Students at Jahangirnagar University (JU) have stepped up to help flood victims in 11 districts by creating a large platform to collect funds and relief supplies. The initiative is being carried out by students from various departments, residential halls, and voluntary organizations, along with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The relief efforts began last Thursday, with students collecting funds from individual departments and halls. Later, the "Gonotran" program was launched at the New Arts Building in response to a call from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Many people from all backgrounds are joining the students, boosting their morale and making the aid distribution process more effective.
Relief collection activities have been going on for six days, with people donating at various locations, including the Faculty of Arts and Humanities building. Donations include money, dry food, clothing, medicines, sanitary items, and more. Some students also positioned themselves along the Dhaka-Aricha Highway, collecting money from buses, while others raised funds by singing on sidewalks.
Abdur Rashid Jitu, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that nearly Tk 60 lakh in relief funds have been collected so far, with significant contributions from groups like Anjuman and Ultimate Fashion. They have already sent six trucks of supplies to flood-hit areas and plan to continue their efforts until the flood subsides, followed by rehabilitation work.
JU students have also held a puppet show and art camp to raise funds, offering to draw portraits of visitors. Departments across the university have collectively raised more than half a crore taka. The students' unity and dedication have made a big impact, with support pouring in from all corners.
