MOHAMMAD MOINUDDIN
Publication Date: October 12, 2026
Reporter, RANGUNIA, CHATTOGRAM
A total of 150 underprivileged and disadvantaged people received clothing and festive gifts in Swonirvor Rangunia Union under Rangunia Upazila of Chattogram on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja. The programme was organised through the personal initiative of Ershad Sowdagar, a local chairman candidate and social worker.
The gifts were distributed on Sunday morning through brief programmes held at various temple premises in Wards 1, 2 and 3 of the union, as well as in the Shantiniketan Bazar area. According to the organisers, the main objective of the initiative was to share the joy of Durga Puja with everyone and extend support to financially disadvantaged families.
Family members of Ershad Sowdagar, local Jubo Dal leaders and activists, representatives of the younger generation, and volunteers from different sections of the community attended the programme. They worked together to ensure the smooth and peaceful distribution of the gifts.
According to the organisers, the items distributed included new sarees, lungis and other essentials for the festive occasion. The recipients expressed their satisfaction after receiving the new clothes and gifts. They said such assistance ahead of the festival creates an opportunity for underprivileged families to share in the celebrations.
Speakers at the event said the true beauty of social harmony lies in sharing the joy of festivals with everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or identity. They stressed the need for collective initiatives to ensure that the joy of Durga Puja reaches every section of society. They also called on financially capable individuals to stand beside disadvantaged people during festivals.
They further noted that promoting mutual assistance, compassion and harmony would help strengthen a peaceful social environment. Such humanitarian initiatives can play a positive role in maintaining cordial relations among people of different religious communities.
An elderly woman who received a gift expressed her happiness, saying that she was delighted to receive new clothes ahead of Puja. The gift, she said, would allow her family to share in the festive celebrations.
Several Hindu community members attending the programme praised Ershad Sowdagar's social initiatives. They expressed the hope that local development activities would gain momentum if he were elected chairman. According to them, local residents expect public representatives to maintain close contact with the community and support people in need.
Those present at the programme included Ershad Sowdagar's son, Mohammad Masud, Jubo Dal Joint Convener Abu Bakkar, and local youths and volunteers. They assisted in carrying out the gift distribution activities.
Pledge to Eliminate Harassment in Union Parishad Services
Alongside the gift distribution programme, local chairman candidate Ershad Sowdagar outlined his plans to simplify public services at the Union Parishad and reduce the difficulties faced by ordinary residents.
He said the Union Parishad is a vital service institution for rural communities. He emphasised the need to ensure that people do not face harassment when seeking essential services, including citizenship certificates, character certificates, succession certificates, and birth and death registration.
Ershad Sowdagar said that, if elected chairman, he would take initiatives to make Swonirvor Rangunia Union Parishad free from harassment. His pledges include introducing arrangements to provide various certificates and other designated civic services free of charge, without collecting money from service recipients.
He also said he planned to modernise and improve the effectiveness of the union's information service centre to bring public services closer to people's doorsteps. As part of his vision to build a digital and smart union, he intends to expand technology-based services so that residents can access necessary information and services from home wherever possible.
According to Ershad Sowdagar, Union Parishad operations are funded through public revenue, and citizens should not face unreasonable financial burdens when accessing services to which they are entitled. If elected, he said he would work to listen to people's concerns, improve service quality and establish an accountable Union Parishad.
Election Promises Draw Attention in the Local Area
Ershad Sowdagar's pledge to provide free civic services has reportedly drawn attention locally ahead of the upcoming Union Parishad election. Residents have shown interest particularly in his promises to reduce difficulties in obtaining certificates and expand digital services, according to people familiar with the matter.
However, implementing these commitments would require consideration of applicable government regulations, rules concerning prescribed service fees and the administrative powers of the Union Parishad. If implemented in accordance with the relevant rules, his proposals could help reduce the difficulties people face when accessing civic services.
The organisers expressed their commitment to continuing social and humanitarian activities. They said that extending support during religious festivals could help promote mutual respect, compassion and harmony throughout society.
