DHAKA, October 18, 2026:The Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), established on October 18, 1999, has marked its 27th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian service, public welfare and improving the lives of disadvantaged communities across Bangladesh.
Over the past 27 years, the foundation has undertaken a range of initiatives in healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental protection, disaster response and social development. Its anniversary commemorative supplement highlights the organisation’s major activities, achievements and future commitments, featuring messages from its President and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Vice-President Dr Zubaida Rahman, directors and members of the anniversary celebration committee.
Founded with the aim of serving people beyond political considerations, ZRF has sought to extend assistance to underprivileged communities through free medical camps, educational scholarships, agricultural support, rehabilitation programmes and emergency humanitarian assistance.
Healthcare has remained one of the foundation’s key areas of activity. According to the anniversary publication, ZRF has organised free medical camps in different parts of the country, providing consultations, medicines and specialised treatment to people with limited access to healthcare.
The foundation has also organised eye-care camps, cataract treatment initiatives and reconstructive surgery programmes for people with cleft lips, cleft palates and burn injuries. In collaboration with German specialist surgeons, it arranged free plastic and reconstructive surgery camps in Bogura, Khulna and Gaibandha, benefiting approximately 450 patients.
ZRF established asthma centres in Bogura in 2003 and Chattogram in 2004 to improve access to treatment for patients with respiratory conditions. It has also supported people who lost limbs in accidents or during democratic movements through artificial limb assistance and rehabilitation initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation’s doctors, agricultural professionals and volunteers reportedly delivered oxygen cylinders, personal protective equipment and medicines to patients. A telephone health service was also introduced to assist people who were unable to leave their homes.
At a medical camp organised in Bogura on October 18 last year to mark the foundation’s 26th anniversary, approximately 7,000 patients received medical services, according to the publication.
Education and the development of young talent have been among ZRF’s longstanding priorities. Its scholarship programme, launched in 2005 under Tarique Rahman’s direction, was designed to support academically talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The programme was subsequently expanded, with scholarships provided in 2023 to disadvantaged students across the country, including 19 children of BNP leaders and activists affected by the democratic movement, according to the anniversary publication.
The foundation has also distributed books and educational materials among underprivileged children, provided scholarships to students achieving GPA-5 results, and arranged health check-ups and medicines for madrasa students and children with special needs.
In addition, ZRF has supported science education and innovation through science fairs and youth-focused initiatives. Its programme titled “In Search of Future Scientists” has sought to encourage students to explore scientific ideas and develop problem-solving skills.
The foundation also organised the “Idea Fest 2025 Mini Hackathon” under the theme “A Future Bangladesh in the Vision of Youth for an Equitable and Prosperous Country.” The initiative aimed to encourage young people to identify national challenges and develop innovative solutions. Winners of the final competition received awards on the foundation’s anniversary.
ZRF has undertaken initiatives to improve rural livelihoods by distributing ducks, chickens, cattle, goats and saplings among disadvantaged people and rural households. The initiatives were intended to promote self-reliance and create opportunities for additional income.
The foundation has also organised free veterinary medical camps for farmers and livestock owners. Recent programmes included camps in Sutiakhali village of Mymensingh on August 30, 2025, and Banshkhali in Chattogram on November 15, 2025. A similar programme was held in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet on October 4, 2026, alongside the distribution of agricultural water-management kits.
Environmental protection has been another focus. The foundation has conducted tree-planting programmes at educational institutions, including the University of Dhaka, and organised cleanliness drives in Feni, Khulna and other locations.
It has also undertaken public awareness campaigns on dengue prevention, anthrax prevention and cardiovascular health, while promoting proper waste disposal and environmental hygiene.
In Dasherkandi, Dhaka, ZRF launched a safe drinking water initiative with support from the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development to address water contamination affecting local residents.
The project, named “Kamal Water” after the nickname of former President Ziaur Rahman, reportedly provides access to safe drinking water for approximately 120 families. Another 160 families have benefited from a microcredit programme associated with the initiative.
The project reflects the foundation’s approach to community development, combining access to essential services with measures intended to improve household livelihoods.
The foundation has provided assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, including floods, cyclones and other crises.
During the 2024 floods in Feni, ZRF distributed relief assistance to affected people. It also provided medical support to injured individuals during the July 2024 mass uprising and undertook assistance and rehabilitation initiatives for people who sustained serious physical injuries.
The anniversary publication also highlights support for injured children following the Milestone tragedy, as well as health services and Eid gifts for students at madrasas and residents of orphanages.
Beyond Bangladesh, ZRF members extended humanitarian assistance following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye by handing over blankets to the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka for affected people.
In his anniversary message, Tarique Rahman extended greetings to the foundation’s professionals, including doctors, agricultural experts, engineers, journalists, educators, volunteers and well-wishers.
He said the foundation was established in 1999 with a commitment to human welfare, dignity and support for disadvantaged people, particularly those unable to afford necessary medical treatment.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the organisation over the years, he said its commitment to humanitarian service had continued despite difficult circumstances.
Rahman emphasised that an organisation’s real strength lies not in its buildings, finances or administrative structure, but in its determination to work for people.
He called for further expansion of the foundation’s activities in healthcare, education, agriculture, disaster management and support for disadvantaged students and communities.
He also expressed gratitude to the doctors, healthcare workers, volunteers and other members who had continued serving vulnerable people, often under difficult conditions.
In her message, Vice-President Dr Zubaida Rahman described ZRF as a non-political, non-governmental and service-oriented organisation that has brought together people from different professions under a shared commitment to public welfare.
She highlighted the foundation’s initiatives in healthcare, education, scientific learning and environmental protection, including medical camps for residents of Korail, health services for disadvantaged children, eye-care programmes, tree planting and the distribution of educational materials.
She also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to support children with special needs, provide health services to madrasa students and improve access to regular medical care in underserved communities.
Dr Zubaida Rahman said small initiatives and collective efforts could bring meaningful changes to people’s lives. She expressed hope that the foundation would continue expanding its work in healthcare, education, science, agriculture, environmental protection, women’s empowerment and disaster response.
Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Executive Director of ZRF, described the foundation’s early initiatives, including medical camps and the distribution of livestock and saplings to disadvantaged rural households.
He said these programmes were designed not only to provide immediate assistance but also to encourage self-reliance and inspire others to undertake similar community initiatives.
Professor Dr Mostafa Aziz Sumon, a director of the foundation and associated with Bangladesh Cancer Hospital, highlighted ZRF’s contributions to healthcare, education, rehabilitation, disaster relief and youth development.
He noted that the scholarship programme had helped many talented students continue their education, with some subsequently establishing careers as doctors, engineers and military officers.
Professor Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, convener of the 27th anniversary celebration committee, congratulated the foundation’s members and supporters, expressing hope that collective efforts would strengthen its humanitarian activities.
Professor Dr Sarkar Mahbub Ahmed Shamim, member secretary of the anniversary celebration committee, also conveyed his greetings and called for continued cooperation to expand the organisation’s work in education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and disaster response.
As ZRF celebrates 27 years, its anniversary publication underscores the importance of sustaining and expanding humanitarian initiatives to address the needs of disadvantaged communities.
From free medical treatment and educational scholarships to agricultural assistance, safe drinking water, environmental programmes and disaster relief, the foundation’s activities reflect a broad approach to community welfare.
The organisation has expressed its commitment to continuing these efforts through the involvement of professionals, volunteers, donors and well-wishers, with a focus on improving access to essential services and promoting self-reliance.
The anniversary marks both a milestone in the foundation’s history and an opportunity to renew its commitment to humanitarian service across Bangladesh.
