Income-generating equipment, including auto-rickshaws, tricycles and milling machines, has been distributed among underprivileged and marginalised beneficiaries in Rajshahi's Paba upazila to promote sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance.
The distribution ceremony was held at the Paba Upazila Parishad premises on Saturday noon, where Rajshahi-3 lawmaker Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon handed over the keys and necessary documents to the beneficiaries as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, the MP said sustainable employment opportunities are more effective than one-time financial assistance in reducing poverty. He said the income-generating assets would help beneficiaries become economically self-reliant, adding that the government has been implementing various livelihood-based programmes to improve the living standards of disadvantaged communities.
The programme was chaired by Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ibnul Abedin. He said coordinated efforts by the government and development partners are creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalised people. Proper use of the distributed equipment, he added, would not only improve the financial condition of the beneficiaries' families but could also create employment opportunities for others.
One of the beneficiaries, Abdur Rashid of Baya Madhyapara in Nowhata Municipality, said receiving an auto-rickshaw had given his family renewed hope. He expressed optimism that the vehicle would enable him to earn a regular income and support his household.
Md Rakibul Hasan, Programme Officer of Global Unnayan Seba Sangstha in Durgapur Upazila, said the organisation is implementing the "Automotive Livelihood Project" with financial support from Qatar Charity. The project aims to generate employment in the automotive sector, reduce poverty and promote self-reliance among marginalised people.
Under the project, four auto-rickshaws and tricycles and three milling machines have been distributed across nine upazilas in Rajshahi district. As part of the initiative, selected beneficiaries in Paba also received the equipment.
Among others present at the programme were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Mehdi Hasan, Paba Upazila BNP Member Secretary Abdur Razzaq, Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed, former mayor of Nowhata Municipality Sheikh Maqbul Hossain, officials of the upazila administration, local public representatives, representatives of Global Unnayan Seba Sangstha, and local residents.
