Staff Reporter :
The Executive Committee election of the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB), a pro-BNP physicians’ organization, will be held today (Saturday).
Ahead of the election, the Harun-Shakil panel announced a three-tier manifesto and action plan at a press conference on Friday at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Dr. Zahirul Islam Shakil, outgoing treasurer and current candidate for General Secretary, presented the manifesto. He said their panel members have remained active in political movements over the past 17 years, supporting the BNP and providing medical aid during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue outbreaks, and natural disasters. They have also treated injured activists during political movements.
The panel introduced candidates for key positions: President: Prof. Dr. Harun-ur-Rashid, General Secretary: Asst. Prof. Dr. Zahirul Islam Shakil.
Among the other posts, Senior Vice President: Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kenan, Treasurer: Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan, Senior Joint Secretary General: Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Khalequzzaman Dipu.
The panel’s manifesto highlights some short-term goals (1-3 years) including implementation of “Universal Healthcare” in line with BNP’s 31-point reform plan. Legal reforms for healthcare worker and patient rights. Policy changes for equitable promotion and transfer of government doctors. Curriculum updates for MBBS, postgraduate, and nursing education. Upgrading union-level healthcare centers and referral systems. Establishment of a tech-enabled permanent DAB office and Doctors’ Welfare Fund. Raising the government doctor recruitment age limit to 34. Overseas training opportunities and removal of BMDC barriers for foreign doctors.
Its mid-term goals (1-5 years): included introduction of a National Health Card system. Automation of healthcare services. Recruitment of qualified doctors excluded over the past 15 years and Measures to address age-limit barriers for affected doctors.
Its long-term goals (1-10 years): are restructuring of healthcare management and introduction of national health insurance.
Responding to questions, Prof. Dr. Harun denied allegations of removing members, stating only those aligned with “fascism” had their memberships canceled. He acknowledged minor issues in the voter list and affirmed the election is proceeding under Tarique Rahman’s directives.
Several senior DAB leaders were present, including Dr. M.A. Selim, Dr. Mosaddek Hossain Biswas, and Prof. Dr. Mahbub Ahmed Shamim.
