Valo Kajer Hotel

Valo Kajer Hotel (English: Food for Good Deeds) is a unique non-profit initiative based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Rather than paying for food with money, visitors share a good deed they performed that day to receive a free meal.^[1][2] This model aims to promote ethical behavior, kindness, and social awareness, especially among underprivileged communities.^[3]

"Valo Kajer Hotel" originated from Youth for Bangladesh, a youth-led volunteer organization founded in 2009 by Arifur Rahman and his friends.^[4][5] The group initially focused on raising funds for medical treatments of underprivileged individuals but gradually expanded its activities to address broader social issues, including food insecurity.^[4]

The concept of the hotel was inspired by a character from the renowned Bangladeshi writer Humayun Ahmed’s television drama Sobuj Chhaya, who encouraged people to perform one good deed every day.^[6] Motivated by this philosophy, the founders envisioned a system where individuals could "pay" for their meals by sharing acts of kindness.^[7] This vision took shape in 2009 with the launch of "Valo Kajer Hotel", aiming to promote ethical behavior and reward social responsibility through food.^[8]

In recognition of its humanitarian efforts, Valo Kajer Hotel was granted a two-storey building worth approximately 50 million BDT by the Dhaka District Administration in 2023. The 400-square-foot property, located in Bonogram, Wari, Dhaka, was officially handed over to the organization’s founder and chairman, Arifur Rahman, during a formal event at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.^[9]

Previously, the organization had operated without a permanent base, often conducting activities on streets or from rented spaces. Arifur Rahman, visibly emotional during the handover, remarked that receiving a permanent space was like a dream come true. He recalled the challenges they faced in the early days, including being evicted from public areas while distributing food, and expressed hope that the new space would allow them to establish a permanent community kitchen.^[10]

During the ceremony, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mominur Rahman praised the organization’s efforts, noting that Valo Kajer Hotel serves meals daily to approximately 1,200–1,500 people in exchange for good deeds.^[11] He also highlighted the group’s other initiatives, such as the ‘Daily Ten’ school, which provides vocational education and support to orphans. Officials from various departments of the district administration were present at the event and pledged continued support for the organization’s mission.^[12]

Valo Kajer Hotel operates daily across multiple locations in Dhaka, including Kamalapur Railway Station, Tejgaon Shatrasta, Korail Basti, Banani, and also has a presence in Chattogram.^[13][14] Initially, the hotel functioned only 10 to 12 days per month, but due to increasing demand and volunteer support, it now serves meals every day.^[13][15]

Volunteers set up temporary food distribution stations, often using a signature blue van. Each day, around 600–700 meals are distributed to street children, rickshaw pullers, the homeless, and other low-income individuals.^[16] The typical menu includes rice-based dishes like khichuri, polao, or plain rice with curries and vegetables. On Fridays, special items such as chicken roast are served.^[17]

Before receiving food, recipients are asked about a good deed they performed that day. If someone hasn't done one, they are still served a meal, with gentle encouragement or a promise to perform one or two good deeds the following day. Volunteers also record basic details like the recipient's name, age, and the nature of the good deed, fostering a culture of accountability and kindness.^[18]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Valo Kajer Hotel expanded its food distribution efforts, feeding over 1,000 people daily in Dhaka. The initiative supported the urban poor and unemployed, many of whom were severely impacted by lockdowns and rising food prices. These humanitarian efforts gained attention for addressing hidden poverty and offering hope during the crisis.^[19]

The initiative is funded through a grassroots group named Daily Ten Members, where each member contributes 10 BDT per day. With hundreds of contributors, the group raises approximately 450,000 BDT (around USD 4,000) monthly.^[20] These funds cover the cost of rice, lentils, vegetables, and logistical expenses needed for daily operations.^[21]

In addition to Valo Kajer Hotel, Youth for Bangladesh manages several other initiatives, including:

• Three schools for homeless and marginalized children (two in Dhaka and one in Madaripur).^[6]
• An old-age home, Rashmona Aponghor, in Merul Badda.^[6]

• Official Website