Economy
PM Hasina urges hospital for children in every division
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has highlighted the need for establishing dedicated child hospitals in all divisions across the nation to accelerate better treatment for them.
“Establishing of Shishu hospitals in all divisions in the country is imperative to ensure better treatment for children,” Hasina said on Wednesday (18 January).
While inaugurating 45 community vision centres at Upazila Health Complexes in 13 districts through a videoconference from her official residence Ganabhaban, PM Hasina said that steps should be taken in all divisional medical universities or district hospitals to ensure better treatment for the children.
BSS Adds: Of the newly opened community vision centres in the third phase, 20 were launched at Barishal division, 20 in Chattogram division, four in Rajshahi division and one in Khulna division.
The prime minister in the first and second phases opened 90 community vision centres which have become role model in South Asia giving modern and developed eye treatment free of cost.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and Health Services Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain Howlader spoke at the programme.
National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital Director Professor Dr. Golam Mostafa briefly described the activities of the community vision centres.
Local lawmakers, government officials and local elites from Char Fashion in Bhola, Amtali in Barguna, Pekua in Coxsbazar and Banshkhali in Chattogram were connected to the function.
The premier also exchanged views with mostly beneficiaries of the community vision centres.
PM Hasina, as well, inaugurated the newly constructed main office of Banshkhali Upazila Awami League in Chattogram at the function.
A documentary on giving eye treatment free of cost from the community vision centres was also screened at the programme.
As many as 13 lakh 31 thousand 577 persons have so far received eye treatment from these centres while 2 lakh 10 thousand 868 persons have got eyeglasses free of cost. from those.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
