News Flash
DHAKA, March 14, 2026 (BSS) - Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, today said the government is working to ensure quality healthcare services for every citizen of the country as healthcare is a fundamental right.
"Reforms will be introduced in the health system so that no one becomes destitute while bearing medical expenses and healthcare services can reach people's doorsteps," she said.
Dr Zubaida Rahman, who is also Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, was addressing a programme organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at the field adjacent to the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad here today.
The programme included distribution of Eid gifts among underprivileged children, a discussion and an iftar mahfil.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Zubaida Rahman said primary healthcare will be developed as the main foundation of the country's health system.
She said there are plans to ensure 24-hour ambulance services at upazila health complexes and to develop them as specialised healthcare centres for mothers and children.
Dr Zubaida Rahman also stressed ensuring the rights, safety and professional development of healthcare workers and modernising the medical education system. Safe management of medical waste will also be ensured, she added.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain and State Minister Dr M A Muhit attended the programme as special guests.
DAB Chief Adviser Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar and Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni were also present at the programme.
Chaired by DAB President Professor Dr Harun Al Rashid, Secretary General Dr Mohammad Zahirul Islam Shakil conducted the event.
Eid gifts were distributed not only among underprivileged children but also among injured "July warriors" of the July mass uprising and family members of those who were victims of enforced disappearance and killings over the past 17 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said doctors, nurses and health workers working in government healthcare institutions at district and upazila levels must ensure timely performance of their duties.
He said necessary steps will be taken to make upazila health complexes free from brokers and ensure regular attendance of those working there.
He added that in many cases doctors and other concerned officials do not report to their workplaces on time or remain absent, and the government will take a strict stance to change the situation.
An iftar mahfil was held at the end of the programme in honour of the participants.
Among others present were Convener of the DAB Iftar Mahfil Celebration Sub-Committee Professor Dr Mostak Rahim Swapan, Member Secretary Dr Reza Mohammad Samiul Hasan (Babu), BMU DAB President and Director (Planning and Development) of the university Professor Dr Erfanul Haq Siddiqui, BMU DAB General Secretary and university Proctor Dr Sheikh Farhad, urology department physician of BMU and Joint Secretary General of the DAB central committee Dr Mohammad Zafar Iqbal, central committee Vice-President Dr Mohammad Shahidul Hasan Babul and Additional Registrar-1 and central committee member Dr Mohammad Delwar Hossain Tito.
Senior BNP leaders, professional leaders and physicians were also present at the programme.
