PM visits 13 Dhaka locations

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made surprise visits to 13 locations across the capital on Saturday, inspecting hospitals, educational institutions and government residential quarters to assess the quality of public services, cleanliness and overall management.

A doctor was suspended after the prime minister found him smoking in his office at a children’s hospital.

According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, the visits began at 9:10am and continued until 1:41pm.

During this time, Tarique spoke to officials, students and members of the public while observing the environment, cleanliness and standard of services at each facility, said his Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The most serious action followed the prime minister’s visit to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute.

There, he entered the room of Associate Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam and found him smoking. The untidy condition of the room also drew his attention.

Tarique immediately instructed the hospital chairman to take action against the doctor. Dr Rafiqul was subsequently suspended.

Expressing dissatisfaction with poor cleanliness and management at several locations, the prime minister set deadlines for improvement.

He gave the authorities two weeks to improve cleanliness at the Azimpur government quarters.

Earlier, at Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Uttara, he gave the authorities seven days to improve the hospital’s environment and cleanliness arrangements.

The prime minister first visited Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Uttara, followed by Rajuk Uttara Model College and Mirpur Cantonment Public School and College.

He then went to the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh in Mirpur, Paikpara Staff Quarters and Government Bangla College.

Later, he inspected Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital at Agargaon.

Tarique also visited his old school, Dhaka Residential Model College, where he addressed students and urged them to help build a clean Bangladesh and to plant more trees.

His subsequent stops included Dhanmondi Government Boys’ High School, Kalabagan Staff Quarters and Azimpur Government Officers’ and Employees’ Residential Quarters. He also visited a footpath at Mirpur-10 that has been cleared of hawkers.

Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton was present during the visit.

Throughout the inspections, the prime minister stressed the need for responsible action by the authorities concerned to improve public services, maintain cleanliness and protect public health, the press release said.