Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today spoke at the Jatiya Press Club. Photo: PID

DHAKA, August 25, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today said the government is making strides to build a discrimination free and inclusive Bangladesh where everyone’s rights will be protected.

“The government remains vigilant so that none faces any form of discrimination in the country,” he told a discussion titled “Role, Rights and Future Responsibilities of Diploma Pharmacists in the Health Sector”.

Diploma Pharmacists Association of Bangladesh (D-FAB) organized the event at Jatiya Press Club here as Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman attended it as the special guest, said an official handout.

Zahid said if the satisfaction of those involved in the service sector can be ensured, ordinary people will receive the highest quality services. 

Therefore, he said, the government is sincerely working from its position to provide necessary support to the concerned professionals.

Emphasizing the importance of enhancing professional skills and excellence, he said no profession can deliver the desired benefits without proper career planning. 

Therefore, everyone should adopt long-term plans for improving their organizations and professions, he suggested.

He also urged those concerned to play a vigilant role in maintaining the quality of medicines in healthcare services and ensuring that patients receive the correct medicines.

Atikur Rahman Ruman called upon everyone to work together with dedication to strengthen the Prime Minister’s efforts to build an inclusive and humane Bangladesh.

Representatives of diploma pharmacists raised a demand for implementation of 10th-grade pay scale for diploma pharmacists. 

In response, the minister said the government would consider ensuring fair opportunities and benefits for pharmacists, as it does for other services and professions, and assured them of necessary cooperation in this regard.

The minister also made a strong call for increasing women’s participation in the health sector as well as in all other sectors.