Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, inaugurated the Exchange Meeting and Scientific Seminar of the affiliated bodies of the National Heart Foundation at the premises of Zia Heart Foundation Hospital in Dinajpur on Friday afternoon. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Prof. Dr. Zahid Hossain stated that significant progress achieved in Bangladesh in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, the garment industry, remittances, and the welfare of freedom fighters was initiated under the leadership of the late President Ziaur Rahman. He emphasized the contributions of both Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to the country's development and educational advancement. The minister also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to distort historical narratives for the younger generation. He urged all stakeholders not to politicize the Foundation and instead regard it as a valuable institution serving the people.
The event was chaired by Dr. Hasnain Akhtar Haque, President of Zia Heart Foundation, while Vice-President of Dinajpur District BNP, Md. Khalequzzaman Babu, moderated the program. The welcome address was delivered by AKM Azad, General Secretary of the Foundation. Among the special guests were Members of Parliament Md. Akhtaruzzaman Mia (Dinajpur-4), Syed Jahangir Alam (Dinajpur-3), and Md. Sadik Riaz Chowdhury Pinak (Dinajpur-2). Other distinguished speakers included Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, President of Dinajpur District BNP and Administrator of Dinajpur District Council; District BNP General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kochi; Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Rafiqul Islam; Superintendent of Police Md. Zedan Al Musa (PPM); President of National Heart Foundation Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Khandaker Abdul Awal( Rizvi) and PSC Member Prof. Dr. ATM Farid Uddin.
Speakers at the seminar highlighted the shortage of quality healthcare facilities in the northern region of Bangladesh and stressed the need to improve healthcare services. They called for the transformation of Zia Heart Foundation Hospital into a modern, advanced medical institution capable of providing specialized treatment. The speakers also emphasized the importance of unity, urging all stakeholders to set aside differences and work collectively for the overall development of Dinajpur. It was noted that Tk 490 million has been allocated for the procurement of medical equipment for Zia Heart Foundation. Discussions also focused on improving healthcare management, launching open-heart surgery services, and promoting environmental awareness by encouraging citizens to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.
Doctors from Zia Heart Foundation Hospital and Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, journalists from print and electronic media, and prominent members of civil society attended the event.
