SIRAJGANJ, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit today emphasized that the problems faced by Mansur Ali Medical College and other institutions cannot be resolved through government directives alone.  He underscored that social awareness and collective responsibility are essential to overcoming long-standing challenges in the health sector. Dr Muhit made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the 250-bed General Hospital here in the district on Thursday noon. He mentioned that a significant amount of wealth has been laundered from the country over the past 15 to 17 years, stressing the need to build a culture of responsibility and accountability within society to move out from it. About the occupancy, the state minister said law enforcement agencies can temporarily remove illegal structures or occupations in front of hospitals, but lasting solutions require active participation from local communities.  “The hospital has been built with public funds to serve everyone. Any attempt to occupy it undermines citizens’ rights,” he said, urging people to protest against such wrongdoing. Dr Muhit further acknowledged shortages of infrastructure, manpower, and equipment at Sirajganj Medical College, adding that similar gaps exist nationwide. He assured that necessary steps will be taken to address these issues. Regarding the trauma centre, he explained that it was built to respond to highway accidents but has not yet been made operational due to various reasons. He pledged that measures will be taken to make the centre functional on a priority basis. Referring to the election manifesto, Dr Muhit said the health sector has been given priority, with plans to increase the budget and recruit and train 100,000 health workers to strengthen services at the grassroots level.

KHULNA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) – Experts at a native seed fair today stressed the need to collect, preserve and expand indigenous seed varieties, saying such initiatives can help boost crop production, enhance soil fertility and strengthen the rural economy. They said traditional local varieties are being lost amid the widespread cultivation of modern high-yielding varieties, making preservation efforts increasingly important for safeguarding the local agricultural economy. The remarks were made at a daylong “Rural Seed Fair 2026”, held in a festive atmosphere at the Batiaghata Upazila auditorium with a view to collecting, preserving and expanding indigenous seed varieties that are gradually disappearing. The fair was jointly organised by LOKOZ and Maitree Krishok (Farmers) Federation, two non-government organisations, with support from the Germany-based organisation MIZREO. Experts said such seed exchanges would play a significant role in expanding cultivation in the upcoming season and strengthening farmers’ self-reliance. Speaking as the chief guest, Batiaghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khandaker Kamruzzaman said indigenous seed varieties are a major safeguard in the era of climate change. He appreciated the role of marginal women farmers in preserving these seeds through generations. Special guest Upazila Agriculture Officer Abu Bakkar Siddique said seeds are the lifeblood of a nation and warned that dependence on external sources for seeds could threaten food security. He said the fair demonstrated a pathway towards self-sufficiency. Presided over by LOKOZ Treasurer Ajit Kumar Torofdar, the event was also addressed by the organisation’s Executive Director Debaprasad Sarkar. Over 50 women farmers from 17 villages were at the centre of the event. They displayed several hundred varieties of nearly extinct indigenous paddy, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds that they have preserved over the years. Stalls showcased different local paddy varieties, including Morichshail, Ranisaloot, Hijli, Digha, Morogshail and Kalamanik, alongside seeds of various traditional vegetables. The women farmers not only exhibited the seeds but also exchanged them among themselves and distributed or sold them to visitors. Among others, Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Tarikul Islam, Upazila Social Services Officer Nigar Sultana, Youth Development Officer Md Abu Bakkar Molla and Upazila BRDB Officer Sultana Nasrin also spoke at the programme. Based on the number, diversity, quality and presentation of seeds displayed at the stalls, a selection panel awarded first prize to Karuna Mondal of Sukdara village in Batiaghata upazila, second prize to widow Nomita Sarkar, and third prize to Shiuli Mondal of Halia village of the same upazila. All participating women farmers were also honoured at the event. “I have preserved rare native seeds, including paddy, over the last 10 to 11 years. Many farmers from different places come to me to collect seeds at a fair price,” Karuna Mondal told BSS during the fair. Talking to BSS this afternoon, Palash Das, Coordinator of LOKOZ, said the initiative encourages farmers, especially women, to preserve and expand native seed varieties. Local public representatives, agriculture officials, journalists and several hundred farmers attended the daylong event.