Queen Elizabeth II of the UK has recognised the founder of Bidyanondo Foundation, Kishore Kumar Das, with the Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his exceptional voluntary services.
Kishore Kumar Das established the charity, Bidyanondo, in 2013 which has improved access to education for over 1,200 children from marginalised backgrounds, reports UNB.
Kishore has also instigated a meal programme, “Ek takay aahar” (Meal for one penny), which has provided more than 10,000 nutritious meals for vulnerable people, particularly children and those who are homeless.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the charity further ramped up its efforts to distribute relief across the country, with Kishore and volunteers also working to sanitise public spaces and transport and provide ongoing educational, health and nourishment support to those in need.
As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, the Queen - as Head of the Commonwealth - is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country every week.
Javed Patel, the acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said, “My warmest congratulations to Kishore Kumar Das on his Points of Light award. Through this recognition, we also acknowledge the inspirational volunteers of 'Bidyanondo Foundation' who are contributing to eradicating hunger, empowering people and improving access to quality education in Bangladesh."