Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, at the Bangladesh Secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Newly appointed Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, everyone must work together to build the country.

“Thousands of people sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War in 1971 and in the mass uprising of 2024,” he said while exchanging views with the officials of the social welfare ministry after joining as minister at Bangladesh Secretariat today.  

Today’s Bangladesh has been achieved through immense sacrifice and therefore the nation owes a great responsibility to its people, he said and expressed his commitment to fulfilling the mandate given by the people. 

He also sought all-out cooperation from all, rising above partisan considerations, to advance the ministry.

Ministry of Social Welfare organized the view exchange meeting at the ministry’s conference room where the newly appointed State Minister for Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin was present. 

Secretary of the ministry Dr. Mohammad Abu Yousuf and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

The minister further stated that after a long 15 years, democracy has triumphed and he has now had the opportunity to work in this renewed democratic environment. 

Referring to those who have become the victim of enforced disappearance during the democratic movement, he mentioned that the whereabouts of Ilias Ali has remained untraced and around 800 people are still missing.

He also emphasized that they have not come to the ministry for personal gain but to serve with integrity and ensure comprehensive development of the country.

State Minister Farzana Sharmin said that she has assumed responsibility in the same ministry where her father previously worked. She expressed her desire to further advance the ministry’s activities and sought cooperation from all.

Earlier, the Minister and State Minister were welcomed with flowers by the secretaries and officials of both ministries, followed by an exchange of greetings.