A few months ago, I went to visit my family in Dhaka, Bangladesh before joining my new job at Checkr in San Francisco. On this particular trip, my brother, Rasheduzzaman, the visionary CEO of OPAR Cemetery, took several of us on a journey to a serene location in Gazipur. This wasn't just a casual outing; it was an introduction to the very ground where a profound vision is taking shape—a vision born from personal heartache and a deep-seated desire to serve the community. My father Mohammad Shamsuzzaman has been working with him for a long time before they could buy the land there last December. I am truly honored and happy to share this initiative, which stands as a powerful blend of thoughtful business and heartfelt social responsibility.
The Genesis: A Solution Born from PainThe idea for OPAR Cemetery wasn't conceived in a boardroom; it emerged from a deeply personal and challenging experience. Three and half years ago, when my father-in-law passed away in Dhaka, it was an incredibly difficult time for our family. During this period of profound grief, my brother, Rasheduzzaman, along with my wife Shusmita, faced immense stress. They had to tirelessly run around Dhaka, navigating the complexities of funeral arrangements and, crucially, securing a burial plot in the Banani Graveyard, a process that proved to be a significant logistical and emotional burden, even though it was across from our house.
This firsthand experience exposed a stark reality: the lack of streamlined, dignified, and accessible options for final arrangements in Bangladesh. Russel deeply felt the pain and hardship families endured during their most vulnerable moments. It was this realization that ignited a spark—a determination to find a solution that could alleviate such burdens for countless others. Thus, the noble idea of OPAR Cemetery was born: a vision to transform this pain point into a comprehensive, compassionate service.
Rest in Peace: A Serene Sanctuary in Kapasia, GazipurNestled amidst the serene embrace of nature in Kapasia, Gazipur, the OPAR Cemetery stands as a poignant testament to the delicate balance between life and death. As one ventures through the gates, a lush tapestry of greenery unfolds, with towering trees casting a gentle shade over the sacred grounds. The air is permeated with the soothing symphony of rustling leaves and the distant melody of songbirds, providing solace to those who come to pay their respects. This isn't just a burial ground; it's a meticulously planned sanctuary designed to offer dignity, tranquility, and respect.
What is OPAR Cemetery? A Groundbreaking SolutionOPAR Cemetery is groundbreaking for Bangladesh: it is the first private and commercial graveyard for Muslims, inspired by the concept of Social Business. Its core mission is to facilitate and support a dignified resting place for Muslims after death, alongside integrated funeral services that uphold social causes and religious practices in a more functional and personal way.
For families, the challenge of finding a suitable and permanent burial plot in Dhaka's congested environment can add immense stress during a time of grief. OPAR Cemetery offers a vital solution: privately bought graves (Saf Kabla registered) where individuals can secure an eternal resting place for themselves and their family members, in accordance with Islamic values. This unprecedented idea of a "sellable" private graveyard will cut off all the stress and hardship of finding a grave and burying the deceased, ensuring immediate burial as recommended by Islam.
A Full Spectrum of Services for the Departed and Their FamiliesOPAR Cemetery, strategically located at Kapasia, Gazipur—about 100 minutes driving distance from Dhaka through BRT—will span around 2 acres, accommodating over 1500 grave plots. Beyond the plots themselves, it provides a comprehensive "one-stop funeral solution" including:
- Mosque Facility: A dedicated mosque with a qualified Imam for continuous prayers and large spaces for Janaza (funeral) prayers.
- Funeral Services: Washing facilities, a funeral shop, and related services to ease the burden on families.
- Logistics: Freezer vans for preserving the deceased and ample parking facilities for visitors.
- Maintenance Support: Ensuring the grave plots and grounds are respectfully and continuously maintained.
- Accessibility: A site office for assistance and even a café for visitors.
Grave plots are available for both installment and one-off payments, with a quarterly maintenance fee for occupied graves.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Upholding Equality and DignityWhat truly elevates OPAR Cemetery is its unwavering commitment to social responsibility. Fifty plots will be generously donated free of cost for emergencies and for those unable to afford them, with all related costs (funeral, burying, and maintenance) also exempted indefinitely. This ensures that dignity in death is accessible to all, irrespective of financial status.
Moreover, a fundamental principle of OPAR Cemetery is the equal treatment of all grave plots in honor of the departed soul. The deceased will be buried with environment-friendly compostable materials, and no exceptions or special arrangements will be allowed that could create asymmetry or disparity, ensuring equality and respect throughout the sacred grounds.
Join This Noble Initiative for Peace of MindI am personally invested in and genuinely happy to be part of this noble initiative. It's a venture that not only provides a crucial, much-needed service but also embodies profound social and religious values, born from a compassionate response to a personal hardship.
I invite all my friends, relatives, and especially our Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) community around the world, to learn more about OPAR Cemetery. This is an opportunity to secure peace of mind for your loved ones or contribute to a project that brings dignity, ease, and equality during life's most challenging moments.
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Let's support this meaningful endeavor for eternal peace and dignified farewells.
