On the final day of the three-day community volunteer training held in late December 2024, the newly trained volunteers expressed a heartfelt desire to spread joy among the terminally ill patients of the Compassionate Narayanganj project. Inspired by the spirit of compassion, they decided to organise a special event—a vibrant Cake Festival—to honor and uplift those receiving palliative care.
Staying true to the rich traditions of Bangladeshi culture, the festival featured a delightful array of traditional cakes lovingly prepared and served by the volunteers. This gesture was more than just about sharing food—it was a celebration of life, connection, and care. The volunteers, as always, extended their hands with warmth and empathy, creating a moment of joy and dignity for those who needed it most.
Volunteers celebrating cakes, care, and compassion with the patients and their families
Winter in Bangladesh is a cherished season, marked by the delightful tradition of making cakes using rice flour, milk, molasses, sugar, and coconut—a celebration of warmth, flavor, and togetherness in every household. However, for families of terminally ill patients, organizing such joyful gatherings at home often remains a distant dream. The weight of financial hardship, emotional exhaustion, and spiritual distress makes it difficult to celebrate even the simplest of traditions.
To bring a ray of hope and happiness into their lives, the volunteers of Compassionate Narayanganj stepped in with compassion and creativity. They envisioned a special day—a gathering held in the open air, surrounded by nature, where patients and their families could come together, enjoy traditional cakes, and find comfort in community. It was more than a party; it was a moment of shared humanity, joy, and gentle relief amidst the trials of illness.
The volunteers gathered at Sheikh Russell Park to weave their ideas into a unified plan. Once the decisions were finalised, they raised funds through personal contributions and support from the project staff. With the collected amount, they purchased all necessary ingredients for making traditional cakes, along with decorative items to create a festive atmosphere.
They met again at the Compassionate Narayanganj office to complete the final preparations. With the support of the Palliative Care Assistants (PCAs), they extended heartfelt invitations to patients and their families for the event, set to take place at Sheikh Russell Park in Narayanganj. Tasks were thoughtfully distributed among the volunteers, and together they took responsibility for personally bringing patients who were homebound or without support—ensuring that no one was left behind on this special day.
On the appointed day—22nd January 2025—the much-awaited Cake Festival began around 10 a.m. in the park field. Volunteers warmly welcomed the invited guests, patients, and their family members with open hearts. For patients with limited mobility or without anyone to accompany them, volunteers personally brought them from their homes to the festival grounds.
The venue was beautifully decorated with colorful balloons, paper ornaments, and posters, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Some volunteers were busy preparing a delightful assortment of cakes, while others served plates filled with delicious treats to the guests.
The event offered more than just a taste of cake—it was filled with joy and laughter. Fun games were arranged for the children, bringing smiles not only to their faces but also to the adults who watched and joined in. The team from the Compassionate Narayanganj project was also present, adding to the warmth and spirit of the occasion.
The patients and their families were overjoyed to be part of such a heartfelt celebration. For many, it felt like a long-awaited reunion—a rare chance to come together, share smiles, and feel truly seen. They expressed pride and deep gratitude for being invited, with some sharing emotions they had never voiced before.
One of the patients, said, “Living in an ocean of pain, I forgot what joy is. But I am happy to be here today.” Another patient shared, “I cannot tell you the last time I was this happy. Coming here has made me feel alive again. Most of the time, I feel like a burden to my family—like dirt on the floor waiting to be swept away.”
One woman, who had been housebound for years due to an incurable illness, was finally able to go outside—with her husband and two children—after two long years. Her husband expressed heartfelt thanks to the entire team for creating such a memorable and healing experience. As the festival came to an end, volunteers quietly took on the task of cleaning up the grounds, fulfilling their responsibilities with the same care and compassion that defined the day.
The volunteers of the Compassionate Narayanganj project gave their relentless efforts to bring joy and dignity to those often overlooked by society. Through their love and service, they gifted smiles and restored a sense of worth to lives marked by suffering. While they may not be able to cure incurable conditions or carry the full weight of another’s pain, their compassion proves that even the smallest act can make a meaningful difference. We may not be able to extend life, but we can always add life to a day.
From March 2018 to June 2021, the Department of Palliative Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) ran “Compassionate Narayanganj,” a community palliative care initiative in partnership with the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) and Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC).
After a 9-month interim period with fundraising, in March 2022, the project received a 3-year grant for the second phase. AYAT Education, a Bangladeshi social enterprise, and St Christopher’s Hospice, one of the UK’s pioneer hospices, joined as partners. The second phase focused on developing an integrated age-attuned model of supportive palliative care in Bangladesh and integrating PC into the government’s primary healthcare system. See Compassionate Narayanganj Project 2022 – 2025 https://ow.ly/TURH50Vwnzu
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