Ishwardi, Pabna, Apr 9 (V7N)– In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, students and their families have gifted a new auto-rickshaw to Dukhu Mia, a 52-year-old rickshaw puller, recognizing his significant role in the local anti-discrimination movement.

"Students and relatives gifted a new auto-rickshaw to poor rickshaw puller Dukhu Mia (52) for his special role in the anti-discrimination movement by joining the students," a local organizer announced.

The keys to the new battery-powered auto-rickshaw, purchased for one lakh ten thousand taka, were presented to Dukhu Mia during a ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon at the Government Sada Marwari School and College grounds in Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna.

"On Tuesday (April 8) afternoon, the key to the new battery-powered auto-rickshaw, purchased at a cost of one lakh ten thousand taka, was handed over to Dukhu Mia at a ceremony at the Government Sada Marwari School and College grounds in Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna," an attendee reported.

The funds for the new vehicle were raised through the financial support of students and their families who participated in the anti-discrimination movement, an initiative spearheaded by the voluntary organization 'Say No to Drugs' ('Manab'). During the ceremony, Dukhu Mia was also presented with a crest of appreciation and floral tributes.

"The new auto-rickshaw was purchased with the financial support of students and their families participating in the anti-discrimination movement, initiated by the voluntary organization 'Say No to Drugs', 'Manab'. At the ceremony, Dukhu Mia was presented with a crest of appreciation along with floral greetings," Masum Parvez Kallol, president of 'Manab', explained.

Masum Parvez Kallol highlighted Dukhu Mia's challenging circumstances, noting that he supports his wife, two daughters, and disabled son by driving a dilapidated rickshaw. He emphasized Dukhu Mia's active involvement in the student-led anti-discrimination movement, where he served as a protester and even participated in a Long March in Dhaka, during which he sustained an eye injury from tear gas. Kallol also recounted Dukhu Mia's invaluable support during local Ishwardi protests, where he would assist students late at night and provide crucial information.

"Masum Parvez Kallol, president of the voluntary organization Say No to Drugs 'Manab', said, 'Dukhu Mia, a poor rickshaw puller, runs a family by driving a broken rickshaw. He has a wife, two daughters and a disabled son. He has married off one of his daughters. He played a role in the student movement against discrimination. He was a protester. He also participated in the Long March in Dhaka. At that time, Dukhu Mia's one eye was damaged by tear gas. During the movement in Ishwardi, Dukhu Mia used to take students who had fled to different places late at night and bring news of the area. His contribution is undeniable,'" Kallol elaborated.

Mahim Mehrab, a representative of the Ishwardi Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, spoke of Dukhu Mia's close involvement in their activities, acknowledging his tireless work and significant assistance. He explained that the students informed 'Manab' about Dukhu Mia's contributions, leading to the organization of the event and the collective effort to gift him the new auto-rickshaw as a token of their gratitude.

"Mahim Mehrab, a representative of the Ishwardi Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said, 'We found Dukhu Mia very close in various activities of the movement. He worked tirelessly for us day and night. He helped us in many ways. That is why we informed Manab about his contribution. They took the initiative and organized this event with the cooperation of everyone. We are all very happy to present Dukhu Mia with a new auto-rickshaw as a recognition of his love,'" Mehrab stated.

Visibly moved by the outpouring of support, Dukhu Mia expressed his profound happiness and gratitude for the gift. He pledged to always remember their kindness and emphasized that his support for the students during the movement was selfless. He acknowledged the significant positive impact the new auto-rickshaw would have on his life.

"Dukhu Mia, who was overwhelmed with emotion after receiving the new autorickshaw, said, 'I will keep in mind the gift that everyone has given me today because they love me. I cannot express how happy I feel. I am very happy. During the movement, I tried my best to stand by the students. I did not cooperate with them expecting anything in return. I cannot explain the way they stood by me today. Getting the new autorickshaw has benefited me a lot,'" Dukhu Mia said, his voice filled with emotion.

END/SRP/RH/