BMDC issues show-cause notice to Jamaat-nominated Dhaka-17 candidate over use of unauthorised degree

The Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has issued a show-cause notice to Dr SM Khaliduzzaman, Jamaat-e-Islami nominated parliamentary candidate for the Dhaka-17 constituency, over allegations of using an unauthorised academic degree.

Dr Khaliduzzaman is also the chairman of Bangladesh Fertility Hospital.

In the notice, the BMDC said the use of unauthorised degrees amounts to deception of patients and constitutes a punishable offence.

The show-cause notice was issued yesterday (19 January) and signed by Dr Md Liaqat Hossain, acting registrar of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has claimed that the move is politically motivated and aimed at discrediting its Dhaka-17 candidate. In an invitation sent to journalists, Adnan Kafi, member of the party's publicity and media wing for Dhaka North City, alleged that the BMDC's action was taken with political intent.

According to the invitation, Dr SM Khaliduzzaman will face the media at a press conference scheduled for today (20 January) at 4:45pm at Hotel InterContinental, where he will address the issue of the show-cause notice over the alleged use of an unauthorised degree.

In its notice, the BMDC stated, "It has been alleged that you are conducting medical practice by mentioning the degree 'MSc in Clinical Embryology & Pre-implantation Genetics (India)' alongside your name in your promotional materials. In this regard, Mr Abdul Qader (House No: 17, Azimpur Road, Azimpur, Lalbagh, Dhaka-1205) has informed this council and submitted copies of your promotional materials (photocopies attached)."

The council said the degree in question is not recognised by the BMDC and that using such a degree is equivalent to deceiving patients.

"The use of a degree that is not recognised by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council constitutes deception of patients. Such use is clearly contrary to the provisions of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act and is a punishable offence," the notice said.

The BMDC also cited relevant sections of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act, 2010 (Act No 61).

Quoting Section 13, the notice said, "Recognition of postgraduate medical qualifications or diplomas: Any person holding a postgraduate medical qualification or diploma awarded by a medical institution located in Bangladesh or outside Bangladesh must obtain recognition from the council under this Act if he or she wishes to use the said degree in Bangladesh."

Referring to Section 29, the notice added, "No registered medical practitioner or dental practitioner shall use or publish any name, title, description or symbol in such a manner as to give the impression of possessing any additional professional qualification unless it is a recognised medical or dental qualification."

It further stated that violation of this provision constitutes an offence punishable by up to three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk1 lakh, or both. In the case of a continuing offence, an additional fine of at least Tk50,000 may be imposed for each subsequent violation.

The BMDC has asked Dr Khaliduzzaman to explain the matter in writing within 15 working days of receiving the notice, clearly stating his BMDC registration number and providing an explanation for using a degree that is not recognised by the council.