BNP Health Secretary slams Law Adviser for insulting doctors’ integrity

BNP health affairs secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, accusing doctors of acting as agents for pharmaceutical companies.

Dr. Rafiqul described Dr. Nazrul’s comments as “illogical and insulting,” saying they have directly hurt the dignity and professionalism of doctors.

In a statement issued Sunday, Dr. Rafiqul said such sweeping accusations unfairly malign the entire medical community based on the faults of a few individuals. He warned that the comments could negatively affect public perception, noting that many parents still dream of their children becoming doctors.

He called on authorities to address any professional weaknesses in the medical field through reforms and dialogue rather than insulting labels. “Calling doctors agents of drug companies is unacceptable,” he said.

Dr. Rafiqul also accused Dr. Nazrul of indirectly encouraging people to seek medical treatment abroad by highlighting the issue of excessive testing in Bangladesh. He questioned whether comparing Bangladesh with neighboring countries was intended to promote foreign brands at the expense of the country’s reputation.

The controversy arose after Dr. Nazrul’s speech as chief guest at the oath-taking ceremony of the Bangladesh Private Hospital, Clinic and Diagnostic Owners Association (BPHCDOA) on Saturday. During his speech, Dr. Nazrul asked if doctors were acting as middlemen for pharmaceutical companies.

Following the remarks, several organizations, including the BNP-affiliated Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), protested and condemned the statements.

Dr. Rafiqul demanded an immediate retraction of Dr. Nazrul’s comments and called for public recognition of the respect due to the medical community.