Departing from traditional birthday festivities, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam marked the birthday of Barrister Zaima Rahman on Sunday through a large-scale humanitarian initiative in Bogura, distributing pink bicycles to 548 female students and sponsoring eye care for approximately 4,000 underprivileged residents.
The distribution ceremony took place at Shibganj Pilot High School grounds. Organizers stated that the initiative—held in honor of Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman—aims to ease daily commuting burdens for female students, reduce dropout rates, and promote girls' education across the Shibganj and Mokamtala areas.
On the same day, at 12:00 PM, an eye-care camp—including cataract surgeries—was held for the second consecutive day on the grounds of Rokeya-Sattar High School in Aliarhat, Shibganj.
According to the organizers, approximately 4,000 people have received care over the two-day period. On the first day, free eye care was provided to 2,000 individuals in the Syedpur Union of the Mokamtala area.
Speaking at the bicycle distribution ceremony, Shahe Alam noted that he had celebrated Barrister Zaima Rahman’s birthday even during the regime of the "fascist" Hasina.
At that time, the observances included prayer sessions, the distribution of food to orphans, and various humanitarian activities, such as medical and eye-care services. This year, too, the initiative has been focused on the welfare of students.
He further mentioned that for the past 20 years, lunch has been distributed to the underprivileged every Friday near the Dewantala shrine, with prayers offered for the well-being of the Zia family. The purpose of these initiatives is to stand by the people and work for their well-being.
Regarding the distribution of bicycles, Mir Shahe Alam stated that the primary objective of this initiative is the advancement of women's education. Today’s female students are the future of tomorrow.
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring a safe learning environment for students, the State Minister noted that everyone must remain vigilant against child marriage and 'eve-teasing' (sexual harassment). Necessary decisions in this regard were reached during the meeting. A collective effort is required to ensure that girls can travel to school safely and continue their education.
He reiterated that the core intent of this initiative is to support students and foster the progress of women's education.
Addressing the gathering, the State Minister remarked on the Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that they engage in a politics of deception. Those who fell for their ruses now live with regret. To secure votes, they donned skullcaps and danced to the beat of drums; yet, once the elections concluded, they were nowhere to be seen—not even at the Puja Mandaps. They no longer dangle the promise of 'paradise' before Muslims. Although they exploit religion for political gain, they show no concern—nor do they even speak—for the welfare of Imams, Muezzins, or mosque caretakers. In contrast, it is Tareque Rahman who has truly looked after their needs.
Speaking to the audience, he said, "Your son, Tarique Rahman, has introduced various programs—including the 'Family Card' and 'Farmer Card' schemes, tree plantation drives, the delivery of healthcare services to the people's doorsteps, and the excavation of canals." He added, "I wish to address the vision-related health issues of the people in my constituency; free eye care services will be provided to everyone in phases."
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