Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin inaugurated modern cardiac ICU at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital, urging healthcare contributions. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Nov 29, 2025 (BSS) - Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today urged the 
wealthy individuals and philanthropists to come forward and contribute to 
enhancing child healthcare services in the country.

He made the call while inaugurating the newly rebuilt and modernized Cardiac 
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in the 
capital, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

Speaking as the chief guest, Bashir said mechanical capacity alone is not 
enough to ensure quality healthcare. "Alongside advanced machinery, we must 
strengthen practical expertise and humane competence to build a service-
oriented healthcare culture," he said.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting child health, the 
adviser called upon physicians, nurses and hospital officials to ensure 
optimum service delivery by making proper use of modern technologies.

Presiding over the ceremony, Professor Dr A K M Azizul Haque, chairman of the 
Governing Board of the Shishu Hospital and Institute, said the reinstatement 
of the cardiac ICU marks a major step forward in expanding treatment 
facilities for children suffering from cardiac ailments.

Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute Director Prof Dr Md Abu Zafar, Prof 
Dr Mahbubul Haque and Prof Dr Mohammad Monir Hossain also addressed the 
programme as special guests.

Speakers at the event said the reopening of the modern cardiac ICU would help 
establish world-class treatment for children with critical heart diseases and 
serve as a milestone in the country's child healthcare system.

They noted that the reconstructed unit is now equipped with state-of-the-art 
medical facilities to ensure life-saving care for severely ill cardiac 
patients.

The cardiac ICU had been closed since a devastating fire on April 19, 2024, 
which caused extensive damage to the unit. With the support of Akij Bashir 
Group, the unit has now been fully rebuilt and reopened for service.