From Healthcare to Educational Support: 27 Years of Humanitarian Service by Ziaur Rahman Foundation

The Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) began its journey on October 18, 1999, with a commitment to humanitarian service, public welfare and improving the lives of disadvantaged communities. Over the past 27 years, the organisation has undertaken initiatives in healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental conservation, disaster response and social development. Through free medical camps, educational scholarships, agricultural assistance, environmental programmes and emergency relief, the foundation has sought to extend support to people in need.

Marking its 27th anniversary, messages from ZRF President Tarique Rahman and Vice-President Dr Zubaida Rahman, alongside reflections from the foundation's leadership, highlight its commitment to humanitarian service, social responsibility and expanding its activities in the years ahead.

Healthcare for Underserved Communities

Providing medical services to financially disadvantaged people remains one of ZRF's key areas of work. Through free medical camps in different parts of Bangladesh, the foundation has sought to provide medical consultations, essential medicines and specialised healthcare to people with limited access to treatment.

Its healthcare initiatives have covered areas including Rupsha in Khulna, Jatrabari and Korail in Dhaka, Gazipur, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Bogura and Sylhet. According to information provided by the foundation, approximately 7,000 patients received services at a medical camp organised in Bogura on October 18, 2025, to mark its 26th anniversary.

The foundation has also supported treatment for patients with cleft lip, cleft palate and burn injuries. With assistance from German specialist surgeons, reconstructive and plastic surgery camps were organised in Bogura, Khulna and Gaibandha. The foundation's account states that approximately 450 patients received free surgical treatment through these initiatives.

To improve care for asthma patients, the foundation established asthma centres in Bogura in 2003 and Chattogram in 2004. It has also undertaken initiatives to provide artificial limbs to people who have lost limbs in accidents or political violence, helping them pursue rehabilitation and regain mobility.

Emergency Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when normal life was severely disrupted, ZRF's doctors, agricultural professionals and volunteers from various occupations worked to assist affected and vulnerable people. Support included oxygen cylinders, personal protective equipment, medicines and health advice. A hotline-based healthcare service was also introduced for people who were largely confined to their homes.

Other initiatives have included dengue-prevention awareness campaigns, mosquito-net distribution, specialised medical camps for people with heart and respiratory conditions, and healthcare support for children.

Scholarships, Education and Scientific Innovation

Educational assistance has been another important component of ZRF's activities. Its scholarship programme for meritorious students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds was formally launched in 2005 to help students continue their education despite economic hardship.

According to the foundation's account, the programme was expanded again in 2023, providing educational stipends to disadvantaged and meritorious students as well as 19 children of families affected by the democratic movement.

The foundation has also distributed books and educational materials to underprivileged students, offered scholarships to students achieving GPA-5 results, and provided health check-ups and medicines to madrasa students.

Healthcare support has been extended to students at Suravi School, which serves children with special needs and disadvantaged backgrounds. A free eye-care camp was also organised for students at a school for deaf and speech-impaired children in Bogura.

ZRF has further sought to encourage scientific inquiry and innovation among young people. Its science fair, titled In Search of Future Scientists, provides students with opportunities to present scientific projects, explore new ideas and develop problem-solving skills.

Through the Idea Fest 2025 Mini Hackathon, the foundation encouraged young people to identify national challenges and propose innovative solutions. The foundation has also announced plans for the third edition of its science fair, In Search of Future Scientists 2026.

Agriculture and Rural Economic Development

From its early years, ZRF has pursued initiatives to improve the economic capacity of disadvantaged rural communities. These have included distributing poultry, cattle, goats and tree saplings to help families develop income-generating activities and move towards greater self-reliance.

The foundation has also organised free veterinary medical camps to support livestock health and rural livelihoods. Such activities were conducted in Sutiakhali in Mymensingh and Banshkhali in Chattogram in 2025. According to the foundation's information, veterinary services and agricultural support activities were also organised in Gowainghat, Sylhet, on October 4, 2026.

Distribution of fruit-bearing and medicinal tree saplings, alongside efforts to encourage improved agricultural practices, forms part of its broader work to support farmers, protect livestock and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Safe Water and Environmental Conservation

To address the shortage of safe drinking water, ZRF launched the Kamal Pani project in Dashেরkandi, Dhaka. According to the foundation, approximately 120 families benefit from access to safe water through the project, while another 160 families in the area receive support through a microcredit initiative.

Environmental protection is another area of activity. The foundation has organised tree-planting programmes at educational institutions, including the University of Dhaka, as well as cleanliness campaigns and awareness initiatives on plastic pollution and waste management.

These activities aim to reduce environmental pollution, protect public health and encourage more environmentally responsible practices.

Humanitarian Assistance During Disasters and Crises

ZRF has undertaken relief and support initiatives during floods, cyclones, pandemics and other emergencies. Its activities have included relief assistance for people affected by the 2024 floods in Feni, emergency healthcare and support for injured people.

The foundation's activity report also refers to medical and rehabilitation assistance for people injured during the July movement, support for those affected by the Milestone tragedy, and assistance to families of those killed. Healthcare services, medicines and Eid gifts have also been distributed through programmes serving madrasas and orphanages.

The foundation has extended its humanitarian activities beyond Bangladesh as well. Following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, a team comprising ZRF members handed over blankets to the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka for people affected by the disaster.

Humanitarian Vision and Future Commitments

In his anniversary message, ZRF President Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to public welfare, human dignity and support for disadvantaged people. He emphasised the need to expand its programmes in healthcare, education, agriculture, disaster response and assistance for underprivileged and meritorious students.

Vice-President Dr Zubaida Rahman highlighted the foundation's initiatives in healthcare, education, scientific learning, environmental conservation and support for disadvantaged children. Her message emphasised that small initiatives, combined with collective effort, can bring meaningful changes to people's lives.

Reflections from Executive Director Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar and Professor Dr Mostafa Aziz Sumon also underscored the importance of healthcare, scholarships, agricultural assistance, rehabilitation and programmes that encourage young people's creativity and innovation.

Over 27 years, the Ziaur Rahman Foundation has developed a broad range of activities spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental protection and disaster response. Expanding these services, improving their reach and making assistance more accessible to disadvantaged communities, particularly in remote areas, remain important priorities for the future.

As the foundation marks its 27th anniversary, its continued humanitarian journey will depend on sustaining its commitment to public welfare, social responsibility and improving the quality of life of people in need.