Professor Azad

A journey full of accomplishments

41 years of experience in key health systems positions

About me

A health professional with postgraduate degree in medical sciences.

Till December 31, 2024, and since January 31, 2021, worked as the Country Project Director of Better Health in Bangladesh (BHB), a project of MSH (msh.org) being funded by the FCDO (UKAID).

Before joining MSH, retired in July 2020 from the Director General of Health Services of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) position after effectively serving 37 years in various capacities under the MOHFW of the Government of Bangladesh (1983-2020).

I have extensive knowledge of the health systems of Bangladesh, and I nurture a deep passion for health system strengthening, public health, HMIS, and digital health.

I have enormous knowledge, experience, expertise, skills, and interest in the health system domains as a policy maker, planner, implementer, health systems builder, health administrator and manager, eHealth promoter, organiser, public health specialist, researcher, data analyst, medical teacher, and health activist.

I am very competent in research work as an independent researcher, a research team member and a research guide and supervisor. I wrote a few books on research.

Immediately Past Position

Country Project Director

From Jan 31, 2021 – Dec 31, 2024
of Better Health in Bangladesh (BHB)
Management Sciences for Health (MSH). Know more.

BHB is project of MSH

MSH is a US-based international non-profit health organization with over 35 years of experience in Bangladesh and currently works in more than 30 countries. Know more.

BHB is funded by UKAID

As a country lead o BHB, I provided technical assistance to the MOHFW of Bangladesh, in the implementation of HPNSP and different agencies, where we focus on health system strengthening. Know more.

My long experience & diverse skills

Policy, planning & managerial positions (2008-2020)

Sep 01, 2016 – Jul 21, 2020: Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is the

Health systems strengthening & reform experience

Developed a successful Health Systems Strengthening Program under DGHS with TA support from WHO. Helped improving hospital quality of Bangladesh Medical College serving as a voluntary adviser of Center for

Trainer & training experience in home & abroad

Served as the trainer of WHO SEARO’s Global Health Capacity Building training course. Frequent eHealth trainer and organizers for national and international training programs. Organized Global Nutrition Program 2005 Dhaka

Academic positions (1990-2008)

Oct 07, 2004-Mar 22, 2008: Professor & Head, Dept. of Biochemistry, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka NICVD is the only national institute and hospital for cardiovascular diseases. I, as in-charge of

Medical activist & volunteer experience: A success story

Feel a strong sense of contentment for providing leadership for more than 42 years in founding, delivering services and strengthening three nationally and internationally well-reputed not-for-profit organizations, viz. Sandhani, Sandhani National Eye