A few victims came forward one by one with stories of various crises, deprivation and uncertainty in their lives. Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah listened to them attentively. Many had worries in their eyes, some had long-held pain in their voices. Everyone expected someone to stand by them.
The weekly public hearing room of the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner last Wednesday seemed to have become a place of last hope for the helpless people.
Hafez Mohammad Abul Hossain of Halishahar Police Station Boropole area of Chattogram city has been leading the Imamate in various mosques and leading the Khatam Tarawih prayers in Ramadan for a long time. He was also nurturing the dream of educating two daughters and a son in higher education by teaching in a Hafezia madrasa.
But suddenly, when he lost his job at the madrasa, that dream was shattered. The family was in an extreme financial crisis. He could not even afford to buy the SSC exam fees and test papers for his only son. On the advice of acquaintances, he came to the public hearing and expressed his hardship. Hearing this, the Deputy Commissioner immediately provided financial assistance. As he left the office, Abul Hossain's voice was relieved and his eyes were filled with gratitude. He said, "Even in such a busy time, sir, you listened to me. You helped me immediately. It feels like we are not alone."
Meanwhile, Md. Ishaq of Uttar Kalauzan village of Lohagara police station lost his left hand completely in an accident. He lost his ability and his means of earning a living were cut off. In the meantime, his elderly mother is suffering from a complex disease. Due to lack of money, it was not possible to start treatment. As a last resort, when he came to the public hearing, the Deputy Commissioner also provided financial assistance to him. Ishaq said, "DC sir understands my hardship. Now at least I can get my mother treated."
Sima Dey of Ashkardighirpar area of Kotwali police station in Chattogram city. Her son Siddharth Dey is mentally retarded. He needs advanced treatment, but it is not financially possible. His two daughters are studying in school. He is unable to work regularly due to the round-the-clock care of his disabled child. After meeting the Deputy Commissioner and receiving financial assistance, Sima Dey said, “This assistance has given new hope for my child’s treatment.”
On the other hand, Pawan Barua of Raozan Upazila is suffering from a complex liver problem. He and his family were helpless because they could not afford the treatment expenses. When they came to the public hearing and sought assistance, the Deputy Commissioner extended a hand of humanitarian assistance to him as well.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said, “Government funds are limited, but when you hear the helpless stories of people, you cannot remain silent. We have tried to provide assistance on a priority basis. Although the assistance is less than the demand, we want to convey the message that the government is by their side.