Victoria Fan

Dr Richard Cash: “Bangladesh is my second home” Dr Richard Allan Cash, a distinguished American public health researcher and steadfast friend of Bangladesh, has passed away. Though American by birth, Dr Cash dedicated much of his life to Bangladesh, often saying with deep affection, "Bangladesh is my second home" - a sentiment he demonstrated through decades of unwavering service to the country. He was honoured with the prestigious Friends of Liberation War Honour for his instrumental role in garnering international support, raising funds, and helping secure recognition of Bangladesh's independence. Dr Cash's connection to Bangladesh extended far beyond the independence movement, becoming the cornerstone of an illustrious career. After completing his medical education in the US in 1967 at the age of 26, he made a pivotal decision. While many of his contemporaries were headed to Vietnam, he chose a different path, leading him to the Cholera Hospital (now icddr,b) in Dhaka. There, he embarked on his life's mission: combating childhood mortality. At a time when more than one in five Bangladeshi children succumbed to fatal diarrhoea before their fifth birthday, Dr Cash pioneered groundbreaking research. His collaborative work with Dr David Nalin in the 1970s culminated in the development of oral rehydration formula, a breakthrough that would save millions of lives. This innovation reached its full potential in the 1980s through BRAC's nationwide Oral Therapy Extension Programme (OTEP). The initiative saw 12.5 million mothers trained in oral rehydration preparation over a decade, halving Bangladesh's child mortality rate. Dr Cash's enduring commitment to BRAC's mission led him to play a pivotal role in establishing BRAC USA in 2006, where he served as a dedicated board member for many years. His passing represents an immeasurable loss to the world. Dr Cash's legacy in democratising healthcare access will continue to save millions of lives for generations to come. The BRAC family extends its deepest condolences to his bereaved family and honours his memory with profound gratitude and respect.