THE United Nations has recognised four Bangladeshi youths as “Real Life Heroes” to acknowledge their contribution to humanitarian services.
The honours were given by the UN marking the World Humanitarian Day on August 19, amid many elected people representatives, UP Chairman to Members of Parliament, and bureaucrats are blamed for embezzling fund allocated for poor. The recognition of the real heroes has come forth when pro-government politicians are propagating their claim of doing everything supporting people by bashing the political opposition. The recognition in one hand has shown the inner spirit of youth, apolitical force for social change, while on the other hand, it slaps the people responsible for serving people.
Bangladesh is proud of her children: architect Rizvi Hassan, Dhaka University student Tanbir Hasan Shaikat, translator Sifat Noor and mask-maker Akhi. Rizvi Hassan was recognised as being the driving force behind the construction of a safe space for Rohingya women and girls in Cox’s Bazar. Dhaka University student Tanbir Hasan Shaikat was recognised for his food programmes targeting 500 to 1,000 homeless and destitute people for 116 days amid the Covid-19 lockdown. The UN said, “In the story of the television and cinema we watch many heroes who sacrifice themselves for the service of humanity but Tanbir Hasan Saikat has worked as a true human hero in real life.”
Meanwhile, Sifat was recognised as a humanitarian hero for his work in translating critical, potentially life-saving information into Bengali, so more people have the information they need to lead safe, healthy, and informed lives. Recently, his work translating Covid-19 information helped more people keep themselves and their families safe from the virus. Akhi, a girl who was rescued from hazardous child labour by World Vision, was recognised as a real-life hero as she decided to make masks at a time when they were not available in the market while Covid-19 was spreading in the country. Akhi sells her masks at a low cost so that the poor can afford them.
Against the demons who hostage people to make profit in Covid-19 test, looting relief, purchase substandard medical equipment, stay reluctant to road accident, embezzling fund etc., there are hundreds of real-life heroes whose silent works keep the country thriving.
