Founded in 1999, ZRF published a special supplement on its 27th anniversary highlighting its achievements, key initiatives, and future commitments to improving the lives of underprivileged communities.
Leadership Messages Focus on Compassion and Resilience
In his anniversary message, ZRF President Tarique Rahman extended warm greetings to professionals, including physicians, agriculturists, engineers, journalists, educators, and volunteers associated with the foundation.
"Establishing human dignity and extending support to the helpless and underprivileged is the core mission of ZRF. Standing by those who cannot afford necessary medical treatment has been one of our highest priorities," said Tarique Rahman.
He noted that the foundation's 27-year journey faced significant challenges and disruptions during over a decade and a half of authoritarian governance. However, ZRF volunteers and healthcare workers continued their service, risking their lives to provide medical aid during natural disasters, pandemics, and democratic movements.
In her message, ZRF Vice President Dr. Zubaida Rahman highlighted the organization's role in bringing diverse professionals together under one platform to build trust and self-reliance.
"As a non-political, non-governmental service organization, ZRF has served the public relentlessly. Today, it stands as a symbol of trust nationwide," Dr. Zubaida Rahman stated.
She outlined recent educational, scientific, and medical initiatives, including the upcoming 3rd Science Fair "In Search of Future Scientists 2026," specialized medical camps in Karail and Bhasantek, cataract surgeries, free eye camps, dengue awareness drives, primary school renovations, and tree plantation programs across major educational institutions.
Key Initiatives & Achievements (1999–2026)
- Healthcare & Free Medical Camps: Regular free healthcare drives, including plastic and reconstructive surgeries for over 450 cleft lip, palate, and burn patients with German specialist surgeons in Bogura, Khulna, and Gaibandha.
- Asthma Care Centers: Dedicated asthma care centers established in Bogura (serving over 5,800 patients) and Chattogram (serving over 3,100 patients).
- Prosthetics & Rehabilitation: Provision of artificial limbs and rehabilitation support for individuals injured in accidents, democratic movements, and the July 2024 uprising.
- Educational Support & Scholarships: Financial assistance and subventions launched in 2005 for underprivileged and meritorious students, alongside educational tools and healthcare for madrasa and special-needs students.
- Safe Water Projects: Implementation of the "Komol" safe drinking water project in Dasher Kandi, providing clean water to 120 families alongside micro-credit facilities for 160 families.
- Agricultural & Veterinary Support: Free veterinary medical camps and seedling distributions across Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet, including AWD kit distribution to farmers in Gowainhat in October 2026.
- Youth Innovation: Organization of the "Idea Fest 2025 Mini Hackathon" to foster youth leadership, problem-solving, and talent development.
- Disaster Relief & International Aid: Active deployment during COVID-19 with hotline care and oxygen supply, flood relief in Feni (2024), and international humanitarian assistance, including blanket donations to the Turkish Embassy following the earthquake in Turkey.
Statements from Leadership & Committees
Prof. Dr. Forhad Halim Donor, Executive Director of ZRF, remarked that the foundation’s journey began with a single medical camp in Dighulia, Khulna, and expanded into nationwide socio-economic initiatives empowering rural families with livestock, poultry, and saplings.
Prof. Dr. Mostafa Azeez Suman, Director of Bangladesh Cancer Hospital, emphasized ZRF's long-term social investments through scholarships, health camps, and science fairs that prepare the younger generation to build a knowledge-based society.
Anniversary Celebration Committee Convener Prof. Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan and Member Secretary Prof. Dr. Sarkar Mahbub Ahmed Shamim congratulated all members, volunteers, and well-wishers, reiterating ZRF's pledge to expand its service scope and stand by vulnerable populations across the nation.
