World’s No 1 all-rounder in ODIs, Shakib al Hasan has called upon people from all walks of life to stand beside the marginalized people of chars and climate impacted areas as many of them are deprived of their fundamental rights.
“We are still a developing country, and we all need to come together to help each other for the welfare of these marginalized people,” he said at the launching of a campaign of Friendship, a non-government organization.
Friendship Monday launched its “Heroes and Friends” campaign through a virtual press conference.
The campaign features heroes who emerged as saviors of climate victims and poor people of remote char areas of the country.
To acknowledge their dedication and encourage these heroes, Friendship has introduced Shakib as friend of these heroes.
Shakib said he had no idea about the lifestyle of the people of char areas.
“They are deprived of modern facilities that city people enjoy and Friendship is doing a very tremendous job there,” he said.
“The state of our world today is daunting, but heroes are made in the face of adversity. During our darkest days we must offer our friendship and lean on one another,” he said, adding that he is proud to be a friend of the people of the chars.
Replying to a question after the press conference, Shakib said it will take about six to eight weeks to get his wound healed as he missed part of the first Test against the West Indies, and the entire second Test.
“I may be able to play in the T20 [in New Zealand], if things go alright,” he said.
“None of us expected, this would have happened,” he said when asked about whitewash by the West Indies.
Runa Khan, founder and executive director of Friendship, said their work is inextricably linked with managing disasters.
Friendship is working relentlessly to ensure an environment where people have equal opportunities to live with dignity and hope, she said.
Runa suggested others following Friendship’s integrated approach for the development of over one billion people in the world who are victims of climate change and distressed socio-economic conditions.
Friends and Heroes’ brand and creative advisor, Shuvankar Roy, Chief Executive Officer Col. (retd) Iftekhar Uddin Mahmud, CFO Md Shamim Reza and head of communication Tanjina Sharmin joined the event.
