'Shromajibi Canteen,' an initiative of a group activists of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, has come as a boon to the working class of people in the lockdown situation when their daily income has been badly hit.

They distribute foods among the poorer section every day in the evening 

As there have been no significant social activities this year to feed the low-income group from any corner, the youths have taken the initiative to feed the vulnerable group this year.

The youths of Joypurhat Chhatra Union, led by Rifat Amin Rion, have formed the 'Shromajibi Canteen' to feed the low-income group in the once a day.

Rion said there had been a massive support for the low-income group in Joypurhat district from the government, non-government and affluent sections of the society when the lockdown was enforced last year at the onset of the Covid pandemic.

However, the situation is entirely different this year.

"Keeping such helpless condition of poorer people in mind, we decided to distribute meal once a day among the marginal people", Rion said.

They started the feeding program from the beginning of Ramadan, he said.

So far, they have distributed at least 900 packets of foods among the distressed people in the district town.

Rion said they raise the fund without misusing their pocket money, he said. "Every day, we prepare 100 packets of food for distribution," he also said.

The cooking of the meal starts everyday afternoon at the ground of Amtoli Mahatab Uddin Bidyapith. After cooking, they distribute the food in disposable packets at different points of the district town, he said.

"Sometimes, we also distribute the meal door to door," said Rion, over the phone.

"After collecting the essentials from the kitchen market, we do everything from cooking to distribution," said Tasrin Sultana, another member of the team.

Abdul Hamid Babu, president of Joypurhat district Newspaper Hawkers Union, said the marginal groups do not have much work during the lockdown, for which they are finding it hard to manage their meals three times a day. Such initiative by the youths has come of a great help for them, he said.

Md Alauddin, of Hitchmi village in Joypurhat town, said it is tough to peddle a rickshaw in the scorching heat. Moreover, our daily income has dropped largely for the lockdown. Such help is God gifted, he said.

"The initiative of these youths has ensured a meal for us once in a day," he said.

Besides, Iftar item, Khichuri, fish, and a piece of chicken are also included in each packet, Rion said adding, that ex-leaders of the student organisation have also come forward to help them.

Other members of the team are Tasmina Sultana, Samia Akter Mimi, Rifat Hossain and Safahit Rabbi Hossain.