Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) launched a two-day medical camp to support residents affected by the devastating fire that swept through Dhaka’s Korail slum on November 25.
The initiative was held under directives from acting party chairman Tarique Rahman, aiming to provide immediate medical relief to injured and vulnerable survivors.
The camp operated from 10am to evening on Thursday, offering primary healthcare and free medicines to over 1,000 patients suffering from fever, cough, respiratory difficulties, fire-related injuries, and other health issues. The first phase was held at Ershad Field in Korail, followed by a second session at K-Block’s graveyard lane.
BNP’s health affairs secretary, Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, an associate professor of urology at Bangladesh Medical University, supervised the operations. He said the party has been providing medical support since the day of the fire.
“We were instructed by Tarique Rahman to ensure that every affected person receives treatment. Today, patients injured in the fire have come here, and several critical cases have been referred directly to affiliated institutions with designated doctors ready to receive them,” Dr. Rafiqul told reporters.
He added that most patients were suffering from cold-related illnesses after losing their homes and sleeping outdoors. “From morning till now, we have treated more than a thousand people. The camp has also drawn nearby residents seeking healthcare services,” he said.
Doctors from a wide range of specialties—including gynecology, surgery, internal medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, cardiology, burn and plastic surgery, ENT, ophthalmology, and urology—participated in the camp. Nearly 100 physicians from different institutions offered consultations and distributed free medicines.
Dr. Nazrul Islam, BNP’s assistant health affairs secretary and professor of radiology, said the camp’s primary goal was to address urgent health needs.
“This initiative ensures treatment for all those injured or suffering from chronic or acute illnesses after the fire. On Tarique Rahman’s directive, BNP has mobilized doctors from all sectors to provide comprehensive support,” he said, adding that they are prepared to treat several thousand patients across both venues.
Local BNP leaders and volunteers helped coordinate logistics, venue preparation, and crowd management to ensure smooth operations. Visitors expressed gratitude upon seeing photographs of Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and Ziaur Rahman displayed at the site.
The second day of the health camp will begin on Friday at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day.