Three-kilometre rural road illuminated, improving safety and mobility for local residents
Life in Khadimpur village of Osmani Nagar has taken a significant turn after 70 solar-powered street lights were installed with financial support from expatriate members of the Khadimpur Welfare Association UK.
The initiative has brought light to approximately three kilometres of roads in the remote areas of Khadimpur village under Umorpur Union. The newly installed solar street lights are expected to improve nighttime mobility while helping reduce the risks of theft, robbery and other criminal activities.
The street lights were officially inaugurated on Thursday night at the premises of Khadimpur Nasib Ullah Multipurpose High School. Golam Kibria, Chairman of Umorpur Union Parishad, attended the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest.
The event was chaired by Sheikh Oliur Rahman, President of Khadimpur Welfare Association UK, and jointly conducted by social workers Jamil Ahmed and Sohad Ahmed.
Greater safety after dark
Speaking at the ceremony, community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude to the expatriate community for funding the project. They said that darkness had previously made the roads of East and West Khadimpur difficult and unsafe to use at night, with thieves and robbers reportedly taking advantage of the lack of lighting.
With the installation of the solar-powered lights, the roads now remain illuminated throughout the night. Because the lights operate using solar energy, they do not depend on the electricity grid, meaning power cuts do not disrupt the lighting.
Residents say the project has not only improved security but has also made it easier for people to travel along the roads after dark. The improved environment has given the rural community a greater sense of safety and convenience.
Diaspora contribution to rural development
Speakers at the inauguration said the project demonstrates how expatriate Bangladeshis can contribute directly to the development and wellbeing of their home communities.
They noted that initiatives such as the solar street-light project are helping improve the quality of life in rural areas and bringing elements of a modern urban environment to villages.
They also called upon the Khadimpur Welfare Association UK to continue undertaking similar public-welfare and community development projects in the future.
Among those attending the event were Md. Sujaur Rahman Suja, General Secretary of Khadimpur Welfare Association UK; Mohsin Ahmed, Treasurer; M.A. Nur, Organising Secretary; Rezuan Nur, Cultural Secretary; members Haji Mizan Ali, Amir Islam and Anhar Rauf; local political and community leaders, including Simon Ali, Hossain Ahmed Chhail, Cherag Ali, and many other residents and social workers.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Abdul Majid.
The installation of the 70 solar street lights stands as an example of how collective efforts by expatriate communities can create tangible improvements in the daily lives of people in their hometowns.
