Glowing tributes to Prof. Dr. M.A. Hadi, remembered as a visionary leader in healthcare sector
Staff Correspondent
Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare, has paid glowing tribute to the late Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdul Hadi, widely known as M.A. Hadi, describing him as one of the most visionary and influential figures in the history of Bangladesh's healthcare sector.
“Whenever we recall a visionary personality in Bangladesh's medical sector, the name of Professor Dr. M.A. Hadi will come first,” the minister said, highlighting his outstanding contributions not only to the professional development and welfare of physicians but also to improving the overall healthcare system, including nursing and medical technology.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and memorial meeting marking the death anniversary of Professor M.A. Hadi at Shaheed Dr. Milan Hall of Bangladesh Medical University in the capital on Monday.
He said Professor Hadi's contributions went far beyond his professional responsibilities, as he played a pioneering role in advancing medical education, strengthening healthcare institutions and improving the quality of patient services in Bangladesh.
Emphasising the importance of public service, Zahid Hossain said the country belongs to everyone and ensuring quality healthcare for its people is a collective responsibility.
Calling for a departure from conventional approaches, the minister stressed the need to accelerate academic and clinical activities at the university.
Prof Dr. S.M. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Liton, MP, also attended the programme as discussants.
Speakers recalled Professor Hadi's distinguished professional career, exceptional punctuality, historic contributions to medical services, compassion for patients and commitment to providing quality education to medical students. They said his leadership and dedication had left a lasting legacy in the country's medical education and healthcare administration.
Born on December 31, 1941, Professor Mohammad Abdul Hadi completed his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 1964 and obtained his FCPS in Surgery from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) in 1973.
During his distinguished career, he served as the fourth Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University. He also held several key positions, including Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), President of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Principal of Dhaka Medical College and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Dhaka.
He also served in senior leadership roles at the BCPS, Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) and Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), making significant contributions to medical education, professional development and healthcare services. He passed away on October 16, 2007.
The memorial meeting was chaired by Dr. Mofakhkharul Islam Rana, Convener of the Professor Dr. M.A. Hadi Foundation.
Among others present were Professor Dr. A.K.M. Azizul Haque, former President of the BMA and DAB; Prof Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, BNP Secretary for Health Affairs; Professor Dr. Rafiqul Kabir Labu, Deputy Secretary for Family Welfare Affairs of the BNP Central Executive Committee; and Dr. A.N.M. Manwarul Kadir Bitu, Assistant Personal Physician to the Prime Minister.
The Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellors of Bangladesh Medical University, central leaders of DAB, faculty members, physicians, nurses, university officials and employees, representatives of various national and professional organisations, and members of the late professor's family also attended the programme.
