Special Supplement: 27th Founding Anniversary of Ziaur Rahman Foundation

Message from the President

On the occasion of the 27th founding anniversary of Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), I extend my heartfelt greetings and warmest felicitations to all professionals associated with the foundation—particularly physicians, agriculturists, engineers, journalists, educationists, volunteers, well-wishers, and everyone devoted to humanitarian service.

With the solemn vow to work for human welfare, Ziaur Rahman Foundation embarked on its journey in 1999. The core mission of the ZRF is to establish human dignity and extend a helping hand to vulnerable and underprivileged populations. The foundation has embraced standing by marginalised, impoverished individuals who cannot afford essential medical care as one of its foremost responsibilities.

This 27-year trajectory was not without hurdles. The normal operations of Ziaur Rahman Foundation faced severe impediments under adversity, particularly during more than a decade and a half of authoritarian rule. Yet, the commitment to human love and public service that birthed the ZRF never wavered. Even amid acute challenges, dedicated workers and physicians of this platform remained steadfast in their commitment to the public good.

They rushed to the aid of distressed citizens during every crisis. Whether in the wake of catastrophic floods, cyclones, pandemics, or other humanitarian emergencies, ZRF activists and volunteers placed public safety ahead of their own. Even during the arduous years of anti-authoritarian struggles, members courageously rendered round-the-clock medical treatment to save the lives of wounded protesters and civilians.

On this milestone, I remember with deep gratitude those doctors and healthcare workers who treated humanitarian service not merely as a profession, but as a moral obligation. Those who risked their personal safety to treat the ill, injured, and distressed under adverse circumstances will forever be remembered. What pursuit can be nobler than saving human lives?

I firmly believe that an organisation's genuine strength lies neither in its physical infrastructure nor in its coffers or bureaucratic hierarchy; its true strength resides in its spirit of public service. The crowning achievement of Ziaur Rahman Foundation remains this unyielding commitment to standing by humanity during crises.

I remain confident that Ziaur Rahman Foundation will further broaden its horizons in the days ahead. We must inject fresh momentum into our healthcare, education, agriculture, disaster management, scholarship, and poverty-alleviation programmes. Arranging medical treatment for an impoverished patient, handing a textbook to a needy student, supporting a struggling farmer, or providing relief to a disaster-stricken household each represents a shining testament to humanity.

On our 27th founding anniversary, let our solemn pledge be to wipe every tear, run to those in distress, and deploy our utmost strength to bring smiles to the faces of marginalised communities. My sincerest gratitude and respect go out to those who have quietly, selflessly, and courageously steered this humanitarian journey forward over the past 27 years.

Let us hoist the flag of humanity higher. Let compassion be our identity and public service our eternal compass. I wish the 27th founding anniversary of Ziaur Rahman Foundation every success.

May Almighty Allah grant us the strength to continue serving humanity.

(Tarique Rahman, President, Ziaur Rahman Foundation)

Message from the Vice-President

Established on 18 October 1999 in dedicated service to humanity, Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) has steadily expanded its footprint, uniting diverse professionals under a shared roof while cultivating mutual trust. Operating as a non-political, non-governmental, and philanthropic entity, the ZRF has rendered non-stop public service—a commitment visibly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a welfare platform, the foundation works relentlessly for the common good. Every initiative is anchored in empathy, human dignity, and the resolve to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. Today, the ZRF stands as an emblem of public trust, with its interventions earning widespread domestic and international acclaim.

In recent times, alongside academic pursuits, the ZRF has played an active role in public health and environmental stewardship. Highlights include a virtual science fair during the pandemic titled *"Hunting Future Scientists"* to foster adolescent mental well-being; specialised medical camps for cardiac and respiratory patients in Korail slum; anti-dengue awareness drives featuring the distribution of mosquito nets and leaflets; specialised medical care for children injured in the Milestone tragedy; and renovations of primary school facilities. Concurrently, extensive tree-planting drives were executed across academic campuses, including the University of Dhaka.

Preparations are also underway for the foundation's third science exhibition, "Hunting Future Scientists 2026."

Initiatives such as distributing textbooks among meritorious underprivileged children, awarding scholarships to GPA-5 achievers, providing medical screenings and medicines to madrasa students, conducting specialised check-ups for students of Suravi School for disabled and marginalised children, running free eye clinics for hearing- and speech-impaired children in Bogura, forming volunteer health corps in Bhashantek, Sattala, and Korail slums, and organizing cataract surgeries at Bhashantek Government Primary School have transcended standard philanthropy. They have breathed life into our core ethos: *"Wherever there is noble work, there is ZRF."*

Grounded in rich experience, Ziaur Rahman Foundation has solidified its status as an enduring humanitarian haven. Its interventions span healthcare, education, applied science, agriculture, environment, women's empowerment, and disaster response. We believe modest grassroots steps yield profound societal transformations.

Under the visionary guidance of our President, Mr Tarique Rahman, the ZRF continues to march forward. On this 27th anniversary, I convey my warmest greetings to our members, volunteers, and well-wishers.

May our journey persist with love, responsibility, and unwavering dedication. May every initiative usher in horizons of comfort and self-reliance. I wish everyone good health and well-being.

Allah Hafez.

(Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President, Ziaur Rahman Foundation)

27 Years in the Service of Humanity

Prof Dr Farhad Halim Doner

In 1999, Mr Tarique Rahman envisioned establishing a foundation named after his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The fundamental objective was to decouple humanitarian work from political divides and focus strictly on uplifting the common citizen.

The journey commenced with a medical camp at Dighulia in Terokhada upazila, Khulna. Recognizing early on that sustainable socio-economic development requires grassroots financial independence, Mr Tarique Rahman paired grassroots organisational work with the distribution of poultry, cattle, and saplings to marginalised rural families.

Though modest in initial scope, this intervention aimed to ignite self-reliance and inspire copycat initiatives. Observing its success, communities outside the ZRF network replicated the model. Notably, in the foundation's maiden executive committee, Mr Tarique Rahman was the sole non-physician, launching the platform alongside 21 medical doctors.

Supporting Needy Scholars:

In 2005, under the direction of Mr Tarique Rahman, the ZRF launched a scholarship scheme to protect impoverished but gifted students from dropping out. Inaugurated at Dhaka's LGED Auditorium, the project resumed on an expanded scale following political disruptions. Under the stewardship of President Tarique Rahman and Vice-President Dr Zubaida Rahman, the scheme awarded educational stipends in 2023 to underprivileged talents nationwide, including 19 children of BNP leaders and activists affected by political movements.

Healthcare for the Helpless:

During national emergencies, the ZRF routinely deploys free medical camps equipped with essential medications and consultations. Such clinics were recently mobilised  across Rupsha in Khulna, Jatrabari and Korail slum in Dhaka, Gazipur, Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Bogura.

On the 26th founding anniversary on 18 October last year, a mega health camp was set up at Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's ancestral home in Bogura, providing medical services to nearly 7,000 patients. Similar specialised interventions include cold-wave clinics in Dhaka's Korail slum and large-scale eye camps in Sylhet.

Corrective Cleft Lip Surgeries:

Collaborating with German plastic surgeons, the ZRF organised specialised reconstructive surgery camps across Bogura, Khulna, and Gaibandha, providing free operations to around 450 cleft lip, palate, and burn patients—giving them a new lease on life.

Specialised Asthma Care:

Addressing Bangladesh's respiratory burden, the foundation established dedicated Asthma Centres in Bogura (2003) and Chattogram (2004), successfully treating 5,871 and 3,119 registered patients respectively to date.

Prosthetic Limbs & Rehabilitation:

Under Mr Tarique Rahman’s supervision, the ZRF provides prosthetic limbs to individuals who lost arms or legs in political violence or road accidents, restoring their mobility and livelihood opportunities. The platform also assists families of enforced disappearance victims and martyrs.

Pure Drinking Water ('Komol' Project):

To address acute tap water pollution in Dhaka's Dasherkandi caused by sewage drainage failures, the ZRF partnered with the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, to launch the "Komol" pure drinking water plant (named after Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's pet name). Around 120 families receive clean piped water, while 160 households access micro-credit facilities under the project.

Pandemic Response & Disaster Relief:

During COVID-19, ZRF frontliners delivered oxygen cylinders, PPE, and medications directly to homes while operating telemedicine helplines. The foundation distributed comprehensive relief to flood-hit residents in Feni in 2024, provided medical care to those injured in the July uprising, assisted teachers and students affected by the Milestone tragedy, and ran nationwide drives against dengue and anthrax.

Veterinary Medical Camps:

The foundation has extended medical assistance to livestock to preserve rural agrarian livelihoods. Camps were conducted at Zahir Uddin High School in Sutiakhali, Mymensingh (30 August 2025), Banshkhali in Chattogram (15 November 2025), and Gowainghat in Sylhet (4 October 2026), alongside agricultural kit and sapling distributions.

Sanitation & Cleanliness Drives:

Recognising the environmental and zoonotic risks posed by plastic and untreated waste, Vice-President Dr Zubaida Rahman spearheaded large-scale urban sanitation drives in Feni, Khulna, and other districts.

Idea Fest 2025 Mini-Hackathon:

Under Dr Zubaida Rahman's supervision, the ZRF rolled out *"Idea Fest 2025: Mini-Hackathon on Your Campus"* under the theme *"Tomorrow's Bangladesh in the Vision of Youth for an Equitable and Prosperous Future."* The competition tasked university students with devising policy and technological solutions for systemic challenges, culminating in award ceremonies on the foundation's anniversary.

Cross-Border Humanitarian Aid:

Expanding abroad, the ZRF mobilised  relief teams following the catastrophic earthquake in Türkiye, handing over emergency funding directly to the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka.

In essence, the 27-year trajectory of the ZRF mirrors an unyielding chronicle of human welfare and development. With a visionary leader like Mr Tarique Rahman at the helm, our committed professionals stand determined to elevate this platform to new milestones.

(The writer is a Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation)

27 Years of Milestones: Pledging Responsibility for Tomorrow

Prof Dr Mostafa Aziz Sumon

Ziaur Rahman Foundation completes 27 years as a non-political, welfare-driven humanitarian institution. Guided by its President, Tarique Rahman, the ZRF views philanthropy not as formal charity, but as a moral duty.

From its asthma clinics, child healthcare centers in Bogura, and livestock distribution for rural women, to clean water plants in Dasherkandi, the foundation addresses primary survival needs. Nationwide cataract camps, veterinary outreaches, emergency responses during natural disasters, and round-the-clock COVID-19 medical logistics reflect this vast operational breadth.

A poignant example of its humanitarian mandate is the rehabilitation, medical care, and financial assistance extended to individuals who suffered amputations and grievous injuries during the July 2024 Mass Uprising and subsequent political suppression. The foundation's direct outreach delivering festive gifts to martyrs' families across remote pockets underscores that distance poses no barrier to service.

Through its scholarship schemes, numerous underprivileged recipients have graduated to become military officers, physicians, and engineers—embodying long-term social investment.

Equally vital are the foundation's educational innovations. Spearheaded by Dr Zubaida Rahman, science exhibitions have bridged classroom theory with real-world problem-solving, equipping youngsters with analytical curiosity and leadership qualities.

Looking forward, the ZRF aims to expand its institutional footprint across national and global spheres—focusing on maternal healthcare, climate resilience, and knowledge ecosystems.

On this 27th anniversary, I extend sincere greetings to our benefactors, physicians, teachers, volunteers, and associates.

(The writer is a Director at the Bangladesh Cancer Hospital)

Greetings from the Convener

On this day, 18 October, Ziaur Rahman Foundation marks its 27th founding anniversary. Over nearly three decades, it has evolved into a symbol of public dependability.

On this occasion, I convey my warmest felicitations to all members, well-wishers, and frontline workers. Since inception, the ZRF has worked to serve humanity across education, healthcare, agriculture, and environment. The voluntary convergence of doctors, agronomists, engineers, academics, journalists, and lawyers has enriched its institutional capacity.

Inspired by civic duty and patriotism, we will continue working toward systematic social welfare. May our collective endeavors make the foundation's forward march even more dynamic.

(Prof Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, Convener, 27th Founding Anniversary Celebration Committee)

Greetings from the Member Secretary

I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all associated with Ziaur Rahman Foundation on its 27th founding anniversary.

Since its birth in 1999, the ZRF has championed grassroots social development. Its scholarship endowments, agricultural inputs for marginal farmers, free medical treatments, disaster relief operations, urban greening projects, and youth innovation platforms deserve high commendation.

Despite numerous roadblocks, the foundation's humanitarian spirit has remained unshakeable. I am confident that coordinated efforts will enable the ZRF to play an even more transformative role in the years ahead. I wish the foundation lasting progress and success.

(Prof Dr Sarker Mahbub Ahmed Shamim, Member Secretary, 27th Founding Anniversary Celebration Committee)