The roar of the sea, the lush hills, and vibrant tourism define Cox’s Bazar, yet the district remains alarmingly behind in terms of modern healthcare. Home to nearly 2.9 million residents, along with over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, countless government and private sector employees, and a constant influx of tourists, Cox’s Bazar shockingly lacks a single government-run kidney dialysis center. Years of neglect have now culminated in public outrage.
On Monday (April 28), a peaceful human chain was formed in front of the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s office premises, demanding the immediate establishment of a dialysis center. Citizens from all political backgrounds—including volunteers, conscious citizens, and activists from parties like BNP, Jamaat, Communist Party, and NCP—came together, setting aside political differences under the slogan: “Establish Cox’s Bazar’s Basic Rights.”
Rafiqul Huda Chowdhury, Vice President of Cox’s Bazar District BNP, shared a personal testimony: “My wife is a kidney patient. I must travel all the way to Chattogram, 150 kilometers away, for her dialysis, which needs to be done three times a week, costing about 12,000 taka weekly, excluding iron injections. It’s not feasible for ordinary people. We demand a dialysis center at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital immediately. If the demand is ignored, we will wage a mass movement akin to the 24’s uprising. This human chain is only our first step; street blockades will follow if needed.”
Jamaat leader Shahidul Islam Bahadur (VP Bahadur) added, “It’s essential to have a dialysis center in such a critical region as Cox’s Bazar. Our demand is justified, and we urge the health adviser, the district commissioner, and all concerned authorities to address this seriously.”
Karim Ullah Kalim, General Secretary of BAPA (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon) Cox’s Bazar chapter, emphasized, “We first request the upgrading of Cox’s Bazar Medical College into a full-fledged hospital to ensure comprehensive modern healthcare facilities. Alongside, we propose allocating 25% of NGO funds meant for the local community towards establishing a modern dialysis center. We are setting a one-month deadline for this demand, failing which we will intensify our movement.”
Nazim Uddin, General Secretary of the Amra Cox’s Bazar Bashi organization, said, “We have united for our fundamental rights. We shouldn’t have to beg for it. A dialysis center in a district as important as Cox’s Bazar is a necessity, not a luxury.”
Later, a memorandum urging the government to establish a dialysis center immediately was submitted to Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin.
Organizer Imran Hossain Nabi stated, “Cox’s Bazar is a nationally significant area. Establishing a dialysis center here is not a financial burden if the government genuinely wants it. With so many NGOs operating locally, it can be done swiftly.”
Former councilor and BNP leader Ashraful Huda Siddique Jamshed concluded, “From this human chain, we demand the government, the health adviser, and concerned authorities to recognize and act on our right to basic healthcare. We stand here today not just for ourselves but for the right to modern medical services without having to seek them abroad.”
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
