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Yunus said Zafrullah would have drawn inspiration from today’s youth fighting for a better Bangladesh. “May his life continue to guide us. May he rest in eternal peace.”
GK, along with its sister concerns in Savar, solemnly observed the third death anniversary of its founder, Dr Zafrullah with due respect, dignity, and collective remembrance.
The event commenced with the laying of floral tributes at his grave, where members of the Board of Trustees, officials, employees, and well-wishers paid their respects.
A remembrance meeting and doa mahfil was followed by, where long-time colleagues, comrades, and associates shared their memories and reflections on Dr Chowdhury’s life.
They said Zafrullah remained vocal in support of democratic movements and continued his struggle for people’s rights.
A documentary screening on the life and work of Dr Chowdhury was held, offering attendees a renewed engagement with his vision, struggles, and lifelong commitment to equitable healthcare.
Among the speakers were Dr Abul Kashem Chowdhury, Dr Sayedur Rahman, Momtaz Begum, and Rijia Akhtar, along with other distinguished colleagues. Former employees of GK were also present, said a press release.
GK founder and valiant freedom fighter Dr Zafrullah died on Aprill 11, 2023, aged 81, at the Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital.
A leading civil society figure, he was a vascular surgeon by background alongside a public health expert, who earned the reputation of being the architect of the 1982 National Drug Policy to reach expensive medicines at a cheaper price to ordinary people’s doorsteps.
He had joined the Liberation War while he was a medical student in the UK and set up 480-bed “Bangladesh Field Hospital’’, under the wartime in Sector 2, to treat wounded freedom fighters. He founded the GK in Savar in 1972. He was given the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 and the Right Livelihood Award in 1992 for his work in the public health sector. He got Swadhinata Padak, country’s highest civilian award.
Son of Humayun Morshed Chowdhury, a student of anti-British movement revolutionary Masterda Surya Sen, Zafrullah was born on December 27, 1941, in Raozan, Chattogram.