Staff reporter:
BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mirza Abbas yesterday called for ensuring that doctors are no longer subjected to political discrimination and that their experience is not overlooked.
“Doctors should not become victims of politics in Bangladesh. Their experience should not be ignored or left unused. This should not happen under any government, and everyone must remain vigilant about it,” he said.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a scientific seminar organised on the occasion of National Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Day 2026 at the conference room of the BMU Super Specialised Hospital.
Mirza Abbas also expressed pride in the country’s healthcare services and medical professionals, saying patients could receive treatment in Bangladesh without having to go abroad.
“I am proud of and pleased with the quality of medical services in the country and our doctors. Patients can receive treatment here, so there is no need to go abroad. I myself do not feel comfortable seeking medical treatment abroad,” he said.
This year’s observance focuses on rehabilitating people who have become unable to work due to accidents and various illnesses, helping them regain their functional abilities. It also aims to advance different subspecialties, including neuro-rehabilitation, robotic rehabilitation and cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque said post-operative physical medicine and rehabilitation services could help patients recover and return to normal life.
He said that despite undergoing several operations, he was able to lead a normal and healthy life through physical medicine and rehabilitation services. He also noted that he had previously been able to make proud contributions to the country as a player of the Bangladesh national football team.
BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr F M Siddiqui said patients often suffer severe psychological trauma following strokes or accidents.
He stressed the need to ensure necessary mental healthcare alongside physical medicine and rehabilitation services to help patients overcome such conditions.
To mark the day, a colourful rally was brought out from the Bot Tala area of the BMU campus at the beginning of the day. It paraded through different parts of the campus and ended at Block C.
