Narayanganj Correspondent: From the moment he took office, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian, Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj—widely known across Bangladesh as the “Humanitarian DC”—drew nationwide attention through one humanitarian initiative after another.

On Sunday (16 November), he handed over his responsibilities to Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Alamgir Hossain and officially departed from Narayanganj.

Leaders of political, professional, social, cultural, and literary organizations began gathering early, filling the DC office with flowers. Hundreds of people crowded the premises. Government officials and employees from various district offices also offered floral tributes to the outgoing DC.

An official farewell reception was held later that night at the DC’s bungalow.

Known nationwide for his humanity, Zahidul Islam left behind yet another example of compassion in his final hours.

He invited a physically disabled and impoverished poet to his residence, warmly hosted him, and gifted him a modern electronic wheelchair before leaving.

The poet is Imran Ahmed (46), son of Ali Ahmed and Rahima Begum of Salehnagar in Narayanganj city.

Despite being physically disabled, he is a poet and writer with four published works—story collections, novels, and poetry books.

Most of his limbs, including his hands, legs, and several organs, were paralyzed from birth. His parents are poor day laborers. Without help, he could not move, eat, or perform daily tasks. An electronic wheelchair was essential for his mobility, but the family could never afford one.

Even during the farewell ceremony, the DC called him forward with affection, exchanged pleasantries, and gifted him the electronic wheelchair.

He also hosted the poet and his family for dinner that night.

Guests at the farewell praised this final act of kindness.

Upon receiving the wheelchair, poet Imran reacted emotionally: “The words ‘Man is for man, life is for life’ became a reality in my life today.”

He said his elderly parents had to carry him for daily needs.

His difficulties were conveyed to the DC—known nationwide for his humanitarian leadership—through Harunur Rashid Sagor, founder of the literary-social organization Mayer Aanchol Sahitya Samajik Maitri Parishad.

Praising the outgoing DC, Imran said, “Sir had promised to stand by me like a guardian and a humanitarian leader. Today he fulfilled that promise.

The wheelchair is not just a chair—it is a new horizon of hope, strength, courage, and light in my life.”

Earlier in the afternoon, during an informal farewell at the DC office, many officials were seen in tears. Some became speechless.

After a short yet impactful tenure filled with countless examples of compassion, the humanitarian DC Zahidul Islam is scheduled to join Chattogram as its new Deputy Commissioner on Monday.

Local sources said he became the trusted figure for families of those killed and injured in the anti-discrimination movement, visually impaired students, poor people, helpless children, prisoners, and critically ill patients.

From providing smartphones to visually impaired student Sohag, a laptop to Salma Zerin, wheelchairs and electric chairs to 20 disabled individuals, educational materials to special children; to financial assistance for the treatment of Ajan, Nasima, Alvi, Sirajul, Faisal, and many others—his generosity touched every corner.

He provided Tk 42 lakh to 21 martyred families from July’s movement, financial support to 212 injured protesters, Eid gifts for 82 orphans, and organized a cricket tournament for 1,244 inmates in the district jail—his humanitarian impact was everywhere.

His “Green and Clean Narayanganj” program and long-term initiatives to improve secondary education became widely appreciated and are expected to benefit the district for years.

He helped launch the newborn ICU at the hospital, provided wheelchairs to Khanpur Hospital, delivered modern CBC and ECG machines to Victoria Hospital, and supported football academy children with balls, boots, and tournament funding—his development work was equally significant.

He ensured a dignified funeral by delivering the body of Pinky—held for unpaid hospital bills of Tk 1.73 lakh—to her family after 14 hours of effort.

He also provided financial assistance and capital to centenarian hawker Fazilatunnesa.

Rather than posing for photos during clean-up campaigns, he was seen personally picking up used syringes and placing them in dustbins.

He set an example of transparency by transferring 30 UP administrative officers through a public lottery in a single day and ensuring government jobs for just Tk 112.

When cesarean deliveries halted at the Mother and Child Welfare Centre, he arranged a new diathermy machine through the district council.

He also supported women footballers to help them pursue their dreams.

Through his constant presence in people’s joys and sorrows, quick decisions, and displays of humanity, DC Zahidul Islam became known as the “Guardian of Narayanganj” and its unofficial public representative.

Earlier, after joining Rajbari in November 2024, he quickly earned a reputation as a people-friendly administrator.

He stood beside the families of students killed in the anti-discrimination movement and ensured treatment for the injured.

Within two days of taking charge, he visited the homes of the martyrs and hospitals of the injured, gaining nationwide recognition as a “Humanitarian DC.”

From distributing blankets on winter nights, supporting four thousand onion farmers who suffered losses, arranging rehabilitation training for prisoners in Rajbari jail, to coordinating with donors and ministries to keep the school running for children in Daulatdia brothel—his initiatives were diverse and impactful.

Born in October 1979 in Bhuapur, Tangail, he grew up in a freedom fighter family.

He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s from the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, earned a diploma in Russian language from the Institute of Modern Languages, and later completed an MSc in Human Resource Management in the UK.

He joined the administration in 2006 through the 25th BCS and served in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Moulvibazar, and Noakhali as NDC, AC Land, and UNO.

As UNO of Kamalganj, he was awarded as the district’s best government officer.

As news of his departure spread yesterday, ordinary people in Narayanganj said they would remember DC Zahidul Islam for his humanity, humility, and people-centered administration.