Emdad Rahman
Ramdhana is a quaint and charming village which stands along the Pachla river in Bishwanath, Sylhet.
This humble Bangladeshi village permeates nature, colour, vibrancy amongst a picturesque landscape.
A common practise amongst the Ramdhana expatriate community is to come together to support the local villagers. It is indeed this continued love for their homeland combined with personal success which resulted in the formation of the Ramdhana Welfare Trust UK (RWTUK), formed in 2011 to support the development and stability of those in need within the locality.
The charity has since continued to make notable differences in the lives of the locals in providing basic necessities like food and shelter.
Apart from this the community have introduced the well project to provide fresh clean water for residents along with school uniform, stationary, eid gifts distribution alongside relief support in Sunamganj and for the Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar.
The highlight of the evening saw Ramdhana Football Club celebrated after their triumph in the Union Cup supported by Bishwanath Aid.
Chairman Faizul Haque welcomed guests before speeches from vice chair Afraj Miah, General Secretary Junab Ali, Treasurer Mashuk Ali and Assistant General Secretary Muhammed Ali.
He said, “Our strength is our great unity and I would like to welcome guests and congratulate all our volunteers for the amazing work day in, day out. We are a small group of people with big hearts.”
Chief guest was Councillor Ayas Miah – the Honourable Speaker of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. He commented, “I’m proud to be here this evening and I would like to request everyone to take some responsibility to support those in need. This is a fantastic initiative and awards evening and I thank you all for your efforts.”
An awards ceremony was conducted whereby each member of the Ramdhana Union Cup champions were presented a winners trophy by notable community activists hailing from the region.
Attendees were also able to watch a brief documentary highlighting the excellent works of RWTUK in helping curtail poverty through Ramadan aid distribution and clean water, medical aid, financial assistance for marrying couples, medical aid and orphan support.
The final award of the evening was presented to trustee Mark Wade who concluded, “I feel very humbled by this recognition. My contribution is very small in comparison to the great efforts put in by everyone for the development of the welfare of the people of Bangladesh. Congratulations to you all.“
The event was hosted by poet Minhaz Khan.
Special thanks to Debbie Collins, Ben Kerr, Terence Ralph, Joe Taylor and David Green.
www.ramdhana.co.uk