Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, Sept 12, 2026 (BSS) - Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain today stressed maintaining unity and harmony among the people for development, saying that development in any area is possible only through unity, not conflicts. 

"A sound and peaceful environment serves as a key prerequisite for development. If there are divisions, clashes and conflicts among the people, development activities are obstructed. But a cordial and harmonious environment facilitates development," he said.

The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at a workers' conference and views exchange meeting organised by Joypur Union unit of Nawabganj upazila BNP in the district this afternoon. 

Addressing the local leaders and activists of the BNP, Zahid said, "If you maintain a good environment in your area, it will be easier to carry out development activities at all levels. But if conflicts arise among you, development activities will be obstructed."

The minister stressed the need to educate children properly and develop them as competent citizens.

"We have to work together to build the future generation on the foundation of humanity and moral values. Alongside ensuring a favourable environment for education, social awareness must be increased to guide the younger generation in the right direction," he said.

 "If we fail to do something good for the future generation, we will not be able to protect them from the devastating situation caused by drugs," he added.

Calling for a united social resistance against drug abuse, the minister said people involved in drug trafficking must be resisted collectively and their unethical activities stopped.

"Simply sitting at home and waiting for law enforcement agencies will not be enough to eliminate the presence of drugs in society," he said.

The minister also said it is the responsibility of society to stand beside any individual or family facing an economic crisis.

He advised BNP leaders and activists to identify distressed people in their areas and extend a helping hand to them.

"If a patient from a poor family cannot afford treatment due to financial constraints, arrangements will be made for their treatment with government financial assistance," Zahid said.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's initiative, the minister said the government is working to ensure that people do not suffer in any way.

"The prime minister himself is keeping track of the people's situation even at the grassroots level and taking steps for quick solutions," he said.

Zahid sought cooperation from local leaders and activists of BNP as well as general people in implementing various development activities in the area.

"If we receive accurate information and proper advice, development activities can be implemented more quickly and effectively," he said.

Dinajpur District BNP Vice-President Md Atikur Rahman Raja, Nawabganj Upazila BNP President Md Tarikul Islam and General Secretary Md Iqbal Hossain were present at the programme, among others.