A place of hope, healing for cancer patients

At Joymontop village in Manikganj, a long-held dream is starting to become reality. A reality where cancer patients would no longer suffer in silence or lose their life because of poverty.

The Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust (BANCAT), in partnership with Mosabbir Alok Nibash, officially launched the country's first ever "Cancer Care Village" project at a ceremony in Manikganj yesterday.

At the heart of this initiative is Nazmus Ahmed Albab, who was diagnosed twice with cancer himself.

Albab, also the executive director of BANCAT, said, "We wanted to create something that makes a lasting difference."

"Cancer is not easily defeated. But if patients receive proper mental and physical care, along with some financial support, we have seen that, by the grace of Allah, many recover.

"This initiative is for those who have nothing left, who sell everything they have but still cannot afford treatment. They are the ones who suffer the most, and we want to stand beside them."

"Our humble request is that people stand by us, advise us, and help us make this work as a model for the entire subcontinent," he added.

Among those supporting this mission is Lt Col (retd) Mudassir Hossain Khan, Bir Pratik, a freedom fighter who experienced the pain of losing his son, Mosabbir Hossain Khan, to cancer.

"We had three children. One of them, Mosabbir, was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. I have felt the pain of sitting beside a dying child. That is a pain only a parent can truly understand," he said.

In memory of his son, Mudassir established the Mosabbir Cancer Care Centre in 2004. Over the past 22 years, the centre has provided free treatment, food, and shelter to around 12,000 underprivileged cancer patients.

During the pandemic, he too was diagnosed with cancer. "They found cancer in one of my kidneys. I had surgery, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, I am still alive," he added.

Later, he partnered with Albab, and together they established the Mosabbir Alok Nibash Cancer Centre, which now provides care to nearly 100 patients at a time, offering free meals, accommodation, treatment, and emotional support.

Anis A Khan, president of BANCAT, said the initiative began with 24 beds at Bashundhara Residential Area under the leadership of their late president Rokia Afzal Rahman, with generous support from corporate bodies and individuals through Zakat and CSR funds.

Using contributions from Mudassir, BANCAT later opened another 50-bed shelter in Bashundhara. With both centres now full, the need for expansion became urgent.

Inspired by this, they have now laid the foundation stone for a 200-bed hospice and palliative care centre in Singair Union, Manikganj, he added.

According to the founders, the new Cancer Care Village will offer a range of facilities to meet the medical, emotional, social, and psychological needs of cancer patients.

Key facilities include Mosabbir Alok Nibash, a shelter for patients; Alok Katha, a community space; Alokon, a centre for counselling and wellness; a Screening and Early Detection Centre; a Research and Development Facility for cancer-related innovation; and a Caregiving Training Institute to develop skilled caregivers.

The village will also train local people to become caregivers, helping them earn a living while caring for those in need.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mudassir called the project both a personal mission and a national responsibility. He said it is easy to build walls, but building a community of care is much harder.

The Cancer Care Village is expected to open within three years and serve more than 5,000 patients annually. Its founders hope the model will set a standard for cancer care across South Asia.

Founders said BANCAT works towards reducing the burden of cancer in Bangladesh through prevention, education, advocacy, and patient care. Their mission focuses on three key areas: creating nationwide cancer awareness, providing holistic care for underserved cancer patients, and promoting mental wellness within the cancer community.

So far, BANCAT has served over 3,000 cancer patients, and its Mosabbir Alok Nibash currently offers 85 beds for underprivileged individuals, ensuring they receive dignity and support during their treatment journey.