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Bangladesh’s first ‘emotional donor’ kidney transplant performed at BMU
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 20 Sep 2026, 12:00 AM
Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) doctors have successfully performed the country’s first kidney transplant using an “emotional donor”, opening the way for voluntary kidney donation beyond immediate family members and close relatives.
Announcing the matter on Saturday at a press conference, BMU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr FM Siddiqui said it marks a new chapter in kidney transplantation in Bangladesh.
“Under the current legal framework, people who are not close relatives may also donate a kidney voluntarily, subject to verification and approval by the relevant authorities,” Siddiqui said.
A dedicated hospital team also examines the donor’s medical condition and investigates other relevant factors before determining whether the donor is a genuine emotional donor, he added.
Siddiqui stressed that no financial transaction will be allowed under any circumstances in the donation process.
Kidney transplantation in Bangladesh has long faced legal and technical constraints, limiting the number of procedures. The VC said regular kidney transplant services would now resume.
So far, six kidney transplants have been successfully performed at BMU, he said.
Responding to a journalist’s query, Urology Prof Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, a member of the kidney transplant team, said the transplant will stand as a milestone for the national healthcare system as well as serve as a significant example of Bangladesh’s capabilities and future potential in the field of organ transplantation.
Noting the possibilities this achievement opens and the decrease in the number of patients travelling abroad for treatment in the future, he said, “This will alleviate patient suffering and reduce the financial burden associated with medical expenses.”
According to BMU, a patient from Bagerhat suffering from chronic kidney complications was admitted to BMU on 10 August. Following necessary tests, screenings and legal formalities, the operation was performed on 31 August.
An emotionally connected voluntary donor from Gaibandha donated the kidney to the patient.
The hospital discharged the patient on Saturday, during which the patient shared their treatment experience and expressed their feelings about gaining a new lease on life.
The patient and their family expressed gratitude to God and extended sincere thanks to the medical team involved.
The surgery team, along with other physicians from various levels and relevant officials, were present at the press conference.
According to BMU authorities, the introduction of emotional donor transplants is expected to increase access to kidney transplantation and offer new hope to patients suffering from kidney failure.