Photo: BSS

DHAKA, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sent gifts to a security guard who regularly stood by a roadside ATM booth with a 'Sheaf Of Paddy' to greet the Prime Minister's motorcade as it passed through the area.

Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman met the security guard, Abdus Salam, in the Ramna area of the capital around 11:30 am and handed over the gifts on behalf of the Prime Minister, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla Sujon Mahmud. 

During the meeting, Ruman also enquired about Salam's health and the well-being of his family.

Sujon said Abdus Salam, a resident of the Nagarbari Ghat area of Pabna, has been working as a security guard at the ATM booth of a private bank in front of the former Ramna Police Station for the past eight months due to financial hardship.

Before taking the job, he said, Abdus Salam worked as a car driver. However, after suffering a stroke, he was no longer able to drive and subsequently took up the security guard position.

Despite his health condition, he continues to work 12-hour shifts every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

According to the deputy press secretary, every day, as the Prime Minister travels to his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Abdus Salam stands in front of the ATM booth near the old Ramna Police Station holding a 'Sheaf Of Paddy', the electoral symbol of ruling BNP, as a gesture of respect.

At one stage, Salam's quiet expression of goodwill came to the Prime Minister's notice, Sujon added.

Later, Tarique Rahman asked his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman to visit him and deliver gifts, he said. 

Receiving the gifts, Abdus Salam became emotional and expressed his gratitude.

He said he had never imagined that the Prime Minister would notice him or send him gifts. 

Salam said, "I love the Prime Minister's father, I love his mother, and I love the Prime Minister too. The Prime Minister is very dear to me. Whenever, he passes through this road, I salute him every day. He always smiles and returns my greeting from inside the vehicle and waves at me."

"Seeing the Prime Minister's smile fills my heart with joy. Today is the best day of my life. The Prime Minister has sent gifts to an ordinary person like me, what could be more joyful than this?" he added.

The Prime Minister's gesture in response to the quiet respect and affection shown by an ordinary citizen has also been appreciated by local people.

They said such recognition of the sincere feelings of an ordinary person, in addition to performing his duty, is undoubtedly a remarkable example of humanity.