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Free Army market, medical camp in Cox’s Bazar


Published : 22 May 2020 09:36 PM | Updated : 05 Sep 2020 08:33 PM

Following cyclone Amphan and keeping Eid-ul-Fitr ahead, an Army Bazaar and Free Medical Campaign were organized in Cox's Bazar to cater to the daily necessities of the unemployed and helpless people affected by the corona virus in Cox's Bazar on Friday.

Under the supervision of the 10th Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army maintaining social distance daily commodities like rice, flour, oil, salt, pulses and various vegetables were provided to 1,000 families for free at Cox's Bazar District Cricket Stadium. In addition, free medical supplies were provided to about 200 people at the camp.

The army members buy vegetables directly from the marginal farmers of the region who are unable to sell their vegetables in the market due to corona lockdown and recent cyclone Amphan, and bring them to the Army Bazar. As a result, helpless people as well as farmers have benefited by getting a fair price for their vegetables.

 Visiting the Army Bazar, it was seen that there was a disinfectant booth and hand washing system at the entrance of the market under the overall management of the army. The real needy people were collecting their necessary commodities completely free of cost without any hassle. 

Liaquat, a hotel employee of Kalatali area who came to shop, told Bangladesh Post that the money he had saved was gone long ago as all kinds of work was stopped due to corona crisis. He said, he was very happy to get the daily necessities including rice, potato, beans and chilies from the Army market.

In addition, he has been suffering from earache for the last one week and he also got free medicine from a specialist doctor in the Army Medical Campaign. “Such activitive of the Army before Eid have given an opportunity to the helpless like us to enjoy the joy of Eid," he added.

According to Ramu Cantonment sources, under the overall direction of the Prime Minister, such activities will continue under the supervision of Ramu Cantonment under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff to make life easier for the helpless and marginalized people. It is learned that such markets will be organized at the upazila level in the near future. 

It may be mentioned that the army has been in the field since March 24 in Cox's Bazar and Chittagong. They are distributing hand sanitizers and masks as well as making people aware of the horrors of corona through patrol activities.

Besides, by saving their rations, they are going from house to house and handing over various necessities including rice, pulses, oil, potatoes, onions and soap to the helpless people. 

They are currently working hand-in-hand with locals to rebuild damaged homes, roads and dams in the cyclone-hit areas. Besides, 10 medical teams of the army have been working together since Thursday to provide necessary medical assistance to the people in the disaster-hit areas.