Zafrullah: A heroic public health pioneer and political visionary

Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
A heroic public health pioneer and political visionary, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, known for his immeasurable contributions during the country’s liberation war and his tireless work in the field of medicine in post-independence era, has left behind a legacy for the next generation.
His passing away has left a profound void in the medical community and the country as a whole. He will always be remembered for his selflessness, dedication, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of downtrodden.
Throughout his life before independence and post independence, he was outspoken against any kind of exploitation and he had commitment for people’s well-being.
When Bangladesh was fighting for its freedom from Pakistan, Zafrullah could not ignore the turmoil happening in his homeland and felt a strong urge to return and help his people in their fight for independence.
Leaving behind his lavish life in London, Zafrullah returned to Bangladesh and immediately began working to help the wounded freedom fighters and set up a field hospital where he worked day and night to treat the wounded fighters.
Dr. Zafrullah’s dedication to public health and medicine was widely recognised and honored by the government and international community. He received numerous awards, including the Independence Award and the Magsaysay Award. However, these accolades paled in comparison to the impact he had on the lives of countless people.
However, Dr. Zafrullah’s legacy was not defined by his awards, but by the impact he had on the lives of countless people. He lived a simple life, forsaking his material possessions and focusing instead on helping those in need.
After Bangladesh gained its independence, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury founded the Gonoshasthaya Kendra, a community health center that provides affordable medical services to all, especially those in need of dialysis. This center has been a lifeline for countless people in Bangladesh, particularly those who cannot afford expensive medical care.
Dr. Zafrullah was a visionary who revolutionised healthcare in Bangladesh, particularly through his role in developing the Bangladesh National Drug Policy in 1982.
Under his leadership, Bangladesh was able to break free from its dependence on imported medicines and began manufacturing and exporting its own drugs. This not only helped to reduce the cost of medicine for Bangladeshis, but also led to the country becoming a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry.
He was always vocal for making the medicines affordable for the patients, giving up the monkey making tendency by the pharmaceuticals.
He was also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment in the medical field. He trained and mentored countless women medical practitioners, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in public health. In 1975, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury co-wrote a research paper titled “Tubectomy by Paraprofessional Surgeons in Rural Bangladesh,” which was published simultaneously in the renowned medical journal Lancet from the United States and the United Kingdom, marking the first cover article from the Indian subcontinent.
Throughout his life, Dr. Zafrullah had many articles published in national and international journals. His 1977 article, “Research: A Method of Colonisation,” was translated into several languages including Bangla, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and many Indian languages.
He was not only a pioneer in the medical field, but also a prominent figure in politics.
During his student days at Dhaka Medical College, he was the General Secretary of the Student Union and stood against all sorts of exploitation and revealed the corruption at the medical.
Despite his left-leaning political ideology, he had a good relationship with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, who admired him for his openness. When Bangabandhu introduced BAKSAL, a one-party system in 1975, Dr. Chowdhury did not join, but their relationship remained cordial.
Just two days before Bangabandhu’s assassination on August 15, 1975, Dr. Zafrullah met him for the last time and left for London with financial assistance from the leader.
Upon reaching London, Dr. Zafrullah was shocked to learn of Bangabandhu’s death, but he remained optimistic about the country’s future and believed that Bangabandhu had repaid the nation by his blood.
Over the years, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury maintained good relations with various governments, including those led by Ziaur Rahman, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Khaleda Zia, and Sheikh Hasina.
However, he never accepted any lucrative posts or positions offered by these governments, as his only priority was the well-being of the general people.
Nurturing the political philosophy of reconciliation and unity, he always advocated for discussions to settle any political impasse.
He never forgot the contributions of national figures such as Maulana Bhashani, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, General Osmany, and Ziaur Rahman. He always spoke up for their due honour and place in history, free from political bias.
Born on December 27, 1941, in Raujan, Chattogram, Zafrullah Chowdhury originally wanted to be a banker but his mother convinced him to become a doctor. He completed his education from Nabakumar School and Dhaka College and became a medical student at Dhaka Medical College. His mortals will remain in his birth place.
He completed his MBBS with a Distinction in Surgery from Dhaka Medical College in 1964 and pursued FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK between 1965 and 1971. He did not take the final exam due to the Liberation War. Later, in 1990, he was honoured with an FCGP from the College of General Practitioners, and in May 2009, he received a Doctor of Humanitarian Service from the World Organisation of Natural Medicine of Canada.
Despite his passing, Dr. Zafrullah’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of doctors, public health experts, policy makers, and political leaders. He will always be remembered as a heroic figure who dedicated his life to the service of his country and its people.