As the political center of the country, Ba Dinh District is home to many Party and government offices. As a former secretary of the Hanoi Communist Party Committee, Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong's visits to the district have left an indelible memory on the local officials.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (center) and Minister of Public Security To Lam (right) visited the Ba Dinh District Police in 2019. Photo: anninhthudo.vn

Lt. Col. Hoang Thi Thanh Hao, Deputy Commander of the Police Social Order Management Unit, had pleasant memories of Secretary General Trong when he visited the Ba Dinh District Public Security Division on the eve of the new lunar year in 2019. Seeing Trong in person filled her with immense honor.

"We lined up in front of the Division building. I still remember when he arrived and how close and simple he was," Hao said. "For us, it was like a visit from a father, an uncle, and a brother."

Hao and other officers were required to remain on duty during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, away from their families. Trong's visit and words of encouragement that night motivated them to fulfill their missions.

Lieutenant Colonel Doan Le Truong Khoa, Deputy Chief of the Dien Bien Ward Public Security Division, vividly remembers Trong’s words.

"He told us that our missions were very important because we were responsible for keeping the city safe and secure during the Tet festival," Khoa said.

"Secretary General Trong encouraged us to better serve the people and be  more loyal to them."

Trong’s 30-minute visit left a lasting impression on every officer in the Ba Dinh Public Security Division.

"I still remember his friendly smile, his eyes and his handshake that warmed our hearts. Such feelings can't be described in words," said Lieutenant Colonel Hao.

For Hao, the Secretary-General is not only a national leader, but also a respectful uncle and father whose gentleness and kindness touches everyone he meets. "General Secretary Trong is our exemplary leader, especially in leading a simple, humble and transparent life," she said.

Nguyen Duy Que, Party Committee Secretary of the 13th Residential Block in Giang Vo Ward, believes Trong's determined efforts have earned the Vietnamese people's trust in the Party, especially in the fight against corruption.

"The results motivate Party comrades to work and devote themselves to the nation’s socio-economic development and raise Vietnam’s position in the global community," he said.

"General Secretary Trong is an outstanding leader who puts the interests of the nation and the people first."

Nguyen Thi Lai, Party Committee Secretary of the 8th Residential Block in Giang Vo Ward, expressed pride when speaking about Trong, especially his kindness and warmth.

Lai is particularly impressed by Trong's book on anti-corruption. She believes it reflects the Party Chief's commitment to fighting corruption and building people's trust.

Secretary General Trong is referred to as an uncle

Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong, Secretary of Ba Dinh District Youth Union, affectionately calls General  Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong "Uncle Trong". According to Phuong, addressing the General Secretary in this endearing way underscores his simplicity and closeness to the people.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in a meeting with delegates from Ba Dinh district. Photo: VNA

Phuong recalled her early admiration for "Uncle Trong," likening it to a young person idolizing a hero. "I never thought I would have the chance to meet such a high-ranking leader."

But she did when she attended the National Assembly constituency meetings where the general secretary was a representative.

"I remember vividly the first time he walked into the hall. Everyone stood and applauded. I expected a solemn walk to his seat, but instead he smiled, turned to greet everyone, and shook everyone's hand," Phuong said, noting the lack of distance between him and others in the room.

It felt more like a gathering of friends than a political event, she said.

Phuong believes that although Uncle Trong's heart has stopped, his thoughts, his dignity, and the people's affection for him will live on.

Do Thi Duy Nhien, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ba Dinh District, expressed her sorrow upon hearing the news of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing. She vividly recalled her first meeting with him during an electoral meeting in Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District.

"The hall was only 60 square meters. It could barely hold 50 people," she said, explaining that the limited space was a perfect opportunity for the General Secretary to interact   with voters

Since 2020, as chair of the Ba Dinh District Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, Nhien has met with the Party Chief more often when she attended voter meetings in Constituency No. 1. She remembers General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's simple, approachable, and respectful manner with voters.

"He always inquired about our health and gave us words of encouragement. His warmth and affection were felt by all," Nhien said.

Nguyen Phu Trong's charisma and respect for the people made a lasting impression.