Leading freedom fighter and Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury was extoled at a commemorative programme where his life and works were highlighted at the Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday.
Bangladesh Peshajibi Odhikar Parishad organised the discussion marking the 1st anniversary of death of Zafrullah Chowdhury, which was observed on April 11.
The speakers said that Zafrullah Chowdhury not only made significant contribution to the country鈥檚 health sector but also in all critical situations in Bangladesh, including the War of Independence.
Addressing the discussion, Bhashani Onusari Parishad convener Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu said, 鈥榋afrullah Chowdhury was a man of heart, who stood beside people from all walks of life regardless their social and political identities. We will not find second one who will think for the masses.鈥�
He said that if Zafrullah had not formulated Bangladesh鈥檚 National Drug Policy in 1982, it would be difficult for the country鈥檚 poor people to buy medicine at an affordable price.
鈥榋afrullah had to face many threats and humiliation for the initiative of the formulation of National Drug Policy,鈥� Rafiqul added.
Gono Odhikar Parishad faction president Nurul Haque Nur said that Zafrullah was a shed for them when they faced attacks.
Nurul said that Zafrullah persuaded for granting bails to 23 leaders and activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad as they were arrested for protesting against the prime minister of India Narendra Modi鈥檚 Bangladesh visit marking the birth centenary of the country鈥檚 founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Zafrullah Chowdhury鈥檚 son Barish Chowdhury said that his father wanted to ensure health facilities for all, medicine at an affordable price and women empowerment.
鈥楳y father always thought that all people in the country would get health services,鈥� he added.
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal president and freedom fighter Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, Gono Odhikar Parishad faction general secretary Rashed Khan and Bangladesh Peshajibi Odhikar Parishad general secretary Nizam Uddin, among others, spoke at the event.
The guests and attendants of the programme paid respect to Zafrullah Chowdhury by observing one-minute silence.聽聽
Zafrullah, who founded Gonoshasthaya Kendra in 1972 to provide healthcare services to underprivileged communities in Bangladesh, breathed his last on April 11 in 2023 at the age of 82.
The healthcare centre is now providing healthcare services at an affordable cost across the country through seven hospitals and 50 sub-centres.
For his outstanding contribution to ensuring healthcare for the poor, Zafrullah earned the title 鈥楧octor of the Poor.鈥�
Zafrullah received Independence Award.
