RAJSHAHI, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS)- Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) has received injections worth around Taka 36.10 crore as donations from American charity organization Direct Relief. Each of the injections, costing around Taka four lakh, will be applied to the patients sufferings from rheumatoid arthritis and the patients will feel better for long. Talking to BSS here today, Prof Azizul Haque Azad of the RMCH said many other patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis will also benefit from the injections.    Earlier in August, the RMCH received a historic donation of Alteplase, a critical medication for stroke and heart attack patients, valued at approximately Tk 17 crore. The donation, comprising 2,500 vials, will allow free treatment for around 500 patients, a significant step forward in local patient care.  Alteplase is a potent drug capable of dissolving dangerous blood clots in both the brain and heart. Each course costs Tk 65,000-70,000, putting it out of reach for many. With this donation, patients in Rajshahi can now access life-saving medicine free of charge. The milestone was made possible through international research connections developed by intern doctor Shirsho Shreyan, whose academic work and global affiliations eventually facilitated the donation.  Dr Shreyan's journey began years earlier, guided by a focus on medical research. As part of the World Stroke Organization's Future Stroke Leaders Cohort, he conducted studies on global telestroke services, allowing neurologists from major hospitals to advise smaller facilities lacking specialists.   His research culminated in two influential papers, one published in the International Journal of Stroke and recognised as "Paper of the Month," bringing international visibility.   Through this academic engagement and his involvement with the Angels Initiative, a global stroke awareness network, connections were established with Direct Relief, a US-based non-profit that provides medicines to low-resource countries.   When Gordon Wilcock, Direct Relief's Asia Pacific director, reached out to the hospital, Dr Shreyan informed Prof Azizul Haque Azad of Medicine and Prof Parvez Amin of Neurology to explore the feasibility of the donation.    "When I read the email about their interest in donating this costly medicine, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy, knowing that my research is not only gaining international recognition but also directly saving lives at my own institution," said Dr Shreyan.   However, even after receiving a green signal from the hospital authorities, key challenge remaining was the time-sensitive nature of stroke treatment. Alteplase is most effective if administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, whereas patients in Rajshahi often take 12-24 hours to reach the hospital.    To maximise the drug's impact, senior doctors at the RMCH decided that Alteplase could also be used for heart attack patients, where it effectively dissolves blood clots in the coronary arteries.    After a series of meetings with Direct Relief, the approach was approved by the organisation, with the stipulation that the medication must be used before March 2026.   As Alteplase requires strict temperature control (2-8øC), coordinating its transport from abroad to Rajshahi involves an overwhelming amount of customs duties, transport costs, and ensuring continuous cold-chain monitoring.    The hospital team, together with Direct Relief, successfully managed the challenges, ensuring that the medication arrived safely and was ready for use.   Doctors at RMCH have now begun administering the drug to suitable patients.    The donation, the largest ever received by the hospital, is expected to save lives and set a precedent for future contributions.

By S M Zahid Hossain  KHULNA, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS) - The sale of winter clothes is on rise with rising cold in Khulna, as well as in different parts across the country.  As the winter season is deepening, consumers started going to the shops to buy their winter clothes. The retail outlets have also stored a wide variety of clothes for the customers during the season. Some leading export-oriented garment factories along with old local clothing brands have been dominating the local markets as the number of foreign retail outlets is still low in the city. "Everything at 50, everything at 100" -- the familiar calls of street vendors have filled the lanes of Khulna city as small traders set up makeshift stalls with winter clothes.   Although winter has not fully set in, footpath markets across the city are already buzzing with low-priced second-hand garments, creating a festive winter atmosphere. A visit to KD Ghosh Road, Station Road, Dakbangla Mor, Picture Palace Mor, Shaheed Hadis Park, Circuit House area, Adalat Para, District Stadium Market, Nixon Market and the DC Office Road on Thursday found small traders displaying sweaters, jackets, mufflers, caps and other winter wear for the  buyers. Traders said sales were better this time compared with last year, but the market has not yet gained momentum. So far, they are satisfied with the daily turnover. At the Circuit House ground, trader Aminul Islam and his three employees were seen selling old sweaters, T-shirts, shawls, mufflers, caps and socks for Taka 20-50, on average.  "We have been selling for the last 20 days. Low prices are attracting customers," said worker Shaheb Ali to BSS. Another worker, Samiul, said they buy old clothing bales for Taka 6,000-25,000. "We make a profit of Taka 4-5 per piece," he added. Talking to BSS, Shahana Begum from Hogladanga area in Batiaghata upazila purchased Taka 500 worth of clothes for her children. "The prices are low, so this will cover our winter needs," she added. Around 20-25 shops at the District Stadium Market have stocked winter wear.  Jacket seller Shadiul offers jackets for children and adults ranging from Taka 50 to Taka 700. He plans to bring in higher-priced jackets once the cold intensifies. Jackets, trousers, jeans and women's wear displayed at nearby shops are being sold at affordable prices.   While talking to BSS, Abdul Majid, a trader, said sales have slowed in recent days but are expected to rise after the start of the new month. A high-quality bale of jackets now costs Taka 50,000-52,000, he said. Several markets were also seen selling blankets. Businessman Emon said his shop has blankets priced between Taka 200 and Taka 8,000, depending on quality.  Another seller, Touhidul Islam, offers blankets from Taka 150 to Taka 4,000 and reported good sales. On the footpath in front of the city's deputy commissioner office, hawker Rob Molla loudly called out, "Everything at 50, everything at 100," as he sold torn and used jackets and shirts at fixed prices. At Station Road, vendor Nayon was selling full-sleeve T-shirts, jackets and caps from his van at Taka 150 each, serving customers from age four to adults.   He earns Taka 700-800 profit on days when sales reach Taka 3,000-4,000.   Alif Islam, owner of Pabna Emporium and joint secretary of KDA New market said, Bangladeshi Clothing Retail Market is still performing in informal ways although some high-rise shopping malls have been trying to give it a good shape. The majority of the customers are still staying for more mercury down and they prefer to buy their clothing items from their nearby informal markets, he added.