Narayanganj Correspondent: When Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Mian scrolled through social media on a quiet Friday evening, he wasn’t expecting to see a plea that would pierce his heart — a father begging to bring home his deceased daughter’s body.

Within hours, his intervention turned a story of exploitation into one of empathy, reminding the nation that compassion, not authority, defines true leadership.

The post described the ordeal of Rinku Sharif, a day labourer from Majhpara village in Kalukhali upazila of Rajbari district. His daughter, Pinky Sharif(18), had died that morning at BNK Hospital near Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka, while her newborn was fighting for life.

The hospital refused to release Pinky’s body without payment of Tk 173,000 in bills. Rinku, who had managed only Tk 40,000 through loans and donations, begged for mercy — but the hospital authorities remained unmoved.

“When I saw the post, I was deeply moved,” DC Zahidul Islam later said. “Though it wasn’t within my jurisdiction, I couldn’t ignore the call of humanity.”

Realising the family’s helplessness, Zahidul Islam contacted Additional Secretary Sheikh Momena Moni of the Ministry of Health, seeking her immediate assistance.

The Additional Secretary responded without delay, reaching out to Dr. Moinul Hasan, Director (Hospitals & Clinics) at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Within hours, Dr. Hasan verified the situation and called the hospital management.

By that night, the same authorities who had refused to release the body were urgently looking for the victim’s family. After 14 long hours of anguish, the body of Pinky and her newborn daughter was finally handed over to the grieving father at 10:00 pm on Friday.

“DC Zahidul Islam’s initiative made this possible,” said Additional Secretary Momena Moni.

“He acted out of genuine humanity, not obligation. That’s rare and praiseworthy.”

 “Without his intervention, we might never have known about the incident,” added Dr. Hasan.

“His compassion inspired us all to act.”

For many in Narayanganj, this incident was no surprise. Zahidul Islam has built a reputation as one of Bangladesh’s most empathetic administrators — known informally as the “Humanitarian DC.”

Reflecting on the episode, he said: “I later learned that Pinky was from Rajbari, where I once served as Deputy Commissioner for two months. I know many families there struggle financially. Perhaps that connection made me act even faster.”

 “Doing something beyond official duty brings a kind of inner peace,” he added, “the kind you can’t buy with any amount of money.”

For Rinku Sharif, the father, the gesture was nothing short of divine mercy. “None of them knew me,” he said. “Yet they helped me only because they cared. Without them, I could never have brought my daughter’s body home. May Allah bless them.”

His brother, Jiru Sardar Jewel, echoed his words: “Without DC Zahidul Islam’s help, we would never have recovered my niece’s body. We will remember this kindness for the rest of our lives.”

Tragically, the family’s suffering did not end there — Pinky’s newborn also died that same night. Mother and child now rest side by side in their village cemetery in Rajbari.

Beyond one family’s tragedy, this episode revealed a powerful truth: humanity can thrive within the system, if only those in power choose empathy over indifference.

The DC’s act went viral online, with thousands praising him for representing what public service should stand for — a heart that listens and a hand that helps.

“He went beyond borders — both geographical and administrative — to stand up for humanity,” said a senior health official.

In a country where bureaucratic rigidity often overshadows compassion, DC Zahidul Islam’s act of kindness serves as a reminder that the strength of public service lies not in authority, but in empathy.

Because sometimes, one person’s humanity can restore faith in the entire system.