StaffCorrespondent

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called for closer cooperation with the UK to strengthen Bangladesh's healthcare system.He said this when British Trade Ambassador Baroness Rosie Winterton called on him at the state guest house Jamuna on Wednesday.During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen bilateral relations. Baroness Winterton said: "We have had a long and trusted relationship and we are pleased with the trend of reform. ’Professor Yunus said, "This is a transformative time for us. We are focusing on restructuring the institution and redefining priorities. ’Highlighting the shortage of skilled health workers in Bangladesh, he said, "We currently have a crisis of nurses. But nursing isn't just a national problem—it's a global need. We want to train more nurses not only for Bangladesh but also for the whole world. The chief adviser sought the UK's support to strengthen Bangladesh's unresourced health sector. "The government-run health program is almost ineffective. The UK can play an important role here. Another potential sector is the pharmaceutical industry. We urge you to take a stand for the removal of patent protection so that every country can produce vaccines on the social business model affordably. ’

The two sides discussed a wide range of areas of strategic cooperation, including in education, textile industry, defence and aviation.Professor Yunus said: "We welcome the UK's support to improve our education system, modernise the textile sector and explore new areas of cooperation in defence and aviation. ’Both leaders expressed interest in training, technology transfer and long-term partnership in this sector.Emphasizing on gender equality, Professor Yunus said, "We give priority to women's participation in all sectors. Women empowerment is at the heart of our development strategy. ’

Baroness Winterton voiced the UK government's support for the current reform agenda. He also held a meeting with Ali Riaz, the head of Bangladesh's constitutional reform programme.Regarding the possible timing of the next national election, the chief adviser said, "If the political parties agree on a lesser reform process, the election can be held in December." But if a broader reform path is chosen, elections could be held in June. ’BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Chief Coordinator of the Chief Adviser's Office Lamia Morshed were present at the meeting.