Remembering Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury

Zafrullah Chowdhury: A Revolutionary Who Fights for the People

Zafrullah Chowdhury is a well-known name in Bangladesh, who has dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the people. He is a medical doctor, public health activist, and freedom fighter, who played a significant role in Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971. Zafrullah's life is an inspiring story of courage, determination, and sacrifice.

Painting:  Zannatul Ferdous

Early Life and Education

Zafrullah was born on December 27, 1941, in the Chittagong district of Bangladesh. He completed his schooling from Chittagong Collegiate School and later joined Dhaka Medical College to study medicine. After completing his MBBS degree, he went to England to pursue further studies in surgery. He obtained the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) from Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1969.

Role in Bangladesh's Liberation War

Zafrullah Chowdhury's role in Bangladesh's liberation war is commendable. He, along with his friend MA Mobin, quit his studies in England and returned to Bangladesh to join the war effort. They renounced their Pakistani citizenship and obtained Indian travel permits to reach Bangladesh through Calcutta. They faced many obstacles, including detention by Pakistani authorities, but they finally reached Bangladesh in late May 1971. Zafrullah then joined the medical team of the provisional government of Bangladesh and provided medical aid to the freedom fighters and civilians.

Founding of Gonoshasthaya Kendra

After the liberation war, Zafrullah Chowdhury became involved in social work and public health activism. He founded Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK), a non-profit organization, in 1972. The primary objective of GK was to provide healthcare services to the poor and marginalized sections of society. GK has a large kidney dialysis facility, which is the largest of its kind in South Asia.  

 The cost of treatment at GK is unbelievably low, with 20% of patients paying only Tk 800 and the maximum fee being Tk 2,500, which includes all other additional fees. GK deals with about 250 such patients every day, 10-12% of whom get their treatment for free.

Zafrullah's Contributions to the Pharmaceutical Industry

Bangladesh's drug market used to be dependent on imports and controlled by multinational companies. Zafrullah Chowdhury approached Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman about the need to build a local pharmaceutical industry. His suggestion that drugs should be imported from socialist countries was heeded by Bangabandhu, who then persuaded President Ziaur Rahman to follow a similar policy. Ziaur Rahman wanted Zafrullah to join his cabinet and work on the drug policy, but Zafrullah declined the offer in a four-page letter, citing the presence of an anti-liberation politician in Zia's cabinet. In 1982, he persuaded Ershad to adopt a drug policy, which banned the import of thousands of unnecessary drugs. The boom that Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry has since witnessed was a direct result of that drug policy. Bangladesh now exports drugs, in addition to meeting 95% of local demands.

Zafrullah's Simple Life and Honesty

Zafrullah Chowdhury has won many national and international awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay award, for his contributions to public health and social work. Although he lives a very simple life himself, he has always been hardworking and dedicated to his cause. He always did what he thought was best for people and never thought of the consequences of his activities. Even his worst enemies won't be able to raise allegations of dishonesty against him. Gonoshasthaya Kendra.

Advocate for Social Justice and Human Rights

Chowdhury was a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. He was critical of the government's policies, particularly those that neglected the needs of the poor and marginalized. He was also an advocate for secularism, and his outspokenness on the issue often earned him the ire of conservative religious groups. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Chowdhury remained steadfast in his commitment to social justice and human rights.

Awards and Recognition

Chowdhury's contributions to Bangladesh's healthcare system and social justice movement have been widely recognized. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay award, one of the highest honors for social work in Asia. He was also recognized by the World Health Organization for his contributions to primary healthcare.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his many accomplishments, Chowdhury remained humble and lived a simple life. He was known for his dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. His passing is a great loss to Bangladesh and to the global community of social activists and healthcare professionals. However, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come to work towards a more just and equitable world.

In conclusion, Zafrullah Chowdhury was a remarkable individual who made significant contributions to Bangladesh's healthcare system and social justice movement. His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others and his dedication to his country serve as an inspiration to us all. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us towards a more just and equitable world.