In a significant move to improve healthcare services in rural areas, the government has decided to recruit an additional 2,000 doctors, bringing the total number of new medical professionals to 5,500. This decision was made during a meeting of the advisory council chaired by Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday. The recruitment process for 3,493 doctors through the Public Service Commission (PSC) is already underway.

Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced the decision during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. She emphasized that the recruitment aims to ensure adequate medical services for rural populations who currently lack access to proper healthcare.

In addition to healthcare reforms, the government has finalized an action plan to control air pollution. Rizwana Hasan stated that efforts are being made to shut down brick kilns around Dhaka by next year and declare Savar and Aminbazar areas as brick zones. These measures are expected to reduce air pollution in the capital within the next three to four years.

The advisory council also approved a proposal to mandate the labeling of sugar, salt, and saturated fat content on packaged food and beverages. This initiative aligns with international standards and aims to combat non-communicable diseases by promoting public health awareness.

Furthermore, the council decided to rename two institutions: the Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship Trust Act (Amendment) Ordinance and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre Act (Amendment) Ordinance. The names will be simplified, removing specific references.

Regarding education, the government has introduced a one-time quota for families affected by the July 2024 mass uprising, allowing their children priority in school admissions. This measure is intended as a form of compensation for the affected families and is not considered a permanent quota.

On the topic of elections, Rizwana Hasan mentioned that Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus has indicated that elections could be held by December this year or June next year, with the final date to be announced later.

The government is also taking immediate action against extortion and has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women, emphasizing that mob justice has no place in Bangladesh.

These decisions reflect the government's ongoing efforts to address critical issues ranging from healthcare and environmental protection to public safety and electoral transparency.