Marginalised and low-income families in Rajshahi's Mohanpur upazila received auto-rickshaws, tricycles and milling machines on Sunday as part of a livelihood support programme aimed at creating sustainable employment and improving household incomes.
The distribution ceremony was held on the premises of the Mohanpur Upazila Parishad, where Rajshahi-3 MP Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon handed over the vehicles, equipment and related documents to the beneficiaries.
Addressing the event as chief guest, the lawmaker said poverty alleviation requires not only financial assistance but also sustainable income-generating opportunities. He expressed hope that the livelihood assets would help beneficiaries become economically self-reliant and improve their standard of living. He also noted that the government is implementing various livelihood-based programmes for disadvantaged communities.
Presiding over the programme, Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fahima Binte Akhtar said coordinated efforts by government agencies and development partners are creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalised people. She urged beneficiaries to use the equipment properly so that they could strengthen their financial condition and, in some cases, create employment opportunities for others.
One of the beneficiaries, Rubel Khan from Berabari village under Maugachhi Union, said the assistance had opened up a new opportunity for his family. He expressed hope that operating the auto-rickshaw would provide a regular source of income and help meet household expenses.
According to Md Rakibul Hasan, Programme Officer of Global Unnayan Seba Sangstha in Durgapur, the organisation is implementing the Automotive Livelihood Project with financial support from Qatar Charity. Under the project, auto-rickshaws, tricycles and milling machines have been distributed among selected beneficiaries in nine upazilas of Rajshahi district, including Mohanpur and Paba.
Among others present at the programme were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Jobayda Sultana, Upazila Agriculture Officer Kamrul Islam, Project Implementation Officer Engineer Tarikul Islam, Mohanpur Upazila BNP President Shamimul Islam Mun, General Secretary Mahbub Ar Rashid, Organising Secretary Bachchu Rahman, former Organising Secretary Prof Kazim Uddin, Upazila Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal President Jahangir Alam, officials of the local administration, elected representatives and representatives of the implementing organisation.
