Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. File Photo

DHAKA, April 7, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain today visited the Department of Social Services office complex in Agargaon and inspected its various wings and ongoing activities.

During the visit, the minister toured the marginal industry exhibition and sales centre run by the department to improve the livelihoods of marginalised communities. He also observed a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on "Survivor-Centered GBV Case Management," jointly organised by the Department of Social Services and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The minister exchanged views with the trainees and inquired in detail about the importance and relevance of the training. He advised incorporating practical and time-relevant issues into such programmes and instructed the participants to utilise their acquired knowledge effectively and carry out their responsibilities with sincerity.

Later, the minister visited the Child Helpline 1098 operations being run under the second phase of the "Child Sensitive Social Protection in Bangladesh (CSPB)" project implemented by the department. During the inspection, he was briefed about the number and types of calls received and the service delivery mechanisms.

The minister directed the authorities to upgrade the helpline's software system at the earliest to make the reporting mechanism more modern and efficient, expressing hope that this would enable data presentation by division, district and upazila levels.

AZM Zahid also visited the department's daycare centre and other facilities, stressing the need for ensuring proper care of children with affection and compassion.

Director General (Additional Secretary) Shah Mohammad Mahbub, other directors of the department, the national project director of the CSPB project, and concerned officials were present during the visit.