Muhith says he is jealous of doctors for their ‘greater opportunity to serve people’

AMA Muhith, who has served the country for several decades as finance minister, has said he is, to some extent, envious of the physicians because their profession offers greater opportunities to serve the people.

The octogenarian minister, who has served three governments as finance minister after his career as a bureaucrat, was speaking at a function at a medical college in Dhaka on Wednesday.

He joined the government as finance minister in the early 80s when HM Ershad was the president. 

“I serve the people in another capacity; that is public service. I am now 84, and I am very proud to be in this service,” he told doctors and medical students present at the programme at Green Life Medical College.

“But, I am slightly jealous of you as you have greater opportunities to serve the people. It’s a positive envy because you are better than me (in serving the people),” he said.

He also spoke about the Hippocratic Oath, a historical oath taken by new physicians to uphold the professional ethical standards.

“This is the only profession with an oath established many years ago, an oath to save the people’s lives. Just imagine how much pride lies in it!” the minister said.    

He urged the medical students and doctors to keep the oath of saving the people’s lives.

Green Life Medical College organised the programme for freshers' reception.

“Please keep in mind that your profession is a profession that comes with huge responsibilities,” the minister told the freshers.

Green Life Medical College governing body Chairperson and Muhith’s sister National Professor Shahla Khatun, and Principal Prof MA Azhar, among others, were present.