The rising cost of healthcare in Bangladesh poses a serious challenge for the general public, many of whom rely on government hospitals for affordable services. Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), along with facilities like Suhrawardy Hospital and the Dhaka Children’s Hospital, is often the first line of care for a population that cannot afford private treatment. Yet despite offering lower-cost services, these hospitals frequently leave patients dissatisfied, prompting them to seek alternative options in private hospitals despite the financial strain. Resource Constraints in Public Hospitals Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, Director of DMCH, openly acknowledges the difficulties faced by public healthcare facilities, citing high patient volumes and limited resources as significant hurdles. “Demand far exceeds our capacity,” he said, noting that public hospitals like DMCH operate under considerable pressure, leading to overcrowding, long wait times, and shortages of essential resources. With a population largely reliant on these services, patients are often forced to endure cramped wards, extended delays, and varying levels of staff engagement. The impact of these conditions on patients is profound. Milon Haque, a small business owner admitted to DMCH, shared his experience of inadequate care due to the overwhelming number of patients. “I had several health complications, but I couldn’t get timely attention from the doctors,” he explained, describing not only the delays but also the poor facilities and unprofessional conduct of certain staff members. The lack of proper care ultimately drove him to seek treatment at a private clinic, stretching his limited budget. For Milon, private care is a considerable financial burden, but one he feels compelled to bear given the circumstances. This story resonates with many, particularly parents with young children who seek treatment at Dhaka Children’s Hospital. A couple recently took their two-year-old daughter, Mahi, there, only to leave in search of a private hospital when they could not secure a bed. “I don’t know how long we can bear the expense, but my child’s health is my priority,” Mahi’s father explained. This desperate choice between personal finances and essential care is one that many families face when navigating the public healthcare system. Appeal of Private Healthcare Private hospitals, while expensive, offer a contrasting experience that attracts those willing to make financial sacrifices. Patients generally report higher satisfaction with the quality of private hospital services and facilities, even though these options come at a steep price. Enamul Karim, 58, recently received treatment at a private hospital and described it as a positive experience, noting that it felt vastly different from the challenges he encountered in public hospitals. “Doctors in government hospitals are incredibly skilled, but due to the volume of patients, we often miss out on direct services. Many of them have private practices, and while expensive, it’s often preferable to go there,” Enamul explained. This sentiment is echoed across various socio-economic backgrounds. For many, the decision to choose private care stems from a need for reliable and timely attention that government hospitals, under pressure to serve large numbers of people, struggle to provide. Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditures The Directorate General of Health Services' Health Economics Unit reports a troubling trend: out-of-pocket health expenditure has surged to around 69 percent in Bangladesh as of 2020. Pharmaceuticals constitute a significant portion of these expenses, followed by diagnostics and other medical services. Read: Health Adviser emphasizes urgent need to reform healthcare sector The general economic downturn and rising cost of living have only exacerbated the situation, making healthcare unaffordable for many. Public health experts are alarmed by this rising expenditure, which forces individuals to choose between financial security and essential health services. Delaying care due to financial concerns can lead to worsened health conditions and higher long-term treatment costs. Besides, “out-of-pocket health expenses” encompass non-medical costs that impact productivity, lost wages, and transportation expenses, which, though often overlooked, place a heavy burden on individuals and families alike. Health economics research categorises these expenses into three groups: direct medical (costs of healthcare resources), direct non-medical (costs like transportation and caregiver support), and indirect (lost productivity). These expenses cumulatively create an enormous economic burden that impacts families and the wider society. Comprehensive evaluations of healthcare costs, including non-medical expenses, are essential to understanding the true financial impact of the current system. Structural Inequities in Bangladesh’s Healthcare System Bangladesh’s healthcare infrastructure encompasses over 3,976 public facilities and 975 private hospitals and clinics. Yet, despite this extensive network, public healthcare usage remains low due to system inefficiencies and lack of resources. Research by the Centre for International Epidemiological Training (CIET) found that only 13% of Bangladeshis use government services, while 27% turn to private or NGO services. Alarmingly, a large majority – 60% – resort to unqualified providers due to accessibility and affordability concerns. A study led by Syed Saad Andaleeb of Pennsylvania State University suggests that the economic framework within which these hospitals operate impacts service quality. Public hospitals operate under constrained government budgets, whereas private hospitals are incentivised by client fees, motivating them to provide higher-quality care to attract and retain patients. This dynamic results in a significant disparity, pushing many people to seek out private facilities despite the cost. A Growing Call for Healthcare Reform The stories emerging from DMCH and similar institutions underscore the urgent need for systemic reform. Addressing the barriers to quality care requires strategic shifts in resource allocation, improvements in patient management, and enhanced staff training within public healthcare facilities. Read more: Sharp rise in dengue cases puts strains on country’s fragile healthcare system  

In Bangladesh, hospitals are places where patients think twice before visiting, due to numerous issues such as hygiene, food quality, overcrowding and ventilation. Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) ranks top among the facilities blamed for these issues. “I never think of visiting public hospitals in Bangladesh, let alone Dhaka Medical College Hospital,” said Tahsin Farzana, a homemaker from a middle-class family. According to Tahsin, hospitals should provide relief, but in Bangladesh, particularly at public facilities, the conditions are distressing. "The washrooms and toilets in these hospitals are the dirtiest places," she remarked, adding that even attendants feel unwell after a short stay caring for a patient. Tahsin expressed frustration with the status quo, saying, “This situation cannot be allowed to go on. A hospital should be a place where a patient can heave a sigh of relief, but to expect that in Bangladesh is simply a dream.” Severe Hygiene Challenges Cleanliness within hospitals is critical, covering not only wards and operating theatres but also public areas like waiting rooms, toilets and cafeterias. Experts warn that inadequate hygiene in hospitals contributes to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.   Routine cleaning using hypochlorite disinfectants has been proven to reduce infections like C. difficile, particularly when combined with standard disinfectants. However, data reveals that cleanliness in Bangladeshi hospitals is alarmingly deficient. Only 38% of health facilities nationwide have basic hygiene services, with a stark difference between government (32%) and private (69%) facilities, as reported by WHO and Unicef in their latest JMP report.  A recent study by icddr,b found that only 33% of toilets in government hospitals are clean, with most lacking disposal options for menstrual hygiene products and facilities for disabled patients. The study, conducted across 2,459 toilets in Dhaka's healthcare facilities, highlights an inadequate user-to-toilet ratio, far exceeding the national standard of 1:6, with government hospitals reaching a ratio of 214:1. DMCH’s Fight with Mismanagement Dhaka Medical College Hospital, one of the country's most significant public healthcare providers, faces immense strain. Patient numbers at DMCH have almost doubled the hospital's intended capacity, severely impacting the quality of care. From wards to corridors, patients lie on floors as the hospital grapples with overcrowding, inadequate beds and a lack of resources. Read: Emergency services resume at DMCH, outdoor still closed Hospital director Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan acknowledged the numerous complaints, attributing the worsening conditions to both overcrowding and insufficient facilities. "One toilet serves ten patients. If you accommodate 4,300 patients in a facility designed for 2,600, along with two or three attendants per patient, the pressure on facilities is unmanageable," he explained. Khan also raised concerns about users’ behaviour, stating, "We strive to ensure cleanliness, but many patients and attendants are unaware of proper hygiene practices, often leaving waste like sanitary pads and plastic bags in toilets, exacerbating the problem." He also mentioned that staff shortages, especially among the fourth-grade workforce, hinder the hospital's efforts to maintain cleanliness and order. A study on sanitation in Dhaka's major hospitals was conducted by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney, icddr,b in Bangladesh, and Dhaka Medical College. It highlights severe issues with toilet functionality, cleanliness, and accessibility, especially for outpatient services, with recommendations for improved resources and management to meet sanitation standards by 2030. The cross-sectional study, conducted between August and December 2022, evaluated toilets in 10 government and two private hospitals to assess their functionality, cleanliness, and user-to-toilet ratio. The findings revealed that only 68% of government hospital toilets and 92% of private hospital toilets were functional. Cleanliness was even more concerning, with only 33% of toilets in government hospitals and 56% in private hospitals considered clean. The study also uncovered high user-to-toilet ratios, particularly in outpatient services, where ratios were as high as 214:1 in government hospitals and 94:1 in private facilities. Alarmingly, only 3% of toilets had bins for menstrual-pad disposal, and less than 1% were equipped for disabled users. Read more: Five including 2 DMCH staffers caught by students over irregularities The researchers emphasise that improving sanitation facilities in Dhaka's healthcare facilities is critical to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, calling for increased resources, maintenance staff, and leadership from hospital administrators to address these shortcomings. This study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to improve basic sanitation and infection control in healthcare settings in Dhaka. A Call for Urgent Reforms The situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital reflects a broader crisis within the country’s healthcare system. The poor hygiene standards, staff shortages, budget constraints, and inadequate facilities at DMCH paint a grim picture of the healthcare services available to the public. Addressing these issues will require significant resource allocation, dedicated maintenance staff, and, crucially, strong leadership to enforce standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and patient care. With rising patient numbers and deteriorating conditions, the need for reform has never been more pressing.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s public healthcare system, now struggles with ‘widespread’ irregularities, including a severe shortage of medicines, leaving poor and middle-class patients without the proper care they desperately need. The hospital, consistently exceeding its bed capacity, is grappling with overcrowded wards and an overwhelming patient load, severely compromising its ability to provide proper medical care. Reports from various departments highlight a grim picture: unclean environments, low-quality food, inadequate staffing, and patients often forced to lie on the floors of overcrowded corridors and wards. Hospital Director Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan acknowledged the increasing number of patient complaints, admitting the gravity of the situation. “We are aware of these issues and steps are being taken to address them,” he said. However, the situation seems to have worsened, with one of the most concerning issues being the chronic shortage of medicines. A patient, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke about the difficulties of getting essential drugs from the hospital’s pharmacy. “Most of the necessary medicines are unavailable here. We often have no choice but to purchase them at higher prices from pharmacies outside,” the patient said. The stark contrast between the hospital’s shortages and the full stock of nearby pharmacies has raised suspicions about the management of medicine supplies within the facility. In one instance, a woman from a rural village was seen heading to a nearby pharmacy, escorted by a man. When asked about their destination, the woman confirmed that she was going to buy medicine. However, when questioned about the man’s identity or whether he was receiving a commission for directing patients to the pharmacy, he quickly avoided answering. Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, when confronted about the shortages, explained that the problem lay in the supply chain. “What can we do if the government does not supply the required medicines? There are many items we need that are simply not being supplied,” he said. In addition to the medicine shortages, some patients have reported receiving only one type of medication over a span of several days due to the lack of necessary supplies. Families have frequently had to buy medications from outside sources, adding an extra financial burden on already struggling patients. One hospital staff member pointed to budgetary constraints as the primary reason behind the shortages. “We don’t have a government supply. We can’t always provide every medicine due to budget shortfalls. To offer complete services, we need to double our budget,” the staff member explained, though they declined to provide further details on the specifics of the hospital’s current budget allocation. Allegations of Syndicate and Bribery Practices Further complicating matters are widespread allegations of bribery and corrupt practices within the hospital. Several patients have claimed that hospital staff and ward aides are demanding bribes ranging from 50 to 100 taka for basic services such as providing wheelchairs and facilitating medical tests. These practices have added to the already heavy financial burden placed on families who are seeking essential medical care. One unregistered worker, seen assisting a patient, admitted to accepting tips for his services. "We don't force anyone to give us money, but if they do, it helps with our expenses," he said. Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan has acknowledged the existence of such practices, stating that the hospital is actively working to address these issues.  "Both sides share the blame. We have dismissed several people based on these complaints and are working to dismantle such practices, though complete eradication has yet to be achieved.” Read: Mismanagement and overcrowding plague Dhaka Medical College Hospital Earlier this year, in February, the High Court weighed in on the pervasive influence of syndicates in the healthcare sector. The court described the syndicates as playing "games of ducks and drakes" with people’s lives, accusing them of supplying expired drugs and medical equipment for profit. The court urged all concerned parties to remain vigilant and take action to protect vulnerable patients from such exploitative practices. Struggling Medical Supply Chain Medicine supply has long been a challenge in Bangladesh's public healthcare system. A 2020 survey revealed that 72% of public hospitals face regular shortages of medicines, exacerbating the difficulties for patients who rely on these facilities for care. A number of factors contribute to these shortages, including inadequate budget allocation, limited healthcare insurance, and an overwhelming number of outpatients. The public healthcare sector has historically received less than 1% of the country’s GDP over the past 12 years, which is insufficient to meet the demands of the growing population. Without health insurance, many patients are required to pay for outpatient services, further compounding the strain on public hospitals. Despite these challenges, some efforts have been made to improve the situation. The World Bank provided critical assistance, including supplying vaccines, syringes, and medical equipment to help Bangladesh manage the COVID-19 crisis. Besides, the government heavily subsidises public healthcare, though these subsidies are often insufficient to meet the growing demands of the system. A study conducted in 2013 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital highlighted further issues in the hospital's medical supply chain. The study, which surveyed hospital shop employees, revealed that over half of the drugs were purchased through open tender, while a significant portion came through direct purchases and donations. Read more: Government renames 14 hospitals and medical colleges However, the hospital's pharmacy suffers from a lack of proper storage facilities, with no air-conditioning or refrigeration available in the store. The management has called for improvements in quality control, storage facilities and training to improve the system. Looking Ahead The situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital paints a worrying picture of the state of public healthcare in Bangladesh. From the lack of basic medicines to the widespread practice of bribery and corruption, the hospital's problems are a microcosm of the systemic issues that plague the broader healthcare system. While efforts to improve the situation are ongoing, patients and healthcare workers alike are calling for more substantial reforms, increased funding, and greater transparency to ensure that Bangladesh’s public healthcare system can truly meet the needs of its people.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), one of Bangladesh’s largest public healthcare facilities, is facing a severe crisis as mismanagement and overcrowding jeopardise patient care. With patient numbers nearly double the intended capacity, the hospital is struggling to provide adequate services, exposing critical issues that burden patients and their families. Upon entry, visitors are met with unsanitary conditions, insufficient food provisions, and inadequate staffing. Many patients are seen lying on the floors of overcrowded corridors and wards, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Outpatient services resume in full swing at DMCH, Suhrawardy Hospital Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, the hospital’s director, has acknowledged the growing complaints and pledged to address these ongoing issues. Patients Endure Delays and Lack of Medical Supplies Alal Uddin, who suffered a head injury in an accident in Mymensingh, had been waiting in the corridor since 4 October, unable to secure a bed. His brother, Jalal Uddin, voiced frustration, saying, "Nurses are unavailable when needed, and doctors are also hard to reach." Another patient, 24-year-old Jahid Hasan, admitted on  October 2, had faced similar challenges. His father, a CNG driver from Khilgaon, revealed, "A prescribed injection has not been administered as it’s reportedly out of stock, despite being listed in the hospital pharmacy." Many families are forced to purchase medicines externally due to shortages at the hospital. Lack of Hygiene Raises Health Concerns Hospital staff struggle to maintain hygiene standards amidst overcrowding. The director cited users’ behaviour as a factor, explaining, "Toilets are often misused, with discarded items blocking the facilities. With each toilet shared by around ten people, maintaining proper sanitation becomes difficult." A visit to the hospital kitchen revealed further issues, including waste accumulation near cooking areas and rice left uncovered, raising health concerns for patients. Understaffing and Financial Constraints A shortage of class four staff exacerbates the situation, according to the director. "Without increasing personnel, mismanagement will continue." Besides, the daily food budget of Tk 150 per patient is inadequate, he added, advocating for an increase to Tk 200 for improved meal quality. Corruption Allegations Add Financial Strain Some patients and families report being asked to pay tips of Tk 50-100 to hospital aides for basic services such as wheelchair assistance. A ward aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, "If patients offer us something, it helps us manage our own expenses." The director acknowledged the issue, noting, "We have dismissed individuals involved in such practices, though eradicating it entirely remains a challenge." Improving Bangladesh’s Healthcare System Experts call for reforms to improve Bangladesh’s healthcare, including stricter regulations for private clinics, decentralised recruitment for healthcare professionals, and a more equitable doctor-patient ratio. Other challenges include unregulated pharmacies, reactive health-seeking behaviour, and high out-of-pocket costs for patients. A Legacy Under Strain Founded in 1946, Dhaka Medical College has evolved over decades, with expansions that include a new complex opened in 2013. However, demand consistently outstrips capacity.  

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has said noted activist-economist Prof Anu Muhammad requires combined surgery. “After seeing the pictures sent by the doctors last night, I decided that Professor Anu Muhammad needs a combined operation for his injuries. For this reason, he has been brought from Dhaka Medical College Hospital to Sheikh Hasina Burn Institute," he said. Prof Anu Muhammad suffers serious injuries while getting down from train in Dhaka Samanta was speaking to reporters after a board meeting on Professor Anu Muhammad at Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Surgery Institute on Monday afternoon. “The Honorable Prime Minister inquired about Professor Anu Muhammad's condition this morning. She has instructed us to take all necessary measures. I have also informed her of everything. This institute will be better for a combined operation. We need orthopedics, I think it will be better if everyone works together on this matter. We want him to recover and return to his workplace," said the minister. 25-year-old dies of heatstroke in Ctg Speaking about the adverse situation due to the intense heat wave, Samanta said, "Today we talked to the principals of all the medical colleges in the country. We have had a detailed discussion on how the students of the medical colleges will stay in this intense heat and have taken some decisions in this regard. Most of the classes will be online and instructions have been given to bring patients to the clinics and take clinical classes in rooms where there is air conditioning. We hope that this natural condition will not last long. It will be fixed. Then the normal situation will return again."

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Tuesday (November 14, 2023) said BNP itself locked its central office in the capital’s Nayapaltan. “If BNP leaders want, they can carry out their activities in the office and there is no bar from our side,” the DMP chief said while replying to a question from reporters after visiting the people injured in various arson incidents at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. “He said that the police remain deployed in front of the BNP office throughout the year for security. As part of regular duty, police are guarding there. BNP has  locked its party office on  October 28. However, they can carry out party activities in the office if they want,” he added. Read: DMP warns of legal actions against destructive acts in name of political programme  In response to a question, the commissioner said that the parked vehicles are being burned and police are working to stop these attacks. “We have given various instructions at the field level. As a result, we managed to arrest many perpetrators with the help of the public.” The DMP chief also sought people’ cooperation to stop these violence. He also assured that they will provide financial support to the victims. Read: 1636 people arrested in 112 cases in 10 days since October 28: DMP Processes are underway to take strict action against the perpetrators of this atrocity, he said.  A total of 19 people have been arrested in connection with the arson violence he said adding that no one will be spared.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (October 16, 2023) pledged that the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital will be upgraded with ultra-modern facilities if her party wins the next general election to form the government. “Inshallah if we get chance in the next time, we will upgrade Dhaka Medical College Hospital and all district and upazila hospitals,” she said while inaugurating various projects under the ministries of water resources and health. She joined the programme from her official residence, Ganabhaban, through video link. Dev projects must not damage rivers and canals: PM Hasina asks officials The parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are due in the first week of next January. Hasina said that the aim of her government is to establish one medical university in each division. “We need doctors, nurses and skilled manpower; we have allocated separate funds for the research on medical science,” she said. In this connection, she mentioned that the government has created specialised hospitals and institutes to create skilled manpower in the country. “We have a plan to upgrade Dhaka Medical College Hospital to 4000-5000-bed ultra modern hospital,” she said. PM hosts dinner for artists, crew of Bangabandhu biopic at Ganabhaban She also said that the government could have done this during the current tenure. “…but COVID-19 and expenditure for vaccine procurement and other related huge expenditures could not allow us to do that,” she said. She also briefly described various expenditures of the government for bringing vaccines for immunisation programme to combat COVID-19. "We had been able to save the lives of the people from the pandemic despite the fact that thousands of people died from it across the globe including many in rich ones. But, we had to spend plenty of money to this end." PM Hasina calls for ending Israeli repression against Palestinians The prime minister said they have upgraded each of the 32-bed upazila hospitals to 50-bed ones and 100-bed district hospital to 250-bed ones while big district hospitals were upgraded to 500-bed hospitals. She said they have appointed 40000 nurses and 22000 physicians alongside launching construction of houses for their accommodation. "We are making arrangements to make sure that the healthcare services don’t suffer any negligence," she said. The prime minister said they have built community hospitals across the country to reach primary healthcare services to every doorstep following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The community centres are distributing 30 types of medicines free of cost. She said the facilities are helping greatly to reduce the child and mother mortality rate in Bangladesh. After assuming power, she said the BNP-Jamaat government had stopped the community based healthcare services on the plea that the people who are working and taking healthcare services from those will cast vote for the Awami League despite the fact that the clinics have been rendering healthcare services to all irrespective their political affiliation. "The BNP-Jamaat alliance doesn't think about the welfare of the people rather busy making their own fortunes. Their mindset is narrow," she said. Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Water Resources Ministry Zaheed Farooque also spoke at the programme. Two separate video documentaries on the activities of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry and Water Resources Ministry were screened on the occasion. Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated "65 community eye centres" at 65 Upazila Health Complexes in 28 districts, in the fourth phase, as part of the move to set up the facility at every upazila across the country under Health and Family Welfare Ministry. From the same programme, she also opened 80 developed schemes and re-digging of 430 small rivers, canals and water bodies and laid the foundation stone of 20 new development projects under the Water Resources Ministry. Sharsha Upazila of Jashore, Sathià Upazila of Pabna and Shreemongol Upazila of Moulovibazar district were connected virtually to the programme. The prime minister unveiled the cover of a book titled "Joyjatra" featuring the development schemes implemented in the last 15 years. Later, she talked to different beneficiaries through videoconferencing.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government has undertaken a new plan to modernize Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) so that 4,000 patients can be treated at a time there. "We have already prepared a new plan to develop the hospital into a larger, more beautiful, and more modern establishment. We have prepared the plan so that 4,000 patients can receive treatment there at a time," she said. The PM said this while addressing the celebration ceremony of the 78th Dhaka Medical College Day through a virtual platform from her office in Dhaka. Criticise for country's welfare, not to damage it: PM Hasina tells journalists The Dhaka Medical College Alumni Trust arranged the function at the Shaheed Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Auditorium of the college. Sheikh Hasina put emphasis on the immediate implementation of the new plan. "If this plan for the hospital can be started soon, it will set an example in healthcare services," she said. The PM asked the physicians and medical experts to pay extensive attention to medical science research, as the number of such studies is still low in Bangladesh. "Only a handful of people conduct research here. But research is indispensable in this age. You should pay more attention to research," she said. PM urges JICA to allow farmers to use wastage of sea water in the desalination project at Matarbari The Prime Minister said her government will create all sorts of opportunities for medical research. "We'll provide funds as required," she added. She lauded the doctors of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital for putting the highest effort into providing treatment. "Patients are getting the best treatment at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital," she said. She added that her government has been working to provide healthcare services to every person across the country. The PM, however, expressed her dismay as no surgery is conducted in several district hospitals due to a lack of anesthesiologists, and many modern medical equipments remain unused there. Democracy must continue to sustain country's dev momentum: PM Hasina She asked the physicians to perform their duties properly at the hospitals, particularly in rural areas, by remaining at their workstations. "Everyone (physician) wants to stay in Dhaka, and no one wants to go out of the city. Discharge your duties properly," she said. Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, and President of Bangladesh Medical Association Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, among others, were present at the function presided over by DMC Alumni Trust Chairman Dr Julfiker Rahman Khan.

Police recovered the body of a man from the city's Lalbagh police station area on Friday. The identity of the deceased, aged around 35, could not be ascertained immediately, said police. Nuton Miah, sub-inspector (SI) of Lalbagh police station, said they found the man lying unconscious near the BGB-2 gate around 11:15am. Later, they took him to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 12:20pm, the SI added. The body has been kept at the hospital morgue for an autopsy, SI Nuton Miah said.

A 70-year-old death row convict died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Wednesday night, police said. Manik Mia, an inmate of Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur, was undergoing treatment at Shaheed Tajuddin Medical College Hospital for the last few days after he fell seriously sick. The 70-year-old, from Tangail's Mirzapur, was referred to DMCH today as his condition started to worsen, Ismail, assistant chief prison guard of Kashimpur Central Jail, said. Read more: Prisoner dies while undergoing treatment at Gazipur hospital Manik was declared dead at the emergency department of DMCH at 8.05pm, he added. The body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy, Inspector Bachhu Miah, in-charge DMCH Police Outpost, said.