The Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CBCCI), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has provided financial assistance to students injured during the anti-discrimination movement in July and August this year.
A total of Tk1,20,000 was distributed among twelve injured individuals in a ceremony held yesterday (3 December) in the conference room of the Cox’s Bazar District Administration Office, reads a press release.
The event, presided over by CBCCI President Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka and moderated by Director Azmal Huda, was attended by several dignitaries.
The Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Salahuddin, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Additional District Magistrate Nizam Uddin was present as the special guest.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner praised the Chamber for extending its support to the injured students, emphasising the vital role of private sector initiatives alongside government efforts. He stated that such collaborations among various social groups would accelerate the nation’s progress toward building a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh.
Additional District Magistrate Nizam Uddin mentioned that the process of finalising the list of injured individuals, including the four martyrs of the anti-discrimination movement, was nearing completion. He highlighted that this was the first time the chamber had stepped forward to provide assistance following the condolence meeting organised by the district administration. He called on the chamber members and local businesses to sustain this effort in the future.
Representatives of the anti-discrimination movement, Rabiul Hossain and Asma Akhter Pinky, expressed their gratitude to the chamber of commerce and the district administration for their support. They urged other capable individuals in the district to stand by the injured and the families of those who lost their lives. They also requested further assistance to ensure the injured students can continue their education without disruption.
CBCCI President Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka reiterated the chamber’s commitment to social welfare, despite its limited resources. He noted that the chamber has consistently supported disadvantaged freedom fighters, special needs communities, and victims of natural disasters over the years.
The CBCCI president announced plans to establish a special fund for the welfare of those injured in the anti-discrimination movement, with the support of the local business community. He also pledged training opportunities for the injured students to help them develop skills relevant to market demands and achieve economic independence.
The event was attended by chamber directors and members, including ARM Shahidul Islam Russell, Uday Shankar Pal Mithu, Mohammad Ali, Afsarul Haque, Abid Hasan Sagar, Abu Farhan, Sheikh Ashikuzzaman, and Mohammad Nurul Huda.
Injured students, their guardians, and representatives from the District Coordination Committee were also present at the ceremony.
