Dr. Ziauddin Haider’s Appointment as PM’s Health Assistant

A doa and milad was held in Nalchiti to pray for the long life and good health of Dr. SM Ziauddin Haider following his appointment as the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health.

The event took place at Nalchiti High School Jame Mosque after Asr prayers on Wednesday (April 22). It was organized by Upazila BNP. Leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated bodies, including Swechchhasebak Dal, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, attended.

According to a Cabinet Division notification issued the same day, Dr. Ziauddin Haider has been appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, with the status of a State Minister.

Among those present were Upazila BNP President Advocate Anisur Rahman Khan Helal, District BNP Convening Committee Member Enayet Kari Mishu, Municipal BNP Senior Vice President Sarwar Hossain Talukder, Co-Organizing Secretary Kamal Talukder, Swechchhasebak Dal Convener Touhid Alam Manna and Member Secretary Saidul Kabir Rana, along with leaders from Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and other affiliated organizations.

Dr. Ziauddin Haider is an internationally recognized public health expert and researcher. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has worked in around 35 countries across Asia, Africa and South America in health, nutrition and development sectors.

He previously served as a senior health and nutrition specialist at the World Bank and has worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also taught as an adjunct associate professor at the University of the Philippines.

He earned his MBBS from Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of the Philippines, and a PhD from Umeå University in Sweden.

Dr. Haider began his political career in the 1980s through Chhatra Dal and later contributed to policy-making within BNP. In March last year, he was appointed as an adviser to the BNP Chairperson and worked on key initiatives, including the party’s health policy.

Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Haider said he aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s healthcare system.

“Primary healthcare must be strengthened to ensure quality services reach people at their doorstep,” he said.

He also highlighted the government’s response to measles risks, noting improvements in vaccine supply and immunization programs in coordination with international partners.

Dr. Haider added that expanding healthcare access for rural and marginalized communities will be a priority. He emphasized the need for coordinated action on nutrition, maternal and child health, and both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

He also stressed the importance of using modern technology and developing skilled healthcare professionals.

“The Prime Minister’s trust is a major responsibility. I will carry it out with sincerity, professionalism and accountability,” he said.