Zubaida seeks Sasakawa support for B’desh health sector
Published: 27 October 2026, 9:50:27
Collected Photo
Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has called on the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its support for healthcare, medical research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure in Bangladesh.
She made the call while speaking at a health seminar organised by the foundation in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday.
Zubaida Rahman said the government had identified healthcare, education and social protection as key policy priorities. It has taken initiatives to ensure affordable healthcare for all, improve public health services, recruit healthcare workers and expand access to health and education for disadvantaged communities.
She also highlighted government initiatives to improve people’s living standards through employment-oriented education, expanded educational opportunities for underprivileged students and family-based social assistance programmes, including the Family Card.
Emphasising the importance of physical and mental well-being, she said Bangladesh and Japan could draw on their shared knowledge, experience and capabilities to address emerging challenges in healthcare and social development.
She also highlighted the importance of health diplomacy in achieving the shared goal of health for all, stressing the need for sustainable social systems, quality education and protection from poverty, violence and other risks.
Referring to her professional experience as a physician in Bangladesh, Zubaida Rahman said the country had significant potential to improve health policies, advance medical research and develop modern healthcare institutions.
She praised the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for its efforts to protect the health of children and vulnerable communities and urged it to expand its activities in Bangladesh with increased resources and cooperation.
She added that the Bangladesh government was ready to provide full support for initiatives aimed at improving health protection, promoting well-being and ensuring sustainable healthcare services.
Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, was among the distinguished guests attending the seminar.
