Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim today called upon all voluntary organizations to cooperate with the government to transfuse safe blood as it is essential to ensure sound health of the nation.

"We have taken different initiatives for safe blood transfusion to help ensure congenial atmosphere in health sector," he told a reception of blood donors hosted by voluntary organization Quantum Foundation at Jatiya Press Club auditorium here.

The minister said the government has taken steps to eliminate "illegal blood trader" across the country.

Recalling an incident in his life of transfusing blood into his body donated by voluntary donor in 1969 when he was ill, Nasim expressed immense gratitude to all voluntary blood donors.

Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council President Professor Dr Mohammad Sahidullah joined the function as special guest while Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hematology Department Professor Dr ABM Yunus and Quantum Foundation Voluntary Blood Donation Programme Chief Coordinator Madam Nahar Al-Bokhari also addressed it.

Some 200 voluntary donors, who donated bloods at least 25 times, were honored in the function.