With the theme 'Everything we do comes from the heart,' World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 was observed in Nilphamari with due dignity. To mark the day, the Nilphamari Red Crescent Unit organized various programs on Thursday (May 7) morning. The day's events began at the Red Crescent Building premises in the town, where Advocate Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Shamim, the newly appointed Chairman of the unit and Administrator of the Zila Parishad, officially inaugurated the celebration by releasing colorful balloons. Following the inauguration, a massive human chain was formed in front of Rabeya Balika Vidya Niketan School, involving people from various walks of life and members of the Youth Red Crescent. A discussion meeting was later held, presided over by Advocate Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Shamim. In his welcome speech, Unit Secretary Mir Selim Faruk stated that the Red Crescent is not just an ordinary organization; it is a symbol of trust for people in distress. He emphasized that the role of the Red Crescent is indispensable in Nilphamari, particularly during winter calamities and floods. Among the invited guests, speeches were delivered by Mustafa Haq Prodhan Bachchu, Joint Convener of District BNP; Zahurul Alam, former General Secretary; Executive Members Anisur Rahman Anu, Advocate Asaduzzaman Khan Rino, and Syed Mehedi Hasan Ashik; and Youth Chief Ismail Hossain. The program was moderated by Unit Level Officer Fazlul Karim.
Speakers highlighted that the Red Crescent has set a unique example of neutrality worldwide in serving suffering humanity. They noted that the organization's primary mission is to save lives and alleviate suffering, rising above politics. The speakers expressed hope for spreading humanitarian education to every household in Nilphamari and encouraging the younger generation to engage more in voluntary work. They remarked that the way Red Crescent workers risk their lives—from blood donation drives to major natural disasters—is an inspiration to society. They pledged to make the district unit's activities more dynamic and deliver services to the doorsteps of marginalized people. Following the discussion, prizes were distributed among the winners of the drawing and recitation competitions organized for the occasion. The guests handed over awards to six talented students. It is noteworthy that while the day is celebrated globally on May 8, Bangladesh decided to officially observe it on May 7 this year. Additionally, Advocate Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Shamim was accorded a reception as the Chairman of the Nilphamari Red Crescent Unit upon assuming his role as the Zila Parishad Administrator. Previously, the position was held by the Deputy Commissioner and then-Zila Parishad Administrator Mohammad Nayiruzzaman. By virtue of his office, the current Zila Parishad Administrator has taken over this new responsibility, which stakeholders hope will further accelerate the unit's service activities.
