10 Taka Fair: Preserving Human Dignity in Aid Delivery

Following the Karail Slum fire, many families lost essential household goods, clothing, food supplies, and other everyday necessities. Although emergency relief is important, affected residents also need opportunities to make their own choices and regain a sense of control over their daily lives.

To support this need, Youth Prochesta Foundation organized a special subsidized community initiative known as the ’10 Taka Fair’. Through this fair, hundreds of residents affected by the fire were given the opportunity to purchase essential household goods, food, drinks, and garments for a nominal token price of BDT 10.

The initiative introduced a dignity-focused approach to humanitarian support. Instead of relying entirely on traditional handouts, the fair allowed residents to select items according to their individual and family needs. This helped preserve their sense of choice, participation, and self-respect during a period of significant hardship.

The fair also created an opportunity for direct community engagement. Residents could access necessary products in an organized environment while maintaining the freedom to choose what was most useful to them. For families who had lost almost everything in the fire, even small household items and clothing could make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

Prochesta Foundation believes that humanitarian assistance should not only address material needs but also respect the dignity and independence of affected people. The 10 Taka Fair reflected this commitment by combining affordability, community participation, and practical support.

The initiative contributed to SDG 1: No Poverty, by improving access to essential goods for financially vulnerable households, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by creating an inclusive opportunity for affected residents to meet their basic needs with dignity.