Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke as the Chief Guest at an event today at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Oct 30 (BSS) – Adviser to Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Ministries Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said ensuring women’s health and empowerment is essential for achieving the sustainable development. 

“Caring for women is not only a social duty but a prerequisite for national progress,” she said. 

The Adviser made the remarks while speaking as the Chief Guest at an event titled “Joining hands for improving women’s healthcare in Bangladesh,” held this evening at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka.

She stated: “True empowerment cannot be achieved without ensuring women’s access to proper healthcare.” 

Addressing the specific challenges faced by women in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, she pointed out that salinity, lack of safe drinking water, and reproductive health complications continue to undermine their well-being. 

The Adviser urged for innovative initiatives such as mobile clinics and floating hospitals to bring healthcare to remote and climate-vulnerable areas.

Praising the dedication of health workers in the Rohingya camps and other remote regions, she said, “Those providing care in such difficult circumstances are truly working on the frontline of humanity.”

Rizwana Hasan called for breaking the silence around reproductive health, saying it should never be treated as a taboo subject.

She emphasized the need for  educating children early about hygiene, reproductive health, and self-awareness. 

“We need open discussions, not silence, on women’s health,” she added.

Reflecting on her personal observations, she lamented that reproductive and maternal healthcare still remains a luxury for many women in Bangladesh. 

“To ensure women’s well-being, families, communities, and the state must all act more responsibly,” she stated.

She also warned against the growing culture of negativity in society, noting that real progress requires faith, hope, and optimism. 

“Women’s health and education are the foundation of that positive transformation,” she observed.

The event was also addressed by Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr. Md. Abu Jafor, Director General of the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), Dr. Ashrafi Ahmad, and representatives from Marie Stopes Clinic.

A special tribute was paid to Professor Dr. Farhana Dewan for receiving the prestigious FIGO Women’s Award 2025.