Published : 26 Sep 2025, 05:18 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:51 PM
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) have celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2025 with a seminar, organised by the Department of Pharmacy under the School of Pharmacy and Public Health (SPPH).
The seminar was held in line with the global theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, which underscores the vital role pharmacists play in sustainable healthcare, according to a media statement.
The event featured several esteemed dignitaries, including the chief guest Professor SMA Faiz, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh.
Prof Faiz highlighted the historical significance of pharmacy and praised IUB’s Pharmacy Department for its strong faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
He also emphasised the importance of industry-academia collaboration for further development.
Didar A Husain, chairman of the IUB Board of Trustees, expressed pride in IUB’s commitment to advancing educational excellence and acknowledged the ever-evolving tools and significance of the pharmacy profession.
Husne Ara Ali, a member of the IUB Board of Trustees, shared her long-held aspiration to see IUB’s Pharmacy Department flourish, a goal achieved in 2018. She stressed that pharmacists are integral to the public health system.
Prof M Tamim, vice-chancellor of IUB, who chaired the seminar, stressed the importance of providing students with full exposure to the subject. He reaffirmed the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance laboratories and strengthen industry connections to ensure job-readiness for graduates.
In his keynote speech, Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, chairman of Radiant Pharmaceuticals, urged students to recognise the great responsibility they carry in serving public health and wellbeing.
Muhammad Mahbubul Haq, secretary of the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, called for the inclusion of pharmacists in government hospitals, stressing the necessity of embracing pharmacy as an essential part of healthcare.
Prof Md. Selim Reza, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Dhaka, discussed the impact of the 1982 ordinance, which helped domestic pharmaceutical companies thrive. He emphasised the need for industry support as new interventions are expected after 2026.
Prof Shah Amran of IUB placed a five-point demand for the professional recognition of pharmacy in Bangladesh, including the introduction of pharmacy as a Cadre Service under the Public Service Commission, better integration of pharmacists into healthcare systems, and the establishment of a central admission examination system for pharmacy students.
Student representative Sanjida Mizi, vice-president of IUB’s Pharma Club, reflected on students' commitment to continuous learning and their responsibilities beyond dispensing medications to ensure healthcare accessibility.
Nasrin Akhter, head of IUB’s Department of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome address, reiterating the importance of recognising pharmacists’ central role in maintaining healthcare systems.
Kamran Ul Baset, dean of IUB’s School of Pharmacy and Public Health, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, calling for further lab upgrades and more collaboration opportunities for students.
The seminar was attended by a wide range of university officials, including Prof Daniel W Lund, pro-vice chancellor; Khandker Md Iftekhar Haider, treasurer; Asif Parvez, registrar; and others from different departments.
