US Special Envoy Visits Suravi School, Pledges Cooperation for Child Welfare

A US special envoy and senior officials have visited Suravi School in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, to emphasize stronger cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in the fields of child education, health, and welfare.

The visit took place on Sunday during an event organized by Suravi, attended by US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles J. Harder and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, along with other members of the delegation. The initiative aims to strengthen partnerships in education and health to ensure a brighter future for children.

In the context of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States, initiatives related to children’s healthcare, food security, improved sanitation systems (WASH), and child protection are currently receiving special attention.

Suravi founder Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu welcomed the US delegation. Prime Minister’s spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman was also present at the event, along with Shahina Khan Zaman and other officials of the organization.

The US delegation visited the school in recognition of Suravi’s long-standing contributions to inclusive education and child development.

During the event, Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) organized a free medical service programme for students at the school premises. More than 300 children received medical check-ups covering eye care, dental care, and general pediatric health.

The ZRF delegation included Vice President Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Executive Director Professor Farhad Halim Donar, Director Professor Morshed Hasan Khan, Barrister Zaima Rahman, Dr. Mostafa Aziz Suman, and Dr. Aman Ullah.

Two documentaries highlighting the institutional activities and contributions of Suravi and ZRF were screened during the programme. Participants later discussed various ways to collaborate in the future for the advancement of education and child healthcare.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin also attended the programme, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to child welfare and development.

Founded on February 1, 1979, by Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu with just one student, Suravi has provided education to nearly 2.8 million underprivileged children over the past 46 years. Inspired by the philosophy of Banu’s poem Jharapata, the institution aims to transform dropout children into capable citizens.

Officials believe that cooperation between local and international organizations will play a significant role in ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for Bangladesh’s next generation.