Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended support to octogenarian Naimuddin, who lost his last resort, during an eviction drive to restore order on footpaths in the city’s Moghbazar area. Naimuddin lost his small shop by which he managed his livelihood when Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) conducted the eviction drive to remove illegal shops and establishments on the footpaths on Wednesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a humane story highlighting the situation of the elderly man was carried out by a Bangla daily, featuring remarks from the magistrate of the drive, who stated, “This shop will not be evicted.” The report quickly went viral on social media, prompting various organisations and individuals to come forward with promises of assistance.
When the news reached Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he expressed his interest in talking to Naimuddin. ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ Member Secretary Moksedul Momin Mithun reported that the Prime Minister spoke to Naimuddin over the phone at 11:13 am today. During the conversation, the Prime Minister assured Naimuddin of extending lifelong support for him.
The premier directed ‘Amra BNP Paribar’, an organisation formed under his patronage, to take responsibility for providing Naimuddin with permanent housing, medical care, and livelihood. Mithun confirmed that full responsibility for Naimuddin’s treatment and living expenses has already been taken. These facilities will be ensured near his current location in Moghbazar.
Earlier, during the eviction drive on Wednesday, Special Metropolitan Magistrate Imran Ahmed made an immediate humane decision by instructing that Naimuddin’s small shop would not be evicted, despite ongoing demolitions in the surrounding area.