SANGSAD BHABAN, July 13, (v7n) – A bill seeking to amend the Bangladesh Medical University Act, 1998 was passed in the Jatiya Sangsad today to facilitate the operation of the university's Super Specialised Hospital and empower the institution to establish and invest in companies to expand medical education, research, and healthcare services.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain moved the Bangladesh Medical University (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by voice vote.
Bangladesh Medical University was established under the 1998 Act to promote higher education, research, and advanced healthcare services. A Super Specialised Hospital was later established under the university, but despite completion of construction, it could not be fully commissioned due to a shortage of doctors and staff, as well as the lack of a clear operational framework.
To make the hospital functional, the university's syndicate decided to operate it under the Companies Act, 1994, necessitating the amendment. The proposed changes also authorise the university to establish profit-making or non-profit companies to acquire, hold, and transfer shares for expanding its medical education, healthcare, and research activities.
The bill provides the university with explicit legal authority to establish and manage such companies, clarifying the syndicate's powers, the scope of regulations, provisions for incorporating income into university funds, and conditions for investment from university funds.
According to the bill, internationally standard specialised hospitals under the new framework would enable the university to engage renowned local and foreign physicians, teachers, and researchers on a contractual basis, facilitating the transfer of modern medical technology and expertise.
The government believes the initiative would strengthen residency, fellowship, and other advanced medical training programmes, provide students with improved clinical exposure, and help produce internationally competent doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Income generated from these companies could be reinvested in the university's healthcare, education, and research activities, contributing to its overall academic excellence.
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