35th Death Anniversary Today of Katiadi's 'Poor People's Doctor' Amulya Chandra Banik
Today, Friday (30 October), is the 35th death anniversary of Amulya Chandra Banik, a well-known rural physician and social worker of Katiadi in Kishoreganj. He became known to local people as the 'poor people's doctor' for standing beside the poor and helpless with medical care.
Amulya Chandra Banik was born in 1937 in Banikpara village of Katiadi upazila. After passing his matriculation from Katiadi in 1953, he obtained a compounder certificate from Dhaka Medical School in 1957, beginning his career in medical service. Later, in 1975, he also earned a 'B' grade pharmacist certificate under the Bangladesh Pharmacy Council.
In those days, as part of his medical work, he prepared medicine mixtures by hand. Using his education and experience, he made medicines for his patients, and he had a special interest in treating children.
Amulya Chandra would rush to a patient at any hour, day or night. Sometimes leaving his meal, sometimes rising from sleep in the middle of the night, he stood beside the sick. He was sincere that no one should be deprived of treatment for lack of money, and he treated many poor and helpless patients free of charge. This love for people and spirit of service made him known as the 'poor people's doctor'.
During the Liberation War of 1971, he served as a compounder at an Oxfam-run treatment centre in Tripura, India, for wounded freedom fighters and refugees. His role in treating wounded freedom fighters and sheltered people in that difficult time of war was significant.
Amulya Chandra Banik died of heart disease in 1991 at the age of only 54. Yet 35 years after his death, memories of his humanity, his service and his love for people remain vivid in the hearts of local residents.
On the occasion of his death anniversary, his family has arranged religious rituals at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Jiu Temple in Katiadi upazila. The family has requested his friends, relatives and well-wishers to pray for the peace of his departed soul.
