Ms. Farida Akhtar, advisor of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said that there can be no word as minority in Bangladesh. It is not our job to distinguish Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians in Bangladesh. All are citizens of this country. She said these things in the speech of the chief guest on the 50th anniversary of HEED Bangladesh at China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Thursday 05 December 2024 evening.
The advisor said, HEED Bangladesh is completing 50 years at a time when new Bangladesh was born as a result of student-labor-people movement. The children who are being taught by HEED Bangladesh will keep HEED Bangladesh alive for a hundred years in the future. He said, Islam has declared man as the best creature of creation “Ashraful Makhlukat”. These people sometimes harm people and also benefit them. So if we want to be Ashraful Makhlukat then service can be the only thing to do.
The adviser also said that in the mid-nineties, when Heed knew Bangladesh, treatment of leprosy patients was recognized as one of their humanitarian works. At that time many people did not even go near leprosy patients but HEED Bangladesh served them.
He said, Begum Rokeya has done a lot for the liberation of women, today’s Head Bangladesh is working in that continuity. Poverty is not only due to financial reasons, but many things are responsible, including our human, educational reasons. Heed commended the way in which Bangladesh is working for various benefits including empowerment of women and assured full cooperation from the government.
Reverend Byron P. Bonik presided over the event, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock MA Akmal Hossain Azad, Secretary of the Health Services Department Md. Saidur Rahman, Executive Vice Chairman of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority Professor Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin, Chairman Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Zakir Ahmed Khan, PKSF Acting Managing Director Md. Fazlul Quader, Archbishop Vijay ND Cruz, OMI, Cardinal Patrick D’Rosario, CSC, HEED Bangladesh Executive Director Anwar Hossain and other representatives of Heed Bangladesh were present at the time.
Earlier, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser launched pigeons and balloons to inaugurate Heed Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary and later cut the cake.
On the occasion of the golden jubilee of the glory and heritage of ‘HEED Bangladesh’, a voluntary organization engaged in the service of humanity, a colorful and grand function was organized at BICC (China Friendship Convention Centre) Agargaon, Dhaka, where about 1500 (fifteen hundred) guests from various walks arrived.
On the 50th anniversary, wheelchairs were given to 50 people, cataract operations were given to 50 people, meritorious students were felicitated. A melodious dance performance by the students of Heed International School was performed on the occasion. The stage drama “Ghumer Manoos” by Heed Cultural Group was staged and 50 years of activities of Heed Bangladesh were highlighted through pot songs.
Officials of various government departments, heads of international organizations and donor organizations, Christian leaders, representatives of fraternal organizations and social and cultural individuals of various levels were also present at the event.