PABNA, February 25, (V7N) — In a heartwarming display of student solidarity, Manjurul Islam, a Chhatra Dal activist at Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST), has launched a unique initiative to provide affordable Iftar to his peers. Amidst a volatile market where the prices of daily necessities continue to surge, Manjurul is offering a comprehensive 10-item Iftar package for just 20 BDT.

The budget-friendly meal is surprisingly diverse, designed to meet both nutritional and traditional needs. The package includes a boiled egg, two dates, slices of apple and guava, a banana, a jilapi, chickpeas (chola), beguni (purple fritters), potato chops, and even a saline packet to combat dehydration. The nominal price of 20 BDT has made it an instant hit among the university's general student population.

The scene at the university’s Swadhinata Chattar has become a daily spectacle of discipline and community. Every day from 4:00 PM, students begin to gather, forming organized queues—separately for male and female students—to purchase their meals. For many, this initiative provides significant financial relief, allowing them to focus on their studies without the anxiety of rising food costs during Ramadan.

"It is a immense relief to find healthy, diverse food at such a low price when everything in the market is so expensive," said Ishraful Parvez, a student of the English Department. Similarly, Ayesha Rahman from the Social Work Department applauded the initiative, noting that such humanitarian efforts reflect a positive shift in campus culture and student politics.

Manjurul Islam shared that while he initially aimed to provide low-cost Sehri, logistical challenges shifted his focus to Iftar. "The response has been overwhelming over the last few days. My goal is simply to stand by my fellow students," he stated, expressing his desire to scale up such humanitarian projects if he receives further support in the future.

As the holy month continues, the success of the "20-Taka Iftar" at PUST serves as a model for other educational institutions across the country. Students and faculty alike have noted that if more youth-led organizations prioritized such social welfare activities, the burden of inflation on the student community would be significantly lightened.

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