Mastul Foundation marks 14 years: Tk 10 lakh education aid given to Palestinian students in the presence of ministers and state ministers

Mastul Foundation has asked the government to frame a policy so that Bangladesh can be represented in any humanitarian crisis around the world. The foundation made this call at an event to mark its 14th anniversary and the start of its 15th year. The event was held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital before ministers, state ministers, secretaries and policymakers. Mr. Kazi Riaz Rahman, founder and executive director of the foundation, made the call.

At the event, a cheque of Tk 10 lakh was handed over to Palestinian students who study in Bangladesh. The chief guest, the special guests and Mastul Foundation gave the cheque together. The event also presented the humanitarian work of Mastul Foundation at home and abroad. This includes international aid for people hit by crises in Turkey, Gaza in Palestine, Sudan and Nepal.

Speakers said the foundation’s experience shows the need to widen the scope for Bangladeshi organisations in global humanitarian work. Mr. Kazi Riaz Rahman said, “Bangladesh is small in size, but the hearts of its people are very big. We want to carry the red and green flag of Bangladesh to any humanitarian crisis in the world. We are making a proposal to the government of Bangladesh. Please make a policy so that organisations of our country can work officially in global humanitarian crises with government approval. This way we can take the red and green flag to every corner of the world.”

Water Resources Minister Mr. Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie was the chief guest at the event. The special guests were State Minister for Land Barrister Mr. Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and State Minister for Railways Mr. Habibur Rashid. Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mr. Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim spoke as the keynote speaker. Mr. M A Akmal Hossain Azad, chief executive officer of Mastul Foundation and former senior secretary, presided over the event.

Major General (Retd.) Mr. Kazi Iftekhar-ul-Alam, a director of the foundation, welcomed the guests in his opening speech. Mr. Matiur Rahman, chief public relations officer of the foundation and former additional IGP of Bangladesh Police, gave a special review of Mastul. Many distinguished people from different walks of life, senior government officials and well wishers also attended.

Chief guest Mr. Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said Mastul Foundation has come forward in every disaster in the country, especially during floods. Special guest Barrister Mr. Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said the foundation has worked steadily since the beginning, which is highly praiseworthy. Special guest Mr. Habibur Rashid said he personally sees such work by Mastul as a sign of duty to the people of the country.

Keynote speaker Barrister Mr. Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim spoke about the humanitarian missions of Mastul for Bangladesh and Palestine and its aid work on the global stage. Cabinet Secretary Mr. Nasimul Gani said every project of Mastul Foundation is for the people. He said the “Mastul Mehmankhana” project gives free food to thousands of people.

In his closing speech, Mr. M A Akmal Hossain Azad said Mastul will keep working this way with everyone’s joint support. He said the organisation wants to do more with the backing of all.

Mastul Foundation began its journey in 2012 on the initiative of Mr. Kazi Riaz Rahman, with education for street children. In 14 years, its work has grown into many fields, including food, education, health care, jobs, shelter and disaster response. Its notable efforts include burial services for the dead during the Covid pandemic and relief for flood victims in 2022, 2024 and 2026. It has also planted trees, set up tube wells and rebuilt mosques.

Through “Mastul Mehmankhana”, the foundation serves free cooked food every day at 20 fixed spots in the capital. Under the “Zakat Swabolombi” project, it helps poor people stand on their own feet. It also runs “Mastul Islamic Shelter Home” in Hazaribagh, Dhaka, for orphans and elderly people.

At the event, speakers praised the long humanitarian work of the foundation. They hoped it will play an even bigger role in education, jobs, humanitarian aid and social development in the days ahead.

Mastul Foundation is a registered nonprofit, nonpolitical and voluntary humanitarian organisation. It is registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau of the Prime Minister’s Office and other related government bodies. Under the applicable laws and conditions of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), donors may be eligible for income tax rebates on donations, zakat and sadaqah given to the foundation. The organisation says it stresses financial transparency, accountability and regular audits in its work.