Saudi doctors perform 586 cataract surgeries as King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center initiative brings specialised treatment to disadvantaged BangladeshisMM Rahmatullah: More than 5,000 people from low-income communities in Rangpur have received free eye examinations, medical consultations, medicines and reading glasses under a Saudi-funded humanitarian medical campaign, offering much-needed relief to people who struggle to afford specialised eye care.The seven-day campaign, organised at Makka Eye Hospital in Rangpur, provided free eye care services to 5,014 patients and successfully conducted 586 cataract surgeries, according to the Al-Basar International Foundation, a Saudi-based non-governmental organisation working to improve eye health and restore vision among vulnerable communities. The initiative was funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Al-Basar International Foundation, reflecting Saudi Arabia's humanitarian engagement in Bangladesh, particularly in areas where financial hardship prevents many people from accessing essential healthcare. Three volunteer Saudi doctors from KSrelief, working alongside medical professionals from the Rangpur hospital, carried out the procedures during the campaign. Speaking to Arab News on Sunday, Dr Ahmed Taher Hamid Ali, country director of the Al-Basar International Foundation, said a total of 5,014 patients had received free examinations, medical consultations, medicines and reading glasses, while 586 cataract operations had been completed successfully. “Eye problems, particularly cataracts and other age-related vision problems, remain a significant concern for many people in the Rangpur region,” he said. Rangpur, in northern Bangladesh, is home to many low-income households for whom the cost of specialised medical treatment can be a major barrier. Eye diseases that could be treated through timely medical intervention may leave patients struggling with everyday activities when diagnosis and surgery remain beyond their financial means. The campaign sought to address this challenge by bringing eye care services directly to disadvantaged communities, reducing the financial burden on patients and enabling hundreds of people with cataracts to regain their sight. Restoring vision can make a significant difference to people's lives, helping them return to work, carry out household responsibilities and live more independently. For families dependent on daily earnings, untreated eye problems can also affect their income and overall well-being. Dr Ali said the campaign was particularly important because many people in Rangpur Division could not easily afford specialised eye care. “By bringing essential eye care services directly to the community, the campaign helped people who might otherwise have gone without proper treatment,” he said. He added that the participation of Saudi volunteer doctors highlighted the importance of humanitarian cooperation and a shared commitment to providing essential healthcare to people in need. For beneficiaries, the programme offered relief not only from the financial burden of treatment but also from the uncertainty and difficulties associated with impaired vision. China Begum, a 55-year-old woman who underwent cataract surgery during the campaign, said she had been advised to have the operation long ago but could not afford the procedure and the necessary medicines. With support from the Saudi-funded initiative, she was finally able to receive treatment and have her eyesight restored. Expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia's support, she said the treatment would help her resume her daily activities and take care of her family without depending as much on others. “I found the doctor very humble and cordial. He treated me like a mother,” she told Arab News. Describing her experience, she said the operation took around 30 minutes and was almost painless. Doctors also provided her with medicines and glasses without charge after the surgery. The experience illustrates how access to timely and affordable healthcare can transform the lives of people who have long been unable to seek treatment because of poverty. The campaign also highlights the importance of cooperation between humanitarian organisations and local medical institutions in reaching underserved communities. By combining international medical expertise with the facilities and personnel of a local hospital, the initiative delivered treatment to thousands of patients within a short period.For Bangladesh, where access to specialised healthcare remains a challenge for many disadvantaged households, such programmes can provide immediate relief while drawing attention to the need for affordable and accessible eye care.  The seven-day initiative in Rangpur has thus brought renewed hope to thousands of patients, including hundreds who underwent cataract surgery and can now look forward to improved vision and greater independence.

Govt approves 338 recruiting agencies for recruitment process; Thanks to the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the cooperationMM Rahmatullah: Malaysia has agreed in principle to recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi workers free of cost and include 338 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies in its recruitment framework, marking a significant step towards reopening the country’s labour market for Bangladesh.The development follows diplomatic efforts by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussions with his Malaysian counterpart, with the Malaysian government and the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka expected to play important roles in advancing the recruitment process.According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment on Thursday, the latest initiative is aimed at expanding employment opportunities, reducing migration costs and ensuring a more transparent and regulated recruitment system for Bangladeshi workers.The government has expressed gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the relevant Malaysian authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the process and advancing bilateral labour relations.Malaysia remains one of the major destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers. The reopening of its labour market is therefore expected to bring renewed hope to thousands of jobseekers and families dependent on overseas employment and remittances.Under the proposed arrangement, 338 Bangladeshi agencies will be included in the recruitment framework. These comprise the state-owned Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), 25 private processing or service agencies and 312 recruiting agencies.The Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources will select and enlist the agencies according to its prescribed eligibility criteria. Once approved, the agencies will be able to identify employers in Malaysia, collect job demand letters and recruit eligible workers from Bangladesh in line with the applicable rules.The Malaysian authorities have also agreed in principle to recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi workers without charging them recruitment-related costs following a special request from Bangladesh. The initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on migrant workers and make overseas employment more accessible to people from lower-income families.However, the agreement in principle does not mean that the workers can depart immediately. Recruitment, visa processing, medical examinations and other formalities must be completed before their deployment.The Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh is expected to remain an important point of contact in facilitating coordination between the two countries, alongside the relevant Malaysian ministries and Bangladeshi authorities. The completion of the necessary procedures will be crucial to translating the agreement into actual employment opportunities.Under the proposed process, the approved recruiting agencies will identify employers and collect job demand letters. BOESL and the 25 designated processing or service agencies will assist with administrative procedures, including visa and e-visa processing.After the required procedures in Malaysia are completed, the recruiting agencies will carry out the remaining formalities in Bangladesh under the country's existing laws and regulations. Each approved agency will be able to obtain clearance for its workers from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) under its own licence.The ministry has also clarified that BOESL and the designated processing or service agencies will be able to issue no-objection certificates to the approved recruiting agencies to facilitate the process.The inclusion of 338 agencies is expected to broaden participation in recruitment and reduce dependence on a limited number of operators. The government, however, has stressed the importance of legal compliance, transparency and the protection of workers' interests.The latest development follows an earlier initiative to assess the eligibility of Bangladeshi recruiting agencies for the Malaysian labour market. Under the memorandum of understanding signed between Bangladesh and Malaysia on December 18, 2022, Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources is responsible for selecting and listing Bangladeshi agencies according to its prescribed criteria.As part of the earlier process, Bangladesh submitted a list of 423 recruiting agencies, along with the required documents, to the Malaysian authorities for consideration. Following the formation of the present government, diplomatic discussions continued to secure the reopening of the market and expand employment opportunities.Despite the progress, the finalisation of the list of authorised medical centres for Malaysia-bound workers remains pending.Under the existing agreement, both countries share responsibility for finalising the list of approved medical centres. Bangladesh has requested changes to the existing arrangements to facilitate a faster reopening of the labour market.The final approval of a revised list is expected after an on-site inspection by a joint delegation representing Malaysia's ministries of health, human resources and home affairs. As the inspection process will take time, the two sides have decided to begin operations through the remaining centres on Malaysia's existing approved list, excluding centres associated with allegations of irregularities and controversy.A Malaysian delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh as soon as possible to inspect and assess medical centres under the revised guidelines. Bangladeshi authorities will also monitor the centres listed on the relevant Malaysian website, and centres found involved in irregularities may be required to suspend operations.New medical centres may be added in phases, with updated information published through the relevant website and the ministry. The government has also made it clear that no single medical centre will receive exclusive authority to conduct health examinations for Malaysia-bound workers.The measures are intended to prevent monopolistic practices, strengthen oversight and ensure that workers have access to an approved medical screening system.Reducing migration costs remains a major priority for Bangladesh. Many prospective workers depend on loans, family savings or the sale of assets to finance overseas employment. Excessive recruitment charges can leave them burdened with debt even before they begin earning abroad.The proposed recruitment of 10,000 workers free of cost could offer substantial relief to selected workers and their families if implemented effectively and without unauthorised charges.The government has urged recruiting agencies to follow national laws and safeguard workers throughout the recruitment process. Jobseekers should verify agency credentials, confirm employment terms, obtain official receipts for lawful payments and avoid unverified intermediaries.The reopening initiative also highlights the importance of close cooperation between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur. Continued engagement between the two governments, the Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh and the relevant recruitment authorities will be essential to resolving outstanding issues and ensuring a smooth implementation process.The government has described the initiative as a new chapter in labour cooperation between the two countries and thanked the Malaysian prime minister, the Ministry of Human Resources and other relevant authorities for their support.For Bangladesh, the successful reopening of the Malaysian labour market would strengthen overseas employment opportunities, support remittance earnings and improve the livelihoods of families across the country.The immediate priority is to complete the remaining procedures and ensure that the promised recruitment opportunities are delivered through a transparent, affordable and accountable system. The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on effective monitoring, fair employment conditions and firm action against recruitment-related irregularities.For thousands of Bangladeshi jobseekers, the latest progress offers renewed hope of working in Malaysia without facing the heavy financial burden traditionally associated with overseas migration.

Party alleges political favouritism, corruption and mismanagement behind fertiliser shortages; calls for transparency and accountabilityMM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded an immediate investigation into alleged irregularities, corruption, political favouritism and nepotism in the appointment of fertiliser dealers, blaming the government's alleged mismanagement for shortages that have caused hardship for farmers across the country.At an emergency press briefing at the party's central office in Moghbazar on Thursday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that the dealer appointment process had been politicised in violation of existing government policies, undermining fair distribution and disrupting agricultural activities. He claimed that political considerations had overshadowed professional qualifications in selecting dealers, leaving eligible candidates disadvantaged and creating opportunities for alleged financial irregularities."There is no shortage of crises in the country; wherever you look, there is a crisis," Golam Porwar said, accusing the government of failing to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to farmers.He also criticised the involvement of officials outside the relevant ministry in public statements concerning the issue, questioning why Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam was speaking on a matter primarily under the Agriculture Ministry.According to the Jamaat leader, political representatives had been included in district-level committees responsible for selecting dealers, raising concerns about the impartiality of the process.He alleged that some dealers had been appointed in exchange for money and that party recommendations had influenced the selection process. These allegations were made at the briefing and could not be independently verified.Golam Porwar attributed the fertiliser shortages to alleged administrative failures, favouritism in dealer appointments, black-market sales and smuggling.He claimed that the prescribed eligibility criteria had not been properly followed in several areas, alleging that lists submitted on political party letterheads had been considered during the appointment process.Citing allegations from Dinajpur, Badarganj in Rangpur and other areas, he said some individuals had received dealership licences despite questions about their eligibility and business credentials.Referring to an investigation by The Dissent, he claimed that fertiliser shortages had affected farmers in the constituencies of 14 BNP lawmakers.He further alleged that some dealerships had been awarded to people living outside the areas they were authorised to serve, while individuals without prior experience in the fertiliser business had also obtained licences.Other alleged irregularities included multiple members of the same family receiving dealerships, as well as the use of allegedly fictitious warehouses and false agreements to secure licences.Golam Porwar also claimed that a list of dealer appointments issued on a BNP letterhead in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur included the names of political figures affiliated with the Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party.He accused the government of disregarding established rules and alleged that appointments had been made despite a High Court order. He also criticised the state minister for reportedly declaring that BNP's dedicated leaders would receive dealership opportunities.The allegations, including those concerning political influence, financial transactions and compliance with court orders, require independent investigation and verification.At the briefing, Golam Porwar presented six demands aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and fairness in fertiliser dealer appointments and distribution.An immediate investigation into allegations of irregularities, nepotism, political interference and financial transactions in dealer appointments, followed by appropriate disciplinary action against those found responsible.Public disclosure of selection criteria, including the process for preparing dealer lists and the basis on which licences are issued.Legal action against those involved in collecting money in exchange for securing dealership licences, following an investigation into the allegations.Verification of claims about fertiliser shortages, including discrepancies between statements by responsible officials and the actual situation in different parts of the country, with relevant findings made public.Written explanations from the authorities concerned regarding the allegations, alongside regular public updates on the progress of investigations.Evidence-based assessment of accusations against individuals or political groups to ensure that no one is held responsible on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations or political rhetoric.The party said an impartial investigation was necessary to restore confidence in the dealer appointment system and ensure that fertiliser reached farmers without political discrimination or undue interference.Golam Porwar widened his criticism to the government's overall performance, alleging that political patronage and corruption had become increasingly prevalent over the past six to seven months.He accused the government of providing misleading information about the fertiliser situation and attempting to shift responsibility for its shortcomings onto others.Expressing concern over what he described as growing political control over public institutions, he urged citizens to speak out against corruption and administrative failures. He said the July uprising had raised hopes for a new Bangladesh free from corruption, nepotism and repression of opposing views, with governance based on justice, fairness and respect for democratic principles.However, he alleged that the government was moving away from those aspirations by attempting to establish a constitutional framework that could enable it to retain power indefinitely.The Jamaat leader also accused the government of sidelining opposition parties in the constitutional reform process.He said his party wanted constitutional reform to proceed through the Constitution Reform Council in accordance with the legal framework approved through the referendum mandate.Golam Porwar urged the government to involve the opposition in the process rather than unilaterally pursuing constitutional changes. He called for the issue to be resolved through parliamentary debate instead of allowing political tensions to spill onto the streets.He expressed hope that the government would work with opposition parties in the next parliamentary session to advance constitutional reform through the legally prescribed process.Golam Porwar warned that shortages of fertiliser, oil, gas, electricity and other energy supplies were increasing production costs and contributing to higher prices of essential commodities.He called on the government to take effective measures to ease the difficulties facing marginal farmers and urban residents.Fertilisers are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity, and disruptions in their availability can increase cultivation costs, affect crop yields and put additional pressure on food prices.Ensuring a reliable supply, transparent dealer selection and effective monitoring of distribution is therefore important for both farmers and consumers.The allegations raised by Jamaat have placed renewed focus on the need for transparent fertiliser distribution and accountability in public administration. An independent investigation, disclosure of appointment records and a clear response from the authorities concerned would help establish the facts and determine whether any rules were violated. Several senior Jamaat leaders attended the briefing, including Assistant Secretaries General Maulana Abdul Halim and Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal; Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair; and Executive Council members Md Abdur Rob, Principal Md Izzat Ullah MP, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda, Mobarak Hossain, Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, Mohammad Selim Uddin and Dr Rezaul Karim. Ataur Rahman Sarkar, publicity secretary of Jamaat's Dhaka North city unit, was also present.

Online Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called on people from all walks of life to take initiatives to protect the environment and forests, urging government officials to go beyond their routine duties to build a liveable Bangladesh for future generations. “Everyone has the capacity to do a little more than their assigned duties,” he said at a meeting to review the progress and implementation of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry’s activities at the ministry’s conference room. The meeting decided to identify and conserve the country’s mother trees within the next six months. It also emphasized proper care of planted saplings, regular monitoring of their survival and exploring ways to expand afforestation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.The Prime Minister stressed the need to raise public awareness alongside government initiatives, saying greater awareness would make environmental protection efforts easier.He also called for creating more spaces where people could enjoy nature and encouraging rooftop and school gardening, as well as gardens in other buildings. Expressing concern over air pollution in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman said the capital had ranked first or second among the world’s most polluted cities for years, describing the situation as a matter of shame for the country.He urged everyone to take responsibility in their respective positions to change the situation.Addressing ministry officials, the Prime Minister said they had the ability to contribute beyond their assigned responsibilities and should not limit themselves to routine office work.“Allah has given us an opportunity to do something for this country and its people. You may work from nine to five, and nobody will question you if you do nothing beyond that. But if the environment deteriorates, future generations will suffer, as your next generation will also live in this country,” he said.He underscored the need for separate public awareness plans to support the implementation of decisions and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and forests.Referring to the government’s plan to plant 25 crore (250 million) trees, the Prime Minister said the entire population would benefit if the programme was implemented properly.He called for collective efforts to bring positive changes for the country and its people.The meeting also decided that the Environment and Forest Ministry would take initiatives to make up for any shortfall if other ministries failed to meet their tree-planting targets. Regular care and monitoring of planted trees were also emphasised.Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Saimum Parvez, Acting Secretary Fahmida Khanom and senior officials attended the meeting. 

Online Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday welcomed the Netherlands government's interest in conducting a feasibility study for the Teesta project and providing expertise  and technical assistance for its implementation.He welcomed the interest during a meeting with a delegation led by Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Prime Minister's Office at the Secretariat here, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral trade ties, a possible free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), water resources management, renewable energy, agricultural cooperation, human rights and the Rohingya crisis.During the meeting, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh and the Netherlands, both delta nations, had ample scope to work together by addressing common challenges and exchanging experiences.He expressed particular interest in the Netherlands' experience in land reclamation.Sjoerdsma stressed expanding knowledge exchange, sharing experiences and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in water resources management, land reclamation, char development and climate-resilient river management.The Dutch minister said it was an ideal time to further strengthen bilateral relations through expanded investment and cooperation, particularly in water resources management, trans-boundary river management, democracy and economic development.The meeting also discussed free trade and Bangladesh's trade relations with the EU. Sjoerdsma expressed interest in free trade, while Bangladesh sought the Netherlands' cooperation in exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement with the EU.The Dutch minister also enquired about the government's initiatives to address Bangladesh's ongoing energy crisis and praised the country's plans for renewable energy.On the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh reiterated that its root cause lay in Myanmar and that a sustainable solution must also be found there. Bangladesh wants to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic efforts at bilateral and multilateral levels to resolve the crisis.The Netherlands also expressed interest in extending cooperation with Bangladesh in agriculture, drawing on its experience and technological expertise in the sector. Discussions also covered the consolidation of democracy and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.The Prime Minister said BNP, as a political party, had itself been a victim of human rights violations in the past, and that his government is committed to protecting and strengthening human rights in the country in light of that experience. At the end of the meeting, Sjoerdsma invited the Prime Minister to visit the Netherlands.Commerce Minister Khandaker Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel and relevant officials were present at the meeting.