The Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) has strongly condemned and protested the recent comments of Advisor Asif Nazrul on the medical profession, calling them insulting and inappropriate.
In a press release on Saturday, DAB President Professor Dr. Harun Or Rashid and Secretary General Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil said in a joint statement that the statement made by Asif Nazrul about doctors has hurt not only the doctors but also the entire health sector. Such comments undermine the self-esteem of the medical community and devalue their contribution.
The statement said that the country's doctors have stood by the people by risking their lives in every disaster, accident and movement starting from the Covid-19 pandemic. At times, they have put their own lives at risk while providing medical services with limited resources and in hostile environments. Some have even lost their lives. However, denying the contribution of these doctors and making derogatory comments about them is nothing but a deviation from the path of humanity.
DAB further mentioned that doctors have always stood by the students and the public who were shot by the police, lost their jobs or were tortured during the mass uprising and mass movement. Even after the bloody movement, doctors have continued to provide services for the sake of humanity. However, such comments by a government advisor are very sad.
The organization said that there must be a culture of democratic discussion in society, but insulting statements that are not based on information spread confusion in society and undermine the self-respect of doctors. This damages the doctor-patient relationship and is harmful to the health system as a whole.
The statement also said that such statements by Asif Nazrul are sad and unwelcome to a noble profession like hardworking public welfare medical service. Therefore, DAB demanded that his statement be immediately withdrawn and an apology be expressed.
Professor Dr. Harun Or Rashid and Secretary General Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil said, "We are always united in protecting the dignity of doctors. We will continue to work for the development of public health, ensuring accessible medical services, and for the welfare of society. However, any attempt to devalue the medical profession will be strongly resisted."
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