DNCC, UNDP unveil street art to thank COVID-19 frontliners

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled two graffities at Gulshan 2, DCC market recently to recognise and thank the frontline workers for rendering essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic in association with the Gulshan Society, Cartoon People and Aqua Paints.

The two wall paintings resemble, ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ sculpture, situated on Dhaka University campus and a famous photograph of Naib Uddin Ahmed taken during our Liberation War in 1971, reports BSS citing a press release from UNDP.

The initiative was undertaken during the nationwide lockdown, as a tribute to the frontline workers who are working relentlessly round the clock risking their own lives to provide essential services and in doing so helping people stay home and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, according to the press release.

Unveiling the graffities, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said, “We continue our all-out efforts in the battle against COVID-19 and also against dengue. In this fight everyone has a role to play. I truly acknowledge the contributions of those who are at the forefront, bravely fighting Covid-19. DNCC will always remain by their sides and provide all the necessary support as and when required.”

“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the frontliners. We got independence through the supreme sacrifice of the freedom fighters in 1971, and in 2020, we will definitely win this war against Coronavirus, with all the fighters on forefront. These wall paintings are just tokens of appreciation from us and we will expand this to other parts of Dhaka North City Corporation,” he added.

UNDP Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee in his statement said, “While the coronavirus pandemic has affected life for nearly everyone, frontline workers are fearlessly working to protect us and provide us with essential services.”

Historically and around the globe, “We have failed to appreciate their contribution and now it’s the time to seriously transform our values and ways of thinking – hopefully in the future as a society we will be far more respectful and caring for these social care givers.

As a first move UNDP is already working with the government and other development partners for ensuring the safety by providing PPEs and other necessary items.”

Gulshan Society and Aqua Paints took different initiatives to keep the area safe by disinfecting key points including markets, pharmacies, and continuously providing food to low income groups and daily wage earners such as rickshaw drivers. Recently, the organisation in partnership with a healthcare service provider started testing as well.

Shayaan Seraj, on behalf of both Gulshan Society and Aqua Paints, appreciated greatly the Mayor’s enthusiasm, and aspired all local communities and private organisations to come forward and continue motivating our fighters.

Young cartoonist, Morshed Mishu, who was also on the list of Forbes 2019, 30 Under 30 Asia, led the painting, on behalf of The Cartoon People.