Stand beside climate victims: Shakib joins ‘friends and hero’ campaign
The world’s best all-rounder joins the ‘friends and hero’ campaign
Shakib al Hasan, one of the greatest living cricketers of the world, has called on the country's people to stand beside the marginal community of climate change victims.
He made the call while addressing a webinar on Monday, marking the 'Friends and Heroes' campaign being carried out by non-governmental organisation Friendship.
He said he is happily agreed to work with the NGO on the campaign.
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The Bangladesh national team cricketer said, "I joined Friendship in 2019. Friendship is working with the disadvantaged marginalised people and improving their lot. I am proud to be with such heroes."
Terming those who work for the marginal community as real heroes, Shakib said, "Marginal people themselves are building their own community because of the way they are working every day. We just can support them in their efforts. If I can be the friend they need, it will be a great honour for me; and that is why I am associating with Friendship.
Runa Khan, founder and executive director of Friendship, said, "NGOs play an important role for the welfare of society in difficult times. The main goals of Friendship are to save lives, adapt to climate change, alleviate poverty and empower marginalised people. We want people to move forward with self-respect through ensuring equal opportunities to all."
Describing the goal of 'friends and hero' campaign, she said, "The aim of the campaign is to raise self-esteem and hope among the disadvantaged people."
Runa highlighted the contribution of Friendship in improving the lot of people in remote areas of Bangladesh.
She said that staying in the hospital, the 'health heroes of Friendship' are providing tireless medical services during the corona pandemic, to ensure the health of the marginalised people.
Informing that workers and volunteers of Friendship are staying away from their homes and families for years, Runa said, "Along with them, foreign doctors and nurses are also taking part in various life-changing surgeries in the floating hospital administered by Friendship."
"The paralegals of Friendship are working to prevent child marriage in marginalised areas of the country as well as to establish peace and order in the society," she said, adding Friendship schools are playing an important role in increasing the rate of education in marginal areas.
Among others, the webinar was also addressed by Brand and Creative Consultant of the NGO Shubhankar Roy, Chief Operating Officer Col (retd) Iftekhar Uddin Mahmud, and Chief Financial Officer Md Shamim Reza.
Officials of the NGO claimed that since its inception in 2002, 'Friendship' has been supporting six million people every year. In addition to working for the people of remote areas, the organisation is working to make the victims of climate change self-reliant.
Shakib Al Hasan contributed to the food and relief efforts of the people of the affected south after the cyclone Ampan hit in May last year.
