On January 7, 2025, with the support of the Rajbari District Administration, the Goaland Upazila Administration organized the distribution of high-quality blankets to 100 destitute persons with disabilities under the Goalanda Upazila Protibondhi Unnayan Sangastha (GUPUS). The event was presided over by Goalanda Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Mr. Md. Nahidur Rahman, and the chief guest was the esteemed District Commissioner (DC) and District Magistrate of Rajbari, Mr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia.
The event was also graced by the presence of special guests, including Mr. Md. Tarif-ul-Hasan, Additional District Commissioner (Education and ICT) of Rajbari; Mr. Md. Tabibur Rahman, District Primary Education Officer; Mr. Mohammad Rakibul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Goaland Ghat Police Station; Mr. Jayanta Das, Upazila Secondary Education Officer; Mr. Muhammad Shahidul Islam, Head Teacher of Daulatdia Model High School; and Mr. Md. Zakir Hossain, Head Teacher of Akkas Ali High School.
Representing theGoalanda Upazila Protibondhi Unnayan Sangastha (GUPUS) were its capable president, Mr. Md. Ratan Sheikh, and general secretary, Mr. Md. Munnab Sheikh. Key organizational figures included National Award-winning Person with disability and chief coordinator, Mr. Md. Raqibul Islam; Vice President Mr. Md. Siddik Sardar; Assistant Coordinator Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam; Treasurer Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islami; and Organizational Secretary Mr. Yunus Ali Kha.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Mr. Md. Raqibul Islam, the National Award-winning Persons with Disability and chief coordinator, highlighted the efforts of GUPUS. He stated, "Goalanda Upazila Protibondhi Unnayan Sangastha (GUPUS) is a volunteer organization of People with Disabilities. It currently has 474 registered members and it has approximately 3,800 beneficiaries. The organization is actively working towards the socio-economic development of marginalized people with disabilities and engages in humanitarian activities.
As part of its initiatives, the organization has launched a broom-making project managed by persons with disabilities (PwDs). The project began with financial support from the humanitarian organization CDF, which provided BDT 50,000, and an additional BDT 100,000 from the organization's funds. Later, with the assistance of the Goaland Upazila Administration and the Social Services Office, the project received grants amounting to BDT 100,000 and another BDT 200,000, totaling BDT 450,000. Currently, the project provides employment to 17 individuals, including 12 people with disabilities and 2 women. They are engaged in producing and marketing brooms. However, the limited funds restrict the project's full potential. To expand the project and create employment for 10–12 more individuals with disabilities, we seek the District Commissioner's support."
Responding to the appeals from individuals with disabilities, the District Commissioner assured, "The broom-making and marketing factory established in Daulatdia by individuals with disabilities for their self-reliance will receive appropriate financial assistance for expansion. Additionally, I will provide necessary wheelchairs and other support for persons with disabilities in phases."
