DHAKA, July 8, (V7N) — Social Welfare and Women and Children's Affairs Minister Prof. Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today said the health sector has received the second-highest allocation in the national budget, in line with the BNP’s election pledges to improve healthcare services across the country.

Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop and physicians’ gathering titled "The Role of Unani, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathic Medicine in Building a Healthy Bangladesh," Dr Zahid said Bangladesh’s large population requires a diverse healthcare system, as no single form of treatment can meet everyone’s needs.

He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman recognized this reality after independence and took initiatives to modernize and strengthen the scientific foundation of Unani, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medical education to expand healthcare services.

Noting that Bangladesh has a population of around 180 million, the minister said a large section of the people continues to rely on these traditional systems, which remain an important part of the country’s heritage and culture.

Alongside allopathic medicine, he stressed the need to strengthen public confidence in Unani, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic healthcare.

The workshop was organized by the Unani Ayurvedic Graduate Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (UAGDAB) at the KIB Auditorium in the capital.

Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan, Directorate General of Health Services Director of Homeopathy and Indigenous Medicine Dr Farida Yasmin, and Bangladesh Nationalist Cultural Alliance General Secretary Rafiqul Islam attended the event as special guests.

UAGDAB President Dr Mirza Lutfur Rahman Liton chaired the programme, while General Secretary Dr Aminul Bari Kanon delivered the welcome address and moderated the event.