BSMMU is no place for gentlemen: HC

The High Court has expressed its annoyance at the healthcare services of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU), saying, "This hospital does not have any environment for gentlemen to visit."

During the hearing of a plea by BNP leader Azizul Bari Helal seeking permission to go abroad for medical treatment, the court said, "The name of Bangabandhu is being tarnished by adding it to the name of this hospital. Both the BNP and Awami League governments have failed to build a good hospital."

The HC bench, comprising Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Mohammad Showkat Ali Chowdhury, on Monday made the statement during the hearing of the plea filed by Helal's lawyer, advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury.

Chowdhury told the court that there are many political cases against Helal. Because of this, he is barred from going abroad.

But Helal is suffering from liver issues and needs treatment abroad, his lawyer said.

At that point, the HC bench said, "Neither you [BNP] nor the current ruling party could build a good hospital. Every place is filled with corrupt people."

Justice KM Kamrul Kader said, "I went to Bangabandhu Medical Hospital a few days ago. That is no place for gentlemen to go."

The court fixed next Thursday for the order of the writ seeking permission for Azizul Bari Helal to go abroad.

Earlier, on 9 May this year, the same HC bench, while handling another case, commented on the widespread corruption within the health sector. 

The court accused doctors of colluding with drug companies to profit from their positions.

"Everything has a limit. The health ministry is always open for purchases. Only God knows what is in these purchases."

The court emphasised the importance of addressing corruption in the health sector, highlighting the detrimental impact on the nation and the misuse of public funds.

Additionally, during a hearing on 24 January, the HC bench reiterated the need to combat corruption in the health sector, warning that the country's survival was at stake.

The court summoned the director general of the health directorate over the issue of delayed appointments of doctors in jails, admonishing the official for the poor quality of healthcare services provided to the country's impoverished population. The court urged the health directorate to allocate sufficient funds and ensure efficient service delivery.