Professor Dr Rabiul Hossain -Photo: Collected

CHATTOGRAM, June 27, 2025 (BSS) - Professor Dr Rabiul Hossain, a distinguished ophthalmologist and advisor as well as former managing trustee of the Chattogram Eye Hospital and Training Center (CEITC), has died today. 

He died at 12:30 pm on Saturday, (June 27) due to complications related to old-age at a private hospital in the city. He was 90. He is survived by his two sons, Dr. Rajib Hossain and Riaz Hossain, grandchildren, relatives, and well-wishers to mourn his death. F

amily sources said that his first namaz-e-janaza was held at the Jamiatul Falah Maidan in Chattogram following Isha prayers on Saturday. The second funeral service is scheduled for 9 am on Sunday, June 28, at the premises of the Chattogram Eye Hospital, and the third will take place at Kathachhara in Mirsarai after Zohr prayer, where he will be laid to eternal rest in the family graveyard. 

Professor Dr. Rabiul Hossain, the only son of Mirsarai social worker Dr. Ahmedur Rahman and Wahidunnesa, was a pioneer in the development of the eye care treatment in Bangladesh.

In 1973, he founded the Bangladesh National Blind Welfare Association and organized mobile eye camps across the country. In 1983, he established the modern Chattogram Eye Hospital and Training Center in Pahartali, Chattogram, which is now recognized as one of the most advanced eye care facilities in Southeast Asia. 

He played a pivotal role in founding the Institute of Community Ophthalmology at the University of Chattogram. 

His autobiography, titled 'Pleasure and Pain', was released in October 2025. Throughout his career, he received numerous national and international accolades. These honors include - the 'Order of Merit' from the Federal Republic of Germany, the 'Life Long Service Award' from the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, the 'Distinguished Service Award' and Gold Medal from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, the Bangladesh Medical Association Award, an Honorary Doctorate, The Daily Star Award,  and many other domestic and international recognitions. 

Professor Rabiul’s remarkable contributions to the advancement of ophthalmology and public health will be remembered by the medical community.