Desk Report:
Minister of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, said that we have a responsibility to about 180 million people of Bangladesh. Doctors should come forward with a service mentality out of that responsibility to the people.
Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said this in his speech as the chief guest at the concluding session of the 1st International Heart Failure Conference ’26, organized by the Heart Failure Department of Bangladesh Medical University and the Bangladesh Cardiac Society, at the Ruposhi Bangla Grand Ball Room of Hotel Intercontinental in Shahbagh, Dhaka on Monday (March 30, 2026). Minister of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, was present as a special guest. The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Shafiuddin, Convener of Bangladesh Cardiac Society.
In his speech as the chief guest, the minister said that the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) was first established in Bangladesh under the leadership of late President Ziaur Rahman for the treatment of heart disease patients, which was later transformed into a full-fledged institute and is currently functioning as one of the main specialized hospitals for heart disease treatment. He said that there are different categories of heart disease which are not determined by nutritional quality or any class of women, men, rich or poor; this disease affects everyone.
Referring to the election promise of the current government in healthcare, he said that the current government is determined to ensure healthcare for the vast population of Bangladesh. The government’s established structure for the treatment or prevention of various non-communicable diseases and communicable diseases, including heart disease, must be made more effective, integrated and people-oriented so that medical services reach the grassroots level of the country.
He said that the number of cardiologists in Bangladesh is relatively less than the number of heart patients. Referring to the doctors present as technical experts in cardiology, he said, “You will decide how you will serve heart patients. You will show the country’s policymakers how this sector will develop.” He said, “You have potential. Those of you who are cardiology trainers should take responsibility for developing juniors as experts.” He emphasized that you should take a responsible and pioneering role in increasing the number of skilled cardiologists, expanding medical infrastructure and ensuring specialized services for heart patients at the grassroots level.
In his speech, the minister recalled the contributions of some of the renowned cardiologists of Bangladesh and expressed gratitude to the organizing organization for organizing such a conference for the first time. He expressed optimism and said that by organizing such a conference, a field of knowledge exchange has been created between local and foreign cardiologists, an opportunity has been created to expand research activities, an opportunity has been created to achieve technical excellence in cardiology and above all, I think it will serve as a strong platform for improving the quality of services for heart patients.
In his speech as a special guest, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare said that doctors, pharmaceutical companies and the government must work together in a coordinated manner to ensure public health services. Describing the medical profession as a noble profession, the Minister said that the greatness of this profession gives them a different status from others in the society. He called on doctors to stand by the patients with a vow of humanity and provide services. He sought the overall cooperation of doctors for the overall development of the country’s medical sector.
Among the various events of the concluding phase of the conference, the announcement of the committee of the Bangladesh Heart Failure Association was notable; The committee in which Professor Dr. Atahar Ali was named as the president, General Secretary Dr. DMM Faruk Osmani Khokon as the general secretary and Dr. S. M. E. Baker as the treasurer was announced. Two renowned cardiologists Professor Dr. K. M. H. S. Sirajul Haque and Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam were awarded lifetime achievement awards for their special contributions to cardiology and the cover of a book written on heart failure by Dr. Shahidul Haque was unveiled.
One of the attractions of this two-day conference was the participation of internationally renowned experts. Professor Dr. Robert Manka from the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, Professor Theresa A. McDonagh, a heart failure specialist from King’s College Hospital, UK, Professor Stephen Petit, an advanced heart failure specialist from Royal Papworth Hospital, and Professor Frank Rushitzka, along with international experts, delivered important speeches in the scientific session.
Special workshops on Medical AI and Cardiac MRI were held in the pre-conference. Digital health expert Dr. Sutan Kaveri from Malaysia conducted a session on Artificial Intelligence-based medical management, which generated great interest among the participants. 800 cardiologists from home and abroad participated in the conference.
