Published: 12:17 AM, 26 April 2026
The Physician of the People: Dr. ABM Haroon’s Lifelong Devotion to Humanity
Dr. ABM Haroon is a man who not only dreamed but also turned those dreams into reality. He once envisioned dedicating himself to the service of humanity, and that vision has come to life. As a physician, he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the service of mankind.
ABM Haroon was born on August 31, 1952, in Fazilpur village of Feni Sadar, at the home of Jan Bakhsh Bhuiyan—a year that marked Bangladesh’s awakening and the triumph of the Language Movement. His father, the late Abul Basher Chowdhury, worked for the then Pakistan Railways, and his mother was the late Begum Nurun Nahar Chowdhury. ABM Haroon received his primary education at Chittagong PTI School. He passed his secondary examination from Chittagong Collegiate School in 1968 and his higher secondary from Dhaka College. He then enrolled at Dhaka Medical College, from where he completed his MBBS in 1976. His professional journey began as a Medical Officer at Dhaka Medical College. Through successive promotions, he served as Senior Medical Officer, Assistant Registrar, and ultimately Registrar. In 1980, he moved to Iraq for employment.
There was a compelling reason behind that decision. As the eldest son of a middle-class family, ABM Haroon had to shoulder the responsibility of a large household comprising five brothers and five sisters. The expenses of their education and overall well-being rested on his shoulders. At that time, the salary from a local job was insufficient to sustain the family. In search of better opportunities, he moved to the Middle East country, Iraq. Fortune eventually favored him—he succeeded in providing higher education to all his siblings and achieved financial stability.
Upon returning to the country, Dr. Haroon resolved to serve the people through healthcare. He established Medicare Diagnostic Center on Elephant Road in Dhaka. Inspired by this initiative, Samorita Nursing Home was founded, which later evolved into Samorita Hospital Limited. Established in 1984, it is among the earliest private hospitals in Bangladesh. For over 42 years, the hospital has been delivering medical services with a strong reputation. Dr. ABM Haroon currently serves as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Samorita Hospital Limited.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dr. ABM Haroon’s life is his deep connection to his roots. He has never forgotten where he came from. The environment that nurtured him continues to bind him with a sense of gratitude. Driven by this connection, he has established several social and charitable institutions in his native village. In 2006, he founded the Nurun Nahar-Moni Charitable and Eye Hospital. Every month, renowned physicians from Dhaka visit to provide treatment there, with all expenses borne by Dr. ABM Haroon. Patients incur no costs. His friends, relatives, and well-wishers also contribute in this regard, which is truly commendable.
At this hospital, cataract surgeries are conducted free of charge every month. Not only that, patients are also provided with accommodation, meals, and travel expenses. Since its establishment, more than 3,800 patients have received free cataract surgeries at this facility. In addition, he has established several institutions in his father’s name, including the Abul Basher Chowdhury Jame Mosque Complex, Abul Basher Chowdhury Hifz and Orphanage, Abul Basher Chowdhury Shelter Center and Library. He has also recently taken the initiative to establish the Abul Basher Chowdhury Vocational Training Institute, which is currently under construction. Once completed, it will play a significant role in reducing unemployment and enhancing the skills of young people in the region.
In his personal life, Dr. ABM Haroon married Latifa Haroon Jharna in 1981. She completed her Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Dhaka in 1982. The couple has two children: a daughter and a son. Their daughter, Munjareen Shahnaz Nobera, is also a doctor and a specialist in hospital management. She completed her O-Level and A-Level from Scholastica and her MBBS from Bangladesh Medical College. She has taught at Bangladesh Medical College for many years. She later obtained an advanced degree in Hospital Management from the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom and currently serves full-time as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Samorita Hospital Limited.
Their son, Md. Atiqul Basher Nabeen, is a faculty member in the Business Faculty at BRAC University and is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Nabeen completed his SSC from St. Joseph School, his HSC from Notre Dame College, and his undergraduate studies at North South University with distinction. He later earned an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, and completed a second Master’s degree from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Dr. ABM Haroon stands as a shining example of humanity—one who has devoted himself entirely to the welfare of others. If more individuals of means were to step forward in this spirit, our society would become far more compassionate and graceful. And when society flourishes, the state naturally grows into one that is prosperous and harmonious. Wishing Dr. ABM Haroon continued success on his journey of serving humanity.
Emran Emon is an eminent
journalist, columnist and a global
affairs analyst. He can be reached
