83-Year-Old Stands Eight Hours to Distribute 10,000 Kg of Meat
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
At 83 years old, he shows no sign of fatigue. Age has not diminished his energy or determination. On Eid-ul-Azha, he stood for eight straight hours distributing 10,000 kilograms of meat. Each recipient received five kilograms. He also gave Tk 500 to each person to help cover cooking spices. In total, 2,000 people received Tk 1 million. He presented these Eid gifts to underprivileged and needy members of society.
To distribute 10,000 kilograms of meat, he sacrificed 20 cattle. Asked about the cost of the animals, one of his sons responded with a smile, “The sacrifice was made for the sake of Allah. Is the price of the cattle really the most important thing here?”
The distribution began at noon and continued until 8:00 pm. The process remained orderly throughout. He paused only to perform the Zuhr, Asr, and Maghrib prayers. The 20 cattle were all large in size, each weighing between 700 and 800 kilograms. After excluding hides, bones, and entrails, roughly 40 percent of the total weight, the meat yielded nearly 10,000 kilograms. A team of 200 butchers handled the processing. After Eid prayers, the butchers began work after having bread, bananas, and water. Meat was later cooked to serve lunch to at least 2,000 people, including the butchers.
Giving appears to bring him immense joy. Not only did he spend eight hours on his feet at this age, but the effort did not seem to tire him. Instead, he appeared to draw satisfaction from the experience. Smiling throughout, he personally handed meat and money to recipients. Children who arrived with their parents to collect meat also received Eid gifts of Tk 200 each.
He has never wanted publicity for his charitable work. His compassion for the poor and disadvantaged has long remained largely out of the spotlight. Explaining his father’s initiative, his eldest son said, “My father has boundless energy. He never loses patience. His compassion for the poor inspires us as well. He wants to instill kindness, generosity, empathy, and love for people in the third generation of our family. That is why he involves his grandchildren in these activities. We are truly fortunate and proud.” The son agreed to speak only on the condition that his identity initially remain undisclosed.
The wealthy philanthropist is widely known across the country for his piety, generosity, and devotion. He has little interest in public displays of charity. To teach compassion, he entrusts his grandchildren with purchasing the cattle. He provides the budget and explains the plan in advance. The grandchildren then make the necessary preparations, calculating how much meat is needed and how many people will receive it before buying cattle from markets and farms.
The family remains particularly careful to prevent any accidents or disorder during the meat distribution. Volunteers also stay actively involved. They work to ensure that no one is left out. As a result, the family sacrificed two additional cattle on the day after Eid and distributed the meat as well.
The philanthropist lives in a residential area under Chattogram’s Panchlaish Police Station. A lover of music, he is also known for his hospitality. He often serves food to guests with his own hands. He deeply cherishes Chattogram’s tradition of hospitality, despite not being a native of the city.
Now comes the final part of the story, the identity behind the generosity.
After repeated phone calls seeking details and requests to publish his name, permission was finally granted.
The 83-year-old philanthropist is none other than Sufi Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, founder of the renowned industrial conglomerate PHP Family. He was born on March 12, 1943, in Narayanganj and later established his permanent residence in Chattogram’s Nasirabad area. The source quoted in this report is his eldest son, Mohammad Mohsin, who serves as vice chairman of the company.
