December 16, 1971, is an unforgettable day in the history of Bangladesh. On this day, in exchange for the sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honor of countless mothers and sisters, we achieved independence from the occupation of the Pakistani invading forces.

However, even after 54 years of independence, the people of this country have yet to attain full economic prosperity. Many remain deprived of basic necessities such as food, clothing, education, healthcare, and shelter. Over these decades, the nation has made significant progress and the GDP growth rate has increased. In the fiscal year 1972–73, the national budget amounted to 786 crore taka, and GDP growth stood at only 2.75%. In the fiscal year 2025–2026, the budget reached 7 lakh 90 thousand crore taka, with a GDP growth target set at 5.5 percent.

Nevertheless, the reality is that a large portion of the population still lives below the poverty line. A glance at those residing on the

footpaths, in slums, and at bus and railway stations in Dhaka clearly reflects how distressing life remains for many, despite a reported 5.50% growth rate. The situation in rural areas is even more heartbreaking. Even when there is a small dwelling to live in, employment opportunities are scarce. Although schools may exist, orphaned children are often unable to continue their studies due to financial crisis, and adequate healthcare facilities are lacking.

When a daily wage earner—or someone surviving on daily income—passes away, leaving behind three or four children, the condition of his young widow becomes comparable to that of a person drowning in a vast ocean without knowing how to swim. Out of modesty, concern for family honor, and fear of harassment, many widowed women are unable even to seek help. In many cases, their circumstances are more severe than those of urban slum dwellers.

With the objective of serving these hard-core poor individuals, this organization began its journey informally in 2011 under the name “Dushtho Sheba” on a very small scale. After a long journey, in 2019, it was formally registered with the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social welfare under the name “Alokayon.”

The primary sources of income for the organization are zakat and donations provided by compassionate individuals committed to serving the underprivileged. Alokayon does not receive financial assistance from any local or foreign organization. With the limited funds collected from its members, the organization provides educational support to children living in slums in Dhaka, as well as limited financial assistance to helpless elderly individuals, widows, persons with disabilities, and poor yet meritorious students studying at universities, schools, colleges, and madrasas across the country. Additionally, we extend support to students memorizing the Holy Qur’an at a Hifz madrasa in Chatkhil Upazila of Noakhali District.

Furthermore, whenever natural disasters occur anywhere in the country, Alokayon strives, within its limited capacity, to stand beside the affected communities. The organization provided relief assistance to Rohingya refugees in 2017; distributed health-awareness masks and leaflets and offered financial support to daily wage earners during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021; extended financial assistance to flood-affected people in Sunamganj in 2022 and again in 2024 in Noakhali. In the year 2025 we donated some financial support to Palestinian Muslim brothers oppressed by the Israeli occupation forces. Besides this we distributed winter clothing in the northern region of the country. These initiatives have been widely appreciated.

Compared to the immense needs of the underprivileged, our contributions remain modest. Nevertheless, we believe that even limited assistance can make a meaningful difference. Without collective effort, we might not have been able to accomplish even this much.

We express our sincere gratitude to all who are associated with our activities. Four individuals who regularly contributed financially to Alokayon have already passed away. We pray that their contributions become a means of salvation in the hereafter.

Let us join hands with Alokayon and stand beside the underprivileged. May our sincere efforts serve as a source of welfare in this world and salvation in the hereafter, Insha’Allah.