DC gifts auto-rickshaw to elderly pedal rickshaw puller

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Mosammat Shukria Parvin gifted a battery-powered auto-rickshaw to an elderly pedal rickshaw puller on Monday afternoon.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Imam Razi Tulu and other officials of the district administration were present at the event.

Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Jatnapukuri Morich Bari area in Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, came to the attention of Deputy Commissioner Mosammat Shukria Parvin as he had been supporting his family by driving a pedal-powered rickshaw for the past 44 years. With no other option, he continued to pedal the rickshaw despite the physical hardship.

Deputy Commissioner Mosammat Shukria Parvin said, “I became deputy commissioner with a commitment to stand by people in need, and I am working towards that goal. It is truly difficult for an elderly person to continue driving a rickshaw by pedalling. When the matter came to my attention, I decided to take this small initiative.”

Rafiqul Islam said, “I have three children, and I have grown old. Driving a rickshaw by pedalling with my feet is very difficult. I never imagined that the deputy commissioner would gift me a battery-powered rickshaw. I am very happy.”   

-AUM