State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit inaugurated the country's first-ever free PICU dedicated to measles treatment and critical care for abandoned and underprivileged children. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit today inaugurated the country's first-ever free Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) dedicated to measles treatment and critical care for abandoned and underprivileged children.

The facility has been established at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital to provide intensive medical support free of cost for abandoned, severely ill and disadvantaged children.

The inauguration ceremony was held during a discussion titled "Bangladesh in Protecting Abandoned Newborns: Reality, Challenges and Responsibility," organised by Dr Mozib Newborn Foundation at the Abdus Salam Auditorium of the National Press Club in the morning.

Speaking as the chief guest, Muhit said coordinated efforts involving the government, society and citizens are essential to ensure the protection and rehabilitation of abandoned newborns. He said the government is working to formulate necessary plans to address the issue.

He noted that the newly launched free PICU marks the beginning of a humanitarian and public health-oriented initiative aimed at ensuring emergency intensive care for vulnerable children. The initiative, he added, would play an important role in strengthening child rights and building a more compassionate society.

President of Dr Mozib Newborn Foundation Prof Md Mozibur Rahman, speaking at the event, called for several measures including the development of a referral linkage app for emergency newborn care, the establishment of a Shariah-based human milk bank, and the creation of a "Newborn Hub" to ensure safety and support for abandoned infants.

Responding to the proposals, Muhit said coordinated efforts among relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, would be required to implement such initiatives, particularly those involving Shariah-based frameworks.

At the end of the programme, the state minister formally inaugurated the PICU facility and handed over three abandoned children to adoptive families.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur joined the event virtually.

Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Prof Mamun Ahmed and Chairperson of Bangladesh Neonatal Hospital Ltd Mahmuda Sultana Asma attended as special guests, while Prof Md Mozibur Rahman presided over the session.

Managing Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Md. Fazlul Haque also attended the programme and praised the initiative of the foundation in supporting underprivileged children. 

Earlier, a rally was held on the premises of the National Press Club to mark the event.