Key Stakeholders Message

Dr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam

Senior Programme Officer and Health Advisor

Embassy of Sweden

Dr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam has consistently emphasized the importance of strategic governance, integrated planning, and inclusive partnerships in advancing Bangladesh’s urban health agenda. 

At various BUHN-led dialogues and seminars, Dr. Islam underscored that Bangladesh’s loosely regulated private sector has contributed to the rapid and unplanned growth of pharmacies and diagnostic centers. He urged the government to define clear service provision frameworks, enforce accreditation systems, and strengthen collaboration between public, private, and community actors to achieve integrated Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

As Chair of BUHN’s 5th Knowledge Sharing Virtual Seminar on “Investment Opportunities for Urban Health” (May 8, 2025), Dr. Islam called for comprehensive government support for urban healthcare investment to break the cycle of inadequate spending and address underlying health determinants that impact economic development.

In an earlier session on “Improving WASH Infrastructure and Addressing Climate Change in Urban Areas” (November 5, 2024), Dr. Islam highlighted the deep interconnectedness between climate change, WASH systems, and urban health outcomes. He advocated for collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches to effectively tackle these complex and interlinked challenges.

Through his insights and leadership, Dr. Islam continues to inspire coordinated action and evidence-based policymaking for equitable, sustainable, and resilient urban health systems in Bangladesh.