PM vows crackdown on ‘fascist-era’ fertiliser ring, expand urban healthcare

Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman announced on Wednesday that his administration is prepared to move swiftly to replace fertiliser dealers appointed during the previous "fascist regime." 

The initiative is intended to eliminate artificial market crises and alleviate the ongoing hardships faced by the nation's farmers.

The PM’s remarks came during a parliamentary Q&A session in response to a query from Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni. 

The Chief Whip had alleged that existing dealers are deliberately harassing farmers and manipulating supplies to create scarcity.

"The Chief Whip has raised a critical issue that clearly resonates with the entire House," the Prime Minister noted, following a wave of desk-thumping support from lawmakers. 

He signaled that with such a broad consensus, the government would act decisively to overhaul the distribution system and ensure farmers can access essential inputs at fair prices.

In a separate move to bolster urban medical services, the Prime Minister revealed a strategic plan to repurpose roughly 200 vacant buildings currently under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD). These structures, many of which are multi-storey buildings in city areas, will be handed over to the Ministry of Health.

"The handover will be finalised within this month, and these buildings will be transformed into specialised facilities for maternal, child, and women's healthcare within the next 60 days," Tarique told the House.

Addressing the government’s broader health agenda, the Prime Minister responded to a question from opposition MP Hafez Muhammad Rabiul Bashar, reaffirming that "Universal Health Coverage" remains a cornerstone of the ruling party's manifesto. 

He detailed a feasibility project aimed at modernising healthcare infrastructure at the sub-district (upazila) level, which includes increasing bed capacities and installing advanced medical equipment in remote areas.

The Prime Minister also touched upon public health awareness, stating that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is intensifying campaigns on nutrition, maternal safety, and communicable disease control. 

He highlighted grassroots initiatives ranging from school health education to the marking of arsenic-safe tube wells.

Tarique emphasised that the government views "Health for All" not as a slogan, but as a constitutional obligation, supported by regular hygiene campaigns like National Sanitation Month and World Handwashing Day to foster a healthier population.