Bangladesh health ministry orders political books in all hospital libraries

The Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed all public and private hospitals and medical colleges to collect and preserve three books regarding BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The directive, issued by the health services division on September 27, instructs department heads to take necessary steps for implementation. The Nursing and Midwifery Directorate has already issued written reminders to its subordinate institutions.

The three books include ‘President Zia: Political Biography’ and ‘Begum Khaleda Zia: Life and Struggle’ by the late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, as well as ‘Sobar Age Bangladesh’ written by Tarique Rahman. The total cost for the three books is 4,700 BDT.

The order follows an application from the publisher, Jatiyatabadi Prakashana Sangstha, which argued the books are important documents of the country’s political history. State Minister for Health M A Muhit approved the move with a strong recommendation. This follows a previous, similar order for primary schools that was rescinded in July.