ZRF’s goal is to bring smiles to people’s faces: PM

“Let our goal be to bring a smile to at least one person’s face for as long as we remain healthy and strong,” he said while speaking at a programme at the Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre in Shahbagh, marking the 27th founding anniversary of the ZRF.

Tarique Rahman, also the foundation's president, said the most important thing about doing good is the willingness to act.

He also said the desire to do good matters more than wealth or resources, noting that even a small contribution from those with means can bring relief and happiness to people, society, animals, and nature.

“Sometimes money is not the main issue, and neither is one's capacity. The most important thing in doing good work is the willingness to do it,” the Prime Minister said.

He expressed confidence that every member of the ZRF has the strong desire to make at least one person happy through their efforts.

Explaining the foundation’s motto, “One initiative, one effort”, Tarique Rahman said collective efforts can bring prosperity and self-reliance to the country.

“We wanted to do something for people, and we have done it. If we remain united and work together, our initiatives and efforts can bring prosperity and make the country self-reliant. This is entirely possible,” he said.

The Prime Minister said everyone should work for the country from their respective positions, particularly at the present juncture.

He said willingness is the greatest strength, noting that many wealthy people use their resources only for their own interests. “Even if they devote a small portion of their wealth to society, people and nature, they can bring peace and relief to many,” he added.

ZRF Vice President and Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman attended the programme as a special guest.

In her speech, she described the foundation as an outstanding example of humanitarian work in Bangladesh, established on the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with the blessings of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the inspiration and initiative of Tarique Rahman.

Over the past 27 years, Zubaida said, the foundation has grown from a small initiative in humanitarian service into an organisation working to stand beside people across the country.

She expressed hope that the foundation will become an example of humanitarian service across the world through its future activities.

Established on October 18, 1999, the ZRF is a voluntary humanitarian organisation that works at the grassroots level to support people in need.

The programme also featured the announcement of the winners of the “Idea Fest”, an initiative aimed at harnessing the talent and innovative ideas of young people and students to build a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh.

The team from Group 12 of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University emerged champion, while two teams from Dhaka University secured the runner-up positions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over cheques to the winning teams, while Zubaida Rahman presented them with certificates.

A total of 18 teams took part in the semi-final round, with seven advancing to the final. The final round of the fest was held on October 10 at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the DU’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Food Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, ZRF Executive Director Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Programme Convener Prof Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, Idea Fest Convener Syeda Taznin Waris Simki and Coordinator Prof Lutfor Rahman were also present, reports UNB.