A fighter till the end
Despite his failing health, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury was more active and hard-working than many healthy persons. Death had knocked on his door several times before. But he kept death away and survived miraculously.
www.thedailystar.net
Golam Mortoza
Thu Apr 13, 2023 07:30 AM Last update on: Thu Apr 13, 2023 01:43 PM
Despite his failing health, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury was more active and hard-working than many healthy persons. Death had knocked on his door several times before. But he kept death away and survived miraculously.
The valiant freedom fighter was born on December 27, 1941, in Chattogram's Raozan upazila. He was the eldest among his nine siblings. He did his matriculation from Nabakumar Institution in Bakshibazar, Dhaka. He passed intermediate exams from Dhaka College.
His life was anything but ordinary. After completing MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 1964, he went to London to take the FRCS course. He passed the primary exam with flying colours. When the final exam of his four-year course was only a couple of weeks away, the Liberation War broke out in Bangladesh.
In such a situation, an ordinary person would probably have thought that he should take the exam. But Zafrullah thought otherwise. He decided to abandon his academic dreams and dedicate himself to raising public awareness about the Liberation War.
I once asked him how he made the decision to not sit for an exam he prepared for four years.
Smiling, he replied, "I heard about the genocide by the Pakistan army… I thought it was more important to stand by the people, raise public awareness in favour of the Liberation War than to take the FRCS exam.
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"Many people were surprised to hear that I didn't sit the FRCS exam. I didn't have to think twice before making the decision. I find it funny that people were surprised at my decision."
At that time, expatriate Bangalees used to protest on the streets of London, holding photographs of the genocide. Foreigners also took part in those demonstrations. In one such protest, Zafrullah tore up his Pakistani passport.
I asked him whether he did this impulsively. He replied, "Tearing up the passport was a protest against the Pakistan army's genocide. I wanted to tell them 'You are killing us, so I am destroying your passport and rejecting Pakistani citizenship'."
In May 1971, Zafrullah and Dr Mobin decided to travel to Kolkata. The two had no passports and citizenship. They collected travel permits and started for Kolkata on a Syrian airlines flight. They had a stopover in Damascus, and trouble occurred there. The Pakistan government was keeping a watch on their movements and tried to arrest them with the help of the Syrian government.
All the passengers disembarked. The two friends, however, didn't get off the flight, sensing danger. They knew that police could not arrest anyone from an international flight.
A Pakistani colonel at the airport claimed, "Two of our citizens are on board. Hand them over to us." They continued negotiations for a long time. Finally, the Pakistani officer was informed that Zafrullah and Mobin were not carrying Pakistani passports. Rather, they were travelling with travel permits. This is how the two escaped arrest.
In late May, the two reached Agartala which was under sector-2 of the Liberation War. Zafrullah built a field hospital there. This hospital ultimately became Gonoshasthaya Kendra in the independent Bangladesh, which primarily took shape in Bisramganj village of Agartala.
Khaled Mosharraf, sector commander of sector-2, was running the war from that region. Injured freedom fighters were treated at that hospital named "Bangladesh Field Hospital". The hospital, made of bamboo and hay, had 480 beds and an operation theatre. Complicated surgeries were conducted there to save the lives of the badly injured freedom fighters.
The hospital was the brainchild of Zafrullah and Mobin, the only cardiac surgeon of Pakistan at the time. They trained a group of volunteers as paramedics who worked as nurses. Rights activist Sultana Kamal was one of the nurses.
When the hospital was about to be set up in Bangladesh, objections were raised from the administration. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then president of the newly independent Bangladesh, heard about it. Zafrullah met Bangabandhu at the Secretariat. He recalled what Bangabandhu had said to him that day.
Zafrullah said to Bangabandhu, "Mujib Bhai, no permission is being given for Bangladesh Field Hospital."
"Actually, when the word 'Bangladesh' is there, it gives the impression that it's a state-run hospital. Choose a better name for the hospital," said Bangabandhu.
After a lot of arguments, Bangabandhu said, "You choose three names and I will pick three more. Then we two will select the best name for the hospital."
Zafrullah then chose three names and got back to Bangabandhu.
Bangabandhu inquired, "What name did you choose?"
Zafrullah said, "The first one is Bangladesh Field Hospital and the second option is Gonoshasthaya Kendra."
Bangabandhu stopped him and said, "Gonoshasthaya is a beautiful name. This will be the name of your hospital. It will not only provide medical treatment, but also will contribute to building the nation. Gonoshasthaya Kendra will have to work in the education, agriculture and health sectors as well."
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Our one and only Zafrullah Bhai
A true patriot, he not only played a key role in the birth of Bangladesh, but devoted his life to make the dream of our independence a reality.
www.thedailystar.net
A true patriot, he not only played a key role in the birth of Bangladesh, but devoted his life to make the dream of our independence a reality.
Shaheen Anam
Wed Apr 12, 2023 08:00 PM Last update on: Wed Apr 12, 2023 08:15 PM
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury. FILE PHOTO: STAR
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Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury. FILE PHOTO: STAR
Today, no matter what I write, it won't do justice to this great man. In a world fractured with strife, self-interest and greed, he stood up tall in principle, determination and a sense of purpose. That purpose was for a Bangladesh free from exploitation, where everyone would enjoy their basic and fundamental rights. A true patriot, he not only played a key role in the birth of Bangladesh, but devoted his life to make the dream of our independence a reality.
With that single-minded purpose, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury left a legacy that will be hard to match for generations to come. Affordable healthcare for all was his first objective. He believed that it is possible to provide every person with the healthcare they need. The Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) and the Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospitals are a testimony to his conviction that heath service is a right no one should be deprived of. The doors of the hospital are open to one and all, with everyone enjoying the same quality of services.
He set up the kidney dialysis centre in the GK Nagar Hospital again with that same belief. I once asked him why he set it up, and this is what he told me: one day, while taking dialysis at a private hospital, a lady told him she would not return for dialysis from tomorrow. Shocked, Zafrullah Bhai told her that she would surely die without dialysis, to which she replied, "I know, but I can no longer pay for it."
This affected Zafrullah Bhai so much that he decided to set up the kidney dialysis centre. He raised funds from private sources to set up the centre, making it the biggest one in the country providing free service to 20 percent patients, charging others between Tk 800 to a maximum Tk 2,500, while other private hospitals charge anything between Tk 4,000 and Tk 5,500. He believed passionately that health services, like education, should not be for profit.
A crusader for an equal and just society, he stood beside every social movement as a strong voice against discrimination, abuse of power, environmental degradation, and discrimination against vulnerable people. He never minced his words and was sharply critical of policies and actions that went against the fundamental rights of citizens.
Zafrullah's contribution has not been confined to just health services. A crusader for an equal and just society, he stood beside every social movement as a strong voice against discrimination, abuse of power, environmental degradation, and discrimination against vulnerable people. He never minced his words and was sharply critical of policies and actions that went against the fundamental rights of citizens. Personal health challenges could not deter him from standing in human chains, protest rallies or dialogues to convey his message of justice and equality for all.
There are so many remarkable aspects to his contributions to society that it is hard for me to write which one is the most outstanding. Is it the drug policy that he formulated, which resulted in affordable medicine for everyone, or the success of his family planning strategies, or is it his special attention to improving the situation of women?
In spite of the progress women have made in Bangladesh, we are still struggling with gender-defined roles, norms and practices. Way back in the early 70s, GK in Savar started to train women as drivers, welders and farmers. He believed everyone irrespective of gender should learn skills that would make them self-reliant. His recruitment policy was fair, non-discriminatory with an element of affirmative action. Today, 40 percent of the staff at GK are women, many in top positions.
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The health situation of women, especially from low-income groups, rural women and those living in remote areas, was a special concern for him. After retiring from GK, he devoted his time to addressing women's special medical needs through timely surgeries, obstetric care, etc. He remained forever pained at the high rate of maternal mortality in Bangladesh and believed that it was totally preventable.
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury's demise is an end of an era, of hopes, dreams and idealism. A valiant freedom fighter, he continued till the end to materialise the dream and aspiration through which Bangladesh came into existence. I cannot end without mentioning Shireen Huq, a women's and human rights activist, his life partner who stood beside him all the way to fulfill his dream of a more humane, equal and just society.
Goodbye, dear Zafrullah Bhai. We will miss your presence, because you always stood up for what is right.
Shaheen Anam is the executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation.
Related topic:
The man who walked the talk
He has shown us that politics need not be a dirty word, that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that dialogue and respect can take us further than we ever thought possible.
www.thedailystar.net
Aftab Ahmed
Wed Apr 12, 2023 04:06 PM Last update on: Thu Apr 13, 2023 01:26 PM
VISUAL: TEENI AND TUNI
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VISUAL: TEENI AND TUNI
As a student in the 60s, Zafrullah Chowdhury did not mince his words while exposing the Dhaka Medical College's incessant corruption to the media. Neither did he think twice before leaving the comforts of a British education, returning to fight for his nation's emancipation in 1971.
Beyond armed struggle, he set up field healthcare services for freedom fighters – instrumental in supporting the war effort against the Pakistani military junta. Bangladesh was born, and Chowdhury was a silent, but game-changing figure in defining the country's inception and its sovereign landscape.
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Under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib's patronage, Chowdhury established the pioneering Gonoshasthya Kendra – a symbol of the highest ethical ideals in healthcare provision. In the late 70s, General Ziaur Rahman attempted to persuade Chowdhury to join his Cabinet. Always a man who put principles above everything else, he refused – and drafted a now famous four-page letter to the president, citing that he would not join a government which comprised of anti-liberation forces.
After General Ershad took over the reins, Chowdhury worked towards formulating Bangladesh's National Drug Policy. Today, the country is seen as a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry – and Chowdhury is undeniably its principal architect.
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While Chowdhury lambasted BNP for celebrating their chairperson's birthday on August 15th and condemned the culture of impunity following the August 2004 grenade attacks, he remained a fierce and loyal adviser to Khaleda Zia – who trusted him to her core. In recent years, he denounced the anti-democratic proclivities of the current regime, and did so by reminding the Awami League that they had forgotten their pro-people roots.
In his last act, a visibly frail Chowdhury attended a reception at Bangabhaban a few weeks ago. He pleaded to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to engage in dialogue with her opponents prior to the elections. In a nutshell, Chowdhury was the antithesis of the traditional Bangladeshi political operative, whom the younger generation have learnt to vehemently dislike. He understood, better than anyone, that politics is not simply about power – but an avenue to serve the people.
He was candid and blunt and held strong to his opinions. But he also recognised that those opinions may differ from that of others and saw it as a good thing. He did not pay heed to who was in power. He advised from his heart, and had the courage to do so by speaking the truth. Owing to this, he earned the respect of all political actors. In today's Bangladesh, this is not simply an anomaly – but a utopian dream.
In a nutshell, Chowdhury was the antithesis of the traditional Bangladeshi political operative, whom the younger generation have learnt to vehemently dislike. He understood, better than anyone, that politics is not simply about power – but an avenue to serve the people.
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury's legacy is multifaceted and far-reaching, encompassing his contributions to healthcare, education, human rights, and governance.
Gonoshasthaya Kendra, the community-based healthcare organisation that provides affordable and high-quality medical services to millions of people, especially in rural areas, will remain a living testament to his legacy. His innovative and inclusive approach to healthcare, which emphasises the importance of preventive medicine, patient empowerment, and community participation, has been hailed as a model for other developing countries.
As a physician himself, he understood the typology of health care and worked diligently to transform an amorphous and monolithic system into one that was accessible to all. His efforts in increasing the visibility of health services, incorporating women in the sector, and making healthcare affordable for the average citizen has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Beyond his profession, his commitment to social justice and human rights was equally impressive. He has been, throughout his life, a vocal critic of authoritarian trends and a fierce advocate for democratic reforms, free speech, and the rule of law – while being cognisant that he had an obligation to work with all political parties, to serve the people of Bangladesh.
Perhaps what sets Chowdhury's legacy apart from others is his ability to work across political and social divides. He was a rare example, in fact the only person that comes to mind, of a figure who could command the respect of both the ruling party and the opposition, and who was willing to engage in constructive dialogue with his opponents. His ability to transcend partisan politics and focus on the bigger picture was a demonstration of his vision, leadership, and moral courage.
He knew that frivolous arguments and mendacity would only serve to derail the country's development – and he refused to let such malfeasance get in the way of his mission to serve the people. Throughout his career, Chowdhury was a firm believer in the interaction between dialogue and division, understanding that it is only through respectful discourse that we can move forward as a society. This genesis of his approach was evident in his ability to work with every government since independence.
Today, as
we mourn his loss, we must also celebrate his legacy. He has shown us that politics need not be a dirty word, that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that dialogue and respect can take us further than we ever thought possible. Let us pay tribute to this great man by carrying forward his vision for a better Bangladesh, one where the interplay of ideas and the spirit of cooperation reign supreme.
If you are someone who dislikes today's brand of politics and have distanced yourself from public life, look towards Zafrullah Chowdhury for inspiration. Bangladeshi governments have an unfortunate habit of glorifying leaders who only represent their respective political parties. One hopes Chowdhury gets the posthumous recognition he deserves from the state. If there was a list of the greatest Bangladeshis of all time, his name should be in the reckoning. He has won the highest state honours and multiple international awards – but more importantly, he has captivated the nation via public service.
To Zafrullah Chowdhury: We thank you. Yours is a life well lived. And you were, in the truest sense, a quintessential public servant who lived and breathed not for yourself, but for those whom you served.
Aftab Ahmed is a Master of Public Policy candidate with the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. He is a regular columnist for The Daily Star and Dhaka Tribune and can be reached at aftab.ahmed@alum.utoronto.ca
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