Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain spoke at Emmanuelle's Convention Center in Dhaka. Photo : PID

DHAKA, March 12, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain has said the nation must move forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman through unity and collective effort.

"We want to advance the country under the leadership of the present Prime Minister Tarique Rahman by staying united. The people elected us, and we must work to fulfil the promises we made to them," he said.

The minister was addressing an iftar mahfil organised by former leaders of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal of Rangpur Medical College at Emmanuelle's Convention Center in the capital.

The minister recalled the 17 years of struggle and movements, saying, "All of you were on the streets and as a result, through a free, fair, and neutral election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman got the opportunity to serve the people. We want to serve the people together with you, and take the country and its citizen forward together."

He urged party members and activists to support the programmes of the party and the government from their respective positions and ensure that no one undermines the party's image.

The minister also noted that conspiracies would continue, but despite these, they must dedicate themselves to the welfare of the people. Later, he offered prayers seeking peace for the souls of all martyrs.

Chaired by former joint convener of Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and joint secretary general of Rangpur Medical College Chhatra Dal Dr Abu Mohammad Ahsan Firoz, it was also addressed by DAB secretary general and lawmaker Dr Mohammad Abdus Salam, former central president of BMA and DAB Professor Dr AKM Azizul Haque, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam and other physicians.