Dhaka:Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today called for ensuring adequate blood stocks to prevent deaths due to shortages. He also emphasized the need to strengthen posthumous eye donation activities to achieve self-sufficiency in cornea collection.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sakhawat addressed a discussion meeting at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) on the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation and Posthumous Eye Donation Day-2026, urging public awareness to boost blood donation efforts. He highlighted the importance of educating people from all walks of life about the benefits and safety of donating blood.
The minister underscored the religious and charitable significance of blood donation, noting that it is a noble act that can save lives and is considered a virtuous deed for the hereafter. He also addressed the issue of thalassemia, stressing the necessity of testing prospective couples for the genetic condition to prevent future generations from suffering.
The discussion included inputs from other key figures such as Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education, Professor Dr. Nazmul Hosain, who emphasized the role of Sandhani, an organization of medical and dental students, in blood and cornea collection. BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. F M Siddiqui pointed out the need to dispel misconceptions about posthumous eye donation.
The event also featured a rally from the Central Shaheed Minar, with participants carrying placards to encourage blood and eye donations. The Minister assured continued support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to advance Sandhani's initiatives.