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Parliament has passed a bill amending the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Act, 1998, paving the way for the university to operate its Super Specialised Hospital through companies and establish corporate entities to expand healthcare, medical education and research.
The Bangladesh Medical University (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by voice vote on Sunday after Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain moved it with recommendations from the parliamentary special committee.
The parliamentary session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal.
The government said the amendment is designed to improve specialised medical services by creating a more effective management structure for the university’s Super Specialised Hospital.
According to the bill, the hospital—constructed under the university—has yet to become fully operational due to shortages of doctors, support staff and the absence of a comprehensive operational framework.
To address these challenges, the university’s Syndicate decided to manage the hospital under the Companies Act, 1994, making amendments to the existing law necessary.
The revised legislation authorises BMU to establish companies or not-for-profit institutions under the Companies Act to expand healthcare services alongside its academic and research activities.
It also allows the university to acquire, hold and transfer shares in companies and provides a legal framework for managing these entities, regulating investments and incorporating their earnings into the university’s funds.
The government believes the new model will enable the recruitment of doctors, nurses and other professionals, attract leading local and international specialists, and strengthen advanced medical education, research and clinical training.
Officials also said the initiative would facilitate the transfer of modern medical technologies and expertise by allowing internationally renowned physicians, teachers and researchers to work with the university on a contractual basis.
The government expects the reform to enhance residency, fellowship and other advanced training programmes while producing internationally competitive healthcare professionals.
Under the new law, income generated through these companies—including dividends, lease or licence fees and other earnings—will be deposited into the university fund and reinvested in healthcare services, education and research.
However, opposition lawmakers criticised the legislation, arguing that healthcare services at a public university should not be managed through companies.
They expressed concern that the move could commercialise public healthcare and make quality medical services less accessible to ordinary citizens.
Rejecting the criticism, Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain described the measure as a “unique” initiative aimed at improving healthcare for the country’s 180 million people.
He assured Parliament that the government would continue to ensure access to medical services for low- and middle-income citizens while expanding specialised healthcare facilities across the country.
The bill was first placed in Parliament on 28 June before being referred to the parliamentary special committee for review.
