RU JCD candidates feed stray animals amid campus closure during Durga Puja

"Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo" panel candidates, nominated by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) for RUCSU polls, have stepped forward to feed the cats and dogs residing at campus as its closure has curtailed the availability of food they consume.
Residential hall dining facilities, canteens, and nearby restaurants were closed on the occasion of Durga Puja.
On Thursday from noon, candidates from the panel, along with activists of the RU unit of Chhatra Dal, were seen feeding stray dogs and cats at different spots on the campus.
According to university sources, the group has been cooking and distributing food to the animals for the last four days and pledged to continue until the campus reopens.
The meals include rice, khichuri, meat, and biscuits, ensuring that the animals receive nutritious food. In addition, the group has arranged medicine and basic treatment for sick and injured animals.
Typically, the stray dogs, cats, and other animals on the RU campus survive on food provided by students and staff. But with the prolonged vacation, they have been facing acute food shortages.
Md Ar-Rafi, the panel's nominee for Environment and Social Welfare Secretary, added, "One of my pledges is to stand by the stray animals of the campus. If elected, I will work for their wellbeing. Another issue is that some dining hall and canteen owners sell leftovers instead of giving them to the animals. I am determined to put an end to such practices."
Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, vice-president candidate of the panel, said, "Since the closure, no leftovers have been available for the animals. That is why our panel has come forward. Stray animals are also part of our community. We urge everyone to extend their support."
RU unit Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi stressed that the initiative was purely humanitarian, "We did not take this step for recognition. With no food around, these animals were on the verge of starvation. Someone had to stand by them, and as a humane organisation, Chhatra Dal decided to take the responsibility."

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