News Flash
By Esme Azom
DHAKA, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - Former and current student leaders of Dhaka Medical College (DMC) have expressed enthusiasm over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's scheduled visit to the country's premier medical institution on Saturday (July 11) to join its 80th founding anniversary celebrations.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to lay the foundation stone for two new female dormitories under the Directorate of Health Education's 20-Hostel Project, take part in a tree-planting programme and attend a discussion marking the anniversary.
Prime Minister's spouse and former DMC student Dr Zubaida Rahman is also expected to accompany him.
The announcement of the visit has created a festive atmosphere across the DMC campus, where preparations for the anniversary are in full swing.
Current and former students described the occasion as a homecoming, expressing hope that the visit would help address long-standing challenges facing the institution while boosting the morale of students, teachers, doctors and staff.
Speaking to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), former Organizing Secretary of the DMC Chhatra Dal unit and BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Md Rafiqul Islam said DMC has played a historic role in the country's major democratic and national movements, including the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising and the July 2024 uprising.
He said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had undertaken several initiatives for the infrastructural development of Dhaka Medical College, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to the campus on its founding anniversary carries deep emotional significance for DMC alumni.
Former President of the DMC unit Chhatra Dal and Health Affairs Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal Dr Belal Hossain Nazim said the Prime Minister's leadership and commitment to public welfare inspire young people.
He expressed hope that the visit would further motivate students, teachers, doctors, nurses and officials of the institution.
Former General Secretary of the Dhaka Medical College Students' Union and Assistant Professor of the Cardiology Department Dr Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Noman described the visit as a moment of pride and renewed hope for DMCians.
He said the Prime Minister's presence would reinforce the institution's rich legacy and inspire future generations to embrace responsible leadership, recalling that the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman had influenced him during his tenure as student union general secretary in 2001-02.
Former General Secretary of the DMC unit Chhatra Dal Dr Badsha said Dhaka Medical College has consistently served the nation during crises, disasters and democratic movements.
He hoped the Prime Minister's visit, along with that of former DMC student Dr Zubaida Rahman, would accelerate progress in medical education, research, healthcare services and infrastructure development.
Current students also welcomed the visit.
Fifth-year MBBS student Md Shakibul Hasan said the Prime Minister's presence would provide students with an opportunity to directly present challenges facing medical education and the country's healthcare sector.
He expressed optimism that their concerns would receive due attention and contribute to further development of the health sector.
Established on July 10, 1946, Dhaka Medical College is celebrating its 80th founding anniversary this year.
The proposal to establish a medical college in Dhaka was first placed before the British government in 1939 but was delayed due to the Second World War.
Following the war, a committee formed in 1945 recommended establishing the institution, leading to the launch of Dhaka Medical College on July 10, 1946.
