Published: 11:32 PM, 13 November 2026
President calls for depoliticising professional bodies
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday addresses the first international conference and dental expo-2026 organised by the Bangladesh Prosthodontic Society in Dhaka. - Agency
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday called for keeping professional organisations free from partisan politics, saying politicisation of professional bodies creates unnecessary problems and undermines their professional character.
"Professional organisations should not be politicised," he said, urging all concerned to take initiatives to keep such bodies outside party politics.
The president made the remarks while inaugurating the first international conference and dental expo-2026 organised by the Bangladesh Prosthodontic Society in Dhaka, UNB reports.
He said there should be an end to the practice of changing the entire structure and affairs of professional organisations whenever the government changes.
"If initiatives are taken in this regard, many of the problems will be reduced," Mirza Fakhrul said.
He stressed that professional organisations should primarily work for the interests of their respective professions and contribute to improving services for people.
The president said the people of Bangladesh want change and called for collective efforts to bring about positive changes in the country.
He also urged professionals in the health sector to work with greater sincerity and a sense of responsibility, saying people's welfare should remain at the centre of their activities.
Referring to the broader healthcare system, he said major reforms were needed to ensure medical services reached people at the grassroots.
The president said the country's healthcare system has become so complicated that it has become difficult for ordinary people to access medical services. At the same time, the high cost of dental treatment makes it unaffordable for many people.
Referring to the limitations of healthcare services at government hospitals, the president said that in most cases, there are not enough doctors and adequate medical facilities. In many cases, doctors are hardly available at the upazila level. As a result, ordinary people are compelled to seek treatment from unqualified practitioners.
He therefore called upon the relevant authorities to ensure adequate government-appointed doctors at healthcare centres in remote and marginalised areas.
He said the country invests heavily in medical education and many talented students enter the medical profession, but the benefits of such investment do not adequately reach ordinary people.
The president also highlighted the shortage of doctors at the grassroots, particularly at the upazila level, and called for adequate deployment of government doctors in remote and marginalised areas.
He urged young doctors to serve in rural areas, saying a change in mindset was needed among those reluctant to work outside urban centres.
At the same time, the president stressed the need for young doctors to go to rural areas and provide medical services. He said many young doctors do not want to go to villages after completing their degrees. Some of those who do go leave after a short period for further training or other work. "This mindset needs to change."
Urging those responsible to be sincere in preventing various forms of mismanagement in the health sector, he said the situation could easily be changed if they worked with love for the people and a sense of responsibility.
Earlier, the president unveiled a souvenir marking the conference and was presented with a crest by the organisers.
Professor DrMdSaiful Islam, president of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council, Professor DrSakhawatHossain, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Bangladesh Medical University, and other dental professionals attended the programme.
Professor Dr Abu TayebMdAhsanUllah, president of the Bangladesh Prosthodontic Society, chaired the event.
