Ahead of the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election, the ruling Awami League has announced its election manifesto, committing to extend modern urban amenities to every village. The manifesto, with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment,” was announced by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (December 27, 2023) at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The manifesto promises to enhance the quality of life in villages by providing improved roadways, communication, clean drinking water, modern healthcare and medical treatment, quality education, advanced sanitation and waste management, increased electricity and fuel supply, computer and high-speed internet facilities, and expanded markets. These initiatives aim to bring all the comforts of modern cities to every village. In Smart Bangladesh Awami League seeks more safeguards for minorities, end of intolerance To ensure a reliable fuel supply, the party plans to continue encouraging and supporting the installation of biogas plants and solar panels on a group basis. The establishment of agricultural machinery service centers and workshops in villages will expand rural mechanization services, including machinery repair. This initiative will also provide training for rural youth and agricultural entrepreneurs, promoting productive employment. The manifesto includes plans for private sector investment and loan support for small and marginal entrepreneurs manufacturing and marketing light machinery. In line with the economic development of villages, cultural, sports, and entertainment programs will be expanded. This approach is expected to reduce the urban migration trend among rural youth by creating self-employment opportunities within villages. The government will fully support young people's involvement in agriculture, industry, and business. AL Manifesto on Significant Steps to Foster Women Entrepreneurs Awami League says that during its previous tenure, roads in every upazila were improved and expanded, connecting each village to upazila headquarters and linking upazilas to district headquarters and national highways. Every village has been ensured electricity supply. Drinking water and sanitation facilities have been enhanced and will be further improved. The government has taken over the expenses of primary and secondary schools, and financial support is being provided for teachers' salaries in private schools. Hospitals with 50 beds in upazilas are being upgraded to 100-bed facilities. Community clinics are bringing healthcare services to the doorstep of rural residents. Every union now has computer and internet service centers, providing employment opportunities to rural youth and facilitating communication nationally and internationally. Awami League’s Manifesto: Mega Projects for Accelerating Economic Momentum The expansion of communication, electricity, and internet services has accelerated rural production and market systems. Agricultural inputs have become more accessible, and the market for agricultural products has expanded. The extension of agricultural technology and the development of cottage and small industries are being expedited. Activities in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors have multiplied significantly in rural areas.

US-based international organisation URC has recently organised the event "Integrated Community Development for Better Health: Perspectives from Bangladesh" at a city hotel. Bangladesh has been a leader in public health research and implementation on a large scale for low-cost technologies provided at the community level. The event highlighted promising interventions and good practices in health service delivery at the community level. Integrated Community Development for Better Health: Perspectives from Bangladesh provided an opportunity for the Bangladesh government of officials, the international donor community – including the United States Agency for International for Development (USAID) – and representatives from Bangladeshi NGOs and the university community, to discuss how to best ensure delivery of high-quality care at all levels of the health care system in Bangladesh and beyond. The programme featured keynote remarks from Professor Ainun Nishat, former vice-chancellor of Brac University, USAID Mission Director Kathryn Stevens, and Dr Jahir Uddin Ahmed, director of the board of Social Marketing Company. Read more: Govt plans a big push in medical education and facilities by 2024, says official document Two panel discussions featured voices of individuals with experience in designing, implementing, and sustaining health systems that are responsive to the needs and preferences of the communities where they work. Max Foundation Country Director Riad Mahmud, Public Health Physician and URC Technical Advisor Dr Najmus Sadiq, Social Sector Management Foundation CEO Dr Abu Muhammad Zakir Hussain, RDRS head of Agriculture and Environment Programs Mostafa Nurul Islam Reza, Social Marketing Company Managing Director and CEO Toslim Uddin Khan, URC Portfolio Director Jean Margaritis, DAM Health Sector Deputy Director Md Mukhlesur Rahman were the panellists. They discussed how incorporating strong community actions and voices into health systems strengthens societal partnerships, builds capacity in communities, and promotes trust and shared accountability for health system performance.

The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned why directives would not be issued to form a Health Regulatory Commission to monitor patients' complaints about mismanagement at hospitals and healthcare services.

Ganasonghati Andolan, a left leaning political party on Tuesday demanded major reforms in the existing public health delivery system to ensure equal health services for all citizens.