Special Correspondent: Sanjib Bhattacharjee

A mother is not only the one who gives birth to a child — she is their first teacher, ultimate refuge, and lifelong inspiration. To highlight this truth before society, 'Garobini Ma Sammanona 2026' was organized on World Mother’s Day, as in previous years.

The 13th edition of this special program, organized by Universal Medical College Hospital, was held on Sunday, 10 May 2026, at 11:30 AM at Hall-2 of RAWA Convention Center in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

At the beginning of the program, a one-minute silence was observed to pay respect to the late mother of the Chief Guest, Social Welfare Minister, Begum Zebunnesa, and the late Garobini Ma Falguni Kundu.

The Voice of the State for Mothers

Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Jahid Hossain MP, Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, attended the program as the Chief Guest. He said, “Just as a mother is a child’s first school, she is also their final source of strength in life’s most difficult times. A mother’s endless sacrifice expects no reward — it is our duty to care for her with lifelong respect and affection.” He also called for continuing such social initiatives.

Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bokul MP, Member of Parliament from Narsingdi-5 (Raipura), attended as the Special Guest. Priti Chakraborty, Chairman of Universal Medical College Hospital and Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, presided over the program. Dr. Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, Managing Director of the hospital and the chief organizer of the award, delivered the welcome speech.

The Emotion Behind This Initiative

The program was initiated in 2014 out of a prayer for the recovery of the mother of Hospital Chairman Priti Chakraborty and Managing Director Dr. Ashish Kumar Chakraborty during her illness. That year, only five Garobini Mas were honored. Last year marked the 12th anniversary of the award. This year, the 13th edition was held.

The Award Recipients This Year

This year, 11 mothers of accomplished children were honored in 11 different categories. The recipients are:

- Administration Category: Begum Farhat Islam, mother of Md. Fahimul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Railways.

- Law and Justice Category: Begum Rokeya Rashid, mother of Mohammad Rakibul Islam, Judge, Women and Children Repression Tribunal, Barishal.

- Law and Order Category: Mosammat Rajifa Azad, mother of DIG Md. Shafiqul Islam, Additional Commissioner, Detective Branch, Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

- Education Category: Begum Selima Haque, mother of Dr. Tania Haque, Professor, Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka.

- Journalism Category: Begum Razia Ahmed, mother of A.K.M. Manjurul Islam, Executive Editor, Daily Bangladesh Pratidin.

- Medical Category: Shrimati Saraswati Prasad, mother of Professor Dr. Indrajit Prasad, Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

- Engineering Category: Shrimati Falguni Kundu, mother of Amiti Kundu, Architect, Teacher and Design Professional, North South University.

- Music Category: Begum Sayma Monir Minu, mother of nationally awarded singer Somnur Monir Konal.

- Acting (Female) Category: Begum Syeda Sharmin, mother of celebrated actress, singer and model Tasnia Farin.

- Acting (Male) Category: Begum Fatema Akter Kajol, mother of actor, model and social worker Ziaul Haque Palash.

- Special Category (Indomitable Talent): Begum Shirin Akter Piya, mother of Khairum Islam, Lecturer at East West University and First Alokito Mrittika Trust Indomitable Talent.

Details of the Award and Program Management

Each honored mother received a crest, medal, complimentary Master Health Check-up Package, wooden picture frame, and special gift items. Students and intern doctors of Universal Medical College and Universal Nursing College put Uttariya (scarf) and medals on the Garobini Mas. The program was conducted by news presenter Bipasha Majumder. Overall coordination was handled by C.F. Zaman, Head of Brand at the hospital.