Prof Yunus to focus on healthcare, youth empowerment and the ‘Three Zero’ agenda after the polls

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said his post-election work would centre on three key areas: digital healthcare development, youth development and the “Three Zero” agenda.

He shared his plans during a meeting with Akie Abe, head of the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution, at the State Guest House Jamuna. Abe, who is also the wife of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is visiting Bangladesh leading a delegation of her foundation.

Briefing the media later at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said Abe had sought to know Prof Yunus’s priorities after Bangladesh’s national election. In response, Prof Yunus outlined his post-poll focus.

He said his first priority would be the development of digital healthcare to ensure greater access to medical services for women and vulnerable groups. He added that digital platforms would also help expatriate Bangladeshis stay informed about their family members’ health and enable them to offer advice and support.

Secondly, Prof Yunus said he would continue his long-standing work on youth development, with a particular emphasis on nurturing young entrepreneurs. Thirdly, he would carry forward his ongoing efforts related to the “Three Zero” agenda.

During the meeting, Prof Yunus also recalled the warm and sincere relationship he had shared with Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022.

He informed Akie Abe that following the February 12 election, he is scheduled to visit Japan in the third week of March at the invitation of the Sasakawa Foundation. During the visit, he will take part in a conference organised by the foundation, which conducts research on various issues, particularly ocean research, and discuss ways to strengthen collaboration between Bangladesh and the foundation.