World AIDS Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere in the world today.
The health ministry has worked out elaborate programmes on the occasion. Various other organisations have also planned programmes to mark the day.
The health minister, AFM Ruhal Haque, will address a seminar at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 10:30am on the occasion. The health ministry will also hold a rally on Manik Mia Avenue at 8:00am.
The president, Zillur Rahman, and the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, the president termed AIDS a serious threat to mankind. He said there was no option but to create awareness to prevent this disease.
Stressing the need for eradication of social superstitions, he said, ‘We can protect ourselves from the disease by following the code of religion and strengthen family bonding.’
The prime minister, in her message, said the government was adamant about check the spread of AIDS. Programmes have already been taken in this regard, she said.
She called on the donor agencies, non-governmental associates and people from all walks of life to work against AIDS.
