Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, the founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra and a freedom fighter, has passed away aged 81.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital at 11:15pm on Tuesday, Prof Brig Gen (retd) Mamun Mostafi, who was in charge of the medical board set up for his care, told the media.
Dr Zafrullah leaves behind his wife, son, daughter and scores of well-wishers.
Bhashani Onusari Parishad Convener Sheikh Rafikul Islam Bablu said a decision on his namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer) and burial would be taken after discussion.
CollectedEarlier in the day, Mamun Mostafi said Dr Zafrullah was responding well to the medications being used to treat his blood infection and that He was still on a ventilator and being closely watched.
Zafrullah was transported to Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, after becoming dangerously ill on April 5.
A medical board comprised of notable physicians was established on April 7 for his treatment.
The prime minister's personal physician, Prof ABM Abdullah, visited Dr Zafrullah on Sunday.
He was put on life support on Monday after his condition deteriorated.
Mohib Ullah Khondoker, vice principal of Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, said Zafrullah had been afflicted with a number of issues, including complications with his kidneys.
He had had kidney and liver issues ever since getting infected with Covid-19. Dr Zafrullah also suffered from septicemia.
CollectedThe noted physician had also been politically active for the past few years, although he was relatively inactive in politics this year.
Born on December 27, 1941 in Raozan, Chittagong, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury was a noted public health activist, who advanced rural people's access to medical care through Gonoshasthaya Kendra. The centre, which was established in 1972 by Zafrullah and his colleagues, has emphasized independent, self-reliant and people-orientated development since its inception.
He got his MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College in 1965 and later went to London, UK, to get a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) qualification.
He was known more for his work in formulating the Bangladesh National Drug Policy, 1982.
