The 11th death anniversary of Shamsunnahar Rahman Paran, Founder of Ghashful and posthumous Begum Rokeya Padak awardee, was observed on 18 February with solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute. Affectionately known as Paran Apa, she lived not for recognition, but for people. She built Ghashful in 1972 with a simple yet powerful belief that those who are trampled, unheard and neglected deserve dignity, opportunity and hope. Like the grassflower she chose as the symbol of her organization, she stood quietly beside the marginalized and helped them rise with strength and self-respect.
Marking the day, Ghashful organized Qur’an recitation, Milad and prayer gatherings at its Head Office, school premises, and various field locations. Food was distributed among orphaned children, reflecting her lifelong compassion for the vulnerable.
In the early hours of the day, floral wreaths were placed at her grave at Azimpur Graveyard, Dhaka, where Jayanta Kumar Bosu, Deputy Director of Ghashful, along with other officials, paid tribute to her memory.
A remembrance meeting and special prayer were also held at Ghashful’s Head Office. The program was attended by Dr. Manjur-ul-Amin Chowdhury, Chairman of Ghashful, Aftabur Rahman Jafree, CEO, and senior officials and staff members. Speakers reflected on her visionary leadership, integrity, and lifelong dedication to humanitarian service, praying for eternal peace for her departed soul.
A separate Qur’an recitation and Dua mahfil was also arranged at the Muhammadiya Faizul Ulum Madrasa and Orphanage in Chandgaon, Chattogram, conducted by Hafez Mawlana Mosleh Uddin, seeking forgiveness and blessings for her soul.
Additionally, at Ghashful Paran Rahman School, teachers and students participated in a special Qur’an recitation and prayer session seeking eternal peace for the departed founder. The program concluded with the distribution of tabarruk among the students.
In Niamatpur, Naogaon, doa mahfils were held at the Ghashful Foster Children Care Center and at Balahair Hazrat Ali Darun Quran Shishu Sadan. Students and respected local community members joined in offering special prayers seeking eternal peace for her departed soul. The program concluded with a shared lunch for all attendees.
Meanwhile in Chattogram, a separate doa mahfil and lunch program for orphaned children was arranged at BAWA Orphanage in Nandankanan at 1:30 pm. Officials of Ghashful, including Abdur Rahman, were present at the event. Following the prayers, meals were served among the orphaned children.
Today, her philosophy continues to shape Ghashful’s mission and actions. On this solemn day, the Ghashful family reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward her humanitarian legacy and building a just, compassionate and dignified society for all.
