Duchess of Edinburgh appreciates Bangladesh's healthcare, education initiatives
Dhaka: The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, has appreciated Bangladesh's initiatives in healthcare, education, women's empowerment, and the welfare of underprivileged children during a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, in the capital on November 9.
The Duchess also commended the contributions of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and SUROVI, particularly their work to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities, according to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Dr. Zubaida Rahman highlighted the government's commitment to building a healthy Bangladesh, including initiatives to reduce maternal mortality and recruit 100,000 health workers to strengthen healthcare services.
She also briefed the Duchess on government initiatives such as Family Cards and Farmers' Cards, aimed at extending social and economic support to families and communities, as well as the provision of free education for girls.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, among others.
Dr. Zubaida welcomed the Duchess and appreciated her longstanding commitment to women's empowerment, girls' education, children's well-being, and the prevention of avoidable blindness through her advocacy for eye health.
The two exchanged views on women's economic empowerment, maternal and child healthcare, gender-based violence, and youth development.
Dr. Zubaida also highlighted the work of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation in promoting women's economic independence, self-reliance, and skills development, while outlining SUROVI's activities in education, child protection, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and skills development.
She also discussed initiatives for disadvantaged children and young people, including the Shishu Swarga Model in urban slum communities and the Blue Sky Programme and Proyash, which works for children with special needs.
The Duchess appreciated the government's efforts to incorporate the experiences of these organizations into its broader policy agenda. She also commended Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's commitment to women's empowerment and his advocacy against violence against women.
On the Rohingya crisis, Dr. Zubaida called for continued international support for Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh, stressing the need for their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar.
The Duchess appreciated Bangladesh's humanitarian commitment in hosting a large Rohingya population and assured continued advocacy to keep the issue high on the international agenda.
The meeting also explored opportunities for greater Bangladesh-UK cooperation in healthcare, education, women's empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
