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Attacks on doctors are planned and intentional: Dr Rafiqul Islam
Published : Saturday, 22 August, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Observer Stuff Correspondence
File Photo
Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, health affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has expressed deep concern over a series of attacks and incidents of harassment against doctors across the country, saying that the attacks appear to be planned and deliberate.
He said such incidents are not only creating insecurity among doctors but could also undermine trust between physicians and patients.
Dr Rafiqul made the remarks on Saturday at a human chain titled “Protest Against the Continued Persecution of Doctors Across the Country”, organised by the BCS (Health) Cadre Specialist Doctors Forum.
Professor Rafiqul Islam said Professor Dr Asad is a renowned physician and head of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Referring to a video of the attack on Dr Asad, he said it was clear that his CNG-run auto-rickshaw was deliberately stopped before he was assaulted.
“There is no scope to treat this as an isolated incident,” he said.
He added that just two days earlier, another physician, Dr Hasib, had been rescued from Purbachal with his hands and legs tied. “Such attacks and persecution of doctors are extremely alarming,” he said.
Calling for an investigation into whether the attacks on doctors during the current government are politically motivated, Dr Rafiqul said, “At a time when a democratic and accountable government is pursuing public welfare-oriented activities, incidents of covert attacks on doctors are taking place. It is necessary to investigate whether there is any plan behind these incidents.”
He also warned that continued attacks on doctors could have negative consequences for the country's healthcare system and economy.
According to Dr Rafiqul, insecurity among doctors could create a crisis of trust between physicians and patients. He noted that neighbouring countries are offering various incentives to attract Bangladeshi patients for medical treatment.
“If this situation continues, a large number of Bangladeshi patients may choose to seek treatment abroad. This will also have a negative impact on Bangladesh's economy,” he said.
He further questioned whether any third party was attempting to benefit from a breakdown of trust between doctors and patients, or whether there was a deliberate conspiracy behind the incidents, urging the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Speakers at the human chain demanded that security be ensured for doctors both inside and outside their workplaces, that every attack on physicians be investigated promptly, that the perpetrators receive exemplary punishment, and that harassment of doctors be stopped.
Among those present at the programme were Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) Secretary General Dr Zahirul Islam Shakil, Dhaka Medical College Vice-Principal Dr Musarrat Sultana Sumi, BCS (Health) Cadre Specialist Forum Convener Dr Mirza Asaduzzaman, Member Secretary Dr Al-Amin, Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Dr Badsha, Dr Manzur, Dhaka Medical College Chhatra Dal Convener Dr Raihan, Member Secretary Dr Meshkat, as well as doctors and students from various medical colleges and hospitals across the country.
-JB/HIS
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
