Stand by people beyond party lines: Zubaida Rahman urges all

Zubaida Rahman, Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, has called on everyone to rise above party affiliations and stand by those affected by any disaster. She said standing by people in times of disaster is the highest expression of humanity and strengthens the bonds of compassion and solidarity in society.

She made the remarks as the chief guest at a 'Tribute and Memorial Meeting for the July 21 Milestone Tragedy' organised at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in the capital on Tuesday (July 21).

Zubaida Rahman said in any national disaster, one must think of people first. It is a moral duty to stand by those affected. Humanitarian cooperation sets a unique example of love and compassion in society.

Zubaida Rahman prayed for the forgiveness of those killed when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Uttara and wished the injured a swift recovery. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she said the courage they have shown in turning their grief into strength is an inspiration for all.

In his speech as special guest, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhavat Hossain Bokul said the Milestone school tragedy on July 21, 2025, is one of the most heartbreaking incidents in the country's history. He paid tribute to teacher Maherin Chowdhury, who lost her life while rescuing children burnt in the fire.

The Health Minister said the cooperation extended by doctors from Singapore, India, China and other countries after the accident is a shining example of humanitarian solidarity. Bangladeshi doctors also performed their duties with dedication. He said a delegation from Singapore General Hospital recently praised the quality of services at the National Burn Institute, including its skin bank.

Regarding the rehabilitation and treatment demands of the families of the deceased and injured, the Health Minister said Dr Zubaida Rahman would convey their message to the Prime Minister. He also said he would raise the matter in a meeting with the Prime Minister.

In his address as chairman, National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute Director Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin said treating burn patients is extremely expensive. It is difficult for a developing country to bear this cost alone. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on raising awareness to prevent burns. He said developed countries have significantly reduced the number of burn patients by raising awareness.

He called for July 21 to be officially declared as 'Burn Awareness Day'. He also said work is underway on a central database and a fully automated hospital system for all burn patients in the country. He said if the necessary budget allocation is received, the National Burn Institute could start operations as the country's first fully automated hospital within the next three months.

Also present at the event were State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muheet, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen, Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donor, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and DAB President Dr Harunur Rashid, among others.