Chittagong, 25 April 2026 (Saturday): With the intention of setting a unique example of human responsibility, religious values and social service, the foundation stone laying ceremony of “Alhaj Rokeya-Shamshul Islam Orphanage and Noorani Madrasa” was held in Chittagong with due dignity and wide participation. This significant ceremony, organized at 3 pm, created a bright humanitarian atmosphere throughout the area in the presence of local dignitaries, scholars, social workers, educationists and people from different classes and professions. The ceremony was presided over by Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Vice President of Chittagong Mohammedan Sporting Club, Senior Vice President of Arabian Leadership Madrasa and Chairman of Alhaj Mahfuzur Rahman Foundation.
In his speech as the president, he said, “Building a safe, orderly and ideal educational institution for orphans and neglected children in the society is not just an initiative, it is our moral responsibility. This institution will not only provide education, but will also develop into a factory for creating humane people.” Prominent industrialist, educationist and social worker Alhaj Abul Bashar Abu was present as the chief guest. In his speech, he said, “Bringing smiles to the faces of orphans and providing good education for them is a very honorable task in the sight of Allah. This initiative will set an example in the society and will inspire others to come forward for such welfare work.” He assured all-round cooperation in the successful implementation of the project. Former Chairman of Shobhandandi Union Parishad, Alhaj Mohammad Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, spoke as the guest of honor. He said, “A new door of hope has been opened for the helpless children of the area through this institution. We will all work together to make this great initiative a success.” Former Chairman of Shobhandandi Union Parishad Alhaj Mohammad Abdul Alim and former President of Shobhandandi Union BNP Alhaj Mohammad Shamsul Alam spoke as special guests. Both of them called this initiative for the welfare of orphans timely and commendable and urged the wealthy of the society to come forward. Alhaj Hafez Mohammad Aman Ullah, Solution Secretary of Baitush Sharaf Anjuman-e-Ittehad Bangladesh Central Executive Council, was present as the main discussant of the program. He said, “Islam has given utmost importance to protecting the rights of orphans. This institution is not just a shelter, it will be a beacon of morality, ideals and Islamic education.”
Also present at the event were writer and journalist Mohammad Kamal Uddin and prominent figures of the area – Jahangir Kabir, Shahidul Islam, Morshedul Islam, Mahbubur Rahman, Ismail Thikadar, Ahmed Kabir Chowdhury, Mohammad Nur Kashem, Muhibullah, Tanimul Haque, etc. The event was hosted by Saifuddin Ahmed, who made the entire event orderly and lively with his fluent presentation. A notable aspect of the event was the spontaneous participation of the local people. The presence of potential teachers-students, guardians and local residents created an atmosphere of optimism and expectation in the entire environment. The organizers said that in the future, an integrated system of housing, religious education, moral practice and modern education will be developed for orphans and underprivileged children in this orphanage and Noorani Madrasa.
At the end of the program, prayers and supplications were offered, where the success, sustainability of the orphanage and madrasa and the well-being of all those involved were wished. Those involved expressed strong optimism that “Alhaj Rokeya-Shamshul Islam Orphanage and Noorani Madrasa” will one day be established not only as an institution, but also as a unique center of safe shelter, good education and humanity for helpless children—from which the enlightened generation of the future will be developed.