Robinhood Animal Rescuers celebrate World Animal Day
Robinhood Animal Rescuers organised a press conference celebrating World Animal Day on October 4, 2021. Afzal Khan, the founder of Robinhood Animal Rescuers, hopes to spread awareness for all animals that live side by side with us in our society through World Animal Day.
The event was held at Friends Convenience Hall, Thilpapara, at 4 pm. Noted names of the media industry such as the sub-editor of the Daily Janakantha, Toufique Apu, famous actress Ashna Habib Bhabna as well as the director of Wildlife Crime Control Unit under the Department of Forest, Bangladesh, A.S.M. Jahir Uddin Akon, were present at the event. Unfortunately, the chief guest, Deputy Inspector General of Bangladesh Police force, Habibur Rahman could not make it to the event.
The event was inaugurated with a speech from Afzal Khan's childhood friend and the sub-editor of the Daily Janakantha, Toufique Apu. "I know Afzal from my school days," said Toufique. "As a media journalist, I have had the privilege to feature my friend Afzal as Robinhood the animal rescuer which truly brings me heartfelt joy."
Pavel Islam, the secretary of Robinhood Animal Rescuers which was officially registered as Animal Care Trust Bangladesh in 2017 shared the history of the organisation with everyone. "I have seen Afzal fight for rescued handicapped animals, who are like his children," recalled Pavel. "With every call at redirected to us by the 999 national emergency service, Afzal and his rescue team spring forward to save the distressed animal regardless of the life risks the act carries."
"Saving an animal stuck on a high building or deep underground is quite a challenging task, which Afzal selflessly performs for our voiceless friends," added Pavel Islam. "In my eyes and for the rescued animals, Afzal and his rescue team are angels."
Popular actress Ashna Habib Bhabna also shared her thoughts with everyone. "We pride ourselves as the greatest of all creations yet, do we behave as such?" pointed out the actress. "As the smartest creatures, is it not our duty to take care of the helpless and speechless animals instead of abusing them at whim?"
A short clip of Afzal Khan's rescue mission was played after the actress's speech. "Every creature has its role in our ecosystem," stated A.S.M. Jahir Uddin Akon. "If the stray animals did not eat out waste would our environment still be habitable?"
"We have a responsibility towards these voiceless dwellers of our society and World Animal Day celebrates this responsibility," shared A.S.M. Jahir Uddin Akon. "I support Afzal's work and his mission."
The ending speech was from Afzal Khan himself. "I have been rescuing animals for 11 years already and I feel disappointed that I could not do anything for my selfless stars, the volunteers of the Robinhood family," lamented Afzal. "Even with the recent travelling difficulties as our donated car has broken down, they never complained and continue to support me relentlessly."
"They are the real heroes and I am proud of them," smiled Afzal. "Together with them, I can say that we are not far away from the day when no animal is abused in Bangladesh." The event concluded with a cultural dance performance staged by the members of the Robinhood Animal Rescuer family.
Comments