Arranging last rites of Covid-19 victims irrespective of religion

As the Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc across the world, it has also induced countless rare incidents. Whilst the virus is trying to defeat humanity, people are fighting against it -- setting examples of solidarity. The volunteers of Quantum Foundation in Pabna have set such an example.

When close relatives are leaving their dear ones for being infected with coronavirus, the volunteers are taking responsibility of the last rites of the victims.

The 12-member team of the foundation has already arranged funerals of nine deceased, irrespective of their religion -- setting an example of communal harmony during this crisis.

Tamanna Khatun (20) a student of Khwaza Eunus Ali Nursing College, died with Covid-19 at Khwaza Eunus Ali Medical College Hospital in Sirajganj on June 8.

When her body reached her village home in Chandva under Pabna's Atghoria upazila, no one dared to go for her burial.

On information, the team of Quantum Foundation reached the spot and prepared the body for burial. As they were taking the body into the village graveyard, they could not manage a 'khatia' from the local mosque. The body had to be put in a bag.

"Family members were deeply saddened by the death of their young daughter. That grief turns to anger when the villagers do not allow burial. When nobody came forward, the volunteers of Quantum Foundation buried the body… We can't thank them enough," Tamanna's uncle Saidul Islam said.

Like her, the humanitarian team has rushed to victims belonging to different religions and professions for the last rites when their communities did not come forward.

A Christian resident, James Subroto Goswami, of Pabna Baptist Mission house, died with fever, cough, respiratory problem and other Covid-19 like symptoms on the night of June 11. The people of his community did not come forward for his burial. Quantum Foundation volunteers reached the mission and buried the body after performing all Christian rituals in Pabna town.

"The death of James panicked the community. At one stage we informed Quantum Foundation and they took the responsibility of burying him according to Christian customs," Kalit Talukder, president of the Christian graveyard, said.

On June 15, a banker named Utpal Kumar (50) died at the coronavirus ward of Pabna Medical College Hospital. Quantum Foundation volunteers cremated his body in Pabna.

The team has already completed last rites of nine deceased including seven Muslims, one Hindu and one Christian. Six of them died with Covid-19 and three with coronavirus-like symptoms in last one month.

"Covid-19 pandemic is a crisis. This is high time to be humane. Unfortunately, we are becoming more inhumane. Many are not taking the responsibility of burial of their near and dear ones if they die with Covid-19 or such symptoms. But, everybody deserves last rites," said Md Towhidul Islam, leader of the team.

"We are burying or burning the bodies following proper religious customs," Towhidul said.

Pabna Deputy Commissioner Kabir Mahamud said that the voluntary work of Quantum Foundation helps local administration.

"Due to the lack of manpower, the local administration often cannot manage the victims' burials. Quantum Foundation team takes responsibility, making our work easier. The local administration is always helping them in running their humanitarian work," the DC added.