In an innovative gesture to recognize and thank the frontline workers who continue to deliver essential services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled two new street graffiti in Dhaka.
DNCC and UNDP in association with the Gulshan Society, Cartoon People, and Aqua Paints revealed the arts at Gulshan 2, DCC market on 30 May 2020.
The two graffiti resemble, ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ sculpture, situated on Dhaka University campus and a famous photograph of Naib Uddin Ahmed taken during our Liberation War in 1971.
Unveiling the graffities, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam stated, “We continue our all-out efforts in the fight against Covid-19 and also against dengue. In this fight, everyone has a part to play. I sincerely acknowledge the contributions of those who are at the forefront, courageously resisting Covid-19. DNCC will always remain by their sides and provide all the required support as and when required.”
The initiative was taken during a nationwide lockdown to acknowledge Frontliners who risked their own lives and worked tirelessly to provide the services people needed which helped people to stay at home and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
“While the coronavirus pandemic has affected life for nearly everyone, frontline workers are fearlessly working to defend us and provide us with necessary services. Historically and around the globe, we have failed to appreciate their contribution, 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 safety by providing PPEs and other necessary items,” UNDP Resident Representative, Sudipto Mukerjee said in his statement.
Young cartoonist, Morshed Mishu, who is also on the list of Forbes 2019, 30 Under 30 Asia, led the painting, on behalf of The Cartoon People.
