Dr Md Khairul Islam, a distinguished public health researcher, writer, and regional director of WaterAid South Asia, passed away in the early hours of Friday at Continental Hospital (formerly United Hospital) in Dhaka.
Dr Khairul, who was 67, suffered a cardiac arrest early on Friday morning and was taken to hospital, where he passed away while undergoing treatment.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Dr Khairul made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of public health and the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in Bangladesh.
His wisdom, vision, leadership, warmth and deep commitment to the country made him an exceptional pathfinder and a legendary figure in the sector, where he worked closely for several decades to advance water and sanitation in Bangladesh.
He was due to retire from his position as regional director of WaterAid South Asia later this month. A medical graduate of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dr Khairul pursued postgraduate studies at NIPSOM and in Boston.
He was a prolific researcher and writer on public health, health systems and a range of social issues, with several books published in Bangladesh and abroad.
He was also a member of the editorial board and a contributor to Bangladesher Shasthya Khater Bikash (The Evolution of Bangladesh’s Health Sector). Dr Khairul also made an important contribution to preserving the medical history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Following five years of research with fiction writer Shahaduz Zaman, he co-authored Muktijuddher Chikitsa Itihas (The Medical History of the Liberation War), which was published in 2022.
Paying tribute, WaterAid Country Director Hasin Jahan said, “Dr Khairul’s passing is an irreparable loss to Bangladesh’s public health and WASH sector. To many, he was far more than a colleague or a leader; he was a mentor and a guide.”
“Countless people learned from his knowledge, humility, humanity and leadership, drew inspiration from him, and found direction in their own journeys,” he added.
Dr Khairul’s only son, Arko, is returning to Bangladesh from Australia. His Janaza will be held on Saturday after Asr prayers at Azad Mosque in Gulshan, Dhaka.
