Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - A social initiative featuring a cleanliness drive, fruit tree plantation, and distribution of dengue awareness leaflets along with mosquito repellent cream was held today at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University (DU), marking the 48th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Students, teachers, and student leaders actively participated in the programme at the institute premises.

Md Tariqul Islam Tarique, Joint General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and former elected General Secretary of Salimullah Muslim Hall unit Chhatra Dal, organized the event.

Director of DU Institute of Social Welfare and Research Professor Dr. Mahbuba Sultana attended the programme as the chief guest, while the institute's Student Advisor Professor Dr. Shaikh Tauhidul Islam was present as the special guest.

Professors from the institute—Dr. Nurul Islam, Dr. Robiul Islam, and Dr. Hafiz Uddin—along with leaders and activists of JCD from Dhaka University and various hall units, were also present.

The programme commenced with a thorough cleanliness drive across the institute grounds, followed by the planting of fruit-bearing saplings on campus. The organizers later distributed awareness leaflets detailing dengue prevention measures and handed overOdomos creams to students and visitors. 

Addressing the programme, Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Mahbuba Sultana said, "A university is not merely a center for acquiring knowledge; it is an essential platform for building social responsibility. When students engage with real-world issues, they pave the way for positive change in society as a whole."

"Dengue is currently a critical public health concern in our country. Government initiatives alone are not enough to curb dengue; combined awareness across individual, family, and institutional levels is crucial. Likewise, youth must take the lead in developing a culture of environmental protection and cleanliness. I believe Chhatra Dal leader Tarique's initiative will play a vital role in raising this awareness," she added.

Special Guest Prof. Dr. Shaikh Tauhidul Islam said, "Socially responsible activities help shape students into compassionate and accountable citizens. Dengue prevention, environmental conservation, and cleanliness are three utmost priorities today. Such constructive involvement from student leaders deserves high praise."

When asked about the initiative, organizer Tarique said, "On the founding anniversary of BNP, we wanted to arrange a program that delivers a positive message to society. Politics is not confined to rallies and speeches; the true essence of politics lies in serving the welfare of the people."
Participating students noted that combining political events with public interest initiatives sets a commendable precedent. They emphasized that regular programs focusing on cleanliness, environmental protection, and public health will further enhance social accountability among students.

According to the organizers, the primary objective of the programme was to engage students in social causes, raise awareness about environmental preservation, and encourage community action against dengue.