SIRAJGANJ, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit today emphasized that the problems faced by Mansur Ali Medical College and other institutions cannot be resolved through government directives alone.  He underscored that social awareness and collective responsibility are essential to overcoming long-standing challenges in the health sector. Dr Muhit made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the 250-bed General Hospital here in the district on Thursday noon. He mentioned that a significant amount of wealth has been laundered from the country over the past 15 to 17 years, stressing the need to build a culture of responsibility and accountability within society to move out from it. About the occupancy, the state minister said law enforcement agencies can temporarily remove illegal structures or occupations in front of hospitals, but lasting solutions require active participation from local communities.  “The hospital has been built with public funds to serve everyone. Any attempt to occupy it undermines citizens’ rights,” he said, urging people to protest against such wrongdoing. Dr Muhit further acknowledged shortages of infrastructure, manpower, and equipment at Sirajganj Medical College, adding that similar gaps exist nationwide. He assured that necessary steps will be taken to address these issues. Regarding the trauma centre, he explained that it was built to respond to highway accidents but has not yet been made operational due to various reasons. He pledged that measures will be taken to make the centre functional on a priority basis. Referring to the election manifesto, Dr Muhit said the health sector has been given priority, with plans to increase the budget and recruit and train 100,000 health workers to strengthen services at the grassroots level.

SATKHIRA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - A man was killed and two others were injured on Thursday morning when a cow-laden engine van fell into a ditch in Satkhira's Patkelghata. The accident took place around 11.00 am near a brick kiln at Kumira Baligadar intersection under Patkelghata Police Station on the Satkhira-Khulna highway. The driver of the ill-fated van, identified as Ishar Ali, 60, a resident of Dhulihar in Satkhira Sadar upazila, was killed on the spot. The two injured individuals, Md. Mamun Hossain and Motaleb Hossain, both from the same area, were rushed to Satkhira Sadar Hospital for treatment. As they reached Kumira Baligadar intersection, the wheel of the engine van punctured, causing the driver to lose control. Consequently, the van veered off the road and plunged into a nearby ditch. Patkelghata Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AHM Lutfal Kabir confirmed the matter.