Six 100-bed hospitals for workers are planned in major industrial areas across Bangladesh to improve access to healthcare for workers and labourers, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament.

Speaking during an unscheduled discussion at the Jatiya Sangsad, the prime minister said the government had decided to construct six hospitals, each with a capacity of 100 beds. The facilities will be exclusively dedicated to workers.

The planned hospitals will be located in Tongi, Ashulia, Kaliakair, Narayanganj, Savar and Chattogram.

The announcement followed a question from BNP lawmaker Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, who asked whether the government had specific plans to establish hospitals in labour-intensive industrial zones. He also highlighted the need for healthcare services for workers and their family members.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal invited the prime minister to respond after the lawmaker raised the issue through a point of order.

In his response, Tarique Rahman said the country's healthcare system had weakened over the years, with services in rural areas deteriorating. He also expressed concern that many Bangladeshis were being forced to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The prime minister said his government was working to ensure healthcare for people from all walks of life, particularly low-income citizens and workers who contribute to the country's economy.

He added that building the six hospitals was part of the government's plan to provide quality healthcare to workers and labourers.