Mahbub Anam pledges support for cleft-affected children’s treatment
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said the government is providing all-out support to ensure the normal development of children born with cleft lip and palate through proper treatment and rehabilitation.
"Ensuring access to appropriate treatment facilities at the grassroots and bringing smiles to the faces of these children is our social and national responsibility," he said.
The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at an event marking World Smile Day-2026 at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital, said a press release.
New Life Hospital Cleft Project and Child Health Awareness Foundation jointly organised the event with support from international charity organisation Smile Train America.
Faqir Mahbub said a smile is a universal language, while a child's smile brings joy not only to the child but also to the family and society as a whole.
"Healthy and happy children will build a healthy and prosperous society and nation in the future. Therefore, ensuring children's health, safety and a beautiful future is the responsibility of all of us," he said.
He said technology and innovation could play an important role in making healthcare for children more accessible, affordable and faster.
"Through telemedicine, healthcare apps and digital platforms, children in remote areas of the country are getting opportunities to receive advice from specialist doctors," he said, adding, the government is working to ensure that the benefits of technology reach every section of society and every child.
The minister appreciated the humanitarian initiative to restore smiles to children with cleft lip and palate through treatment.
"The services being provided by Dr Bijoy Das and the physicians and healthcare workers concerned are not merely medical services; it is a noble initiative to bring new happiness into the lives of children and their families," he said.
Faqir Mahbub stressed the need to expand such humanitarian initiatives and called upon affluent individuals, private organisations and people from all walks of life to come forward in such welfare activities.
"The time, effort, talent and money we invest in children will be the true investment in the future of the country," he said.
Child Health Awareness Foundation Secretary General and Executive Chief Professor Dr Bijoy Krishna Das presided over the programme.
