Secretary's Report

Introduction:

Rotary Club of Ramna (RCR) completed first half of year RY 2023-24, July to December, as usual taking up activities as per set goals. However, beginning second half, in January, a bolt from the blue struck the club along with all other-clubs under district 3281 and 3282. To our utter shock, we were informed, RI Board of Directors in a meeting held in January 2024 decided to place the clubs of district 3281 and 3282 into non-districted status for a period of at least three years. The Board took the drastic and punitive action due to the continued improper governance practices occurring in some districts. This means, the districts were abolished and positions of leaders were made ineffective.

We, RCR members along with other club members expressed our deepest grievances to RI, asking why we should suffer for offences committed by others. But no positive response received ! RI instructed that all member-clubs will come under the umbrella of newly designated District 64 and District 65 and their operations will be looked after by special advisor already appointed by RI. We, in Ramna, were used to implement at least one global grant (GG) project in each year. Regrettably, this is no more possible as accessing TRF funds has been barred. Despite such an unprecedented set-back, President Rtn Khair Uddin Khan and members maintained composure and completed the year 2023-24 accomplishing significant achievements.

A brief summary of the major activities of Rotary Club of Ramna in Rotary Year 2023-24 is presented here.  Activities are reported under three separate broad heads: 1. Projects 2. Club Administration and 3. Other Club Activities

1.     Projects

Projects are presented here under 4 heads- 1.1 Global Grant Projects, 1.2 Club’s Own Projects, 1.3 Multi-Club Projects and 1.4 District Collaborative Projects. These are described below.

1.1         Global Grant Projects (GG)

Two GG projects were implemented during the reporting year. One was closed and the other was in the final stage of closure. GG projects are sustainable and durable which yield streams of benefits over a long time.

1.1.1     MAMM’S Fistula and Women’s Health

TRF number GG 2347250

Budget USD 39,897.00 equiv. BDT 4,308,876.00

It causes severe individual suffering with devastating socio-economic repercussions for the family and the community. Institute of MAMM’S Fistula and Women’s Health in their hospital provides medication and surgical operations to treat, free of cost, poor fistula patients coming from different villages of Bangladesh. The Institute operates under the leadership of renowned specialist Dr. Sayba Akhter, the inventor of Sayba Method. The project aims at upgradation by increasing capacity and quality of services in the hospital. It consists of three major components---machinery and equipment, renovation of civil works and training of young doctors and other health professionals at MAMM’S Institute to impart skills and expertise to treat the patients. After receiving TRF approval on 18 October 2023, implementation of the Project was started, in earnest. The Project was almost completely implemented during the reporting year (expected to be fully implemented and closed by October 2024, RY 2024-25).

1.1.2 Rotary-Friendship Physiotherapy and Autism Center TRF GG No. 2342285

Budget: USD 39,263.00

Approved by TRF: 21 August 2022

Closed 7 May 2024

The main objective of the project was to create access and provide quality physiotherapy services to the persons with disabilities in remote shifting riverine islands (chars) of Kurigram and Gaibandha districts of Bangladesh. Through this Global Grant project two physiotherapy centers with autism corners were set up, one at Gaibandha and another at Kurigram. Each center is provided with equipment and supplies where a licensed physiotherapist and two technicians can provide the required therapy. Related awareness campaign and training is part of this project.

Disability-friendly boats were made available to the people in need through this project.  It is expected to create a huge impact in the lives of the people with disability and special needs. Korean Rotary club, Ilsan Jayuro was International Partner Club of the project. Implementation of the project was completed and inauguration for formal opening of operations was held on 31 August 2023 in Gaibandha Center and on 1 September 2023 in Kurigram Center. The project was closed by TRF on 7 May 2024.

1.2    Club’s Own Project

1.2.1 Medicine Supply to the Special Need Children at Amarjyoti School

In recognition of Rotary theme in July, Mother and Child Health, medicines were supplied to the school as per the list received from Ms. Luna, coordinator of Amarjyoti special school. Total cost was Tk. 30,228.00. RC Ramna highly appreciated the financial contribution of fellow Rtn Prema Humayun (Tk. 20,228.00) and Dr. Ashiq, a non-Rotarian owner of the Pharmacy who voluntarily contributed Tk. 10,000.00 for the said cause after hearing that medicine was purchased for severely disadvantaged children of the school. The medicine supplied would meet the requirement for two months for twenty children who are financially insolvent.

1.2.3 Winter Clothings Distribution

It is RC Ramna's traditional Service Project which is initiated as winter sets in. In all 13 members participated contributing a total of Tk. 209,000.00. Blankets were purchased in bulk. Participants received the blankets as per their respective share of contribution and distributed to the needy people.

1.2.4 Scholarship Program

1.2.5 Rotary Anniversary

February 23rd is the anniversary of formation of Rotary. Ramna Rotarians celebrated the occasion by cutting a Birthday cake in the fortnightly meeting of the Club

1.3 Multi-Club Projects

1.3.1 Rotary Foundation (TRF) Seminar 2023

TRF Seminar 2023 was held on 25 December at Hotel Sheraton Banani, Dhaka. PDG KM Zainul Abedin, President Khair Uddin Khan, Rtn Salma A. Shafi and Rtn PP Parvin Ahmed Khushi attended the seminar.

1.2.2 Tree plantation

As a part of Club’s project for improvement of environment, saplings were planted at BUBT Sports Complex. Rtn Dr. Rezaul Karim arranged collection of 300 saplings of different types of plants and gifted to BUBT on behalf of Rotary Club of Ramna. And entire cost was borne by him. A large number of saplings were planted under the management of BUBT. The last batch was planted by members of RC Ramna and Rotaract Club of Ramna on 14 November 2023.

1.2.3 Winter Clothings Distribution

It is RC Ramna's traditional Service Project which is initiated as winter sets in. In all 13 members participated contributing a total of Tk. 209,000.00. Blankets were purchased in bulk. Participants received the blankets as per their respective share of contribution and distributed to the needy people.

1.2.4 Scholarship Program

RC Ramna awarded scholarships to 6 poor but meritorious students of class six to class ten. As per new policy, students will be receiving scholarship money as they are promoted to higher classes, subject to their continued good performance in class.

1.2.5 Rotary Anniversary

February 23rd is the anniversary of formation of Rotary. Ramna Rotarians celebrated the occasion by cutting a Birthday cake in the fortnightly meeting of the Club

1.3 Multi-Club Projects

1.3.1 Rotary Foundation (TRF) Seminar 2023

TRF Seminar 2023 was held on 25 December at Hotel Sheraton Banani, Dhaka. PDG KM Zainul Abedin, President Khair Uddin Khan, Rtn Salma A. Shafi and Rtn PP Parvin Ahmed Khushi attended the seminar.

1.3.2 Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2023

Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2023 was observed on 10 October 2023 at the auditorium of IEDCR Mohakhali Dhaka. It was organized by Breast Cancer Awareness Forum with Rtn Dr. Habibullah Talukdar Ruskin as the Chair. Representatives from a good number of Rotary Clubs, NGOs, Healthcare Institutions, Social Organizations and Media representatives attended the program. RC Ramna was represented by Rtn PP AFM Sarwar Kamal. He spoke to the audience and referred to the Global Grant Project on early detection of Breast Cancer implemented by RC Ramna. The forum urged upon the government to declare 10 October as a national day for Awareness of Breast Cancer.

1.3.3 The Rotary Day and International Women’s Day

RC Ramna in Association with a number of other clubs celebrated the Rotary Day and International Women’s Day on 9 March 2024. The venue was Tejgaon Orphans hostels. RC Ramna distributed sewing machine, computers for the training center. Project also included Hepatitis Vaccination and screening and holding sports events for girls. 

1.3.4     Participation in Jain Mission Hospital Project GG 2345295

RC Ramna was the International Partner and Rotary Club of Bengalore Indiranagar the host club of this project. This is a large project with budget exceeding USD 210,000.00. RC Ramna as International Partner club paid a paltry amount of USD 200.00 to the project through TRF, during the reporting year. The sum was contributed by Nizam M. Nusrat Ullah.

1.3.5   Participation in Multi-club Project at Kapasia

A total of 34 clubs including RC Ramna organized an event at Kapasia, Gazipur on 17 November,2023 to promote awareness and testing of a number of diseases, including Hepatitis B, Diabetes and eye ailment. President Rtn Khair Uddin Khan was present on the occasion. District Governor Md Ashrafuzzaman Nannu inaugurated the event.

1.3.6 Joint Club Meeting

The 4th Fortnightly Meeting 2023-24 of RC Ramna jointly with RC Dhaka was held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 6:30 pm at Westin hotel, Gulshan, Dhaka. The joint meeting aimed at strengthening bonding and exchange of views with RC Dhaka, Sponsor Club of RC Ramna.

1.4         District Collaborative Project

1.4.1 World Polio Day Rally:

President Rtn Khair Uddin Khan and Rtn Nizam M. Nusrat Ullah from Rotary Club of Ramna participated in World Polio Day Rally, on 24 October 2023, arranged by Rotary District 3281.

1.4.2     District Award Ceremony

District award ceremony 2023 was organized by the governor of District 3281. President Khair Uddin Khan along with IPP Tahamin Banu, PP Shahed Akhter and Rtn Pervez Ahmed Siddiqui attended the ceremony on behalf of Rotary Club of Ramna. They praised the Organizers for their efficient management, punctuality and relishing foods. RC Ramna was awarded in five areas of achievement.

1.4.3 Victory Day Celebration

Rotary District 3281 organized colorful Victory Day Celebration on 16 December 2023 in Banani  B-Park. On the occasion, Rotarians who are registered as “Bir Mukti Joddha” were cordially received at the ceremony. In recognition of their sacrifice and achievements, crests were handed to them as a mark of respect. Our Fellow Rtn “Bir Mukti Joddha” Liaquat Ali Khan was awarded a crest as a mark of honor and respect.

1.4.4  Award for bravery in 1971 War

Freedom Fighter Rtn Liaquat Ali Khan was awarded for his participation and bravery in 1971 war. He was congratulated on his achievement. He was declared “Pride of the Nation!” RC Ramna is proud of him.

1.4.5        Seminar on Nutrition and Safe Food

The seminar on nutrition and safe food was held on 18 November 2023 under the auspices of the district management. A number of experts made presentations on the subject matter. President Rtn Khair Uddin Khan attended the seminar.

1.4.6 Third Community Oncology Conference

A conference was held to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of the founding of the Community Oncology Trust Centre on 10 May 2024 at the KIB auditorium, Khamar Bari, Dhaka. An elaborate program was conducted from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with various sessions on the topic of Cancer disease and its prevention and mitigation. Many eminent Physicians, Academics, Researchers spoke on the topic and shared their experience and valuable knowledge.

It was a gathering of top Oncologists of the country including Doctors of all disciplines. A good number of the organizers and audience were Rotarians. Rtn Habibullah Talukdar Ruskin invited RC Ramna members to join. Rtn PP Parvin Ahmed Khushi,  Rtn PP Asheq Ul Islam and Rtn PE Salma A. Shafi  from RC Ramna attended the conference.

2. Club Administration

2.1 District Governor’s Official Club Visit (OCV) and Club Assembly

District Governor Rtn Md Ashrafuzzaman Nannu  visited the club on 3 October 2023 and presided over OCV and Club Assembly. Governor was aided by Assistant Governor Rtn Rokeya Begum. In the OCV Governor set targets for the club as follows (1) to prevent people getting struck by lightning, particularly for farmers working in the field, at least 100 fan palm trees (taal gaachh) be planted this year (2) Membership should be increased by at least 10%, that is, by 5 members. (3) Hepatitis B vaccine be administered, first in own families, then in communities. Target 100 persons to be vaccinated (4) This year Club is contributing USD 10,000.00 to TRF to implement a GG Project. Governor emphasized contribution to RI World Fund and by the end of the year RC Ramna should be an all-PHF Club.

In the Club Assembly Governor repeated and emphasized the targets set earlier in the OCV. Governor Rtn Md Ashrafuzzaman Nannu recognized RC Ramna as one of the best clubs from the point of view of performing club activities.

2.2 Installation of the President and Board--Installation Ceremony RY 2023-24

RC Ramna started its work right from the first day of the RY 2023-24, 1 July 2023. However, formal Installation of the president and board was delayed. It was held on 3 October 2023 at Gulshan club, preceded by OCV and Club Assembly. President Khair Uddin Khan introduced the board members. He delivered a speech welcoming the guests. A number of esteemed PDGs and guests including the presidents of other clubs attended the ceremony. Spouses of RC Ramna members, of course, were present. The Governor Rtn Md Ashrafuzzaman Nannu spoke briefly to the audience, giving his impression about the club based on discussion held during OCV and Club Assembly. He expressed satisfaction about the operations of the Club. He praised RC Ramna for taking up and implementing Global Grant projects of TRF. He repeated the targets set in the just-held OCV.

The Chief Guest was Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Convener, Citizens’ Platform for SDGs. He spoke on the overall economy of Bangladesh and how Rotary can play a role in improving lives of people, particularly girl students through education. The audience highly appreciated his enlightening and insightful deliberations. PDG KM Zainul Abedin, a new member of RC Ramna, spoke on how Rotary benefits society. The audience listened to him with rapt attention.

At the end, the guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner. The Installation Ceremony was viewed as a big success.Paikpara high school, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

2.3 Non-Districted Status

At Its January 2024 meeting, the RI Board of Directors decided to place the Clubs of Districts 3281 and 3282 into Non-Districted status for a period of at least 3 years. RC Ramna in its history of 48 years has not experienced any such dire situation. Members fumed in anguish wondering why collective punishment was imposed for the offense of a few.

The context is that in July 2023, RI President McInally and President-elect Stephanie A. Urchick sent district leaders a video message via email to stop the improper governance practices that were occurring in some districts. Unfortunately, these practices continued, and therefore, the Board took the drastic decision. This means positions as District leaders are no more effective. Allegation of Improper governance practices were raised due to creation of Fake membership and Phantom clubs for election engineering by a few district leaders and their non-co-operation with the panel constituted to find out the irregularities.

Non-Districted clubs are led by a special advisor rather than a district governor and RI President McInally has appointed Past District Governor Ashish Ghosh of the Rotary Club of New Delhi, India, to serve in this role. RC Ramna and all other clubs  in Bangladesh now fall under the jurisdiction of newly designated district, District 64.and District 65. Under the new set up clubs are barred from receiving TRF grant funds. That hurts RC Ramna severely because we are used to taking up and implementing GG projects. RC Ramna is recovering from the shock and continuing activities, on its own, with courage and vigor.

2.4 Meeting Convened by Special Advisor PDG Ashish Ghosh

PDG Ashish Ghosh met the Presidents of the clubs on 24 February, 2024. President Rtn Khair Uddin Khan attended the meeting. A number of Presidents were given the opportunity to speak. They expressed their grievances, the common complaint being why collective punishment had been imposed instead of punishing the wrong doers. Special Advisor mentioned the reasons what have been cited in the Emails earlier sent from RI, the main reason being election engineering by district leaderships.2.5 Board Meetings

2.5 Board Meetings

Board of directors met once every month starting from July 2023. A total of twelve board meetings including the joint board meeting were held and important decisions taken which helped the clubs to forge ahead. The joint Board meeting between Board RY 2023-24 with upcoming Board RY 2024-25 was held on 4 June 2024. Committee chairs held a number of meetings during the reporting year.

2.6 Fortnightly Meetings

The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month were fixed for holding fortnightly meetings at Westin hotel, Gulshan Dhaka. The meetings were held regularly except holidays for two Eid festivals. A total of 22 meetings took place including installation of the board and Club Assembly held for holding election of the board.

2.13 Endowment Fund

Endowment Fund was instituted in 2010. Unfortunately, no fresh capital was invested in it during RY 2023-24. Fund’s objective of mobilization of resources for supporting community service projects with a part of its earnings was hardly fulfilled. As on 30 June 2024, Fund position remain as under. 1) The investment Fund- FDR with IDLC Tk. 21,00,000.00 2) Investment with ICB AMCL Tk.759,600.00 3) Interest Income with Bank Asia (Balance) Tk. 233,000.00; Total Tk.30,92,600.00

2.14 Club Bulletin

As in previous years Rotary Club of Ramna published a Bulletin titled ‘Krishnachura’, two volumes each month. The Bulletins were distributed in soft copies before each meeting and hard copies during the meeting. It is the mouth-piece of the Club. Its contents cover a wide range of subjects such as club activities, events, wedding anniversaries and birthdays of members and spouses. Besides, RI news and articles on topical subjects written by Rotarians also find a place in the Bulletin.

2.15 Clubs Website

Club’s official website, (ramnarotary.org) was upgraded in the reporting year.

3. Other Club Activities

3.1 Visit by Rtn Myeong Soo Park, Rtn Jong Yong Kim and Rtn Yong Yi Yi, members of our International Partner Club Ilsan Jayuro of Korea and their Impression (As briefed by Rtn Ashequl Islam and Rtn Nizam M Nusrat Ullah)

Rtn Ashequl Islam gave an overview of the impression of Korean visitors as shared with him. During their stay from 19 to 24 February, 2024 they visited three GG projects which received funds from their club. The projects are: MAMM’S Fistula and Women’s Health, Friendship Physiotherapy and Autism Centers and Akhalia Farida Hashem Happy School and College. They Inaugurated the MAMM’S Fistula Project on 19 February and were highly impressed by the renovation and face-lifting works. As always the Koreans looked forward to visiting Akhalia Farida Hashem Happy School and College. They visited the project, currently in operation, and distributed scholarships to selected students, worth a total of taka 100,000+. RC Ramna, on its part, gave incentives to selected teachers, total TK 24,000. Koreans were in festive mood and treated students to ice-creams. They hinted at initiating a joint club project as RC Ramna is under non-districted status. They proposed a notional contribution of USD 10000 to be equally matched by our Club. Korean team visited Friendship Physiotherapy and Autism Centers at Gaibandha and Kurigram on 22-23 February, 2023.  Our Rtn Nizam M Nusrat Ullah accompanied them.

Rtn Nizam said the Korean guests made a difficult journey to visit Friendship project—by airplane to Saidpur, by road to Chilmari Kurigram and by boat (Trawler) to Gaibandha. The project had been completed under global grant with set of equipment installed at two sites. They visited Chilmari site and also interviewed some Autistic patients in Char areas. Responses indicated that services received from the project is benefiting targeted people. The Korean team stayed overnight in a House Boat. Next day they were shown around the Floating Hospital of Friendship in the morning. They were very impressed by all types of equipment and other facilities available at the hospital. Then Rotarians Park, Kim, Yong Yi Yi and Nizam took a trawler to cross the river Brahmaputra to reach Gaibandha where they visited another site of the project. All throughout, Friendship personnel accompanied the team. They took care of transportation and meals. The Koreans were very appreciative of Friendship’s generous gesture. Rtn Nizam reported that the Koreans carried with them very positive impression about the GG project Friendship Physiotherapy and Autism Centers at Kurigram and Gaibandha. The journey, though arduous, was a new experience for the Korean team. They took interest and, visibly, enjoyed it.

3.2 Doa & Prayer in Memory of Dr. Saleemul Huq and Sayeda Islam, mother of Rtn Nazia Salehin Khaled

Dr. Saleemul Huq, a noted expert in the field of climate change, environment and development died last month, 28 October 2023. Mother of Rtn Nazia, Sayeda Islam passed away on 30 October, 2023. A memorial session of doa and prayer for salvation of their departed souls was held on 7 November 2023 as part of the meeting. Allah's blessings were sought for the well-being of the bereaved families. The session was conducted by Rtn Mohammad Liaquat Ali Khan.

3.3 Doa Mehfil in Memory of Late Rtn Mahmud Hussain

Members of the Club were shocked at the news of sad and sudden demise of Rtn Mahmud Hussain on 24 February 2024. In the meeting, Doa Mehfil was held which was conducted by Rtn Liaquat Ali Khan. Members reminisced Mahmud Hussain’s memories. He was an acclaimed Economist who only recently had made an enlightening presentation on Economic Scenario in Bangladesh. Everybody present had highly appreciated his delivery. Rtn Liaquat Ali Khan in his doa invoked blessings of Allah SWT for salvation of the departed soul and for granting courage and patience to the bereaved family.

3.4 Inauguration of Rotary-Friendship Physiotherapy and Autism Centers

Global Grant Project GG 2342285 Rotary-Friendship Physiotherapy and Autism Center was inaugurated on 31 August 2023 at Gaibandha and on 1 September 2023 at Kurigram. President of the host club, Rotary Club of Ramna, Rtn Khair Uddin Khan, Primary Contact of the Project, Rtn Ashequl Islam, and Senior Director of the implementation Partner, Rtn Ayesha Taasin Khan along with the mangers and officials of Friendship were present at the event. Also present were the Civil Surgeon, TNO and other government officers concerned, and the press. Rtn Myeong Soo Park is the primary contact of this GG project representing the International Partner Club, Ilsan Jayuro of Korea, RID36900.

3.5 Inauguration of MAMM’S Fistula and Women’s Health Project, GG 2347250

Members of our International Partner Club, Ilsan Jayuro of Korea were in Bangladesh to visit our jointly funded Global Grant Projects. They are: Rtn Myeong Soo Park, Rtn Jong Yong Kim and Rtn Yong Yi Yi. On February 19, 2024 they along with us visited MAMM's Fistula and Women's Health Project at New Eskaton. Korean Partners, in the presence of MAMM's doctors and staff and us from RC Ramna inaugurated the Project. Dr. Murshedul Azam, Medical Director of MAMM's Institute and Dr Tasin Islam , Consultant were there to welcome the guests and participate in the inauguration event. Korean partners were shown around the hospital. The Project aimed at upgradation of the hospital by installation of machinery/equipment, renovation of civil facilities and training of doctors and staffs. The Koreans were very impressed by the developments that took place since their visit one year ago. They exchanged views with Hospital staffs and patients.