Paraa

20/01/2026

CADSE SPRING 2026

INFORMALITY.
SPACE.
CULTURE.

For the upcoming Critical Architecture, Design and Sustainable Environment program we will be exploring Dhaka across multiple sites and typologies, grounded with people from various communities.

More details coming soon!
Swipe to see previous CADSE sessions / activities.

27/11/2025

𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗶𝗱 - 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲
27 November 2025

Today marked the second full day of collective action following the devastating Korail fire of 25 November. Representatives from Procheshta, POCAA, Footsteps, Shahid Rumi Pathagar, NDBUS, Paraa, Machan, Nagarabad, and Korail community organizers continued coordination throughout the day to ensure support reaches the nearly 2,000 affected families effectively, equitably, and without duplication.

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨
* 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫 – Education Support
* Affected students’ list preparation started today.
* Field survey began at 10 AM inside the affected area.
* Volunteers visited homes, prepared lists, and supported families in accessing the Ershad Maath collection centre.
* Cross-checking with school records to ensure no child is left out is ongoing.
*𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚 / 𝐏𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐀 / 𝐍𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐝 / 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 / 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡*l Jaago / sajida foundation
1. Mapping families who left their burnt homes but are still sheltering inside Korail .
2. Preparing a list of students needing books and education materials.
3. Early-stage drafting of road–water–hydrant planning for long-term safety infrastructure.
*𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬
1. Delivered 30 Family Care Boxes
2. Provided 1,000 packets of sanitary pads
*𝐍𝐃𝐁𝐔𝐒
* Working to identify vulnerable families with support from community organizers.
*Responses to Donation Drive Efforts*
* Items on the way: 100 lungis, 100 sarees, and 650 blankets

𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙣 – 5 𝙋𝙈 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨
*𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐈𝐇𝐅)
prepared 200 lunch packets for distribution at 2:30 PM.
* Coordinators highlighted that food needs to reach inside the affected clusters, not just at entry points.
* IHF consulted with volunteers on the grounds to distribute food effectively

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨
*𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫
*Field survey for affected students completed.
*Cross-checking with school lists underway.
*Final list expected tomorrow by 12 PM.
*Estimated affected student count: 600+
*𝐒𝐚𝐣𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 distributed aid relief to 200 families
*𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 received 500 mosquito nets, 650+ blankets, 200 clothing items from donors
*𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐚 reaching out to 200 families at far end (barely accessible through pathways) during midnight with relief packages
*Sajida foundation distributed 200 care packages and set up a temporarily health camp
*Jaago foundation distributed 1000 meals and is collecting blankets, mosquito nets & tarpualine ( terpal)

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝘼𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨
𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐢 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧 set up a relief camp in Korail today and joined the Action Group. 𝐉𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐨 as well joined the Action Group.

^^ 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 (𝗔𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗻) ^^
Essential Hygiene & Daily-Use Items
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Undergarments (all ages)
Lotion (Meril/Vaseline)
Sandals
Combs
Soap
Shampoo
Mirrors
Warmth & Shelter
Blankets/kambol
Mosquito nets (500 managed so far; more needed)!!
Mattresses, bedsheets & 2 pillows per family

*Children’s Needs*
1. Clothing: shirts, pants, shoes
2. Food packs: ORS, dates, peanuts, dry cake, apples, powdered milk, banana, biscuits

*Food*
Dry food (biscuits etc.)
Non-perishable foods

*Water*
Large water bottles only (not small bottles)

*500-Family Emergency Relief Package (Prochesta Foundation)*
Prepared for distribution tomorrow based on field verification:
Blanket
Mosquito net
Sanitary pads
Milk powder
Biscuit, muri, dry cake
Antacid tablets
ORS / saline
Paracetamol tablets
Paracetamol syrup
Bathing soap

^^ 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙀𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 ^^
* Contributions like pitcher jugs, muri–chira buckets, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other essentials has also happened on the ground, but more information or real-time necessities are to be identified

^^ 𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 ^^
A block map of the affected areas to divide them into small “mini-wards.”
This will support targeted data collection and structured distribution from tomorrow.
*Clothes Drive*
Items arriving at Machan throughout the day were delivered to partner camps for distribution.

Additional volunteers needed for evening sorting and distribution were notified.

^^ 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣 – 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 & 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙗 ^^
*Machan continues to serve as:
* A central collection and sorting point
* A shared camp for all partner organizations
* A coordination space open to any team working in Korail

Volunteers are needed throughout the day and evening for sorting, packing, and distribution support.

● 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧 & 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 – 𝙎𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙊𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 ●

With nearly 2,200++ families affected, the need remains urgent and significant.

𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑵𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒐𝒓 :
* Essential supplies (listed above)
* Immediate relief packages
* Logistics for volunteers
* Medical & hygiene support
* Long-term rehabilitation planning

*𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐛𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡*
Kazi Arefin (Paraa): 01712694544
Sharara Khan (Paraa): 01713064624
Engr. Robi (Machan & Paraa): 01877300722

*𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫*
Account name: Paraa Limited
Account no.: 1221070142198
Bank: Eastern Bank PLC
Branch: Gulshan
Routing no.: 095261720

*𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐏𝐚𝐥*
https://paypal.me/arefinkazi
𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆: “𝒌𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒊𝒅”

*Material Donation Drop-off (Updated List Above)*
𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥-𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙋𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩:
Machan, Ershad Maath, Korail
Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBcGDd8FaenhKVsS7
*Contacts:*
📞 Jony: +880 1766-240812
📞 Munia: +880 1870-479565
📞 Halima: +880 1846-355066
Thank you to everyone showing up with care, time, resources, and solidarity.

Note: Paraa is not a relief or frontline emergency organization, nor do we have extensive rapid-response capacity. However, because of our long-standing presence in Korail through urban community development work, we stepped in to support immediate, basic needs during this crisis. Our involvement at this stage is simply to stand beside the community we work with, while more specialized groups continue leading the wider relief efforts.

26/11/2025

Korail Fire Aid - Day 1, Nov 26, 2025 - Collective Update

Today, representatives from Procheshta, POCAA, Footsteps, Shahid Rumi Pathagar, NDBUS, Paraa, Machan, Nagarabad, and community organizers from Korail came together for the first coordination meeting to understand the immediate and long-term needs following the Korail fire on 25th November.

We shared capacities, mapped what each group can realistically take on, and agreed on a collaborative approach to prevent duplication and ensure that support reaches people quickly, effectively, and with dignity.

---

Key Points from the Morning Action Group Meeting (26 Nov 2025)

* Clothes Collection: Donations needed, and additional items may be purchased as needed using the immediate response fund.
* Data & Survey Work: DSK will support long-term data gathering for rebuilding plans, fund allocation, and sustainable rehabilitation strategies.
* Books & Education: Procheshta and Shahid Rumi Pathagar will coordinate the collection and distribution of books and education materials. A list is being prepared.
* Organizational Focal Points: All groups will gather and share their focal points, along with the responsibilities they are taking on, so we can work in a consolidated and transparent way for both short- and long-term actions.

Updates from Throughout the Day

* Water Access: The immediate water crisis has been resolved. Dhaka WASA is installing water stations.
* Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Efforts are prioritizing the most vulnerable residents; we are working with community partners to collect accurate household-level data.
* Coordination with Relief Teams: We are in touch with response teams from BRAC and Sajida Foundation.
* Mental Health Support: Sajida Foundation and several other groups are starting mental health support services for affected residents.
* Medical Support: Medical camps have already been set up; more support is on the way.
* Immediate Relief: Numerous organizations and community groups are providing urgent supplies and assistance.
* Rehabilitation Planning: Conversations on longer-term rehabilitation have begun. We welcome practical, action-oriented organizations or individuals who can support this crucial phase.

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Machan’s Role Today

Machan served as a temporary shelter last night and continued throughout the day as a central collection, sorting, and coordination hub.

Funds were used for:

1. Tarpaulin
2. Saline and basic medical items
3. Sanitary pads
4. Volunteer transport, food, water, and rapid supply runs
5. Clothes donation management

Further updates will be shared as we collate detailed information with all groups involved.

Fundraising & Donations - Urgently Needed

In response to the devastating Korail fire, we are continuing to raise funds to support families who have lost everything.

If you’re able to help, please consider contributing:

*bKash

Kazi Arefin (Paraa): 01712694544
Sharara Khan, Paraa: 01713064624
Engr Robi, Machaan & Paraa: 01877300722

*Bank Transfer

Account name: Paraa Limited
Account no.: 1221070142198
Bank: Eastern Bank PLC
Branch: Gulshan
Routing no.: 095261720

*PayPal: [https://paypal.me/arefinkazi](https://paypal.me/arefinkazi)

Please mention “korailfireaid” as the reference.

---
Items Needed (Drop-off at Machan)

We are collecting essential clothing and daily-use items:

* Warm clothes
* Blankets
* Sarees, kameez sets, lungis
* Shawls, sweaters, jackets
* Children's clothing
* Shoes and slippers
* Underwear (new): panties, bras
* Sanitary pads
* Baby & adult diapers
* Clean towels, gamchas
* Bags for storage
* Any other items essential for daily living

Drop-off Point: Machan, Ershad Field
Location: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KHXcV9fAqKHPYA5P7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KHXcV9fAqKHPYA5P7)

Contacts:
Munia: +880 1870-479565
Jony: +880 1766-240812
Hasan: +880 1944-275866

Thank you for showing up for the Korail community with such care and solidarity. 💛
We will continue to share updates as the situation evolves and as collective efforts grow.

26/11/2025

Clothes Donation Drive at Machan — Urgent Support Needed

In response to the devastating Korail fire on 25th November, Machan is hosting an urgent clothes donation drive **today** to support affected families who have lost everything.

We are collecting essential clothing and daily-use items. Please consider donating any of the following:

* Warm clothes
* Blankets
* Sarees, kameez sets, lungis
* Shawls, sweaters, jackets
* Children’s clothing (all ages)
* Shoes and slippers
* Underwear (new only): panties, bras
* Sanitary pads
* Diapers (baby & adult)
* Bags to store these
* Clean towels gamchas
* What you deem fit / necessary for day to day livelihood

Your contribution—big or small—will offer immediate comfort and dignity to those recovering from this tragedy.

Drop-off point: Machan
Time: All day today

Contact: +880 1870-479565 (Munia)

Thank you for showing up for the Korail community during this difficult moment. 💛

Machan, Ershadh field: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KHXcV9fAqKHPYA5P7

26/11/2025

The scale of damage caused by the Korail fire is immeasurable. At this moment, on behalf of Machaan, the Korail Youth Connectors, and Paraa, we are urgently seeking *small fund contributions* to support the volunteers currently on the ground at Ershad Maath.

Around *2,000 victims* have gathered there, and the volunteers desperately need immediate support to provide *first aid, drinking water, food, torches, power banks, sanitary pads*, and other essential items *just for tonight*.

For larger-scale relief, organisations etc will be stepping in we believe and we are really looking forward to them. That is why we are only requesting small emergency contributions to assist the youth volunteers of Machaan in their immediate response efforts for now only.

If you’re able to help, please Bkash any amount to:
**Kazi Arefin (Paraa): 01712694544**
**Sharara Khan, Paraa: 01713064624**
**Engr Robi, Machaan & Paraa : 01877300722**

Kazi Arefin & Engr Robi are currently there at Ershad Maath coordinating the emergency response team from Machaan.

Also, sharing the links to *Machaan*, a community space in Korail, and *Paraa*, so you know exactly where your support is going. pls spread this word amongst your network too if anyone is willing 🙏🏼

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FHoUfnyRh/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E1ffNoxpf/

A place where people can Play, learn, connect, and celebrate culture||

19/11/2025

Paraa is proud to announce that we have received the Ammodo Architecture prize in the the category of Social Engagement 2025 for our project মাচান -Machan in Korail. Twelve projects were selected that show how architects and design teams use design skills as the primary tool to support social and ecological responsibility⁠.

'Korail- City of Culture' an initiative in sustainable urban development, supported by the Creative Economy Programme of the Federal Foreign Office (Germany), in conjunction with the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Paraa, and German partner, Floating e.V. The project endeavors to foster sustainable cultural practices among the residents of Korail, enriching global and local discourse on urban development.

The project would not have been possible without the collaboration, partnership, and participation of many many individuals and groups, especially the young people who have journeyed with us to challenge, co-design, and put forward ideas that will continue to grow and flourish. This project starteed in 2021, and continues on to develop and progress. Here is a list of the people involved in multiple aspects of the project - from research, design, learning, to festival organising and more!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3kzYjzAioh6nOzAlnDKG4Paa23dYPgW/view?usp=sharing

We will be announcing soon the next set of projects in মাচান -Machan, and also encourage our friends, wellwishers to engage with the Machan project in the coming years to make it a successful community space in Korail directly.

In 2026 we are looking forward to new ideas, for collaborations, partnerships as we continue to work closely with people, neighbourhoods and urban culture, critically as well as through the power of design.

⁠ ⁠
Photo credits: Syntax.

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh

18/11/2025

Paraa is proud to announce, along with others, Ammodo Architecture prize in the the category Social Engagement 2025. Twelve projects were selected that show how architects and design teams use design skills as the primary tool to support social and ecological responsibility⁠.

The award is for the মাচান -Machan project in Korail. 'Korail- City of Culture' was an initiative in sustainable urban development, supported by the Creative Economy Programme of the Federal Foreign Office (Germany), in conjunction with the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Paraa, and German partner, Floating e.V. The project endeavors to foster sustainable cultural practices among the residents of Korail, enriching global and local discourse on urban development.

The project would not have been possible without the collaboration, partnership and participation of many many individuals and groups, especially the young people who have journeyed with us to challenge, co-design, and put forward ideas that will continue to grow and flourish.

We will be announcing soon the next set of projects in Paraa in 2026, and look forward to future collaborations.

⁠
Second six distinguished awardees in the category Social Engagement:⁠
▪ Floating University · Floating University · Berlin (Tempelhof Rainwater Basin) · ⁠
Germany⁠
▪ Shelter Inclusive Place COPAL · · Yamagata · Japan⁠
▪ The Wild Mile · Urban Rivers · Chicago, Illinois · United States⁠
▪ Sanders Place · · Melbourne · Australia⁠
▪ Machan_Korail Community Platform · Paraa (with Korail residents) · Dhaka (Korail Settlement) · Bangladesh⁠
▪ Territorio de los saberes – Mencoriari · · Central Peruvian Amazon · Peru⁠
⁠
Special thanks to our advisory committee:⁠ , , , Floris Alkemade, , and ⁠
⁠
📷 1: Gil Shachar, 2: Copal, 3: Urban Rivers, 4: Eve Wilson, 5: City Syntax, 6: Eleazar Cuadros⁠
⁠
⁠

18/11/2025

Come along this Saturday!

10/11/2025