Dr Zubaida Rahman, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s spouse and Vice President Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), on Monday met the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, in Dhaka and 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 spoke about social safety net programmes introduced by the government, including “Family and Farmers” cards, aimed at extending social and economic support to families and communities.

She highlighted the provision of free education for girls and the importance of expanding opportunities for women.

The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, among others.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on shared priorities and explore avenues for greater cooperation in promoting women's empowerment, improving healthcare and education, and protecting vulnerable communities, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A full-time working member of the Royal Family, the Duchess of Edinburgh divides her time between carrying out engagements on behalf of the King across the UK and the Commonwealth and supporting a large number of her own charities and organisations.

Dr Rahman warmly welcomed the Duchess to Bangladesh and appreciated her longstanding commitment to women's empowerment, girls' education, and the wellbeing of children and young people.

She also acknowledged the Duchess's continued engagement with eye health and advocacy for the prevention of avoidable blindness.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on women's economic empowerment, maternal and child healthcare, eliminating gender-based violence, and youth development.

Dr Rahman apprised the Duchess of the longstanding work and contributions of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and SUROVI in advancing social welfare and improving the lives of disadvantaged communities.

She elaborated on the Ziaur Rahman Foundation's efforts to place women at the centre of development by promoting their economic independence, self-reliance, and skills development.

Dr Rahman also highlighted SUROVI's work in education, child protection, health, nutrition, WASH, and skills development, with a particular focus on children and women from ultra-poor and marginalised communities.

Drawing on the experiences and best practices of these organisations, Dr Rahman explained how their initiatives had inspired the government's policy priorities and were reflected in its election manifesto.

She also referred to initiatives supporting the development of underprivileged children and young people, including the Shishu Swarga Model in urban slum communities, the Blue Sky Programme, and the activities of Proyash in promoting the development and wellbeing of children with special needs.

Dr Rahman highlighted the government's tree-planting initiatives, particularly the 'One Student, One Tree' programme, aimed at promoting environmental awareness.

The Duchess appreciated the government's initiatives in healthcare, education, women's empowerment, and the welfare of underprivileged children.

She particularly commended the contributions of SUROVI and the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and appreciated the government's efforts to draw on their experiences in shaping its broader policy agenda.

The Duchess also commended the Prime Minister's strong voice and commitment to women's empowerment and his advocacy against violence against women.

Dr Rahman expressed appreciation for the Duchess's interest in the ongoing Rohingya crisis and called for continued international support for Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh, while reiterating the importance of their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar.

The Duchess appreciated Bangladesh's generosity and humanitarian commitment in hosting a large Rohingya population over the years and acknowledged the significant responsibility shouldered by the country.

She also assured her continued advocacy to keep the Rohingya issue high on the international agenda.