Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has met three individuals who have set inspiring examples through their work and personal initiatives, praising their contributions to society and assuring them of necessary support.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday. The three individuals were Naila Sharaf, a BUET graduate who chose to teach at a primary school; Md Altaf Hossain, who established a school despite being born without both hands; and Rezaul Kibria Babul, who has planted thousands of trees through his own efforts.
The individuals were moved by the opportunity to meet the prime minister, who listened to their personal struggles, initiatives and contributions to public welfare.
“People like you are greatly needed to build the country. If more people come forward like you, nation-building will become easier,” the prime minister said.
Naila Sharaf completed her studies at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and joined the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) as an assistant engineer. She later worked as an officer at Janata Bank.
Despite qualifying for the 34th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, she chose not to join government service and instead pursued a career in teaching children.
For the past seven years, she has been teaching at Panchananpur Government Primary School in Netrokona. She also develops teaching materials and digital content to make learning easier, particularly for disadvantaged children.
Another guest, Md Altaf Hossain from Narsingdi, was born without both hands but learned to write using his feet. In 2007, he established Protibha Dukhu Mia Kindergarten School in Panchdona, Narsingdi.
Built with his savings and money from selling ancestral land, the school now has 145 students and 10 teachers. Altaf uses his feet to write and manage various school activities. After hearing about his struggles, the prime minister assured him that a new school building would be constructed.
Rezaul Kibria Babul, from Char Fasson in Bhola, has spent nearly three decades planting thousands of trees along roads using his own money and labour while also serving as a mosque imam.
After selling ancestral property, he established a nursery and began planting saplings grown there in different areas. Many of the trees he planted have now matured, providing shade for pedestrians.
The prime minister praised all three individuals for their contributions, stressing the importance of personal initiatives in serving society and the country. He encouraged them to continue their work and assured them of support.