The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a committee to address long-standing demands of health workers following an emergency meeting convened on Thursday evening at the Secretariat.

According to a press release issued by the ministry today, the meeting, held on the directive of Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, brought together representatives of health inspectors, assistant inspectors, health assistants, sanitary inspectors, porters and other staff.

Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury presided over the session, which was attended by senior officials including Director General of Health Services Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas and Additional Secretary ATM Saiful Islam.

Worker representatives highlighted issues such as lack of recognition despite technical training, limited promotion opportunities, and delays in upgrading pay grades.

They noted that most employees’ basic salaries already exceed the desired grade, meaning the adjustment would not necessarily increase government expenditure but would enhance their social recognition. Porters also raised concerns over pending allowances.

In his remarks, the health secretary assured workers that their grievances were known to the ministry and reiterated the minister’s commitment to resolving them.

He urged staff to focus on the upcoming emergency measles vaccination campaign, stressing that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is aware of their situation and has instructed measures for their welfare.

To address the demands, a committee was formed with Prof Dr Md Zahid Raihan, additional director general (administration), as chair, with one representative each from five associations: Bangladesh Health Inspector Association, Health Inspectors’ Association, Sanitary Inspectors’ Association, Sanitary Inspectorship Welfare Association, and Porters’ Welfare Association.

The committee has been tasked with submitting recommendations to the ministry within 15 days after consultations with stakeholders.