Photo: BSS

DHAKA, JULY 15, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhith today 
said that Bangladesh is set to achieve a unique leadership position in global 
eye healthcare. 

He said, "For the first time in the world, Bangladesh has agreed to work as a 
co-organizer of the upcoming 'Global Summit on Eye Health', which will 
showcase the country's health sector reforms on the world stage."

The State Minister made the remarks this afternoon in a meeting titled 
'Special Roadmap for the Development of Eye Care Services to Prevent 
Blindness and Reduce Vision Loss in Bangladesh', held at the conference room 
of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said a press release here. 

MA Muhith said, an integrated 'National Eye Care Plan' is being developed in 
coordination with the government, non-governmental organizations, the private 
sector, and domestic and international agencies to ensure eye healthcare for 
every citizen, from urban to rural areas. 

Emphasizing three urgent priorities in eye care, the international public 
health and eye specialist Dr Muhit said, "Currently, over 10 lakh people in 
the country are suffering from blindness due to cataracts. Reaching them with 
prompt surgical services is our top priority. Secondly, millions of students 
in villages and towns are falling behind in their studies due to a lack of 
spectacles, and the productivity of middle-aged working people is decreasing 
by about 25 to 30 percent. We want to ensure free and easy access to 
spectacles for people of all ages."