Dhaka: Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain emphasized the need to elevate the nation’s eye care system to international standards by integrating global technological advancements and ensuring their effective implementation. This initiative is expected to reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zahid made these comments at the inauguration of the Annual Scientific Conference-2026 of the Bangladesh Academy of Ophthalmology, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The minister highlighted the government’s willingness to support a comprehensive action plan that would serve the country’s needs for the next 50 years. He called upon physicians to contribute specific recommendations for national policy and decision-making processes.
The minister conveyed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to building an inclusive and humane Bangladesh, where no individual is left behind. The minister noted that providing proper eye care could help reintegrate individuals with eye diseases into healthy and productive lives, furthering the goal of inclusivity. He also encouraged physicians to promote public involvement in initiatives like posthumous eye and organ donation.
At the event, specialists pointed out that approximately 5 percent of children are born with eye-related issues, many of which are preventable or treatable with suitable medical care. They expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for allocating 1.02 percent of the GDP to the health sector and expressed hope for increased future allocations.
The conference will feature 36 specialist physicians from both domestic and international backgrounds, presenting significant research papers throughout the day. Special guests included Prof. Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir, President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), Dr. Mohammad Touhidur Rahman, President of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh, and Prof. Md. Jannur Rayhan, General Secretary of the organization. Prof. Dr. Md. Jane Alam Mridha delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Dr. Md. Abid Kamal, President of the Bangladesh Academy of Ophthalmology, presided over the programme.