Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman today (21 July) called on people to rise above political differences and work together for the welfare of those affected by national disasters.

"During any national disaster, we must think of people first," she said while addressing the '21 July Milestone Tragedy Tribute and Remembrance Programme' at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital as the chief guest.

She said standing beside disaster victims is the highest expression of humanity and helps strengthen compassion and solidarity in society.

"It is our moral responsibility to stand by those who have suffered. Such humanitarian support sets a unique example of love and empathy in society," she said.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Milestone tragedy, Zubaida prayed for the eternal peace of the victims and asked Allah to grant them Jannatul Ferdous.

She remembered the students and the mothers who lost their lives in the tragedy.

"Today is a day when our nation is deeply saddened and grief-stricken. Everyone was shocked and helpless in the face of this sudden, horrific and unexpected tragedy," she said.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she wished a speedy recovery to the injured and urged them to transform their grief into strength.

She praised the courage and resilience shown by the injured teachers, students and staff members, saying their determination had become a source of inspiration for the nation.

"Even after such a terrible experience, the courage and determination with which you are moving forward will never be forgotten by the nation," she said.

She added that the difficult experience would give the victims strength to face future challenges, strive for excellence and stand beside others in times of distress.

"Your courage, resilience, humanity and selfless support will remain exemplary for the nation," she said.

Although the painful memories may still cause fear, she said the victims had demonstrated remarkable bravery by overcoming that fear.

"You are the heartbeat of the nation. Your example teaches us never to lose hope in the face of adversity," she added.

She said the courage, compassion and self-sacrifice shown during the tragedy had become a rare example in history and had been witnessed by people around the world.

"To serve humanity, one must overcome fear," she said.

She assured the affected families that the helping hands they felt on the day of the tragedy would continue to remain beside them in the future.

Among those present at the event were bereaved family members of the Milestone tragedy, Special Guest Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit, Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, Dr Farhad Halim Doner, injured student Abidur and other injured students, physicians, nurses and officials of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, representatives and dignitaries from the United Kingdom, China, India and Singapore, and volunteers.

At the programme, several organisations and individuals who had assisted during the Milestone tragedy were honoured for their contributions.