Corruption must be eradicated from every level of society: Health Minister

He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting on coordination of law and order, development and public welfare activities held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Manikganj at 12:00 noon on Monday (31 August).

The Health Minister said, as they were elected by the people's votes, public representatives and officials must work with transparency to restore their rights. No kind of financial or unethical benefit can be accepted.

Highlighting allegations of bribery and corruption in the previous electoral system, he said that in the earlier period there were allegations of unethical payments to officials at various levels during elections. However, he claimed that in this election he himself did not give money to anyone, nor did anyone ask for money.

The Health Minister said the days of taking unethical advantage by threatening officials with job loss or through any other means are over. Everyone must perform their duties with honesty and sincerity.

Regarding the health sector, he said the government is working to take the country's health services to an advanced level within the next three years. For this, the quality of hospital medical services, improved food for patients, and humane behaviour by doctors and nurses must be ensured.

Stating his strong stance against corruption in the health sector, he said transparency must be ensured in various hospital services and management. To save the country, effective measures must be taken against corruption, drugs and gambling.

Referring to various past allegations of irregularities and corruption in the health sector, the minister said there were allegations of unethical transactions in contractor works, transfers of doctors and nurses, and at various administrative levels. These irregularities must be overcome, and the government is working toward that goal.

He further said preventing corruption, drugs, gambling and irregularities is not the work of any single individual or institution. The administration, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, media and everyone in society must work in a coordinated manner.

Speaking as the special guest, Member of Parliament for Manikganj-3 and Food Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the government is working to make Manikganj a model district. Referring to the government's zero tolerance policy in eradicating drugs, she said no one involved in drug use or sale will be spared.

She said the administration, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, teachers, parents and the media must work collectively to protect the youth and young generation from the horrors of drugs. Alongside this, effective steps are also needed to prevent gambling, terrorism, juvenile crime and social degradation.

The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana. Among others present were Manikganj-1 Member of Parliament S A Kabir Jinnah, Manikganj-2 Member of Parliament Engineer Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, Superintendent of Police Golam Sarwar Alam, District Information Officer Nur Hossain, District Safe Food Officer Roushan Ara, and officials from various government departments.