Duchess of Edinburgh praises Bangladesh’s social development initiatives

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, has praised Bangladesh’s initiatives in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and the welfare of underprivileged children during a meeting with Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in the capital on November 9.

She also commended the contributions of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and SUROVI, particularly their efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Dr Zubaida Rahman outlined the government’s commitment to build a healthy Bangladesh, highlighting initiatives to reduce maternal mortality and recruit 100,000 health workers to strengthen healthcare services.
She also briefed the Duchess on government programmes, including Family Cards and Farmers’ Cards, designed to provide social and economic support to families and communities, as well as free education for girls.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, among others, attended the meeting.

Welcoming the Duchess, Dr Zubaida appreciated her longstanding commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, children’s well-being and the prevention of avoidable blindness through advocacy for eye health.
Two sides exchanged views on women’s economic empowerment, maternal and child healthcare, gender-based violence and youth development.

Dr Zubaida highlighted the Ziaur Rahman Foundation’s work to promote women’s economic independence, self-reliance and skills development. She also outlined SUROVI’s activities in education, child protection, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and skills development.

She discussed initiatives for disadvantaged children and young people, including the Shishu Swarga Model in urban slum communities and the Blue-Sky Programme and Proyash, which works for children with special needs.
The Duchess appreciated the government's efforts to incorporate the experiences of these organisations into its broader policy agenda. She also commended Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment to women's empowerment and his advocacy against violence against women.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Dr Zubaida called for continued international support for Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh. She stressed the need for their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.
The Duchess praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment in hosting a large Rohingya population and assured that she would continue advocating to keep the issue high on the international agenda.

The meeting also discussed opportunities to strengthen Bangladesh-UK cooperation in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and the protection of vulnerable communities.