‘People like you greatly needed for country,’ PM tells 3 volunteer activists

“People like you are greatly needed to build the country,” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told three commoners known for their social contributions, while meeting them at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday.

“If everyone steps forward like you, nation-building will become easier,” the PM added.

The three individuals have set remarkable examples in society through initiatives in the fields of education and environment conservation. Being self-driven, they have largely avoided media and public attention.

The three individuals are: Naila Sharaf, a BUET graduate who chose to teach at a primary school; Md. Altaf Hossain, who established a school despite having no hands; and Rezaul Kibria Babul, who has planted thousands of trees on his own initiative.

They were overwhelmed with emotion at the opportunity to meet the prime minister. He listened attentively to their struggles, unique initiatives, and activities for the welfare of society. He praised their work and assured them of necessary assistance.

During the discussion, Naila Sharaf’s unconventional career choice came into focus. After completing her studies at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), she joined the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) as an assistant engineer. She later worked as an officer at Janata Bank. Despite passing the 34th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, she chose to teach children instead of joining government service.

For the past seven years, Naila has been teaching at Panchananpur Government Primary School in Netrokona. She has also developed educational materials and digital content herself to make learning easier, particularly for underprivileged children.

Another inspirational individual who met the prime minister was Md Altaf Hossain of Narsingdi. He was born without both hands, but his physical disability could not hold him back. After learning to write with his feet, he established Protibha Dukhhu Mia Kindergarten School in Panchdona, Narsingdi, in 2007.

Built with his personal savings and money earned from selling ancestral land, the school currently has 145 students and 10 teachers. Altaf writes with his feet and uses them to carry out various school-related activities.

After hearing his story, the prime minister assured him that a new school building would be constructed for the institution.

Meanwhile, Rezaul Kibria Babul of Charfesson in Bhola has set an example in his community through his longstanding tree-planting efforts. Alongside serving as an imam at a mosque, he has spent nearly three decades planting thousands of trees along various roads using his own money and labor.

After selling ancestral property to establish a nursery, he began planting saplings grown there in different areas. Many of the trees he planted have now matured and provide shade to passersby.

The prime minister praised each of them for their initiatives. He said that individuals who work independently for the welfare of society and the country play a highly important role. Such initiatives, he added, inspire others to come forward and engage in good deeds.

The prime minister also encouraged them to continue their activities and assured them of his support.