A clique active creating instability in Power and Energy Sector

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated on Saturday, 8th August that an organized quarter is actively trying to create instability within the country's power and energy sector. 

Addressing a doctors' rally organized at the LD Hall of the National Parliament to mark the 37th founding anniversary of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), the Prime Minister outlined the administration's ongoing initiatives to resolve energy challenges while introducing broad reforms across the national healthcare system.

Reflecting on the state of the administration upon taking office, the Prime Minister noted that the government inherited a fragile nation burdened by a weak economy, a divided civil service, and impaired public education and healthcare infrastructure. He mentioned that beneficiaries of former autocratic rule remain entrenched in various levels of the state apparatus, and that past unplanned initiatives left the energy sector in jeopardy. Work is currently underway to systematically address these inherited difficulties and stabilize the economy.

Outlining health policy priorities, the Prime Minister underscored a preventive approach to national health, stating that disease prevention remains superior to cure. To support this effort, the government plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers nationwide. Working under the guidance of medical professionals, these health workers will focus on increasing public health awareness and primary care guidance at the community level.

Regarding political involvement among medical professionals, the Prime Minister acknowledged that political awareness and organization among educators, students, and professionals are natural in a democratic state, given how political decisions impact all facets of society. However, he emphasized that professional obligations must remain uncompromised by political affiliations.

The Prime Minister also noted that several key proposals submitted by DAB merit government consideration. These include conducting a special BCS exam in the shortest timeframe to recruit 5,000 doctors, raising the entry age limit for government medical service from 32 to 34 years, extending the retirement age from 61 to 65, enacting a healthcare protection act, offering special allowances for upazila-level doctors, and establishing a structured pay scale for private-sector medical practitioners.

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Highlighting fiscal priorities, he pointed out that the health sector received its second-highest historical budget allocation, with a long-term goal of directing five percent of national GDP toward public health. Key upcoming developments include the rollout of e-Health cards and upgrading all upazila health complexes into 101-bed hospital facilities to ensure comprehensive care across rural areas.

The event was attended by Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, DAB President Prof. Dr. Harun Al Rashid, General Secretary Dr. Zohirul Islam Shakil, alongside senior leaders and medical professionals from across the country.