Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 29, 2026 (BSS)- Separate memorandums have been submitted to the Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, and the Civil Surgeon to press home a five-point set of demands. 

These include the immediate launch of the newly constructed Rajshahi Shishu Hospital to prevent child mortality and ensure accessible and quality healthcare, effective measures to prevent the highly contagious disease measles, and the formation of an “independent and permanent health commission.”
 
The memorandums were submitted today by the Barendra Youth Forum, a large alliance of youth and development-oriented voluntary organizations in the Barendra region. 
On behalf of the Civil Surgeon of Rajshahi, the memorandum was received by Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mosammat Mahbuba Khatun.
 
Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Minister and State Minister of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Secretary of the Health Services Division and other line departments.
 
Among those present were river and environmental researcher Mahbub Siddiqui; President of Barendra Youth Forum, Atikur Rahman, General Secretary Poly Rani, Environment and Climate Secretary Tamim Tuli, Executive Director of a social welfare organization Samrat Raihan and women leader Tahura Khatun Lili, among others.
 
The memorandum states that healthcare is a fundamental right. However, due to the lack of accessible and quality medical services across the country, many people are dying every day, including children. These children might have survived if ICU care had been available.
 
The number of measles patients is also increasing in Rajshahi, often referred to as a “city of healthcare.” Complications from measles can include pneumonia, diarrhea, inflammation of the eyes and brain, putting children at serious risk of death and often requiring ICU care.
 
While children are dying due to a shortage of ICU facilities, a 200-bed specialized children’s hospital in Rajshahi remains unused. However, for unknown reasons, medical services have yet to begin, depriving children of essential care and leading to preventable deaths.