Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said on Thursday that the United Nations' recognition of Sheikh Hasina’s community clinic initiative is also an evidence of the organisation’s support and recognition of her leadership.
“When the 'Sheikh Hasina Initiative' resolution was passed in the United Nations on May 16, it was May 17 in Bangladesh, coincidentally, the day of her homecoming,” he said. “Seventy-one countries of the world have co-sponsored this resolution with Bangladesh, which has been unanimously adopted in the United Nations.”
He said this while exchanging views with journalists on contemporary issues at the meeting room of the Ministry of Information at the Secretariat on Thursday noon.
The United Nations has unanimously adopted the first-ever resolution on community-based health care on May 16.
The resolution, titled “Community-based primary health care: a participatory and inclusive approach to universal health coverage,” acknowledged the important role community clinics play in promoting primary healthcare, women’s empowerment, community engagement and mobilisation towards achieving universal access to health.
The resolution, in recognition of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stellar contribution in establishing model community clinics in Bangladesh, highlighted “the Sheikh Hasina Initiative” as an exemplary innovative model of public-private partnership.
Replying to a question on providing security to foreign diplomats, Hasan said, "All diplomats are usually provided with adequate security. But after the increase in militant activity in the country, some diplomats were given extra security.”
The Information minister said there is no need for additional security measures as Bangladesh has successfully countered terrorism.
“Our government has been able to rein in militants very successfully. We have shown more capability than many developed countries in our ability to counter terrorism,” he said.
Citing the Home Minister Asadduzzaman Khan, Hasan Mahmud said additional security will only be provided if they bear the cost for it.
“It won’t impact relations with any country. It is a routine work.”