Professor Dr. Deen Mohammad Nurul Haque. Renowned Ophthalmologist. Today (March 28) he took charge as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Prior to this, he served as Director General of the Department of Health and Director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology.
As BSMMU Vice-Chancellor, he faced Jago News on various topics including future planning and prevention of irregularities and corruption. He said, I will not allow corruption to happen whether I am in the university or not. In a long discussion, he presented important opinions. Interviewed by own reporter Abdullah Al Miraz.
Jago News: How do you feel about receiving the charge of BSMMU Vice-Chancellor? Dr. Deen Mohammad Noorul Haque: I did not know or could not have guessed that I would get the responsibility. Usually, when someone comes to these positions, it is already understood a little.
But this matter was completely beyond my understanding. I couldn’t believe it until the announcement. As I have long experience in health sector. Even as a Member of Parliament earlier, I thought of increasing my participation in the health sector for the people. But that didn’t happen. Since the Prime Minister has given me the responsibility, I will definitely work with the maximum.
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Jago News: What a Vice-Chancellor wants to prioritize Do you have any plans of your own? Dr. Deen Mohammad Noorul Haque: It is the first medical university of the country. A university founded in the name of the father of the nation. I want it to be a glorious university. There will be an administration free from all influence and corruption. There will be world class healthcare here. No one should be deprived of services, should not be cheated in the name of medical services. I will definitely confirm these things.
BSMMU is a medical factory. I want to create ideal teachers. Emphasis on health care. No one should be deprived of treatment. Besides, quality research will also be given importance. In a word, treatment, education, health care and research will be given priority.
Jago News: What are your thoughts on Bangabandhu Super Specialized? Dr. Deen Mohammad Noorul Haque: Bangabandhu Super Specialized is a world class hospital. It was not possible to fully implement it for a long time. I need to know the reasons for this first. Then I will take action as soon as possible. I want to introduce ‘fee for work system’. That is, money in exchange for work. Taking services from those who have recently retired from government service, but want to work. Another is ‘technology transfer’. In other words, efforts will be made to appoint world-class faculty as trainers in the short term to make doctors more efficient.
Jago News: What do you think about dealing with irregularities-corruption, politics and challenges in BSMMU? Dr. Deen Mohammad Noorul Haque: The leader gave me a lot of hope here. I took it as a challenge. Whether I stay in the university or not, I will not allow any corruption. I don’t need money. I think half the job is done if the head of the organization is honest. Then others will not dare to be dishonest. If I am dishonest then others will think where is our problem if VC sir can do it. So there is no chance for me to fail. Either I’ll run it fair, or I’ll say I tried and couldn’t. But I will not allow any corruption here.
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I know there is instability in Bangabandhu Medical now. When I was assigned to the Directorate of Health, there was such instability. At that time, the Prime Minister told me, look, I have given you a posting in a bad place, can you do it? I still said InshAllah, I have no fear. I want the country’s first medical university named after the father of the nation to be free from all influence and corruption. I will work with everyone I want.
Jago News: Will you take any action to investigate the allegations against the outgoing vice-chancellor? Dr. Deen Mohammad Noorul Haque: If anyone complains to me in writing, I will definitely take action as per the law of the university. Nothing matters to me here. Because there is a good academic council, there is a syndicate. So here hands and feet are tied, I can’t do anything outside the law.
Jago News: Many experts feel that the acceptance of MBBS degree in the country is decreasing. In this situation, what should we do to improve the quality of medical treatment? Dr. Deen Mohammad Noorul Haque: If we don’t get World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) recognition by 2024, Bangladesh’s MBBS degree will lose acceptance in many countries around the world. Our doctors can work in the country, but cannot go abroad. Will not get any job abroad, will not be able to study. Can’t even participate in the training program. Another important thing with this is that the number of foreign students will decrease. Because they will go abroad to work or get a higher degree after studying here. That will not be possible.
WFME’s International Committee Heads specifically accredits medical education based on three factors. One. physical infrastructure; Two. Faculty; Three. Education tools and training systems. We have 30-40 medical colleges both public and private. Those who are able to fulfill these conditions. That’s why I said to apply with these first. As far as I know, the health minister is working on it. I think responsibility and accountability are needed here.
