can buy one kilogram of rice and one kilogram of salt for 50 paisa each, one kilogram of lentils and a dozen eggs for Tk1 each, and a packet of biscuits, hand wash and toilet cleaner for Tk1 each.
Other items available include one litre of soybean oil, two kilograms of flour, two kilograms of refined flour and one kilogram of sugar. Children's clothing is priced at Tk2, shirts and trousers for children and schoolbags at Tk3, lungis at Tk4, and sarees and punjabis at Tk5 each.
Speaking at the event, Bidyanondo Foundation Director Md Jamal Uddin said the organisation works to ensure that disadvantaged people can participate in various religious and social festivals, including Eid, Durga Puja and Prabarana.
He said the initiative was neither an act of charity nor an offer of alms, but an effort to uphold people's rights.
The assistance provided through the programme comes from contributions by members of society, with Bidyanondo serving as a channel to deliver the support to beneficiaries, he said. He also encouraged beneficiaries to help others in the future according to their means.
As the chief guest, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam praised the initiative, saying it supports low-income people by making essential goods available at nominal prices.
Such initiatives do not undermine people's dignity; rather, they provide assistance through an exchange, he said.
Salam said the programme primarily covers cleaners working in different areas under the DSCC. The opportunity has also been extended to poor and vulnerable people beyond the Hindu community.
Emphasising the need to improve the living standards of low-income people, he said employment generation and income growth should be prioritised. The government, political parties, social organisations, and financially capable individuals and institutions should come forward to support these efforts.
Highlighting the importance of religious harmony, Salam said ensuring the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is a collective responsibility.
He also urged everyone to remain vigilant against undesirable political activities targeting poor people or any religious community.