Dhaka: Newly appointed Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, everyone must work together to build the country. ‘Thousands of people sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War in 1971 and in the mass uprising of 2024,’ he remarked while exchanging views with the officials of the social welfare ministry after joining as minister at Bangladesh Secretariat today. Today’s Bangladesh has been achieved through immense sacrifice, and therefore the nation owes a great responsibility to its people, he said, expressing his commitment to fulfilling the mandate given by the people. He also sought cooperation from all, rising above partisan considerations, to advance the ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Social Welfare organized the view exchange meeting at the ministry’s conference room. The newly appointed State Minister for Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin was present. Secretary of the ministry Dr. Mohammad Abu Yousuf and other senior officials also attended the meeting. The minister further stated that after a long 15 years, democracy has triumphed, providing him the opportunity to work in this renewed democratic environment. He referred to those who have become victims of enforced disappearance during the democratic movement, mentioning that the whereabouts of Ilias Ali remain untraced and around 800 people are still missing.
He emphasized that their purpose in the ministry is not for personal gain but to serve with integrity and ensure comprehensive development of the country. State Minister Farzana Sharmin noted that she has assumed responsibility in the same ministry where her father previously worked. She expressed her desire to further advance the ministry’s activities and sought cooperation from all. Earlier, the Minister and State Minister were welcomed with flowers by the secretaries and officials of both ministries, followed by an exchange of greetings.