Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said there is no alternative to breastfeeding for normal growth of a child, terming breastfeeding a right of infants. The prime minister made the remark while inaugurating the programmes of World Breastfeeding Week 2014 at a function at Osmani Memorial Hall on Wednesday, reports BSS. Sheikh Hasina said: “The Holy Quran mentions that breastfeeding be carried out to the new born babies up to two years of age. Breast-milk is the only balanced and safe food for a child up to six months.” Expressing her satisfaction over peoples' awareness on breastfeeding, the prime minister said: “The number of breastfeeding mothers has increased to 64% over the last five years from 47%.”
Sheikh Hasina asked the health professionals to provide optimum support and encouragement to mothers for breastfeeding, saying breastfeeding is a right of infants. The prime minister also urged the male members of the family to remain careful about the health of a lactating mother giving her additional food in the interest of both the mother and child.
She said: “The government has introduced six-month maternity leave and set up breastfeeding corners in the public and private offices."
In this regard the prime minister highlighted her government's initiatives taken for building a healthy nation.
Sheikh Hasina also urged all to work together to build a happy, healthy and prosperous Bangladesh for the future generation.
