Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), in association with the Gulshan Society, Cartoon People and Aqua Paints, unveiled two graffities at Gulshan-2 in the capital recently to recognise and thank the frontline workers for their services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The two wall paintings resemble, ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ sculpture, situated on Dhaka University campus and a famous photograph of Naib Uddin Ahmed taken during the Liberation War in 1971, UNB has reported.
The initiative was undertaken during the nationwide general holidays, as a tribute to the frontline workers who have been working tirelessly round the clock to provide essential services risking their lives, and in doing so helping people stay home and prevent the spread of the novel virus, said UNDP on Tuesday.
DNCC mayor Atiqul Islam unveiled the graffities.
“We continue our all-out efforts in the battle against COVID-19 and also against dengue. In this fight, everyone has a role to play. I truly acknowledge the contributions of those who are at the forefront, bravely fighting COVID-19. DNCC will always remain by their side and provide all necessary support as and when required,” he said. The mayor also said they owe a profound debt of gratitude to the frontline workers.
UNDP resident representative Sudipto Mukerjee said while the coronavirus pandemic has affected life for nearly everyone, frontline workers are fearlessly working to protect and provide them with essential services.
“Historically and around the globe, we’ve failed to appreciate their contributions and now is the time to seriously transform our values and ways of thinking – hopefully in the future as a society we will be far more respectful and caring for these social caregivers. As a first move, UNDP is already working with the government and other development partners for ensuring the safety by providing PPEs and other necessary items,” he said. ♦
