Dipanwita Ridi's journey in establishing first animal shelter of Bangladesh
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Dhaka has been witnessing the issue of stray animals for a very long time. According to the Capital Development Authority, or RAJUK, 8000 stray dogs and several thousand stray cats live in Dhaka city.
Although they can be easily adopted as household pets, not many people have the compassion. Measures taken by authority are often seen as inhuman or drastic, and humane measures are not taken adequately either.
Moreover, some people seem to lose compassion for the strays, adopting kittens and puppies to take their photos for social media and then throwing them out as soon as they grow up.
Dipanwita Ridi is a formidable force in the battle for animal welfare by being the pioneer behind the nation's first animal adoption shelter. Dipanwita, a self-proclaimed introvert, transforms into an outspoken advocate for rescuing and rehabilitating stray cats and dogs, offering them a chance at a better life.
Dipanwita's journey into animal advocacy began in fifth grade, witnessing acts of cruelty that fueled her commitment. Recalling the rescue of a drowning kitten and a puppy strangled with a rope, she found solace in their companionship amid her parents' painful separation. These early encounters sowed the seeds of compassion that would later blossom into her life's mission.
In 2010, after volunteering with an animal rescue organization, Dipanwita took a decisive step and established 'Animal Lovers of Bangladesh', or ALB, an animal shelter in Narayanganj, Dhaka. The shelter, which was her home until 2018, now solely houses over 160 stray cats and dogs, most of whom are rescue animals.
The shelter struggles to pay for food, treatment, and staff salaries because it depends on donations, monthly fees, and Dipanwita's personal funds, including support from her parents. Even unforeseen challenges, such as monsoon damage, are met with resilience, showing Dipanwita's unwavering dedication.
Living alone in a rented apartment, Dipanwita leads a minimalist lifestyle to meet the shelter's financial demands. Former indulgences in plays, dining out, and expensive clothing have given way to strict budgeting and cost-cutting measures. The pandemic-induced economic strain has heightened the shelter's running costs, forcing Dipanwita to reevaluate every expenditure.
Dipanwita embraces a freelance career as a translator and content writer to sustain the shelter, often working late into the night. Financial pressures and the emotional toll of caring for abused animals coexist with her deep sense of fulfilment.
As she navigates the challenges, Dipanwita remains strong, finding solace in knowing that her work saves lives. Dipanwita's shelter stands as a beacon of hope for the helpless stray animals, an example of one woman's unwavering commitment to animal welfare in the heart of Bangladesh.
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