The newly appointed Chairman of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), Md Abdus Salam, paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at their mausoleum in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area on Wednesday.

He later joined a special prayer session seeking eternal peace for their departed souls.

Prayers were offered for peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation.

The event was also attended by the newly appointed Vice Chairman of BDRCS, Prof Dr Md Rafiqul Kabir, Treasurer Dr Abu Md Mofakkharul Islam (Rana), and members of the newly formed Managing Board, according to a press release.

After paying tribute, Chairman Abdus Salam said, "At the very beginning of our journey, we have come to pay tribute at the mausoleum of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. Their ideals, patriotism, and lifelong dedication to the welfare of the people remain a source of inspiration for us."

"Guided by their vision of building a humane, transparent, democratic, and value-based society, we are beginning our journey of humanitarian service through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society,” he said.

Abdul Salam prayed for the good health and well-being of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. "We also pray that Allah grants him the strength and capability to successfully realise his vision. At the same time, we pray for our beloved leaders, asking Allah to grant them eternal peace in Jannatul Ferdous.”

He also stated that Bangladesh Red Crescent Society will further strengthen its efforts in disaster management, healthcare services, humanitarian assistance, and volunteer development, ensuring continued support for vulnerable and disaster-affected communities.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding and strengthening humanitarian activities in the coming years.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society remains one of the country’s largest humanitarian organisations, contributing significantly to disaster response, healthcare, humanitarian relief, climate resilience, and social development.

The newly formed Managing Board expressed its determination to further strengthen and expand these humanitarian efforts.