Manikganj Correspondent.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, MP, has stated that corruption must be rooted out from every tier of society. As representatives elected by the people's votes, officials and leaders must work with utmost transparency, honesty, and dedication to restore the rights of the citizens.

The minister made these remarks while addressing an exchange meeting aimed at coordinating law and order, development, and public welfare activities as the chief guest at the Manikganj Deputy Commissioner's office on Monday. 

"We must eradicate corruption from every layer of society," the Health Minister said. "Because we are elected by the people. We have all secured the people's mandate with absolute transparency. 

Criticizing past electoral systems, he remarked, "In former times, DCs, UNOs, and OCs were given huge sums of money during elections. A UNO was given a minimum of 50 lakh to 1 crore taka, OCs according to their jurisdiction, and DCs were also given massive funds. A veritable jungle of bribery and corruption was created back then. Has anyone received even 10 taka in this recent election? I didn't give 10 taka to anyone, and nobody asked for it."

He asserted that no financial or unethical favors can be accepted if people's rights are to be restored. In the past, officials were subjected to unethical pressure to take illicit benefits under the threat of losing their jobs. "Those days are now over. Everyone must discharge their duties with conscience, honesty, and purity," he added.

Regarding the health sector, the Health Minister stated that the government is firmly committed to elevating the country's health sector to a level comparable to any developed nation in the world within the next three years.

Speaking as a special guest, MP  for Manikganj-3 and Food Minister Afroza Khanom Rita said, "We want to build Manikganj district as a model district. To achieve this, everyone must work together to eradicate drugs from society. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, and no one involved in drug consumption or trade will be spared."

She stressed that administration, law enforcement, public representatives, teachers, guardians, and the media must work collectively to shield the youth and younger generation from the devastating grips of drugs. At the same time, effective steps must be taken to prevent gambling, terrorism, juvenile delinquency, and social degradation.

The Food Minister added that alongside the government, the responsible role of people from all levels of society is crucial in building a beautiful, safe, orderly, and drug-free Manikganj. Through combined efforts, transforming Manikganj into an ideal model district is entirely possible.

Presided over by Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana, the meeting was also attended by Manikganj-1 MP S. A. Kabir Jinnah, Manikganj-2 MP Engineer Mainul Islam Khan Shanto, Superintendent of Police Golam Sarwar Alam, District Information Officer Nur Hossain, and District Safe Food Officer Rowshan Ara, alongside officials from various government offices in the district.