Coca-Cola together with its partner CARE Bangladesh are supporting over 50,000 people from underprivileged communities with a month’s food ration to assist them tide over the ongoing COVID-19 hardships. This distribution is a part of the commitment of Coca-Cola of TK 11.5 crore to support the government’s running efforts against Coronavirus.
The four-day relief distribution program which commenced shortly before the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr, will continue till May 23rd to cover major COVID-19 outbreak hotspots in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Mymensingh and Cumilla.
The relief program has already been started in Dhaka today where 1,000 families consisting of 4,000 recipient were supported. Households were given a month’s food packages, ‘dignity kits’ for ladies and adolescent girls together with personal hygiene material, for example – facial masks, soaps, and detergent, to fulfill their immediate needs and help them get through the foremost difficult times.
The first day’s distribution program was graced by Elias Uddin Mollah, Member of Parliament of Dhaka 16 constituency. Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, Councilor of ward 6, DNCC were present as special guest.
Chief Guest of the Ceremony, MP Elias Uddin Mollah, said, “During this time of pandemic, one act of kindness sparks off another act of generosity. I encourage all other entities to come forward and join hands in this humanitarian war against Covid-19.”
Prabodh Devkota, Deputy Country Director – Program of CARE Bangladesh said “I appreciate the generous support from the Coca Cola and our local partner Social and Economic Enhancement Programm (SEEP) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) colleagues, team and volunteers to make this happened. Currently, CARE Bangladesh is mobilizing our response efforts in more than 27 districts in coordination with our partners in different districts. We have been able to reach out to 1,137,162 people as of April. Our efforts are continuing and we are very closely collaborating with the government efforts”.
Ajay Bathija, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bangladesh said, “Covid-19 has impacted the world including Bangladesh in an unprecedented manner. We are committed to helping our communities in Bangladesh and making a difference wherever and however we can.”
As a part of the relief program, Coca-Cola Bangladesh also will ensure instant support to the country’s health infrastructure, including contribution towards personal protective equipment (PPE) like N-95 face masks, hand sanitizers, disposable gloves and other support for front line doctors and nurses who are tending to COVID-19 patients. The beverage company is additionally committed to catering to the hydration needs of doctors, nurses, law enforcers, and other front line workers through beverage distribution.
All these initiatives are a part of Coca-Cola Bangladesh’s larger commitment to combat Covid-19. The relief program initiated by Coca-Cola aims at benefiting and positively impacting over 50 lakh lives across Bangladesh.
