Universal Medical College Hospital organised the 13th edition of its “Gorobini Ma” honour ceremony at the RAOWA Convention Center in Dhaka on the occasion of World Mother’s Day.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister A Z M Zahid Hossain attended the programme as chief guest, according to a press release.

The event began with a one-minute silence in memory of Begum Jebunnesa, mother of the minister, and Falguni Kundu, one of the honourees.

Speaking at the programme, Zahid Hossain said, “Just as a mother is a child’s first school, she also becomes the final source of strength during life’s most difficult moments. A mother’s endless sacrifice expects no return. Our responsibility is to care for her with love, respect, and compassion throughout our lives.”

The programme was chaired by Universal Medical College Hospital Chairman Priti Chakraborty.

Managing Director Ashish Kumar Chakraborty delivered the welcome speech.

Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bokul, member of parliament for Narsingdi-5, attended as special guest.

The hospital said the programme has been organised annually since 2014.

Students and intern doctors from Universal Medical College and Universal Nursing College welcomed the honoured mothers with ceremonial scarves and medals.

This year, 11 mothers were honoured in different categories, including administration, law and justice, law enforcement, education, journalism, medical science, engineering, music and acting.

The honourees included Farhat Islam, Rokeya Rashid, Rajifa Azad, Selima Haque, Razia Ahmed, Saraswati Prasad, Falguni Kundu, Sayma Monir Minu, Syeda Sharmin, Fatema Akter Kajol and Shirin Akter.

The hospital said each honoured mother received a commemorative crest, medal, health check-up package, portrait frame and gift items.

The programme was hosted by news presenter Bipasha Majumdar, while C F Zaman served as chief coordinator of the event.