Mijanur rahman Akanda, Phulpur: A news report highlighting the plight of the marginalized Rishi community has prompted the Phulpur Municipality to extend financial and food assistance to 20 cobblers belonging to the community.Under the municipality's initiative, each beneficiary received Tk 2,000 in cash along with essential food items worth approximately Tk 1,300 at a distribution programme held on Monday at the municipal office premises.Speaking as the chief guest, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Yusuf said the administration remains committed to supporting disadvantaged communities and ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind.Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Municipal Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the municipality's efforts to respond to the needs of underprivileged residents.Among others present were Municipal Executive Engineer Mahmudul Islam, Administrative Officer Golam Mostafa, Accounts Officer Raihan Kaiser Jewel, Joint Convener of Phulpur Upazila BNP Kudrat Ali, President of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Phulpur Upazila unit Azim Uddin Jamali, former councillor Yunus Ali, and local journalists.The assistance programme was arranged after several media outlets recently published reports under the headline, "Rishi Community in Phulpur Living in Inhumane Conditions," drawing the attention of the municipal administration to the community's hardships.Local residents welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that continued support and rehabilitation measures would help improve the living conditions of the traditionally marginalized Rishi community.