Bangladeshis join movement to help Haitian earthquake victims (From Enfield Independent)

Bangladeshis join movement to help Haitian earthquake victims

7:00pm Monday 18th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

A BANGLADESHI journalist is using his experience at fundraising for victims of natural disasters in his native country to help Haiti earthquake victims.

Fazlul Hoque, who is a trustee of a small charity based in Edmonton, Azizia charitable Trust, based in Sweetbriar Grove, has helped set up a phone line from 7pm to 1am this evening for people who speak Bengali to donate. He said the line, which is run through Sky news channel Bangla TV, will be staffed by volunteers including Imams from mosques in East London.

Mr Hoque, a freelance journalist for Bangla TV said: “Because I am the news person I see from the TV pictures what is happening. It could happen to anybody. We should come forward for humanity. Even the Bangladeshi government is sending medicine to Haiti.”

Mr Hoque says he has been to Bangladesh on rebuilding projects, most recently after cyclone Sidr struck in November 2007 killing 3500 people. He hopes to raise at least £2,000.

He said Azizia volunteers hoped to take the aid out to Haiti themselves.

Bangla TV is available on Sky 186, and donations can be made via the hotline by calling their switchboard on 02089858435.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)