Dr Zubaida Rahman, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife and renowned cardiologist, on Tuesday urged the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its cooperation with Bangladesh in the healthcare sector, particularly health research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure.

She made the call while speaking at a health-related seminar organised by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo.

Zubaida said the Bangladesh government has identified healthcare, education and social protection as key policy priorities and has taken various initiatives to ensure affordable healthcare for all, improve the quality of public healthcare, recruit healthcare professionals and expand access to health and education services for disadvantaged communities.

The government is also working to improve people’s quality of life through employment-oriented education, expanded educational opportunities for disadvantaged students and family-based social assistance programmes, including the Family Card initiative, she said.

Referring to health as an important area of her professional and personal interest, Zubaida said ensuring people’s physical and mental well-being is crucial.

Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations continue to grow, and there is scope to use the two countries’ experience, knowledge and capabilities to address emerging challenges in the health and social sectors, she said.

Zubaida said both Bangladesh and Japan are committed to ensuring that children grow up in a healthy environment and have opportunities to reach their full potential.

Achieving this goal requires sustainable social systems, a strong economy, quality education and protection of people from violence, poverty and other risks, she said.

Highlighting the growing importance of health diplomacy amid increasing global interconnectedness, Zubaida said it can play an important role in achieving the shared goal of ensuring health for all.

She also highlighted the contributions of private organisations, international institutions, voluntary initiatives and philanthropic foundations, alongside government efforts, to improving maternal and child health in Bangladesh.

Recalling her professional experience as a physician in Bangladesh, Zubaida said the country has significant potential for implementing appropriate health policies, advancing health research and developing modern healthcare institutions.

Praising the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for its continued efforts to protect the health of children and vulnerable communities, she urged it to expand its activities in Bangladesh.

Zubaida also called on the foundation to come forward with greater resources and cooperation to address emerging health challenges, saying the Bangladesh government is ready to provide full cooperation and support for initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting health and ensuring sustainable healthcare in the long term.

Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation Yohei Sasakawa and other distinguished guests attended the seminar.