DNCC, UNDP unveil street art to thank Covid-19 frontline workers

In a bid to thank the frontline workers who are tirelessly delivering essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled two larger than life sized graffities at Gulshan 2, DCC market on May 30. 

The two wall paintings resemble the historic 'Aparajeyo Bangla' sculpture, situated in Dhaka University campus and a famous photograph of Naib Uddin Ahmed taken during the Liberation War in 1971. 

Apart from DNCC and UNDP, Gulshan Society (GS), Cartoon People and Aqua Paints took part in the joint effort to materialised the initiative as a tribute to the frontline workers who are working tirelessly round the clock to fight against the novel coronavirus disease, risking their own lives.

Unveiling the street art, 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 supports as and when required."

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the frontliners. We gained independence through the supreme sacrifice of our freedom fighters in 1971, and in 2020, we will definitely win the war against coronavirus, with all the fighters on the forefront. This wall paintings represent a token of appreciation from us and we plan to expand this to other parts of Dhaka North City Corporation, mayor further added.

UNDP Resident Representative, Sudipto Mukerjee in a written 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. UNDP is working with the government and other development partners for ensuring their safety by providing PPEs and other necessary items."

GS has fought the virus through disinfecting key points including kacha bazaars, pharmacies and supershops, 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.

Aqua Paints too, is manufacturing disinfectants, hand sanitizers and with their own teams drawing social circles across the country in front of pharmacies and tong shops to promote social distancing. Shayaan Seraj, on behalf of both Gulshan Society and Aqua Paints, greatly appreciated the Mayor's enthusiasm and aspires all local communities and private organisations to come forward and continue motivating our fighters.

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

Combined, under the leadership of DNCC Mayor and support of his city corporation team, all organizations worked together to thank the Covid-19 frontline workers.